Volunteer Spotlight: Kristi Brown
Kristi Brown brings heart, hustle, and harmony to the Twinsburg Band Boosters. Supporting her son Grant—Percussion Section Leader—Kristi has spent the past four years helping the band program thrive, all while managing a busy career as an Associate Program Manager in Compliance & Regulatory Affairs. Her flexible work-from-home schedule means she’s often the one jumping in during the school day to fit a uniform or lend a hand behind the scenes.
Kristi’s volunteer résumé is packed with impact: she’s served on the Executive Team, helped with uniforming, chaperoned trips, worked the concession stand, supported Jazz Night, Tag Day, and Twins Days registration. Her favorite memory? Chaperoning the Concert Band’s trip to New York City—an unforgettable blend of music, laughter, and skyline views that reminded her why she shows up year after year.
Driven by a deep love for music and a belief in its power to shape young lives, Kristi sees volunteering as a way to give back and be part of something bigger. Her advice to new volunteers: “Just jump in! The team is welcoming, the kids are inspiring, and every bit of help keeps the beat going strong.”
Thanks for keeping the rhythm alive, Kristi!
Volunteer Spotlight: Vanessa Giancola
Vanessa Giancola is a powerhouse behind the scenes at Twinsburg Band Boosters, proudly supporting her kids—Alyssa (Junior, Trumpet) and Nicky (Freshman, Trombone)—while juggling her role as Executive Director of Stafford Services. Her sharp organizational skills and respect for others’ time make her a natural fit for volunteer leadership.
Now in her fourth year with TBB, Vanessa has worn many hats: Executive Team Member, uniforming guru, chaperone, concessions crew, Tag Day driver and counter, Twins Days registration, and even field games coordinator.
Her favorite memories? Laughing with kids and parents, and handing out popsicles that spark smiles all around.
Vanessa volunteers to build community, create lasting memories, and show students that their hard work matters. Her advice to newcomers: “Try it! The executive team will make you feel right at home. We have fun—and the kids make us smile.”
Volunteer Spotlight: Aimee Banas
Aimee Banas is a vibrant and dedicated presence within the Twinsburg Band Boosters, known for her warmth, humor, and tireless energy. As the proud parent of Cameron Banas, an 11th-grade mellophone section leader, Aimee has embraced her role in the band community with enthusiasm and heart.
By day, she’s an elementary teacher, and her summer break perfectly aligns with the band’s busiest season—giving her the chance to dive into everything from uniforming and chaperoning to concessions and registration tables. Now in her third year of service, Aimee has worn nearly every volunteer hat imaginable, including serving on the Executive Team and supporting events like Tag Day and Twins Days.
Her motivation stems from a genuine love for connecting with students and fellow parents, especially now that her schedule allows her to jump in after work. Among her favorite memories is bonding with Vanessa on the bus during the New York trip and soaking in the city’s excitement with her group. She also lights up during concession stand shifts, particularly at Homecoming, where her cheerful spirit shines behind the register. For new volunteers, Aimee offers heartfelt advice: ask questions to feel confident and helpful—and don’t hesitate to sign up for uniforms, because the band truly needs you.
Meet Andrea Niro, a dedicated and heart-centered volunteer whose impact on the Twinsburg Band Boosters (TBB) spans four incredible years. Andrea is the proud parent of Jacob Niro, a senior and Percussion Lead, and her support for the band program goes far beyond cheering from the sidelines.
👩⚕️ By Day…
Andrea is a full-time Forensic Review Nurse working from home, and also serves as a program assistant for Bright Beginnings on an as-needed basis. Her flexible schedule and nurturing spirit—what she calls her “nurse’s heart”—have made her a natural fit for volunteering. Whether she’s running concessions or caring for students and families, Andrea brings compassion and energy to every shift.
🎺 By Night (and weekends!)…
Andrea’s volunteer résumé is nothing short of impressive: Executive Team Member, Uniforming, Chaperone, Concessions Stand, Tag Day Volunteer, Twins Days Registration Table, and more!
❤️ Why She Volunteers
What began as a way to support Jacob’s love of music has blossomed into a deep appreciation for every student in the program. Andrea shares, “I have loved working concessions with your kids—they have all taught me a lot. I think they are so special.” Her warmth and genuine care have made her a beloved presence among students and parents alike.
🌟 Favorite Memory
Andrea recalls her first meeting with her new concession team as a standout moment: “The feeling of gratefulness, appreciation, and being surrounded by fellow parents that just want to support their kids—along with mine and yours—is nothing but love!” That sense of community continues to fuel her passion.
💬 Advice for New Volunteers
Andrea’s message is simple and encouraging: “Start small, start big—it really doesn't matter. Every parent will make you feel welcome. Every kid is helpful and kind. Yes, your teenagers are helpful and kind 🤣.” She adds that volunteering has given her a unique and meaningful way to connect with her son, enhancing their relationship in ways she never expected.
