Friends of the Amherst Symphony Orchestra (FASO)

The Friends Committee is a membership-based group that supports the orchestra in the following ways:

• Organizes preview luncheons prior to each concert, where guests can mingle with musicians at a restaurant or country club

• Preconcert meals for all musicians and guest artists

• A plant sale fundraiser at Mischler's Florists & Greenhouse

• A free cookie reception following the December concert

• Scholarships for high school students interested in pursuing music at the college level

Want to become a volunteer member of the Friends Committee?

Many hands make light work! We need people to help with musician suppers on concert days, and it doesn’t matter if you cannot help with all the concerts. We need cookie bakers for the Holiday Concert Cookie Reception. It’s free and open to the public so we need lots of cookies! And if you don’t bake, that’s fine - a small cash donation will buy some very nice ones. It’s not necessary to be a Friends member, but we would love to have you join us. See below for a membership application.

Scholarship Winners

From left to right, they are Paul Wittmer, Marc Vredenburg (both seniors at Williamsville South High School), and Cade Wyles (Amherst High School).

Mr. Wittmer, who is a bassoonist, will be attending Julliard next year. He is the son of Alison Dings and Daniel Wittmer, and is carrying on the family tradition of musicianship.

Cellist Cade Wyles has not yet decided which university he will attend next year, but will definitely be continuing studies toward becoming a professional musician.  He is the son of Wendy & Brian Wyles

Both Mr. Wyles & Mr. Wittmer received scholarships from the Friends of the Amherst Symphony Orchestra (FASO) and Williamsville Rotary Club.  These scholarships are meant for seniors who either attend school in Amherst or who have an affiliation with the ASO, and who will continue their studies as music majors or minors in university.

Marc Vredenburg, who is also a cellist, received his scholarship through the Audrey Hurd Foundation.  Miss Hurd was a long-time violinist for the Amherst Symphony Orchestra, and the scholarship named for her is open to any Erie County senior who will continue with their studies of any string instrument in university.  Mr Vredenburg has chosen to attend the Cleveland Institute of Music.  He is the son of Amie & Chris Vredenburg.

The audition process for these scholarships was organised by Richard & Diane Wojtowicz, who are both members of the ASO Board of Directors; Mr Wojtowicz is also the President of Williamsville Rotary Club.  

The Scholarship Luncheon, organised by FASO and hosted at the Country Club of Buffalo, welcomed 70 guests who enjoyed an excellent meal and even better musical performances by the scholarship recipients.