The BBT Foundation Board of Directors
About the BBT Foundation
Our Impact
Transforming families and students through music, transfixing their focus on engaged learning, enabling them and their instructors to be forever changed as community members linked through their love of music.
Initial Direction
- Fundraising
- Sequential Investigation of Potential Ensembles/Societies
- Appraisal of Specific School Needs
- Assessment of Current & Potential Obstacles
- Resources & Impactful Needs
- Assessment
- Trend Analyses
- Instrument/Score Purchases
- Repair Venue Buy-ins
- Student Music Loan Schemes and
- Instrument Loan Protocols
- Teacher Mentorships
- Visiting Artist Arrangements
Our Why
- Opening a Creative Outlet: Music offers a safe place for students to share their stories. For those who often feel voiceless, it’s a way to be heard and seen, fostering emotional healing and resilience.
- Fostering Inclusion and Belonging: A school of music creates a space where every student, regardless of their background, feels valued and included. It’s a reminder that their contributions to the world are meaningful and unique.
- Building Lifelong Skills: The discipline and creativity cultivated through music spill over into other aspects of life. Families and foundations supporting such programs empower students with the tools they need for future success, both academically and personally.
- Transforming Futures: For many of these students, a school of music is more than an educational opportunity — it’s a lifeline. It opens doors to scholarships, careers, and personal growth that might otherwise remain out of reach.
- Creating Ripple Effects of Good: Supporting these students doesn’t just impact their lives — it enriches entire communities. Their accomplishments inspire others, leading to a brighter and more connected society.
The BBT Founding Family
We are grateful to the family of Barbara Bartroff Tilly for their vision and unwavering support.
New Instruments
Students at Washington Elementary School received new Orff instruments courtesy of BBT Foundation.
Our Work in Action
Pianist Inna Faliks Mesmerizes Audience
On April 17, world-class musician Inna Faliks astonished young and old alike with her outstanding playing, sharing and teaching. Inna enthusiastically shared her story and music with more than 500 students and staff at Pioneer Middle School. Here’s what Principal Jacqueline Estephan had to say about the experience:
We are thrilled to share our feedback on the incredible school assembly featuring Ms. Inna Faliks. The experience was nothing short of transformative for our entire school community. From the moment she began to play, Ms. Faliks commanded the room; her virtuosic talent brought a diverse audience of middle school students and staff to a rapt, spellbound silence. One staff member perfectly captured the awe in the room, remarking, "The performance was incredible to see your hands move. What a treat!" Beyond her world-class technical skill as the head of piano at UCLA, Ms. Faliks connected deeply with our students on a personal level. By sharing her own journey as a young musician and discussing her published book, she demystified the world of classical music and made artistic excellence feel achievable.
The benefits of this visit extended far beyond the classroom walls and lingered long after the final note. In between pieces, Ms. Faliks actively inspired students to find their own creative voices and try writing their own music. The profound impact of this message was made clear by a heartwarming comment from a parent, who shared, "For the first time, my son came home excited from school. He was very impressed. Thank you for allowing kids to experience this." The Building Better Tomorrows Foundation gave our students an unforgettable window into world-class artistry that many would otherwise never have access to. We enthusiastically support your efforts to expand this grant program in the Valley—it is a vital, life-changing investment in our youth.
New Instruments
The Building Better Tomorrows Foundation grant has had a tremendous impact on the Elementary Music Program at Washington. Because of this funding, we were able to purchase additional classroom xylophones, allowing us to achieve a 1:1 instrument-to-student ratio. As a result, every child can actively participate in music-making, increasing engagement and providing a more meaningful and inclusive learning experience.
The grant also provided new choral music for our elementary choir, giving students the opportunity to learn and perform a wider variety of songs.The addition of high-quality choral literature has enriched our choir program and enhanced the overall performance experience for both students and audiences.
During times of budget constraints, community support for the arts is more important than ever. This grant demonstrates how a community can come together to invest in children and provide enriching educational opportunities that might not otherwise be possible. We are deeply grateful for this support and the positive impact it will continue to have on our students for years to come.
Thank you for your generosity!
Matt Smeller, Music Teacher
Washington Elementary, Wenatchee SD
Supplies Help Fill the Gaps
Building Better Tomorrows Foundation furnished the Wenatchee High School jazz band trumpet section with bucket mutes.
Wenatchee High School receives funds, making it possible for 4 underprivileged students to participate in the Golden Apple Indoor Percussion ensemble.
Wenatchee High School Indoor Percussion placed first at the Lilac City Invitational in Spokane, Washington.
BBT Board Member Sherry Krebs delivered 4 donated accordions to area teachers. We are grateful for generous contributors and willing partners!
Director Jeff Sandberg and Board President Marshall Thomas present a promising Orchard Middle School student with a refurbished Yamaha alto saxophone.
BBT’s Instrument Drive Brings Joy to Students & Teachers Alike
From one of our recipients
"Being a part of this group has been so incredibly rewarding. After each practice, you can look back and see the growth that we have made as a whole in just a few short weeks. It's hard work, but those long days at rehearsal pay off, because we scored first place at our first competition! None of this is possible without the community's contributions, though. Kickstarting the GAIP has been a joint effort between us, our teachers, and the community. We are so grateful and proud to represent our community and sponsors as we continue to compete across the state."
~ Recipient of BBT sponsorship
What Is the Cost If We Ignore...?
• Breaking Barriers to Opportunity: For students in underfunded public schools, access to quality music education can be a rare and life-changing opportunity. Your support removes financial and systemic barriers, opening doors to a brighter future.
• Creating Generational Change: Music education doesn’t just impact students—it transforms families and communities. By helping one child succeed, your support sets in motion a ripple effect that uplifts future generations.
• Fostering Academic and Personal Growth: Studies consistently show that music education enhances cognitive skills, improves academic performance, and builds discipline. Your contributions directly empower students to excel in every aspect of their lives.
• Nurturing Future Leaders: Music cultivates creativity, leadership, and resilience. These qualities enable students to become confident, innovative leaders who make meaningful contributions to society.
• Building Cultural and Emotional Bridges: Music is a universal language that unites people. By supporting these programs, you help foster understanding, inclusion, and empathy within diverse communities.
• Making an Enduring Impact: The effects of music education extend far beyond the classroom. Your support helps equip students with skills, memories, and values that will guide them throughout their lives.