AUDITIONS FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

The Student Ambassador program creates more connection between BISFA and the Foundation. Student Ambassadors meet on a monthly basis for a mentoring and brainstorming sessions where we will discuss events, professionalism and ways to showcase their discipline. In addition, students will be invited to assist with and participate in various Foundation events and projects like ushering at the annual Donor Society Event, giving tours of the school, representing your discipline in community performances and much more!

This year we are looking for students in the following disciplines: CGDA, Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental, Visual Arts, and Vocal

Please use this link to access this years applicaiton:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSev7awrMHTgo6BGhnjuiGcJi6naodvOIoT9kSZxvXYhkMPJcQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101971541590331905925

The Barbara Ingram Foundation is offering a unique opportunity to make a mark on downtown Hagerstown. Join our 2025-20265 Buy a Brick Campaign.  For a $250 donation, we will engrave a brick to be placed on the sidewalk in front of Barbara Ingram School for the Arts and Vincent Rauth Groh Academic Center!

To kick off this year’s campaign we are offering a special 26% discount to the “Class of 2026”. Bricks for this special offer will be $185!! Discount Deadline is October 30, 2025. Payment plans are available, please contact the office for information.

Each 4” x 8” brick will include up to three (3) lines of engraving, with up to 17 characters per line. Character count includes numbers, letters, and spaces. Bricks may only be inscribed with names, dates and titles or “in memory of” or “in honor of.”

The perfect gift in honor, memory, or recognition of:
BISFA alum or current student (Class of ####)
Current or former staff member
Anyone who appreciates the arts and arts education

For additional information or to secure your senior discount please email Rachelt@barbaraingramfoundation.org, or call the office at 240-347-4934.

The BISFA Foundation is proud to announce our 2025-2026 Student and Staff Grant Program.  We offer 2 separate grants for current BISFA Students.  The Pauline K Anderson Grant is a grant for students to gain access to funding to help pay for expenses that students may have such as field trips, equipment, supplies and college application fees.  The second student grant is the Hamilton Family Foundation Grant is a grant for students to gain access to funding to help pay for expenses that are associated with students auditioning for county and state competitions, summer intensives, and continuing education opportunities.

A Faculty Enrichment Grant is also available for each arts department to request funds for classroom enrichment opportunities. These enrichment requests can help fund programs and activities such as guest artists, master classes, performance opportunities and other enrichment programs that will greatly enhance the overall educational opportunities for the students of BISFA.

Please click on the GRANT PROGRAM ICON below to access the grant appliations and additional information.

Help us celebrate the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts foundation executive director, Ally Sirbaugh, on her two-year anniversary! We are truly thankful for her leadership, innovative spirit, and dedicated commitment to our vision. Here’s to many more successful years ahead!

HAGERSTOWN, Maryland, July 15, 2025—Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA) Foundation announces a new slate of officers for 2025-2027: Laurie Bender, president; Pam Francis, vice president; Wanda Mounts, secretary and Al Martin, treasurer. The Foundation also welcomes five new board members, including Mia Collins, Karri Dawson, Cheyenne Herson, Brian McLucas and Ruth Ridenour.

Mia Collins is a veteran style expert, wardrobe and specialty stylist in the metro Washington, D.C. area whose clients include Vanity Fair, People, Baltimore Magazine, Washington Post, Target, NFL, Nordstrom, National Wildlife Catalog and more. For the past five years, Mia has transitioned to TV and film, working on projects, such as We Own This City (HBO) and Lady in the Lake (Apple TV+).

Karri Dawson is a seasoned people manager with over 20 years of experience in the big box retail space, specializing in coaching and training to drive profitability across multi-sales channels. She has volunteered throughout the county, including organizing a WCPS athletic program, a high school booster program and St. Maria Goretti’s admission process.

Cheyenne Herson is the development coordinator at Hagerstown Community College. She is a 2017 graduate of the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts, where she specialized in vocal music. She earned a BA in Arts and Entertainment Industries Management, with a minor in Event Planning, from Rider University in 2021.

Brian McLucas is a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in the lumber industry and currently serves as a dealer sales representative for Weyerhaeuser, managing 150 accounts in the Baltimore-DC metro area. Brian has served on the Hagerstown Colt League board for 15 years and the West End Little League board for three years.

Ruth Ridenour served as the lead theatre teacher for the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts from 2009 until her retirement in 2020. She also taught at Williamsport High School for 30 years as the choral, music and drama teacher. In addition, Ruth is past president of Potomac Playmakers, having acted, directed and costumed shows for over 40 years.

Leaving the Barbara Ingram Foundation Board after several years of dedicated service are Brittany Arizmendi, Barbara Fitzsimmons, Ken Grove, Steve Hummel, Dr. Teresa Roberts and Steve Swayne.

Current Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Board of Directors include Dr. Ann Laber Anders, Katie Anderson, Kelly Batey, Erika Bell, Laurie Bender, Anne Bertram, Al Martin, Denver Martin, Wanda Mounts, Gerry Otremba, Steve O’Farrell (past president), David Richardson, Ryan Smetzer, Shelly Strong, Toby Towson and Mia-Faire Williams. The Honorary Advisory Board Members are Mary Anne Burke, Katie Groh Fitzsimmons, Dr. Ira Lourie, Cynthia Perini, Mrs. Theron Rinehart, Elizabeth Schulze, Cliff Springer and Patricia Stine. The Ex Officio Board Members are Dr. April Zentmeyer, Dr. Robert Hovermale, Kristen Green and Dr. David Sovine.

“I am so excited to welcome these new board members to the Foundation, where they can contribute their talents, dedication and passion for the arts to the students and the school,” said Ally Sirbaugh, executive director of the Barbara Ingram Foundation. “I am sad to see so many devoted board members leaving this year as I have truly appreciated their contributions during my tenure. I look forward to working with a new team of officers and continuing to grow the Foundation, school and arts community.”

About Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation Founded in 2008, the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA) Foundation advances exceptional arts’ education by providing resources, connections and funding that support the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts public high school in Hagerstown, Maryland. Funds are provided for programs, such as master classes, artists in residency, student field trips and state-of-the-art instructional materials and technology. To learn more or take a tour of the school, call the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Foundation at (240) 347-4934, or visit www.barbaraingramfoundation.org.

Pictured: Officers: Laurie Bender, president; Pam Francis, vice president; Wanda Mounts, secretary and Al Martin, treasurer.

Pictured:  New Board Members: Mia Collins, Karri Dawson, Cheyenne Herson, Brian McLucas and Ruth Ridenour.