Kevin Kazmierczak - President

president@williamsvillemusicboosters.org

Kevin Kazmierczak is a retired grade 5-12 school principal, Band & Orchestra teacher and former supervisor of instrumental music. He has had two children in the music programs at Williamsville. His passion for music education and performance began in his formative years as a student at Cheektowaga Central. He studied music performance, music education, philosophy and school administration at UB, Buffalo State, Ithaca College and Canisius College. Kevin continues to play saxophones, clarinet and flute in various bands and orchestras in WNY. (B. Music Ed, BFA Music Performance, M.S. Music/Education, CAS School Admin.)

Yijie Han - Vice President

vice_president@williamsvillemusicboosters.org

A native of Shanghai, Yijie has been calling Williamsville her home for more than a decade. Her family has been a booster member for the past three years and her daughter is always eager to sign up for its summer music programs. 

With a background in electrical engineering, Yijie now works at M&T Bank as a risk analyst. Though not a musician herself, Yijie has always appreciated the motivational power of music and the self-discipline it requires. With her fellow booster officers, Yijie looks forward to creating more strong programs to grow the musical talents in the community.

Kelly Tokash - Secretary

secretary@williamsvillemusicboosters.org

Kelly Tokash is a lifelong member of the Williamsville community and graduate of Williamsville South. She is a vocal/general music teacher in Lockport, and mom of two. Kelly serves as VP of Classroom Music on the Niagara County Music Educators Association, and VP of Volunteers on the PTA. This is Kelly’s first year as secretary of Williamsville Music Boosters and she is so excited to work with everyone to create wonderful opportunities for our student musicians. 

Peggy Chao - Treasurer

treasurer@williamsvillemusicboosters.org

Peggy Chao has nearly 20 years of experience in the banking industry, specializing in Marketing and Finance. Growing up in a family that embraces music, Peggy developed a deep passion for music. Her father started learning violin at age 70 and has been performing regularly in his church. Peggy has twin boys entering 4th grade in the Williamsville Central School District. Inspired by their grandfather, the boys have been learning violin since they were 5.  

Peggy is excited to contribute her skills and enthusiasm to the Williamsville Music Boosters, where she looks forward to collaborating with her peers to create memorable experiences for students and the community.

Jaime Pitnell - Williamsville CSD Director of the Arts, Business & Marketing, and Family & Consumer Sciences

jpitnell@williamsvillek12.org

Jaime Pitnell currently serves as the Director of the Arts, Business & Marketing, and Family & Consumer Sciences for the Williamsville Central School District.  Her passion for music and love of teaching led her to pursue a career in education, where she spent over 15 years teaching music.  She studied music education and school administration at SUNY Fredonia, The College of Saint Rose, and UB.  Jaime is also the Principal Flutist of the Buffalo Wind Symphony and currently serves on its Board of Directors.

Jaime is excited to continue collaborations with the Williamsville Music Boosters in support of the excellence and innovation in which the Williamsville CSD music program is known.

Betsy Gengo - Williamsville CSD Music Teacher Liaison

bgengo@williamsvillek12.org

Betsy Gengo is an Elementary Band Teacher in the Williamsville Central School District where she conducts two bands and teaches instrumental lessons. She has been teaching in public education for over 25 years and continues to give back to the profession as a mentor teacher, music curriculum committee member and lead teacher for Williamsville’s 5th & 6th Grade Summer Band & 4th Grade Beginning Band Boot Camp. At the end of each summer, Betsy co-conducts the junior band and coaches small ensembles at Bristol Hills Music Camp in Canandaigua, NY.

She has been very fortunate to serve as a guest conductor for All County bands across the state as well as presenter at ECMEA, NYS Band Directors Assoc & VA Music Educators Assoc conferences. In 2021, she was awarded the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and ECMEA Award for Excellence in Music Education. 

Betsy received a Master of Music Education in Arts Administration from The Florida State University and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a performance certificate from SUNY Fredonia. She is the principal bassoonist with the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas, Post 264 and the Williamsville Community Band.

Francesco Lliguicota - Technology Officer

admin@williamsvillemusicboosters.org

Francesco is a dedicated tech enthusiast committed to supporting education and strengthening the local community through a nonprofit organization at his children’s school. Balancing family life with two kids aged 11 and 13, Francesco enjoys exploring the outdoors, nurturing a love for plants, and believes strongly in the power of higher education. Passionate about the role of music in children’s development, Francesco is excited about contributing to Williamsville Music Boosters and believes in music’s transformative impact on young minds and their future. Even with a busy schedule, Francesco is committed to doing his best to help the organization move forward and make a positive impact in the local community. Though not a musician, Francesco continues to embrace the challenge with enthusiasm and resilience. 

Vicky Santos - Newsletter Editor

newsletter_editor@williamsvillemusicboosters.org

Vicky Santos is a news content manager/content developer covering the Arts and Education at the University at Buffalo. She joined UB in 2022 after moving to Buffalo from Auburn, Alabama. She has 18 years of experience as a communicator in higher education having served as the director of news and media services for the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University for 15 years. Prior to moving to Auburn in 2004, Vicky was a journalist for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise and then served as the director of public information for the Adirondack Park Agency.  While not a musician, Vicky has a profound appreciation for music and those who are musically inclined. 

Shuyin Shi - Inventory Manager

inventory_manager@williamsvillemusicboosters.org

Shuyin moved to Buffalo, New York, from China in 1998 with her husband, who received a full scholarship to study biomedical science at UB. She has been part of the Williamsville community for over 20 years and has a strong connection to the school district. One of her children graduated from East High and is now studying at UB, while her younger one is currently a sophomore at East.

Shuyin earned her MBA from Canisius College, and with her background in accounting, she is happy to support the Music Booster program in the role of Inventory Manager. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, running, and exploring her passion for floristry. 

Nicole Bodemer - Volunteer Coordinator (North)

volunteer_coordinator_north@williamsvillemusicboosters.org

Nicole M. Bodemer is the Director of Finance for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Kleinhans Music Hall. A native of Clarence, music has been a major part of her life for over 30 years.   

Nicole received an MBA in Professional Accounting, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance and Political Science from Canisius University.

Her love and passion for music runs deep and she has a true commitment to its place in the community.  Currently, she plays flute with the Erie County Wind Ensemble.  She has been named to the Clarence High School Music Wall of Fame and is also a member of the Buffalo Alumni Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys cooking, gardening and traveling with her husband and two boys who attend Heim Elementary.