May Band Booster Minutes
5/11/05
Attendees:
Nancy Brenner, Karin Hess, David and Beverly Hockenberger, Debbie Hostetter, Robert Hunter, Jill Kirby, Nancy McLean, Judy Melton, Nancy Molin, Kaye Poole, Doug Reeves, Drew and Sara Morrison-Rowe, Chip and Susan Teeter, Maureen vanderHorst, Penny Werner, Terry Wetzel.
Meeting called to order at 7:05 pm.
Secretary’s Report:
Motion was made to approve the April Minutes as is by Nancy Molin and seconded by Kaye Poole.
Director’s Report:
q Auditions are going well! Lots of rising freshmen. Lots of questions about the marching band “requirement.” To be clear I am not requiring anyone to participate. That’s why I am using the word “expect” rather than “require.” In the past we have “encouraged” and too many have chosen not to participate, because it sounds like a lot of time. Now, I “expect” participation in the hope than some with no strong feelings either way will join. I firmly believe that participation in regular extracurricular activities helps students develop good time management skills. Marching Band certainly does require that students learn to manage their time wisely. Additionally, the social opportunities that Marching Band offers are well worth the time spent. There are many more reasons to be a member, and I want everyone to try it for at least a year.
q The Spring concert and banquet were a success despite reversing the order this year, and holding them on a weeknight. Thanks to Doug Reeves and his crew for all their work with the banquet. I am proud of each band’s performance in the concert. I think each group had a special piece that they enjoyed performing. The look on the faces of the Concert Band kids just before they performed Electricity was priceless. They couldn’t wait for the lights to go out! The Symphonic Band did a fine job with Dresden. They really enjoyed making it an emotional experience for performer and audience. I especially appreciated the silence before, during, and after the piece. The Wind Ensemble gave a gut-wrenching performance of Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral! I made eye contact with each senior during the performance, and without saying a word to me I knew that each one appreciated the opportunities they’ve had through band these last few years.
q Our jazz trio, “One Hot Minute,” has been playing all over town; not for money, but for food. Thursday night they’ll be the entertainment during the NC Symphony’s gala, prior to the concert. Monday they’ll perform at Hunter Elementary. And next Friday they’ll perform downtown in celebration of Artsplosure. These young men are very talented, and they’ll be together next year since none are seniors. The members are Jeffrey Barton, drums; Paul Wheeler, guitar; and Cory Jones, bass.
q Ashley Molin, Kristi Lane and I will be guest conducting at Ligon’s spring concert on Tuesday night. This is the first time that Mrs. Bishop and I have had the young conductors actually perform in concert.
q Marching Band Leadership Training has been completed and the participants are eagerly awaiting the audition. The training is the first official activity of the fall 2005 season. I’ve got some excellent students to choose from and, no matter which students are selected as section leaders and drum major we’re off to an excellent start with this group.
q Colorguard auditions were held Monday though Wednesday, and we have had an excellent turnout. Apparently Mrs. Foster and her girls have done a fantastic job of advertising!
q Drumline auditions will take place on the last day of school, May 25. Mr. Hauschild is currently writing the drumline and pit parts. He purchased Finale 2005 out of pocket in order to do so.
q Thanks to you parents of seniors for your years of service to your child(ren) and our band program. In the past few years our booster organization has made large strides. Special thanks to Chip Teeter for leading the boosters for his last two Enloe years!
q I am offering extra credit to students who attend community performances such as the ones listed in the following “upcoming events.” If a student will attend a concert or recital and save the program I will give them 100 points as a test grade.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 18 Senior wills during 2nd and 6th periods
13 North Carolina Wind Orchestra in concert 8PM Meymandi (bowling/food 5-7:30)
16 Enloe Jazz Ensemble @ Hunter Elementary for “Jazz in the Yard” 5PM
21 Triangle Youth Brass Band in concert 8PM Meymandi
29 Commencement 9AM (see itinerary)
June 4 Triangle Wind Ensemble in concert 7:30PM @ Cary Academy
The new principle is a fan of arts and music. We will invite her to our first concert and Marching Band banquet.
Next Year’s calendar – regular meetings start in August. There will be a meeting in July to finalize Marching Band issues. We had regular monthly meetings on Tuesdays for many years. Two years ago a request was made to have the meetings on different nights each month. The turnout was not good. Then we decided on Thursdays for this year. Mr. Hunter will work with administration to set up a different night during the same week of the month. Karin feels like it’s better to have on the same night. Sarah asked if we need to arrange to have the door opened if there is no other activity. Mr. Hunter said no as long as it is on the calendar. Consensus is to have meetings the second Thursday of each month starting in Sept. The second Thursday of August is during off site band camp. Mr. Hunter suggested the last Thursday in July and the third Thursday in August. Judy suggested the second week of July and the first week of August, then the second Thursday for the rest of the year.
Ways and Means:
We are still collecting candy money. Those who don’t pay will have their names turned in to the administration.
A possible new fund raising opportunity – raffle by Raleigh Merchants Association. Lynn Condreay, next year’s Ways and Means Co-Chair has a child at Ligon so Debbie feels she might be able to help for several years.
