The Board of Education voted 5-1 on Thursday evening, to name the Batavia High School Auditorium after Frank E. Owen, the district’s first music educator (1927-1964)
(Above photo by Carl Steubing–former student of Owen-photo shows Owen holding his final chord at his farewell concert in May of 1964 with 700 in the audience.)
Patti Pacino, representing hundreds of BHS Alumni, told the board that the strong foundation Owen created 95 years ago is still very strong today.
“He created a base of an ever-growing music program that involves a major portion of the students, from kindergarten to graduation to years afterwards. Starting with the girls and boys Glee Club, Mr. Owen went on to form an orchestra, a band, instrument lessons and a 100-voice chorister group so strong they were selected to perform on the radio each holiday season for our servicemen overseas,” says Pacino.
Melanie Case, a BMS Music Teacher and 2012 graduate of Batavia High School, who was a recipient of a Scholarship in Owen’s name told the board she supports the naming.
“I truly believe our music programs are what they are today thanks to Mr. Owen’s passions and contributions. His legacy lives on each day from the scholarship in his name of which I was a grateful recipient, to the BHS auditorium which he helped design that is used by all music ensembles, production and drama clubs and other school groups each day,” says Case.
Middle School Band Director Sean Williams brought up the naming of Van Detta Stadium and the naming of the softball field after Ed Anderson in 2015.
“I would like to reiterate, this man, I guess you could call him a coach, this man Frank E. Owen graced our auditorium here for 27 years and I believe its way past due to recognize this first music director of education in which we base our current music education on.”
James Owen says it’s not just an honor for his father, Frank E Owen, but in honor of all the students and teachers, past, present and future who will be using the auditorium stage.
“For 37 years he created the music department at Batavia High School then served 5 years on the Board of Education, he gave back to the community because he loved Batavia and the Batavia School System. I’m excited for the music department and students. Now they have someone they can hang their hat on,” says James Owen.
