FOMAHI NEWS - January 2026

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season full of music and celebration. We are entering a busy period in the musical school year, with upcoming festivals, concerts, and fundraisers...read on for exciting happenings!

February 10th

The Music-A-Thon is just around the corner!

Join us for a fun-filled evening celebrating the incredible talents of our students while raising crucial funds to support music education at Hamilton.

Young Musicians Showcase, February 10th @ 6:30pm in Hamilton Commons

Enjoy live performances, win prizes, and indulge in treats as our students take the stage.

As our primary fundraiser, Music-A-Thon supports essential resources for Band, Orchestra, and Choir—things the school cannot provide, including individual coaching, instrument purchases and maintenance, supplies, and field trips.

Our goal is to raise $40,000 this year and every contribution makes a difference.

Parents and guardians, please sign and return the golden envelopes by February 10, with or without donations. There will be class prizes for the highest participation!

You, your friends, family and neighbors can donate anytime here:

DONATE to Music-a-Thon HERE!

VOLUNTEER for Music-a-Thon HERE!

Band Festivals - Chaperones Needed

We are excited for our upcoming festivals for Band musicians:

February 2: Pacific Northwest Band Festival at UW
February 6: Bellevue College Jazz Festival

These festivals are valuable performance experiences for our students, and we will need parent chaperones to help make them a success.

Please consider volunteering your time to support our musicians.

If you have questions or are interested in helping, please contact FOMAHI or Ms. Pence.

Music Opportunities Around the City

HIMS-LHS & Dallas Brass Concert

Our band musicians had the exciting opportunity to perform alongside the Dallas Brass on Friday, January 16, 2026, in a special evening concert attended by an audience of 400. The performance featured the Dallas Brass joined on stage by student musicians from Lincoln High School and Hamilton International Middle School, creating a powerful and collaborative musical experience. The concert was a big success, and our musicians received high praise from both the Dallas Brass director and the Lincoln High School band director for their professionalism and musicianship.

Hawks of Steel, Hamilton’s Steel Pan Program

The Hawks of Steel steel pan program is kicking off 2026 with four full classes meeting Mondays and Thursdays and welcoming new students this quarter. This month, the program is honoring Ellie Mannette, the “Father of the Modern Steel Pan,” while celebrating the rich cultural roots of the instrument and carrying on his legacy through music. Students are currently rehearsing “After Sunrise” by Brazilian music legend Sergio Mendes. The group has also received an exciting invitation to perform at the Seattle Folklife Festival this May at Seattle Center.

Come Join Us!

All are welcome to join the virtual FOMAHI Board Meeting on February 24, 7:00–8:30 pm. Hear updates from our music directors and learn more about Board activities. Email fomahihelp@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

Looking for volunteers to fill current and upcoming Board openings.

FOMAHI Board:

Co-Presidents: