Band Booster Meeting Highlights from August 17, 2015

Apologies!  It's been a busier than expected for the webmaster.  This is the summary of the 1st meeting the Band Booster had, which was last month.

From Mr. Townsend:

• Parents:  Mr. Townsend thanked the parents and the boosters for their help with band camp.
• Students:  The kids this year have already shown that they are a very hard-working and dedicated group.  He's very proud of them already!
• Trophy Case: There's a new, temporary trophy case in the hall outside the band room.  Take a look!  A permanent trophy case is being built for the band trophies.
• Shryock Concert:  Details of the Sept. 2, 2015 concert at Shryock with the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Luxembourg were announced. Mr. T also asked for more host families.
• Pictures:  Mr. T gave out some information about the addition of the Band in the Sports section of the yearbook this year, something that hasn't been done in a very long time.  The seniors will get their photos in gear, just like the athletes.  It's a great nod from the administration about the importance of our music program! 
• New Pyware:  Mr. T is working with the new Pyware.  It's available ($2.99) for the students with iPads and iPhones.  Does QR and is able to follow an individuals field position.
• Football Practice Field:  There have been some field conflicts to get time on the practice field.  They have been resolved, with the support of the football coach.  Another field will be lined for practice.
• New Football Coach:  New coach has great ideas for making H.S. football more of a community event in Carbondale.  Also wants to involve the football team and band in more personal interaction.  Sounds fun.
• Schedule:  Mr. T noted that we have a very busy season ahead of us; that is what the students wanted.  When they were given options about the performances, they eagerly stepped up and made commitments to attend as many of the events as they could.  Schedules to to be sent out to the parents/supporters, posted on the website, and added to the calendar. ((Done.))  Also, there is no plan for a big trip this year, we usually do one every 2 years.  This is a Spring Musical year; they do every 2 years as well.

Committees:
We took some time to describe the committees and get the committee chairs set up for our various fundraisers, events, and committees. It's the big organizational task of every year, and it's at the core of what the Band Boosters do.  We still are looking for volunteers and help; many hands make light work. Organizing was quick, given the task.  Thank you Madam President!

• Volunteer Coordinator: Kathie Rigney (VP@MarchingTerriers.com); she will be happy to assist anyone who would like to help out.

• Pit Crew: Sherry Jones chair; Deidre Davis and Dave Stoecker agreed to help out.
• Apparel/Uniforms: Deirdre Stokes; we're looking for more parents that can (learn to) fit and sew.  Volunteers needed to label hat boxes when they come in.
• Program Advertisements: Toni Intavaia.
• Cookie Dough: Mr. Townsend. ((Sale is done, held in Aug.))
• Picnic/Tailgate:  Leigh Kristiansen
• 50/50 Raffle: Sarah Kroenlein.
• Fruit & Poinsettia: Susan Pimentel.
• Christmas Tree: Andrew and Jeanne Wood; they have found underclassmen parents to pass the baton to as this is their last year.
• Quatro's: Susan Pimentel. 
• Larry's House of Cakes: No specific takers; our President is simply handling it until someone steps up.
• Trivia Night: Alaina Byrum and Jenny Meredith agreed to co-chair this event, with help from members who have worked on previous ones.
• Band Banquet:  No-one was ready to take this on.  If organizing this big spring event is something you can step up to do, please contact Kathie Rigney.  Make her day.
• Web Page: Catherine Keene and Sharri Biggs.
• Finance Committee:  Seniors-Dave Stoecker, Juniors-Susan Pimentel, Sophomores-Catherine Keene, Freshmen-Deidre Davis

Events and Fundraising:

• Band Camp:  Total success.  Kathie Rigney thanked everyone who brought food and volunteered.  The school provided sack lunches and cooked meals.
• Quatro's and Larry's House of Cakes gift certificates: Upcoming Quatro’s Days are October 27, February 2, and April 5.  There was a suggestion to sell the gift cards at a table during football games. Mr. T will check.

Booster Business:

• Secretary:  View minutes of the May meeting here, View the draft minutes of the August meeting here.
• Treasuerer: Passed out the current Profit-Loss, and had a comparison handout with last year, too.  There was a lot of discussion, some random questions, and everything was answered with ease; most if it right there in the handouts.  Statements where mailed out to band families with balances due in their Student Accounts.  Easy payment arrangements and good-faith payments to reduce balances are some of the solutions offered.
• Finance Committee: Met back in May for an audit; everything was good.
• National Booster Club Training Council:  More progress with the Insurance has been made. Carol Eaton Brandenburg is following up on the last of the paperwork.  To make sure that we are bonded, we need to have a non-executive council person make monthly checks of the books.  Susan Pimentel has been instrumental in getting what exactly needs to be done, and when, sorted out.

Final Notes:

I noted was that everyone who has been working as a part of or with the Band Boosters, Volunteer Parents, and Supporters are very grateful for the efforts put in by others.  There were thanks from every officer, specific and general, throughout the meeting.  Mr. Townsend thanked everybody repeatedly.  This is an organization that is aware of it's blessings and thankful for them.

Susan Pimentel made a point to thank Mr. Townsend for allowing students to join concert band in the spring, even when they don't march in the fall.  She noted that this openness and willingness to allow music students to pursue their other interests is not available in other area schools.  Mr. Townsend responded that he believes he can't teach if the kids aren't allowed to be there and thank you.