What BFAB Makes Possible
Each year, the Bettendorf Fine Arts Boosters provide the needed financial support for students to participate in the activities that occur outside the classroom related to the fine arts programs. Here's a short list of what we support:
- Costumes, props and supplies
- Registration and travel to competitions like All-State and marching band competitions
- Extra support staff
- Music arrangements and choreography
- Water and snacks
- Instrument repair
BFAB Officers
BFAB membership is open to parents, family members, teachers and friends who use their talents to support all beyond-the-classroom music and theatre activities. Those listed below are the volunteer leadership team for the 2026-27 school year (April 2026 - March 2027). Officers meet monthly, prepare and monitor the budget, and coordinate the work of over 100 BFAB volunteers throughout the year.
President - Stacy Klingler
Vice President - Jennifer Hilton
Secretary - Kaysha Sharp
Treasurer - Preeti Gopalani
To contact any of the officers above or to learn more about officer roles, please email BettFineArts@gmail.com. You may view our bylaws and articles of incorporation by clicking on the associated links.
Bettendorf Fine Arts Directors
BFAB proudly supports the Bettendorf Community School District fine arts directors who create a fun, engaging and educational environment for all students. Learn about the talented individuals whose passions fuel the Bettendorf Fine Arts Department.
Megan Cooney - BHS Orchestra Director
mcooney@bettschools.org
Megan Cooney is currently in her 18th year at BHS. She conducts String Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and Full Orchestra. Before coming to Bettendorf she spent 6 years reviving the orchestra program in Muscatine. She received her undergraduate degree from Coe College and a Masters in Music Education from University of Northern Iowa.
Tyler Demaree - BHS Choral Director
tdemaree@bettschools.org
Tyler Demaree directs two of the four curricular choirs, co-directs Surround Sound show choir, and is the vocal music director for the BHS musical productions. Mr. Demaree previously served as the Interim Director of Choral Activities and adjunct voice faculty at Knox College and as the Director of District Choirs and Theatre at Galesburg High School. He earned both his Masters of Music in Choral Conducting and Bachelors of Music in Music Education degrees from Western Illinois University. As a professional choral singer, Mr. Demaree is an inaugural and current vocalist of withonevoice, a Chicago-based professional vocal ensemble, and has previously performed with Nova Singers. Mr. Demaree has also directed, music directed, or played percussion and drums in a number of musicals including Big Fish, Rock of Ages, Next to Normal, Avenue Q, Guys and Dolls, Nunsense and many more.
Chris Saito - BHS Band Director
Chris Saito is currently in his nineteenth year of teaching at Bettendorf High School. He conducts the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, directs the basketball pep bands, and in the fall leads the Varsity Marching Band. He has also enjoyed conducting and playing with the BHS Musicals in the past. His previous musical experiences include conducting Mary Poppins, Annie, and High School Musical. He has also played trumpet for the productions of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Crazy For You, and Young Frankenstein, and guitar for the productions of Bright Star and Chicago.
Katelyn Francois - BHS Choral Director
kfrancois@bettschools.org
Bachelor's degree in music education, St. Ambrose University
Started at BHS in 2025 (and is also a proud Bulldog alum!)
Director of Concert Choir and Bett Singers, and Head Director of Surround Sound Show Choir.
Loves the fall concert because "it was so fun to see the kids so proud of all the work they did!"
Current students might tell you "I'm really motivating and they are happy to have me, but also I can't play piano to save my life!"
Aubrey Weber - BHS Band Director
aweber@bettschools.org
Aubrey Weber is a graduate of Iowa State University and is beginning her first year of teaching at Bettendorf High School. She previously completed her student teaching at BHS under the mentorship of Chris Saito. At BHS, Mrs. Weber will co-conduct the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Orchestra, and Marching Band, and serve as the director of the spring musical. As a performer, Mrs. Weber served as principal flutist for the Iowa State Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. She was a featured soloist with the ISU Symphonic Band and Orchestra, toured Europe twice and with Iowa State Wind Ensemble, and was selected to perform with the National Flute Association Collegiate Flute Choir in Phoenix, Arizona in 2023. Mrs. Weber is excited to be at BHS and looks forward to building meaningful musical experiences with her students and contributing to the Bettendorf music program.
Stephanie Hinds - BMS Band Director
shinds@bettschools.org
Bachelor's degree in music education, Wartburg College, Master's degree in differentiated education, Graceland University
Started at BMS in 2005
Co-directs 6th grade band, primary director for 7th grade, assistant director for 8th grade
Loves Solo Festival each spring because students have a chance to build their self-confidence and demonstrate their individual strengths.
One thing I want you to know is "how much I appreciate communication from home. It lets me know how to help students and meet them where they are."
Rachel Palmer - BMS Orchestra Director
rpalmer@bettschools.org
Melissa Rosales - BMS Choir Director
mrosales@bettschools.org
Chad Schmertmann - BMS Band Director
cschmertmann@bettschools.org
Bachelor's degree in music education, University of Northern Iowa
Taught 5th grade band in Bettendorf elementary schools for 8 years before starting at Bettendorf Middle School in 2025.
Co-directs 6th grade band, primary director for 8th grade band, BMS percussion ensemble, BHS drumline instructor.
His favorite concert of the year is Parade of Bands.
Fun fact: He also coaches middle school football and basketball and is a Bettendorf alum!
Connor LaPage - Fifth Grade Band Director
Emma Thompson - Fifth Grade Band Director
Graciela Burroughs - Fourth and Fifth Grade Orchestra Director
Carla Gonyo - Fourth and Fifth Grade Orchestra Director
