Band Booster Meeting Highlights from September 21, 2015

From Mr. Townsend:

• Fan Support: The Marching Terriers have been really excited by the reception from our band parents and supporters as they enter and exit the field of competition.  We have had a good turn-out that has been very enthusiastic and the kids love feelin' the love!  Please continue to cheer us on!
• Home Game Tickets:  There have been some changes to the gate procedures getting into Bleyer Field and the school has asked that all of the band volunteers have a ticket to get into the gates.  The band has been issued enough tickets to cover the Pit Crew and Fundraising volunteers.  Volunteers: Please stop by the band room on your way to the field and pick up your Game Ticket.
• District Tryouts:  District Band tryouts are coming up Monday, October 12, 2015; on the Labor Day long weekend.  There are 14 students auditioning for concert, 6 for jazz band.  All of them have what it takes to get into a district band.  Good Luck!!
• We will staff for ILMEA District Festival souvenir stand on November, 7, 2015.  This is an opportunity for some fundraising for the students.  There are a limited number of shifts, but a band student can earn $10/hr. to work off Student Account debt and add to their available Student Account funds.  You can check your student's current account here.
• Podium:  We've been considering getting a new podium as the old one is difficult to move. This may not be the issue that it once was; Ray Maring has been volunteering his time and expertise and adding/changing the wheels on our mobile equipment.  Thanks, Mr. Maring!
• Schedule:  Mr. T noted that our very busy season continues.  

• The Marching Terriers have completed 2 contests so far this year.  The competition has been stiff, and we haven't seen the trophies that we would like, but we have broken box 4 within those 2 competitions.
• We have added the Newton Marching Classic to the schedule on October 10, 2015. It is the same day as the Marching Maroons Band Festival in Robinson.  The shows are about 30 minutes drive from one another.  Newton has a morning schedule, Robinson and afternoon schedule, so we are simply extending the day a bit.  We've done this combination of competitions before, so this is not an unwelcome addition or unexpected work.  There were simply some scheduling issues on the part of the Newton organizers, but they reached out to us to ensure we could come.
• Music in Motion is a concern, but we're still looking forward to the competition.  It's still on the schedule, but SIU seems to be having some scheduling issues of their own.  This is a wait-and-see; we are hoping the contest is going ahead, but if it's cancelled then we will not reschedule for the weekend, we'll be done for the season. 

• Thanks: Mr. Townsend gave a special thanks to Kathie Rigney for making sure that the kids were fed as they were heading to competitions this year.  Also, by way of making a gesture of appreciation, Mr. T asked that the Band Boosters cover a vehicle expense that was incurred by a volunteer on the O'Fallon trip; the Boosters agreed to cover the expense as it was directly related to the performance.

Band Truck and Trailer:
Carol Eaton Brandenburg has followed up on some maintenance issues that have been discovered in getting our band to competitions.

• There have been some repairs totaling about $2500 that the school will cover.  There may be more as we explore an issue with the trailer's tail light.
• The vehicles have been professionally waxed, at a discount, to protect their finishes.  As a gesture to the school, the Band Boosters are covering the expense and demonstrate that we are good and considerate custodians of school property.  Plus, they look pretty.  And shiny.
• The interior electrical wiring has been wrapped and secured to keep the system working and avoid hazard to the loading crew and equipment.
• Carol detailed the interior of the truck by hand.  Thank you, Carol!

• We need drivers for upcoming events!  Specifically, we need someone to drive the truck on October 10, 2015 to the Robinson & Newton shows.

2nd Fall Apparel Order:
Our Booster President, Carol Eaton Brandenburg, received a number of requests for another opportunity to buy CTM apparel.  She put together an order form, got it distributed, and received about $2000 in placed orders.  They are expected to come in Friday, October 2, 2015 just in time for the cooler marching events.

Committees, Events, and Fundraising:

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

• Pit Crew: Sherry Jones reported that we've got some solid volunteers for the next out of town trips.  There are some openings for Home Games; please ask Sherry if she could use a hand when you come for the game.
• Apparel/Uniforms: Deirdre Stokes reported things are good.
• Program Advertisements: Toni Intavaia reported that she's found several program sponsors.
• Cookie Dough: Mr. Townsend asks that the Cookie/Pretzel orders be picked up between 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm on Wednesday.  Students have band last period and can be signed out early and take orders to vehicles before the rush to get out at 3:00 pm.  If you can't make the pickup, please call or email Mr. Townsend to schedule another pickup time.
• Picnic/Tailgate:  Leigh Kristiansen did a great job getting the Cookout to be an unprecedented success!  The day got crazy with the spot shower moving things around, but everybody got fed and we were able to meet many new faces.
• 50/50 Raffle: There will be a raffle this Friday at the home game.  We made $191 last game.
• Fruit & Poinsettia: Susan Pimentel is organizing.  More info to come out soon.
• Christmas Tree: The order for the trees has been made and the Boosters took a vote to approve the $1000 deposit on the order, which will be made by the Treasurer. We need a volunteer to donate the use of a generator for the lot; more details to come on the minimum size requirement. But, if you think you've got something email Webmaster@MarchingTerriers.com and I'll forward you on to Andrew and Jeanne Wood.
• Quatro's: We'll be selling more $10 gift certificates at the game on Friday.  Sold $200 last game; largely to the Athletic Boosters who also have $10 certificates to other area restaurants including Tres Hombres.  Check them out at their apparel booth just inside the gate!
• Larry's House of Cakes: We'll be selling more $10 gift certificates at the game on Friday. Sold $140; see above.
• Trivia Night: The Trivia Night committee will be meeting with Carol Eaton Brandenburg and Kathie Rigney to discuss what was done last year to organize and support this year's organization.  The committee also reported that sites have been explored and a date in late Feb looks like it won't have major conflicts with known community or school events.
• Web Page: Catherine Keene changed the look of the website and blog to be in line with the Black and White school colors.  The change has been approved.  Also, there are many photos in the album thanks to Jonathan Springer and Jackie Feather.  Everything is pretty much up to date, with updates to come.  The renewal with our web host, FatCow was approved and the check will be sent by the Treasurer on Tuesday.

Booster Business:

• Vice President:  Kathie Rigney is continuing work with the volunteer coordination and snack/food distribution for our events.  The new hat boxes have come in, been labeled, and are in use with many happy students making positive comments and an effort to thank her.   
• Secretary:  Amy Weber could not make the meeting.  Deidre Davis stepped up and took the minutes.  We'll approve the August and September minutes at the next meeting. View the draft minutes of the August meeting here.
• Treasuerer: Debbie Meador updated the Student Accounts last weekend.  They are available on the website and here.  Kroger (about $500) came in just after, and will be included in the next report.  Debbie reported that we have about $40, 000 (much of that is the Student Accounts); there are major expenses that are budgeted for, so the available amount is somewhat less, but we're in pretty good shape if fundraising continues.
• National Booster Club Training Council:  Carol Eaton Brandenburg and other members of the Executive council have participated in phone calls with our NBCTC advisory contact. He has been working to understand our organization's specific needs, fielded our questions, and offered some solid working advice.  Our President feels that the investment in membership with the Booster support organization is going to benefit us beyond the lower insurance costs that we joined to receive.