FOTO Friends of the George Washington Middle School Orchestra

Music transforms lives.

Orchestra at GW Middle School is more than an elective—it opens minds, builds confidence, and creates experiences students carry with them for life. Friends of the Orchestra (FOTO) exists to make those experiences possible for every student.

Under the direction of Jonathan Jones, the GWMS Orchestra consistently earns superior ratings at District X Assessment and festivals at the local, state, and national level. But what makes this program truly special goes beyond awards—it’s the opportunities our students have to grow through music.

Thanks to your support, GW orchestra students have traveled to New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, participating in workshops with world-class musicians and experiencing live performances in some of the country’s most iconic venues.

This year, our students traveled to Richmond, where they:

• Worked with musicians at VCU
• Explored history at the American Civil War Museum and Virginia State Capitol
• Bonded through unique team experiences like a citywide adventure challenge and ghost tour
• Continued building friendships and confidence through shared musical experiences

Spring2ACTion 2026 Goal: $10,000

This year, FOTO is raising funds to:

• Support regional competitions for all students (eliminating financial barriers)
• Provide instrument repairs and maintenance
• Fund field trips, workshops, and performance opportunities

Our goal is simple: no student should miss out because of cost.

With your help, we can continue to support a large, vibrant, and award-winning orchestra program—and ensure every student has access to these life-changing experiences.

Thank you for supporting our musicians. 🎻