What is Ferris Music Parents Association (FMPA)?
Mission: The purpose of the Ferris Music Parents Association is to support and supplement music education for band, choir & orchestra students.
*FMPA (Ferris Music Parent Association) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization comprised of Ferris High School parents and friends that helps directors with whatever they need to make their performing groups successful and well supported. The FMPA participates in helping students raise funds for their music department expenses (trips, retreats, camps, etc.).
FMPA meetings are open to all parents and are held every couple of months during the school year. There is a board consisting of the three Ferris Music Department Directors (band, choir, orchestra), four music department parents: President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and Fundraising. FMPA is also the group that manages the money for the directors and students. FMPA collects payments, keeps track of fundraising, and handles payments for activities. All music students are served by FMPA!
Who are we?
We are you! We are the Parents of Ferris High School students enrolled in any of the many music groups (Bands, Choir or Orchestra). We are a 501(c)3 organization that supports the music programs at Ferris, both through financial assistance and with a dedicated team of volunteers. Our primary task is to provide fundraising opportunities for students and parents to pay for student trips to music festivals, tours, competitions, and other enrichment activities. We also serve as a vehicle for communication between the groups and between students, parents, and teachers. We meet 4 times per year in October, December, February, and May and everyone is invited to attend!
What do you need to do?
1. Attend
• Music Department Open House – Wednesday, September 13 at 7 pm (in the Auditorium) Come learn more about how the Music Department operates, what events are happening this year, and get more detailed information on our current fundraisers.
• FMPA Meetings: The first one is Monday, October 2 at 7 pm (Ferris Band Room). This is a great way to make a giant school seem much smaller by meeting other music parents and interacting with our directors.
2. Choose how you’d like to support Ferris Music
• Fundraising: There are lots of different options! Some fundraisers help you earn funds directly for your student’s personal music account; others help you earn funds that support the entire music department.
• Volunteer: We have numerous opportunities throughout the year and we can always use your help.
• Chaperone: The directors will contact parents in each group prior to trips.
• Share your skills: Do you have a special talent/skill that you’d like to offer to the music department? Please let us know (examples: website design, artistic talent, contact with companies that might donate products/funds, accounting/QuickBooks experience, etc.)
3. Sign up for the FMPA reminders
We use the REMIND App - similar to what local elementary and middle schools have used, make sure you join the correct “groups” to get the appropriate information. (See links above for more)
4. Watch your email and join our Facebook page
• E-mail, the “Remind” App, and social media are our preferred means of communication. Make sure we have your correct and preferred e-mail address. You will receive periodic student music account statements, “Saxon Sounds” newsletters, as well as notices about fundraising and volunteer opportunities. Be sure to check your junk box for our emails if you find that you aren’t receiving them. Ferris Music Parents Association Facebook page will keep you up to date so send a request to join.
5. Pay your student’s fees Each enrolled music student has an FMPA account.
Expenses are posted to this account and the student’s share of individual fundraisers are credited against these expenses. Outstanding balances are expected to be paid within a reasonable time.
• What are the FMPA Fees?
✓ T-shirts and Sweatshirts are occasionally available and generally optional, however, the band sweatshirt is often used as the pep-band “uniform”. Prices may vary.
✓ Festivals are often overnight trips for competition. Costs vary but can range between $50 to $175.
✓ Retreats may be held to prepare for upcoming events. Costs may vary, but range between $105-$175.
✓ Tours are usually taken on or around Spring break. Costs may vary each year, depending on the location.
✓ Solo & Ensemble Fees are approximately $15/solo.
• Other Fees: A Greater Spokane League (GSL) Activity Card is required as a member of the Ferris Band, Choir or Orchestra. This fee is a district fee and paid online with the district or at the Ferris Business Office. FMPA cannot process this fee.
• How will I know my FMPA Balance? A statement will be emailed or mailed to you by the end of October and then periodically throughout the year. To cut down on expenses, please make sure we have your current email address. If you haven’t received a statement by October 31st, we may not have current contact information. Please email Nicole Ehrlich at fmpatreasurer@gmail.com. You can also receive a statement balance upon request at any time.
How do I pay FMPA fees?
Make your check or money order payable to FMPA.
Mail payments to PO Box 30982 Spokane, WA 99223
In the memo line write the student’s name and purpose of the payment (i.e. Annual Fee, Festival Payment, etc.)
Or have your student put the payment FMPA in the FMPA lockbox in their classroom.
Credit Card payments are an option. Email Nicole Ehrlich at treasurer@ferrismusicparents.org
If possible, please do NOT pay with Cash. However, if this cannot be avoided, the cash must be placed in an envelope and placed in the FMPA dropbox in each music classroom. The envelope should be signed by both the student AND the instructor for security purposes.
Payments can be made through Online Bill Pay with your bank, but be sure the address listed is the PO Box above, NOT the Ferris school office.
If your student has a credit balance from fundraising, you may request that the amount be applied to expenses. Notify both the instructor and the treasurer if possible.
Student account balances (including annual fees) are expected to be paid in full prior to any trips. An exception may apply to tours where payments can be made over a period of months.
A $10 fee will be charged for any returned checks.
Note that FMPA does not receive any payments from the Ferris Online Accounts site. Additionally, the Ferris Business office cannot receive FMPA payments.
According to our bylaws, credit balances from fundraising cannot be paid directly to a student.
QUESTIONS about your student’s music account? Email Nicole Ehrlich at treasurer@ferrismusicparents.org
