In the hopes of offering increased support to the over 1,600 students in the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District's music program, plans are presently underway to organize a parents music booster group.

According to Sal Somma, director of music for the district, the "POB Music Boosters" will support the arts through scholarships and trips for students. He stated that he has received unanimous approval from the Board to pursue this endeavor, and has been working closely with the PTA Council.

After the first meeting of the still unnamed organization was cancelled due to inclement weather on January 25, a new meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School. During the meeting a permanent name for the group will be chosen, a constitution will be drafted, and a plan to elect officers will be written.

Somma, who helped coordinate the development of a similar booster club in his position prior to coming to the district last year, stated that he has been met with a favorable response from parents in the district. He described the organization as being "another way to involve the parents in supporting the program, by assisting the teachers and the students."

Despite his past experienes with "music booster clubs" or his ideas for the club, Somma said the organization is still in the development stages and that it will undoubtedly become whatever the parents decide they want it to become.

Bobbie Simon, music liaison from the PTA Council, envisions the organization becoming a singular voice speaking on behalf of the music program and the students that comprise it. She continued to state that the organization could lobby the school board for uniform programs throughout the district and formulate a better line of communication between the music programs at the different schools.

For instance, she explains that there have often been scheduling conflicts whereby two events are taking place at the same time, subsequently forcing parents with children in the two programs to choose between them.

David Ushkow, a parent with a child presently in the music program, stated that he feels the proposed organization is a good idea.

"We need representation, we need support,... and we need more money for trips and special activities," said Ushkow. "We also need a way of getting more information to the parents and increased lobbying for the music program to the school board."

He added that all too often the music program is overlooked and he would like to see the proposed booster club take an active role in promoting the successess of the program to the rest of the student body.

The idea to formulate the group originated shortly after Somma came to the district in January, 1999. Parents had been concerned over several issues and met with Somma to discuss possible remedies. The formation of the "booster club" resulted from those conversations and the March 16 meeting will be the first step in the organization's development.

"I am not going to say that we cannot function without this, because these musical organizations have functioned for many, many years without a parent organization," said Somma. "I see this as an additional facet that will assist the program and make the students more successful."

Sal Somma can be contacted in the district music office at 349-4799 if there are any questions.