The Batavia Music Buffs

is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing music education within Batavia Public School District 101 (BPS101) in Batavia, Illinois. As a music booster organization, we play a vital role in supporting the district's music programs, including band, choir, and orchestra, from elementary through high school. Our mission is to enhance music learning, assist music faculty, provide resources, promote communication and involvement, and foster community interest in music education, thereby maintaining a tradition of excellence in BPS101.

Led by an all-volunteer leadership team, we are committed to providing financial and other resources for classrooms, faculty, and events. We believe music education is crucial for student development and that every student should have access to it. With your support, we can continue to provide the necessary resources for music education in our community.

NAMM 2024 Best Community for Education - Batavia, Illinois

In 2024, BPS101, which the Batavia Music Buffs proudly support, earned its 10th consecutive "Best Community for Music Education" distinction from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). This achievement is a testament to the unwavering support of our community, families, faculty, administration, and students. This prestigious award recognizes districts that exemplify excellence in music education, and we are proud to be one of only 32 districts in Illinois to receive this honor. Our continued success is thanks to the dedication of our members and supporters who understand the importance of music education in our schools and in the lives of our children.

2024-2025 Board Members

  • Melissa Casey

    Melissa Casey

    PRESIDENT

    The President of the Batavia Music Buffs presides over all meetings, coordinates activities, and serves as a liaison between the organization, the Music Department, and School Administration, ensuring effective communication and execution of the mission. Additionally, the President maintains an annual master calendar of events and executes authorized contracts and instruments in accordance with the Board's directives.

  • Beth Baima

    Beth Baima

    TREASURER

    The Treasurer of the Batavia Music Buffs attends all Executive Board and General Membership Meetings, responsible for receiving and disbursing all funds, maintaining accurate records, ensuring budget compliance, overseeing fundraising, handling payouts, and collaborating on financial matters. Additionally, the Treasurer furnishes regular financial statements and assists in the annual financial audit process.

  • Kelly Mikoda

    SECRETARY

    The Secretary of the Batavia Music Buffs records all business transactions at meetings, maintaining custody of all records and documents. They distribute minutes at each meeting, conduct correspondence, issue meeting notices, provide agendas and minutes to board members, keep copies of the Bylaws for reference, take attendance at meetings, and act as an aide to the President.

  • Miranda Skonie

    Miranda Skonie

    MEMBERSHIP

    The Membership Coordinator of the Batavia Music Buffs oversees the annual membership roster and email distribution list, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Membership provides the most current membership listing to BPS101 music staff for inclusion in performance programs and verifies voting privileges at and General Membership Meetings. Additionally, Membership actively encourage individuals to join or renew their Music Buffs membership, fostering community engagement and support for music education.

  • Rebekah Schwarz

    Rebekah Schwarz

    COMMUNICATIONS

    The Communications Coordinator of the Batavia Music Buffs manages the dissemination of organization information across diverse platforms, encompassing social media and print media. Communication curates and maintains the organization's social media presence and website, ensuring content is current and compelling. In addition to overseeing the coordination of print materials for fundraisers and events and managing online sales, they are responsible for handling press contacts and approving press releases..

  • Holly Miller

    Holly Miller

    FUNDRAISING

    The Fundraising position of the Batavia Music Buffs is instrumental in identifying and executing fundraising opportunities vital to the organization's financial health. This role proactively researches and proposes new fundraising initiatives, secures corporate sponsorships, and organizes fundraising events. Additionally, Fundraising provides crucial financial documentation and collaborates with the Communications and Events positions to ensure effective promotion across social media, email blasts, and the organization's website.

  • Melissa Burlingame Greenhagen

    Melissa Burlingame Greenhagen

    EVENTS

    The Events Coordinator of the Batavia Music Buffs oversees the organization's event planning, including recruitment and coordination of volunteers for fundraisers. Events set up committees for events like Senior Night, Marching Band Tag Day, Corn Boil, Butter Braids Fundraiser, Winter Wonderland Concert, and Band Fest. Additionally, the position supports fundraising efforts, helps records orders, recruits committee chairpersons, and maintain event reports to ensure organizational goals are met.

  • Andrea Gambill

    Andrea Gambill

    BAND

    The Band Board Representative of the Batavia Music Buffs serves as a liaison for elementary, middle, and high school bands, coordinating with BPS101 Band Directors to address school needs. They oversee and collaborate with parent representatives for Marching Band and Winterguard, ensuring effective support. Additionally, the Band Board Representative coordinates assistance for Band Fest, recruits parent and student volunteers, and organizes parent usher volunteers for band concerts.

  • Lisa Waters

    CHOIR

    The Choir Board Representative of the Batavia Music Buffs serves as a liaison for elementary, middle, and high school choirs, ensuring effective coordination with BPS101 Choir Directors. This role oversees support for the Festival of the Carols and coordinates with parent representatives for Show Choirs. Additionally, this position organizes parent usher volunteers for concerts and strives to engage choir parents in joining the Buffs to further support and enhance choir activities and experiences.

  • Jane Bremner

    Jane Bremner

    ORCHESTRA

    The Orchestra Board Representative of the Batavia Music Buffs serves as a liaison for elementary, middle, and high school orchestras, coordinating with BPS101 Orchestra Directors to address school needs. This position organizes and coordinates parent usher volunteers for orchestra concerts and actively engage with orchestra parents to further support orchestra activities. Additionally, this position represents General Music Education for all BPS 101 elementary schools.

By-Laws

A copy of the Batavia Music Buffs by-laws is available as a PDF by clicking the button, below.

Last updated March 2024.