Enloe Band

Enloe Band Booster Minutes-September 2005

Meeting date: September 8, 2005

Location: Enloe High School Band Room

Attendees:

Laura Jean Becker, Judy Melton, Karin Hess, Lynn Condreay, Alice Zuber, Terry Wetzel, Sara and Drew Morrison-Rowe, Kaye Poole, Penny Werner, Beverly and David Hockenberger, Beth Narron, Debbie Hostetter, Nancy Brenner, Lynn vanDokkum, Deborah McMillan, Penny Vagle, Scott and Jill Kirby, Cynthia and Ryan Rohm, Ruth Bromer, Nancy McLean

Meeting called to order at 7:10 by Doug Reeves

Before we start—Doug wanted to report that he had heard a lot of favorable comments re last Friday night’s game and good parent turnout.

I. Minutes of the August 4, 2005 meeting: No corrections or additions to the minutes for the August meeting. Motion to accept the minutes as issued was made by Karin Hess and seconded by Drew Morrison-Rowe and passed unanimously by the group.

II. Band Director’s Report:

Director’s Report

September 8, 2005

q Each of the concert band classes (Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble) is currently working on individual skills rather than ensemble skills. Each year we begin with a thorough review of the fundamentals of wind and keyboard percussion playing. We started with rhythm, the most basic aspect of music, and moved to scale patterns. We’ll gradually move from 100% individual 0% ensemble to a more appropriate balance in each class. Typically the WE will have a 10/90 balance, the SB will have a 75/25, and the CB will have a 50/50 balance of individual to ensemble focus. It’s most important for me, at this stage, to be sure that all my freshmen have basic skills, while providing the upperclassmen with a good chop conditioning experience after a summer of light playing.

q Our jazz program is alive and well, with a heavy emphasis on improvisation. Right now we’re just working rhythm sections in combos. We’ll add horn players after marching season.

q Band camp at Western Carolina went nearly flawlessly thanks to the efforts of outstanding band parents (especially Kaye Poole and Penny Werner) and a relentless staff. The kids absolutely cherish their memories from camp. Being in such a friendly climate made all the difference on our progress. I’ve spoken with Matt Henley, WCU marching band assistant director, about bringing our band back. He said that there would be no problem with the same week next year. In order to allow next years freshmen to participate in Enloe Flight School next year I would like to schedule camp thusly:

o 8/5/06 (Saturday) 12:00pm Depart Enloe for WCU

o 8/6 Begin rehearsals (Sunday-Friday)

o 8/12 (Saturday) Depart WCU for Enloe (return by 6pm)

This schedule would allow for 6 full days of camp in a good climate then 2 days off (Sunday and Monday). The following week (Tuesday-Friday) we could begin evening camp rather than long days in the Raleigh sun. We would likely hold evening camp for 7-9 evenings (3-5 hours of rehearsal, times TBA).

q The marching band is right on schedule. We’ll perform the entire show tomorrow night. As the season progresses little things will be added/adjusted.

q We will not march in the Raleigh Christmas Parade due to a new policy requiring all Wake County Bands to pay a $50 registration fee. The money is not the issue. It’s a matter of principle. We donate our time, pay for music and transportation. We’re not going to pay the Raleigh Area Merchants Association a fee for the privilege of our sacrifice. I’ve written a letter, as have many WCPSS band directors, and stand ready to perform if the registration fee is waived in a timely manner. We will, however, proudly march in the Veterans Day Parade and perform our concert on the steps of the Capitol if they’ll have us. Also, the banquet can continue as planned for the day of the Raleigh Christmas Parade, 1pm.

q Our Long Ranger portable loudspeaker has two new batteries, but they need to be installed and terminals need to be soldered. Anyone who can do this for the band should give me a call and make arrangements to take Long Ranger home for a day. We have to have it with us on Tuesdays and Thursdays however.

Upcoming Events

September

MB 9 Home football game vs. Jordan; band room 4:30pm, perform 6:45pm

MB 23 Home football game vs. Leesville; band room 5pm, perform 6:45pm

MB 24 Competition @ Scotland HS (itinerary TBA)

Xtra 25 Triangle Wind Ensemble @ Lake Johnson 5:30pm, no charge

October

MB 1 Competition @ Wakefield HS (itinerary TBA)

MB 14 Home football game vs. Broughton; band room 5pm, perform 6:45pm

MB 15 Competition @ J.H. Rose HS (itinerary TBA)

MB 22 Competition @ Sanderson (itinerary TBA)

MB 28 Home football game vs. Sanderson; band room 5pm, perform 6:45pm

MB 29 Competition @ Greenville Central HS (itinerary TBA)

November

MB 11 Veteran’s Day Parade in Raleigh (band room 8:30am) parade 10am

SB, WE Veteran’s Day Concert on steps of Capitol (10:30-1:00)

MB 19 Marching Band Banquet @ Enloe (1pm)

December

MB 2 MB tour to elementary and/or middle school(s), (8am-4pm) pending approval

All 3 Band fruit delivery 8am at Enloe

All 9 Holiday Concert in Enloe auditorium 7pm (arrive 6:15)

Your band director,

Robert C. Hunter

Mr. Hunter elaborated briefly about the decision to not participate in the Raleigh Christmas parade—some parent discussion around this issue. Doug will post a note to the booster group regarding this issue.

