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
Officers
President: Diane Wojtowicz
First VP: Martha Rasmussen
Second VP: Priscilla Sedgwick
Secretary: Jeff Mols
Treasurer: Sharon J. Wall
Historian: Patricia Huttenlocker Scholarship Coordinator: Richard A. Wojtowicz BFWC Liaison: Joan Weichman
Directors & Chairs
Communications: Sima Lewis
Newsletter: Priscilla Sedgwick
Plant Sale: Priscilla Sedgwick
Photographer: Susan Grelick
Preview Luncheons: Judy Bacon & Jane Cary
Rep Buffalo Women’s Clubs: Joan Weichmann
Roster: Martha Rasmussen, Sharon Wall
Scholarship Chairs: Diane Wojtowicz & Richard Wojtowicz
Scholarship Luncheon: Michael E. Russo
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.
Membership is open to anyone interested in supporting the work of the Friends Committee. Dues are $30 per concert season. Please download, print and fill out this application and mail with your dues.
Mail to:
Martha Rasmussen, Membership Chair
1 Fox Run Lane, #258
Orchard Park, NY 14227
Concert Preview Luncheons
Click the “Reservation Form” button below to learn more about our upcoming luncheon.
Click the Gallery button below to see photos from our previous luncheon.
Scholarships
FASO/Williamsville Rotary Club Scholarship
Since 1986, the Friends Committee has offered an annual scholarship and in 1990, the Williamsville Rotary Club became a partner in this project. A portion of each member’s dues applies to the scholarship.
Applications must be postmarked by February 20, 2026
Auditions will take place March 28, 2026
Audrey C. Hurd String Scholarship
A dedicated volunteer of the Amherst Symphony Orchestra, as a musician, Association Board Director and Women’s Committee Past-President, the ASO is privileged to have Audrey Hurd’s family honor her with this Annual $3000 String Scholarship.