FHC Band Boosters Meeting Minutes

September 18, 2008

Kathy Oberlin opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m., welcomed everyone in attendance and introduced the board members.

Kathy started the President’s Report with a review of Past Events.

· Leadership Day: June 24^th, 9a.m. to 3p.m. This went well. This new one-day format included lunch and a speaker and was very effective. Kathy said the kids and the Directors were pleased with this format and we will stick with it next year.

· Band Camp: The kids liked the new schedule and everyone agreed that it worked well. Parents picked the kids up one day early (Thursday) and we had the last day of camp (Friday) at FHC. Mr. D said this was the best Friday so far, in terms of the kids’ performance. We are investigating GVSU for band camp next year to reduce transportation costs.

· Kick-Off: This also went very well. Attendance was up this year—over 1,000.

· UM Leadership Trip: This was a day-trip this year, instead of an overnight. Mr. D and Mr. E took 10 kids to the UM game, Saturday, September 6^th.

· Jim Hill Band Photos: Fly-over photos were taken of the entire band in two formations on September 15^th. Individual photos were on September 16^th. Retakes for individual photos will be taken on September 19^th.

Upcoming Events

• Community Tailgate: September 19. The band will have a tent next to the Rock Wall where parents and student can purchase new band apparel for the first time.

• Knight Time Classic: Saturday, September 27^th from 12:15 – 4:15 at Kenowa Hills High School.

• Patron Letter: A letter will be sent (October 1^st) to alumni, parents of students and other friends of FHC’s band program requesting funds for new instruments.

• Homecoming Parade/Dinner/Game – October 3^rd. The kids don’t have time to go home and eat after the parade and before the game, so we will provide sub sandwiches from Jimmy Johns. Parents can order sandwiches if they wish to stay and eat with their kids. Mr. D also added that the band would be performing Thursday evening before the game at the bonfire/pep rally. Students will wear band t-shirts and jeans.

• Senior Recognition Night – October 17^th. We provide dinner for the band seniors before the last football game.

• Marching Band Banquet: November 6^th.

• Band Trip: The New York Trip was cancelled. Less than 100 students had committed to go. The board sent out an email to all band families requesting input on the importance of trips and whether their child would be interested in going to Toronto instead of New York this fall. Kathy said that the board was still reviewing the responses.

• MSBOA: We will not be attending the MSBOA competition this year. It is scheduled on the first night of Bandtasia – October 14^th. Kathy said we looked at attending competitions elsewhere, however none worked with our schedule.

• Operations Report

Kathy outlined who was in charge of the following:

• Marching uniforms- Carol Shapiro and Teri Allie. Liz Henry is in charge of uniform volunteers.
• Concert Uniforms – Karla Good and Denise Mohr.
• Hospitality – Marching: Michelle and Doug Lee; Concerts: chair still needed.
• Photos – Greg Good
• Video – Steve Stutzman and Mark Logusz

Fundraising Report

• Bandtasia—Chairperson Carole Gillespie said Bandtasia is in “excellent shape.” She needs student volunteers to dress up in costume before the performance. Mr. D will put sign-up sheets in the band room. Pre-order forms for Bandtasia tickets will be available on the website and will be sent home with band students.

• New Band Apparel (Spirit Ware): Band Parent Kim Banks introduced the new band apparel line being produced for us by Reynolds & Sons. Kim was very enthusiastic and gave a wonderful presentation. She had samples and even modeled some of all the items. She explained that this was a one-time offering so students and parents could receive their items by homecoming. Order forms were distributed to parents in attendance and students received a preview of the items during band the following day. Everyone will have an opportunity to order apparel if they stop by the band tent during the Community Tailgate on the 19^th.

• Key Card Sale- the deadline for this fundraiser is September 23^rd.(Sue McKeeby)
• Spring Flower Sale – We sold $680.00 (Andrea Keefer).
• Dominos Pizza Sale - $2,986 in sales. 31 kids participated. (Lisa Shatney)
• Bandtasia Ad Sales – This is going a little slow. Please help and consider advertising in our program! (Deb Glover, Laurie Eck)
• February Artist Series – Judy Bouli and Jody VanThul

Secretary’s Report

The minutes from the last booster meeting were approved.

Communication

• Hotline – Barb Long
• Website – Mike Trus
• Email – Mike DeNuff

Treasurer’s Report – Brad Berkshire

The 2007-08 budget was approved. Brad said he projected a $5,900 excess of revenue over expenses. He said there were no unexpected expenses.

Director’s Report

Mr. D thanked Carole Shapiro and the entire crew of uniform volunteers for the excellent job they did fitting our kids in their new band uniforms. He said he was looking forward to the 8^th graders joining our marching band next Friday at the community tailgate and football game. Lastly, Mr. D reminded parents that kids would need rides to Bandtasia practice at 3p.m. on October 13. Buses are unavailable at that time.

Upcoming Events

September 27 – Knight-time Classic Marching Competition, Kenowa Hills

October 2^nd- Bonfire and Pep Rally

October 3^rd- Homecoming Parade and Game

October 13^th- Bandtasia rehearsal at FAC

October 14^th & 16^th – Bandtasia

October 17^th – Last football game and Senior Recognition

November 6^th – FHC Marching Band Banquet

November 11^th- Next Band Booster Meeting