04/02/2026
For this year’s Give from the Heart, Friends of Waters is excited to help fund a brand new school band program!
When Mr. Rutkowski approached our Music teacher Mr. Batdorf about starting a band at Waters, he was overjoyed. After many conversations with families about instrument instruction and a band program, he had also been thinking about how to make it happen. Mr. Batdorf has a deep personal connection to music education, having grown up in both band and orchestra, where he played the French horn throughout middle, high school, and college. For much of his time in conservatory, he even thought he would be a band director!
Though the years since have happily brought him to Waters, he has remained closely connected to music through choir and his love of the strong sense of community and belonging that great music programs create. Now, he’s excited to help bring these same opportunities to Waters students.
More than just music, this program is about belonging. Says Mr. Batdorf, “Being part of a band was one of the most meaningful experiences I had growing up, and I’d love to see that same connection and joy take root here at Waters.”
Let’s come together to make it happen!
Find out more about and donate at www.friendsofwaters.org/bignight2026
