GENERAL MEETING NOTES

September 12, 2005

Music Booster Meeting:

Luann Van Haren welcomed everyone to the New Year. An introduction of the choir and orchestra Chairperson’s followed. She explained the different fundraisers being held this year.

Kelly Hubbard – orchestra chairperson reported the first concert is 10/26 with Eastern High. They are currently working on a “uniform dress” for the group. Their fundraisers are the keycard and patron letters.

Betty Belding – choir chairperson explained Mr. Ivory could not make Monday night meetings. Their first concert is 9/26 with the middle school. They are selling entertainment books and keycards. They are taking a trip to Chicago to see “Wicked” 11/18.

Mr. De Stefano discussed the “uniform” options. Last year the group experimented with girls in all black, their choice as to what could be worn. It did not work out. This year he would like to see the girls in knee length or lower skirts or black pants with a choice of 3 pre-selected shirts or blouses to choose from. Boys would be in tuxes that the school owned. A discussion of concerns and questions followed. We were shown possible samples. It was decided Judy Cisler and Kelly Hubbard would go shopping, possibly with some of the students, to pick 3 choices of shirts and 1 pair of pants. A post card explaining the “uniform” will be sent home. Student account money can be used to purchase the items. The boys will possibly pay a rental fee for the tuxes. If a child is “hard to fit” the directors will have the discretion to allow another outfit.

BAND BOOSTER MEETING NOTES

September 12, 2005

Luann introduced the executive board.

Secretary’s Report (Sue Perry) Minutes from the last meeting on April 19, 2005 were available to review. The minutes were approved and will be available on the FHC band website (April minutes).

Presidents Report (LuAnn Van Haren) explained the purpose of the band boosters is to promote the band. We also publicize to our parents and community. We foster community with the Tailgate parties. Our goal is to improve communication. Barb Long is the hotline chair, Dave Dunakin is the website chair and Kathy Oberlin is the E-Mail chair. We provide chaperones, uniforms, half time and concert snacks, take and display pictures and raise money. Belonging to boosters is a great way to know parents. Thanks were given to:

Photos can be taken at the community tailgater this Friday if you missed the other opportunity for photos. The band will play at 6:15; call time is 5:15. Be sure to save seats on the bleachers.

Homecoming is Sept 30th. The parade is at 4:30. Call time and drop off location is still to be determined due to the new route the parade is taking.

Oct 7th is the Freshman/Sophomore tailgate party; Oct 21st is the Junior/Senior party. It will be held outside the cafeteria. Bring your dinner and blankets.

Help is needed for the Senior Recognition Night Oct 21st to send out letters and give out flowers. LuAnn would prefer a junior parent.

8 chaperones are needed for the MSBOA competition Oct 11th. We will go to either East Kentwood or Wyoming Park. Uniform help is also needed.

VP Fundraising Report (Kathy Oberlin) reported we have two targets. One is for the kids and the other is for the entire band. SCRIP is a fundraiser where you purchase gift cards and a percentage of your purchase price goes into the students account. Orders are taken once a month and distributed the following week. Participating SCRIP providers are listed on the website. If you lose your order form it is available at GLSCRIP.com. You need to sign a release as to who can pick up your order. Individual SCRIP accounts are posted in the band room.

E-SCRIP is available at Forest Hills Foods and Meijer where a percentage of your purchase price goes into your account.

Keycards & Stickers give 50/50 to your account/band.

The entire band benefits from D&W sales days, survival kits ($500.00), sticker/decal sales ($1,000) (there are still many students that have not turned theirs in), Keycard sales are due on Wednesday. Return cans will be matched by an anonymous donor and are due on Friday. Ad sales make one half of the entire proceeds to the band. See Kathy for an ad sales packet to bring to your favorite businesses.

It was announced that we cannot sell apparel and other goodies at the community tailgater. A meeting between Mr. Destefano, Mr. Urquart, Mr. Udell and an athletic booster rep will be Wednesday to discuss this further.

Treasurer's Report (Tom Cisler) reported band camp should be a breakeven event with the $285.00 participation fee.

He suggested we approve the budget adding $200.00 each for concession sales and survival kits. Bandtasia will need a better breakdown of tickets sales, concessions and ad sales. This was seconded by Kim Pearson and approved.

He discussed the need to start planning for large tickets items coming in the next few years. Examples are uniforms, currently 8 years old that will need to be replaced in 4-5 years at a cost of approximately $90,000.00; Drums, in about 3-4 years costing $27,000.00 and euphoniums and sousaphones costing approximately $3,400 and $6,000 a piece.

It was suggested we send home a list of expenses that will be incurred to each band parent to help them with financial planning. A discussion was held concerning a “Pay to Play” fee, uniforms fees, and band camp fees.

Director's Report (John DeStefano) Band Camp was a huge success. The Hotline and Web page is up and running. The “FHC” photo that was taken turned out terrific, make sure you order one. Parent Volunteers are the backbone of our program. More people need to get involved. The students are being reminded about the keycards due on Wednesday, late sticker/decals and pop cans. MSBOA will take busses to and from the competition. The Homecoming parade will be in Clements Mill. All Central Schools are invited. Check the webpage for time and drop off location. Thanks to Mark Oberlin for donating a copier to the band department. He said we have fantastic children and it is more fun for us to be involved than to watch.

Bandtasia (Deb Beio) introduced the steering committee. The theme is “Motown”. She showed us the posters going into schools and businesses this week. Sept. 26th starts ticket sales. All parents should have received pre-order forms. Practice is Friday 10/14 3:30-5:30. No transportation is provided to the FAC. There will be a drawing for 4 free tickets to Bandtasia at the Community Tailgater. Post cards are being distributed at the parade route.

Next Meeting is Tuesday, November 8th at 7:00pm.

Web site: www.fhcbands.com

Hotline: 493-8963

Talk to a director: 493-8717.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Perry, Secretary