The Reading Musical Foundation (RMF) has announced that former RMF Music Education Advisor Mike Buterbaugh has been inducted into the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Hall of Fame — a prestigious honor recognizing music educators who have made a lasting impact on their students, schools, and communities.
From left, Brian Buterbaugh, Mike Buterbaugh, Carla Buterbaugh, and Brandon Buterbaugh at the PMEA Hall of Fame Ceremony. (Courtesy of the Reading Musical Foundation)
For more than three decades, Buterbaugh served as the high school choral director for the Schuylkill Valley School District, building a legacy of musical excellence in Berks County.
Upon retiring from the classroom, he continued his commitment to music advocacy as Music Education Advisor at the Reading Musical Foundation — a role he held for 10 years before retiring in June 2025. Throughout his career, he has been a tireless champion of music education in Berks County and beyond.
Colleagues and former students alike point to Buterbaugh’s rare combination of professional excellence and personal character.
“Mike epitomizes what it means to be a model music educator and advocate,” said Kris Nygard, music teacher at Fleetwood. “For over three decades, he served the families of the Schuylkill Valley School District with the highest distinction as their high school choral teacher.
“But what makes Mike stand out as a titan in his field is his exceptional work as a music education advocate through his tireless efforts as the Music Education Advisor with the Reading Musical Foundation.”
“Mr. Buterbaugh didn’t just teach music; he nurtured young musicians,” said Erika Watson, Muhlenberg music teacher and former student of Buterbaugh’s. “He challenged us to strive for excellence, to listen, and to take pride in our work. More importantly, he modeled the values of integrity, perseverance, and humility every single day.”
The award recognizes outstanding music educators across Pennsylvania who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact in the field of music education. Presented by the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, the honor celebrates individuals with a minimum of 15 years of service in Pennsylvania schools or colleges who have shown excellence in teaching or administration, inspired students and communities through music, and upheld the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Recipients are distinguished for developing and sustaining strong, balanced music programs and for their lasting contributions to music education at the local and state levels. The award may be given to active or retired educators and may also be awarded posthumously.
Those who wish to honor Buterbaugh’s lifetime of dedication to music education are invited to make a gift to the Michael Buterbaugh Family Scholarship Fund at the Reading Musical Foundation. Contributions to this fund will support aspiring student musicians in Berks County choosing to get a degree in music education, carrying forward the spirit of excellence and mentorship that has defined Mike’s remarkable career. To donate, visit readingmusicalfoundation.org or contact RMF directly at 610-376-3395.
About the Reading Musical Foundation: The Reading Musical Foundation is a public charity founded in 1926 with a mission to advance and advocate for music education and appreciation in Berks County. RMF provides financial support for student musicians through need-sensitive and merit-based scholarships, funds music-presenting organizations through grants, and delivers outreach programming to schools and community members throughout the region. Learn more at readingmusicalfoundation.org.
Comedy
The Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks presents “It’s OK to Laugh,” a comedy show by the comedian Benji Lovitt, tonight at 7 at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Reading.
Comedian Benji Lovitt will appear at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts tonight. (Courtesy of the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks)
In this fun and educational show, Lovitt explores how Israelis have always turned to humor during even the darkest times, not to be insensitive, but as a coping mechanism.
People often say that Hamas celebrates death and Jews celebrate life, but what does that really mean? Through standup, TV/YouTube videos, social media clips, and more, we’ll discover a perspective that’s both hilarious and therapeutic, a morale boost that gives people “permission to laugh”.
For tickets, visit https://jewishfederationofreading.ticketspice.com/benji-lovitt. Cost is $18 for JCC members and $36 for non-members.
Ballet
Berks Ballet Theatre (BBT) continues its 50th anniversary season with a milestone production of “Swan Lake” on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Miller Center for the Arts, 4 N. Second St., Reading. Tickets are available at BerksBalletTheatre.com.
For the first time in its 50-year history, BBT will present Act II and Act III of Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet, bringing audiences the most beloved and technically demanding moments of “Swan Lake.” Highlights include the ethereal lakeside adagio, the mesmerizing corps de ballet of swans, and the electrifying Black Swan pas de deux.
“This production represents both a celebration and a challenge,” said Nathan Bland, artistic director of Berks Ballet Theatre. “Acts II and III contain some of the most demanding and beautiful choreography in classical ballet, and our dancers are ready to rise to that level as we mark this important anniversary.”
BBT company dancers will be joined by acclaimed guest artists Aaron Smyth and Diego Miranda-Monsman. Smyth’s distinguished career includes performances with American Ballet Theatre II, The Joffrey Ballet in New York City, and The Royal Ballet in London. Miranda-Monsman, currently with Ohio Contemporary Ballet, returns to BBT following his appearance in the company’s most recent performances of “The Nutcracker.”
Colette Jordan, 14, a student at Exeter High School, will perform the role of Odette, the Swan Queen. Hennessey Kehs-Rossi, 15, of Schuylkill Valley High School, will take on the role of Odile, the Black Swan. Their casting underscores the strength of BBT’s training programs and its commitment to developing the next generation of performers.
In conjunction with the performance, BBT will host a community art auction fundraiser supporting its mission and future productions. Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.