Mr. Hunter commented on the student/parent input on off site band camp. He noted the following negatives:

Bus company—went with cheapest price---but was not very happy with the bus company specifically around the quality of the busses. He plans to explore the options more and possibly spend more money the next time we book a long trip.

Home sickness, some is to be expected.

Practical jokes between the staff and the seniors. He said he felt that got somewhat out of control but has been addressed.

Mr. Hunter said that all-in-all he felt it went awesomely well.

Regarding off site-band camp next year. Mr. Hunter outlined his proposal for next year’s time frame of leaving Saturday returning Sunday (one day more than this year) and having no practice the following Monday. Freshmen could then do flight school Monday. Evening practice would then follow until school starts, with no long days practice at school.

A general discussion followed regarding off-site band camp including potential increase cost. Doug noted that we will not make final decisions about next year’s off site band camp tonight; we need to have time to have more substantial discussion around this issue. Nancy asked if we can reserve the desired week at Western Carolina even before we vote with plans to confirm in the next few months. Can we get a verbal commitment without a deposit?

Beth Narron moved to give booster representatives the authority to contact Western Carolina and reserve the desired week for next year with the plan to give final commitment within 60 days. Terry Wetzel seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

Lynn Condreay brought up the issue of transportation costs. Doug mentioned that the boosters have set a precedent by paying for transportation to off site band camp. We may not be in the position to do so next year. Lynn wondered if the transportation costs could be negotiated early. Jill Kirby volunteered that she could ask a couple people to look at all the costs and the impact on fair share. Doug said that he already had plans to that end.

Ruth Bromer suggested reinstituting Rookie camp in the spring and mentioned several benefits. Mr. Hunter said he plans to do so in May.

III. Off-Site Band Camp—Penny Werner and Kaye Poole want to encourage all parents and students to email comments re off-site band camp to help plan next year. They will look at all comments. Doug mentioned that it really was an incredible and responsible group of students! Mr. Hunter echoed those sentiments.

IV. On-Site Band Camp—Terry Wetzel said they spent $700 of the $1000 budgeted. If we don’t do an all-day band camp day we would not be spending those monies. Terry moved to use the $300 extra towards lunch for 1st competition. The motion was seconded by Beverly Hockenberger and passed by the group. Terry also commented that the Gator worked great for band camp!

V. Fair Share Report—Karin Hess said that everybody has paid for band camp. She mentioned the Classroom fair share of $75 (not to be confused with marching band fair-share) due by the end of the academic year. Notices of this fair share were handed out in class and should have been brought home by the students. (They were not mailed). This notice will be posted on the yahoo site. This classroom fair share allows the boosters to provide a substantial number of benefits not covered by other funding sources. For example: support for instrument repair, competitions, festivals, clinicians, sheet music, etc. Lynn VanDokkum pointed out the possibility of applying for PTSA teacher grant money—applications are most likely due in soon. There was some discussion around this. Lynn will follow up on this and get the grant information to Mr. Hunter.

VI. Operations Report: Jill Kirby

Food for marching band for games and competitions—thanks to Judy Melton lots of people to help. Beverly Hockenberger lining up food for after class rehearsals
Washing Nathans—Jill has organized a way to get this done at school, they will wash Nathans this Friday.
Food for Fridays for rehearsals after school on game days. Jill pointed out lots of reasons why this is a good idea, getting home and then getting back to school on home football game nights is a real logistical problem for many families, it promotes camaraderie, discourages students from driving off campus, etc. The boosters should consider funding this for many reasons. Currently meals have been funded through private donations. There was some discussion around the time to eat for this Friday’s game day and it was decided that 4:30 was the best time. Could watch tape of DCI finals. Pizza only cost $75 last time but this time the estimate is $150 due to many more kids. Nancy Brenner asked if sales of things like megaphones and cushions could be used to cover these type meals. Judy Melton moved that the group solicit parents to underwrite (tax deductible) all or part of Friday pre-game meals, if sufficient monies are not collected then the cost should be covered by the boosters up to $150 per game. Beverly Hockenberger seconded the motion. It carried unanimously.
There was a lot of support for the idea of providing a meal for the students after rehearsal and before competition on competition days. Terry Wetzel moved that the Boosters also solicit people to underwrite all or part of a meal for the students on competition days; if sufficient monies are not collected that the boosters cover the remaining expense not to exceed more than $400 for each competition. David Hockenberger seconded the motion. Mr. Hunter clarified that this would not change his competition day schedule. Motion carried unanimously.

Competition schedule: Mr. Hunter explained that the staff had recently received a letter from the superintendent asking everyone to look at their field trip plans and make every effort to conserve fuel. In this light Mr. Hunter has firmed up the competition schedule. See the schedule in the Director’s report.