If you've ever grabbed a snack at the Friday night concession stand or seen a perfectly uniformed band member march by, chances are Amy Kramer had a hand in it. A dedicated volunteer with the Twinsburg Band Boosters for the past five years, Amy brings both heart and precision to everything she does.
Amy is the proud parent of three band-involved sons: Ryan Kramer, a clarinet player and recent graduate; Max Kramer, a Junior Trumpet player; and Noah Kramer, an 8th grade drummer.
Her connection to band runs deep—not only through her children, but also through her own experience as a band kid. In fact, she met her husband at band camp. That personal history fuels her passion for giving back to the program that has shaped so many meaningful memories for her family.
Professionally, Amy is a pharmacist and serves as the system director of ambulatory clinical pharmacy. Her role demands high levels of organization and attention to detail, skills that translate seamlessly into her volunteer work. Whether she’s coordinating uniforms, chaperoning events, or helping with Tag Day, Amy’s precision and care shine through. Her volunteer résumé is impressive with Amy having a hand in the TBB with the Executive Team, Uniforming, Concessions Stand, and Tag Day (driver, counter, lunch)
When asked about her favorite memory, Amy lights up recalling the energy of Friday night concessions. With the stadium buzzing and the stand in full swing, she loves being part of the team that serves up food and smiles to both the home crowd and visiting fans.
Her advice to new volunteers is simple and encouraging: “Even if all you have time for is one event and one night, sign up. No amount of time is too small.”
Amy Kramer embodies the spirit of the Twinsburg Band community—generous, enthusiastic, and deeply committed. We’re lucky to have her in our corner.
Simona Williams is no stranger to the rhythm of band life—her family practically marches to it! With Brianna leading as Drum Major and Jamal driving the energy in the percussion section, Simona’s connection to the Twinsburg Band Boosters runs deep. But her impact goes far beyond cheering from the sidelines.
💼 Professional Precision Meets Volunteer Passion
As an accountant for the federal government, Simona brings her sharp organizational skills and financial expertise to her role as TBB Treasurer. Her professional background makes her a natural fit for the Executive Team, where she helps keep the program running smoothly and sustainably.
🎶 A Family Affair
One of Simona’s most cherished memories is from last year, when three of her children marched together in the band—a moment she had eagerly awaited. Senior Night was especially meaningful, as her oldest child, Mahiri, returned to the field to honor Beverly’s final season on alto sax alongside Brianna and Jamal. “It was a dream come true,” Simona reflects, “seeing all four of my kids together in that moment.”
🛠️ Versatility in Action
Simona has worn many hats over the years: Executive Team Member, Uniforming, Chaperone, Concessions Stand, Tag Day Volunteer, Twins Days Registration Table, and more! Her willingness to jump into any role shows just how essential volunteers are to the heartbeat of the band.
💬 Words of Wisdom
Simona encourages new volunteers to “try many areas to see what works best for you.” Her message is clear: every effort counts, and every volunteer makes a difference. “You are needed and any contribution is greatly appreciated.”
🌟 Why She Volunteers
“I enjoy it,” Simona says simply. “Volunteers are needed in order for the program to continue.” That spirit of service, paired with her love for her children and her community, makes Simona a cornerstone of the TBB family.
Thank you, Simona, for your dedication, your leadership, and your heart. You remind us that behind every great performance is a team of volunteers making it all possible.
Celebrating dedication and heart! When Charise Briggs volunteers with the Twinsburg Band Boosters, she brings more than just her time, she brings a deep commitment to her daughter, Lauren Brynn Menefee, and to the entire band & Tigerette community. Whether she’s helping on the drill field, uniforming the team, or working behind the scenes as TBB Secretary, Charise’s contribution to the program is tremendous.
Profession Meets Passion
Charise is a Clinical Social Worker with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and an Adjunct Professor at Cleveland State University’s School of Social Work. Her professional life is rooted in service, empathy, and advocacy, qualities that naturally extend into her volunteer work. “My primary motivation is my commitment to my kid and whatever she is into,” Charise shares.
Favorite Memories
For Charise, every performance is a memory worth keeping. “Even the before and afters create really great memories,” she says. It’s a reminder that the magic of a Field Performance isn’t just in the music and the drill, it’s in the moments shared, the teamwork, and the joy of watching students shine.
Advice for New Volunteers
Charise’s advice is simple but powerful: “Be flexible and know that you and your efforts, big or small, are tremendous and valued.”
Why She Volunteers
“For our daughter, our team, our school, our community :)” That smiley face says it all. Charise volunteers with heart, and her impact ripples far beyond the tasks she completes. She helps build the kind of Marching Band/Tigerette family where everyone feels welcome, supported, and proud.
Thank you, Charise, for showing us what it means to lead with love and serve with purpose. You make TBB stronger, one volunteer moment at a time.
Are you a current volunteer? We'd love to hear from you. Please share your profile by completing the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPwbJiTR1PwfGoJVskVoFQyP3E4BHRD7MZmHs1VKlYjJRk2g/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=118207309279823665934