The Fine Arts Booster Group (FABG) is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the Ithaca (New York) City School District to support and celebrate all the arts for all the kids. FABG is an affiliate of the Ithaca Public Education Initiative.

Latest News

Thanks to Rich Schlenker

Posted Sat, 06/09/2018 - 3:54pm

Mr. Schlenker is retiring! Thank you to this incredible instrumental teacher for getting so many students started on a musical journey!

Leah Slattery Named Lee Strebel Memorial Award Winner 2018

Posted Tue, 06/05/2018 - 7:34pm

small_Slattery Family from left Christina, Cadhla, Hannah, Leah and Andy.JPGsmall_Strebel Awardee Leah Slattery and IHS Drama Teacher Lorraine Tino 2018_1.JPGLeah Slattery named Lee Strebel Memorial Award Winner

Leah Slattery was named as the recipient of the 2018 Lee Strebel Memorial Award for Enthusiasm in the Performing Arts....(read more)

Boynton Music Honors

Posted Sat, 05/19/2018 - 11:29am

On Saturday, May 18, 2018, the student members of the Boynton Middle School 7 - 8 Mixed Choir, String Orchestra and Concert Band traveled to Kutztown University in Kutztown, PA, to participate in the Music in the Parks Festival. Of the 27 participating high school and middle school ensembles, the top 3 achievement scores were earned by the students from Boynton Middle School. The string orchestra members earned a 94.50, placing 1st in class A and 1st overall for competing middle school orchestras (string, full, chamber). The Mixed Choir members earned a 95.00, placing 1st in class A and 1st overall for competing middle school vocal ensembles (mixed, men’s, treble, show)....(read more)

Young Composers Concert May 10 at 7:30 at IHS... Boynton Student Composers Featured as well as soloists and ensembles

Posted Thu, 05/03/2018 - 6:38am by Gail Brisson

Featured Student Composers are Kira Russell, Clara Weber and Noa Yamaguchi

Gregory B. Rudgers Young Composers Project: The Gregory B. Rudgers Young Composers Project, now in its 13th year, pairs three (3) Boynton Middle School 8th grade Concert Band Members with renowned composer, Greg Rudgers, for the purpose of creating original compositions for band. Through this program, the student composers learn the basics of music theory, harmony, instrument ranges, melodic interaction and scoring for band. The weekly lessons begin in mid September and end in early March with the delivery of the completed compositions. The student members of the Boynton Middle School Concert Band work hard to learn, revise and perform these original works created by their peers....(read more)

Best Community for Music Education Six Years in a Row!

Posted Sun, 04/22/2018 - 3:12pm

Presented by The NAMM Foundation, the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) and its counterpart, the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA) recognize outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of the curriculum. Designations are given to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and consistent access to music education.

Thank you teachers, students, parent/caregivers and district leaders!

DeWitt Orchestra Music Trip fundraiser... Popcorn!

Posted Wed, 04/04/2018 - 2:37pm

Contact Mr. Buck, DeWitt Orchestra teacher, to help the orchestra students aaronbuck1975@gmail.com

To support our 7th/8th grade orchestra on their trip to New York City, we will be selling amazing Gourmet popcorn. I hope that many of you will support us in the endeavor. Donations will also be accepted. See an orchestra student or myself. The sale is now until April 19th. Thanks!

Mr. Buck

NYSSMA comes to Ithaca Again, volunteers needed

Posted Wed, 04/04/2018 - 9:18am

Help students at NYSSMA, to be held at Boynton May 4 and 5. More than 1,000 students come to Ithaca from several counties to challenge themselves. Students set self-learning goals, going above and beyond their classroom work in solo and ensemble pieces, and perform for judges. Adults are need to help the direct people and manage administrative tasks. Please volunteer for a shift… you don’t have to have students in the ICSD. Experience the excitement of being around so many young musicians, from elementary school through high school.

Contact Alice Wu, FABG Co-President, if you can help at purpleiris888@gmail.com by April 27. See shifts below....(read more)

Ithaca High Students Connect to Syrian Children with Art - Memory Project

Posted Mon, 04/02/2018 - 1:08pm

My Drawing & Painting students participated in the Memory Project again this year, sending portraits to Syrian children in refugee camps. We want the portraits to help the children feel valued and important, to know that many people care about their well being, and to act as meaningful pieces of personal history in the future. For the art students, we want this to be an opportunity to creatively practice kindness and global awareness. Many thanks to FABG for their supporting grant....(read more)

Cohn Scholarship Help Students Bridge Summer Study

Posted Sat, 03/31/2018 - 3:14pm

Rella and Barney Cohn Music Scholarship Fund, an IPEI Fund, Awards Grant

The Fine Arts Booster Group, an affiliate of the Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI), announces summer music scholarships awarded through the Rella and Barney Cohn Music Scholarship Fund. Established by Abby Cohn in memory of her parents and in honor of the excellent music education available in the Ithaca City School District (ICSD), the fund will provide more than five music scholarships for summer study through the Ithaca Youth Bureau (IYB) Summer Band and Orchestra Program. The Rella and Barney Cohn Music Scholarship Fund is administered by IPEI with assistance from the Fine Arts Booster Group (FABG) and the IYB. Contact president@fabgithaca.org for more information.

Michael W....(read more)

Wynton Marsalis VIsits ICSD

Posted Thu, 03/22/2018 - 11:06am

Thanks to David Brown, Michael Treat, Steve Pond, and Cornell University for hosting and arranging the visit of world class musician Wynton Marsalis.

Wynton will visit the ICSD on Friday, March 23 at 9:30 for a masterclass. It is held in the Ithaca High School Performing Arts Center Kulp Auditorium. Audience members can view the class.

On Saturday, at Beverly J. Martin Elementary School auditorium, there will be an open rehearsal at 10:00 a.m....(read more)

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