The Billerica Friends of Music was started in January 1976 by 25 parents whose children were in the High School marching band. The band had received its first invitation to a marching band competition, and the parents had one immediate goal: to raise money for travel and competition expenses.

In one evening this dedicated group founded the organization, chose acting officers and a publicity director, and formed fund-raising and bylaws committees. Within 90 days they had designed fund-raisers, received state approval for their bylaws, and become incorporated as a nonprofit organization.
 

The results of their hard work: in April 1976 the 72-member BMHS Marching Band and Silver Jade Color Guard traveled to Atlantic City for their first competition-and they brought home the third-place trophy!
Today our goals remain the same: we support the music programs of the Billerica School Department and raise money for scholarships.
Billerica's reputation for excellence in music is widespread, and it's been our privilege to support the many programs that have earned this reputation. We try to provide whatever the music department needs-whether it's driving equipment to a competition, sewing flags for the color guard, building a set for the High School musical, or fund-raising.
Fund-raising continues to be an important part of our work. It enables students to reduce music-related expenses. In addition, a portion of all fund-raised money benefits our scholarship fund. In a typical year we award three $500 scholarships to graduating students who have participated in Billerica schools' music programs. This fund also provides awards to talented middle- and high-school students who want to further their music ability through outside academic music programs.

You, too, can support Billerica's music programs...
Encourage children to participate in one of Billerica's many music programs. The confidence, satisfaction, sense of accomplishment, and discipline children derive from their musical achievements are long lasting and enhance other areas of their lives.
Enjoy the talents of the students firsthand. Attend the free concerts of the High School and Middle School performing groups in winter and spring. Event dates and times are announced in our monthly newsletter and (whenever possible) on BATV and in the Billerica Minuteman.
In the fall, experience the glamour and excitement of our marching band competition as award-winning bands perform under the lights at the Marshall Middle School field.
In the spring, let BMHS students entertain you with their singing, dancing, and acting talents in the annual musical. Once you've been to one of our musicals, we know you'll come back year after year!
Become a member of the Friends of Music. The small annual membership fee of $8 provides capital for our operating expenses. We hold one general meeting a month from September through May. (Meeting attendance is optional, but you're certainly invited! And if you'd like to be involved in directing the future of BFoM, you might like to join a committee.) Members receive monthly newsletters with a calendar of music and fund-raising events.

Patronize our fund-raisers. We hold several fund-raisers each year, but our most popular fund-raiser is our sub sale and bottle drive, which happens one Saturday a month from September through May. For a $3.00 donation you can buy a delicious Italian sub-and we'll deliver it to your door! And please consider donating your returnable cans and bottles to us during our sub sales. Remember: donations are tax deductible, they help students meet travel and other program-related expenses, and a portion of all fund-raised money goes toward scholarships.

Between 1976 and 2007 we've had the
pleasure of awarding approximately $37,000
in college and advanced-music-program
scholarships to deserving students. With your
support, that amount will always be growing!