Operations:
Sam’s Club has agreed to match up to $1000. We made $607 at the car wash despite the bad weather. We have an opportunity to make up the rest. They penciled us in for June 4 (Saturdays go fast). We can sell donuts, coffee, or car wash. Chip suggests that we might want to hold the August car wash at Sam’s instead of Exxon. Terry made a motion to move traditional August date to Sam’s. We can decide to supplement with bake sale at a later date. David seconded.
Drew brought up that we need to get ramps to load the gator onto the UHaul truck and they will cost about $150 for the1500 lb. rated ones. Gator is 800 lbs. They will fold to fit in the shed. Doug made a motion to authorize this purchase. Seconded by Penny. Nancy asked if the back of truck is higher than a pickup. Drew confirmed that it isn’t.
A question came up about using the carts at Western Carolina? Terry pointed out that pit equipment is not used on the field during camp, thus we have no need for carts. We eventually will add hitches to the carts so the gator can pull them. Jill suggested organizing parent help one evening during night camp, and possibly have a cookout. The hardware will probably be around $300 to outfit all 3 carts.
Kaye asked if a 26 ft. truck will fit the gator and all the equipment. Drew said yes because we will not be taking uniforms. Also, most instruments can go under the bus. Chip said anything in a case can go under the bus. Kaye wanted to know if we should keep truck the whole time or do 2 one way rentals. Chip gave Kay prices of miles and per day for her to decide. Nancy Brenner suggested checking out Penske – they have no mileage for long distance. Chip said that 2 years ago they required you to get insurance which was approx. $65/day. Jill hopes that we can get a break since we are using the same company. Kaye wants to know when truck will be packed – early in the morning or the day before? Buses leave at 11. Drew suggests Sunday morning since there will be people there to help.
A question was raised about taking extra snacks. Kaye said that the statement from Western Carolina says that we cannot bring our own food. Mr. Hunter feels that they will allow it since we are purchasing 3 meals a day. We may ask for volunteer snacks. Penny said their statement says snacks must be bought through their vendor – Aramark. Chip suggests “don’t’ ask, don’t tell”.
Fair Share:
Marching Band students are all paid up. Class room fair share – Marching Band students did awesome this year but only approximately 50% is paid so far, but she is still receiving checks. Last year was 85% paid. Budget is based on 85% for classroom. Nancy will give Mr. Hunter list of names for him to post.
First Marching Band payment is due 5/23 and second is 7/29. Karin wanted to know if she should send statements in June reminding people about the July payment. Nancy McLean suggested sending along with June packet to save postage. Terry wants to include contract for students and parents to sign about rules and discipline at off site camp and saying that parents will come get them if rules are broken.
Nancy Brenner asked if Enloe Band Boosters has a non profit postage rate. She will check into it to save money.
Financial agreement has been updated for next year. Only dates and clarification of phrasing changed – not content. Fair Share policy was revised only in clarification of phrasing – not content. Same for scholarship application. They need to be uploaded to the web site because they are automatically sent to new people that sign up.
Treasurer’s Report:
Mike is going to continue through June 30. He is going to be making deposits through then and also doing the tax returns. Nancy Brenner suggests that there should be an audit. She is going to try to find a parent to do it.
New Business:
Capital Pediatrics has agreed to do physicals as required by Western Carolina. They have agreed to absorb costs for scholarship students identified by Mr. Hunter. Chip suggested that maybe it be better if Mr. Hunter is not involved in the scholarship process because of the possibility of parents’ accusations of their child not being treated equally because they owed money or on scholarship. We can dispute with the fact that Mr. Hunter does not know. The Western Carolina Infirmary will be available if needed. We will also have our first aid kit. Nancy McLean wants to know if there is a meeting for parents about off site camp. Terry replied that there will be a chaperone meeting. Pictures for Medical Book can be done before they load the bus. Or we can ask parents to send in picture with the June packet. Debbie suggests inviting parents to chaperone meeting or the August Band Booster meeting.
Judy suggested putting a list of the committee persons in the June packet so people can call if they have questions.
Karin asked where July meeting is going to be. Penny suggested Centennial Middle School. She will get a facility request form.
Old Business:
Nominating Committee has submitted slate of officers.
Doug Reeves– President
Jill Kirby – VP of Operations
Sarah Morrison-Rowe - Secretary
Nancy Brenner – Treasurer
Debbie Hostetter and Lynn Condreay – Ways and Means
David moved to make a motion to accept slate as is. Seconded by Nancy Molin. Vote was unanimous. Slate has been elected.
Marching Band Survey – Barbara Risman developed the survey. Bob Marks worked to summarize the answers. There were numerous suggestions from parents that there be scholarships for students who cannot pay. We need to do a better job to let people know they are available. Doug said that maybe it’s meant to be a statement of support for the current policy instead of suggesting them as a new policy.
Judy had a question about Marching Band dinner. She wonders how our schedule will affect the dinner. Mr. Hunter needs to decide and to pick a date since last night of camp is the day before school starts. He suggests tentatively the 19th which is the night before the car wash.
Motion to adjourn by Nancy Molin and seconded by Terry Wetzel.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45.