Nancy Brenner mentioned the advertisement the Boosters put in the Cary Band Day program congratulating our seniors. This ad cost approximately $100. Several parents commented on what a nice gesture that was. Debbie Hostetter moved that the boosters pay for a similar ad this year. Jill Kirby seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Pit Crew--Drew Morrison-Rowe wants to offer everyone in the pit crew the opportunity to sit out one contest so they can what the show from the stands. Contact Drew via email to get on the schedule. Drew also mentioned that he will be ordering additional yellow pit crew shirts. Contact Drew at drewrowe@... if you are participating in pit crew and need a shirt. Reminder—these shirts are for competitions only! They are not to be worn to football games! There was some discussion around the issue of making sound boards for the pit—Mr. Hunter stated that he doesn’t feel they are needed and doesn’t want to pursue at this time.

VII. Ways and Means Report

-Jill Kirby reported that she is looking at some fund raisers for the games—filling cups with candy and peanuts to sell quickly. Mrs. Vagle raised a concern regarding cleaning up peanut shells. Mr. Hunter asked to be notified if that were a problem and he would make sure some students cleaned it up. We do not want this to be a burden on the custodial staff. Doug thanked Jill for coming up with these fundraising ideas.

-Mr. Hunter clarified that the seat cushions are donated, the agreement with the supplier is that he will announce the sponsor at each game.

-Debbie Hostetter reported on the Entertainment coupon book sale, short time frame on that—order deadline is 9/16. Proceeds will be roughly $14 per book.

-Fruit Sale is also going on—she will be sending reminders regarding the October 11 deadline for all orders and monies.

Car wash—Drew reported that the car wash went very well—they took in $1065. This total is slightly less than the last car wash, but it was an incredibly hot day, they washed quite a few especially in the morning—Sam’s will be able to match again next year (they match up to $1000).

Kaye Poole reminds everyone that if they buy the prepaid grocery cards for Food Lion, Lowe’s Foods and/or Kroger and purchase an average of $100 a week; you would earn $240 in a year for your fair share account.

VIII. Treasurer’s report—Nancy Brenner presented the following:

TREASURER’S REPORT

Enloe Band Boosters

September 8, 2005

TRANSITION STATUS:

- All records have been turned over by Mike Johnson, former Treasurer.

- Tax Return for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2005 has been filed

- Need to request a volunteer parent to audit the records in accordance with the Bylaws.

- In process of inputting additional data from records into QuickBooks

FUNDS STATUS:

First Citizens Chckg Acct Balance per QuickBooks as of September 8, 2005:

$ 1,899.32

Monies to be deposited:

Grocery Cards (08/31/05) $ 5,380.00

Fair Share 1,100.00

Car Wash ?

Savings Accounts $ 6,304.02

12- 17 mo fixed rate CD $18,539.84

**Note: 180 day CD was rolled into the Checking Account to cover expenses as of Aug 26, 2005

RECEIPTS/EXPENSE DETAIL:

Marching Band Offsite Camp:

Total Expense to be covered by Student Payments: $22,232.11

Instructors covered by MB general fund 3,300.00

Transportation Expense covered by MB general fund:

Bus: $ 4,371.00

Truck: 1,071.65

5,442.65

Total Cost of Offsite Camp $30,974.76

Marching Band Onsite Camp:

Includes Instructors, meals, & first aid $2,657.97

*Note: MB Dinner from Jason’s Deli came out ahead by $40.80.

General Items:

-Continue working on input of budget to software and updating Budget Accounts for Website.

-Lockbox (Soho type) for Bandroom

-Mailbox now in Enloe West Office for Enloe Band Boosters

-Will begin working on NC Sales Tax Refund requests for 3 prior years now that records are available.

-Rita Goodman Scholarship Fund:

Need to have Steve Ford (former Booster President) request address and contact change from Wells Fargo Investment (formerly Strong Investment)

so that we have current officials on account. We can then decide whether we want to remain with investment firm or change to another Company

-Will prepare request to USPS for Non-profit mailing permit to utilize reduced rates as soon as items above are on track.

IX: Other Business

Doug explained that due to time constraints we would have to skip most of the planned agenda items under other business.

Beth Narron mentioned the issue of freshman morale---she wants to make a more welcoming experience. She emphasized that we need to be mindful of that and to work to keep them motivated. Doug mentioned that we have opportunities as Boosters to look for opportunities to encourage the students.

David Kirby, Drum Major, sent the following statement for inclusion in the minutes:

“I'd like to update everyone on the progress the band is making. It is a lot. This season will far outweigh any other year in importance, accomplishment, and greatness. The season is still young, we have had only one game, but in that one game we have shown so much promise as to the season to come. As of today the band can play and march the entire show tomorrow. We are all pleased with the progress so far, and will continue to get better and better as the season moves along. The first football game was a huge success! Every rookie that had second thoughts about joining marching band did a complete 180 turn, and now can't wait for the next chance to perform in front of an audience. The thrill or performing is a new and exciting experience for all these rookies, and they have really taken to it. The 24th is our first competition, and we are very excited about that."

X. Announcement of Next Meeting and Adjournment

The time and date of the next Band Booster Meeting will be announced via email to the group. The usual second Thursday date of October 13 is a school holiday.