In the Spotlight • Sep / Oct 2025
News and Notes from Somersworth Friends of Music
While the leaves are changing and the temperatures are dropping, the energy in Somersworth performing arts is heating up! Welcome to the Friends of Music's first newsletter of the fall, focusing on the impressive steps our students are taking in both music and drama. We're welcoming a new Treasurer, sending students to All-State auditions, and gearing up for future performances. It's a busy time, but we wouldn't have it any other way, and we appreciate you taking a few moments to catch up on the action.
First, a big shout-out and a hearty round of applause for Melissa Whiteman, who has stepped down from her role as Treasurer. Melissa has been absolutely instrumental in keeping our books in tune. Thank you, Melissa, for your fantastic service over the past several years! And on an exciting note, we are delighted to welcome T.J. Coussoule into the role of Treasurer! T.J. is ready to take up the mantle and ensure our FOM funds are well-managed. We’re thrilled to have his expertise on the team!
All-State auditions
It’s an exciting season for our student musicians as they gear up for NH All-State auditions!
Jazz All-State takes center stage
For the first time in recent memory, Somersworth High School is diving into the world of Jazz All State! We have 9 talented students registered: 4 instrumentalists and 5 singers. Wish them luck! Auditions are next Saturday, October 18, in Londonderry.
Traditional NH All-State
The "traditional" NH All-State competition is also just around the corner:
Registration deadline is Thursday, October 16.
Auditions will be held on Saturday, November 22 in Manchester.
All-State Highlight: FOM has your back! Last spring, the Friends of Music voted to help lighten the load for our student stars. We now cover festival fees and accommodation expenses for students who are selected to perform at All-State festival events. We want every talented student to be able to participate!
Marching Band & Color Guard: Blue Hawks soar!
Our combined Blue Hawks Marching Band is halfway through a very busy season. The group is about 45 students strong, with Hilltoppers accounting for just under half. We're also excited to announce that Hilltopper alum Brooke Tuthill ‘24, now a UNH Wildcat, has signed on as our college student support and has been helping keep our Hawks in lock step!
Home show at Marshwood on September 20th was a huge success! The Blue Hawks delivered a strong performance, attendance was great, food sales were booming, and the weather was amazing. Many thanks to parents and friends who volunteered their time to support ... we couldn't have done it without you!
Marching Band finals: Come see the Blue Hawks close out the season strong at the Sanford High School Finals on Saturday, October 25.
All that jazz!
The SHS Jazz Band is off to a flying start! Kicking off on September 24th, this is the earliest the group has started in years, and they are already gettin' groovy with polyrhythms and syncopation! Co-directed by Bridget McSweeney and Neil Larson, the group includes 2 freshmen, 10 sophomores, 3 juniors, and 7 seniors. They currently meet Wednesdays after school (2:30–3:45); and as sports seasons come to a close, the band looks forward to doubling in size.
The jazz band will perform as part of Winter Concert on Wednesday December 10th!
SNL (Somersworth Night Live) returns!
The curtain is set to rise on SNL for the '25–'26 season, and it's making a highly anticipated return to its December date after last year's standout spring showing!
The group met for the first time on October 8th and have been working hard on a script.
The SNL ensemble boasts a talented cast of about 20 students and is directed by the brilliant Miles Burns.
The SNL pit band (comprised of select jazz band members) will provide musical segments for the sketches!
Fundraising: sowing seeds for success
Fall flowers
Despite a late start, the Mums Sale went well! We sold nearly 100 flowers and the Friends of Music raised about $350. Thank you for supporting us!
Sales were made both through paper forms and via a QR code on flyers that directed folks to get their mums online.
Next Up: Winter Flowers! Get ready for our upcoming sale of poinsettias, wreaths, and kissing balls. We'll be pushing this one heavily and may need a few parent volunteers to help coordinate fulfillment as the orders arrive and need to find their way to their rightful buyers.
Be in the know!
Have any thoughts about extracurricular opportunities, fundraising ideas, or ways to showcase or spotlight student arts and music? Please reach out—we’re all ears!
2025-26 Somersworth Friends of Music officers:
Jen Riggio, President
Neil Larson, Vice President
Charlene DiBenedetto, Secretary
T.J. Coussoule, Treasurer
✉️ Contact us: somersworthfom@gmail.com
💲Donate to Friends of Music: https://square.link/u/F1kpNO1Z