November 13, 2007
Music Boosters Board Meeting Minutes

Submitted by Kathy Cranford, Secretary
Next meeting scheduled for December 11, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.

In Attendance:

Mike Cummins, Christoph Weber, Pia Weber, Jan Frost, Christina Deckard Malou Rogers, Carolyn Suazo, Maria and Jim Raley, Jeanne Hoey, Karin Walin, Isabela Weizman, Bonnie MacRitchie, Anastasia, Cindy, Angeli, Kathy Cranford

The meeting began at 6:40 pm.

Announcements:

Mr. Cummins opened the meeting by announcing some great news. Both the color guard and marching band placed first in their division at the Mira Mesa field show competition! At the Vista High School competition, the color guard again placed first and the marching band placed third in their division. This Saturday is the Ramona High School competition in Riverside. Mr. Cummins gave us the time schedule for the day.

There has been a date change for the Holiday Concert to Thursday, December 20th. Call time for the students is 6:00 pm., and the performance begins at 7:00 pm.

The orchestra is making a trip to Foster Elementary School this Thursday to perform.

Mr. Cummins announced that the music department has received some money from Governor Schwarzenegger. Mr. Cummins has purchased sheet music for the jazz band, orchestra, and choir. Also purchased were 2 conductor systems, one for the band room and one for the choir room. In addition, several instruments were ordered including 2 cellos, 2 amplifiers (portable systems), 2 baritone horns, a string bass, electric guitar, jazz guitar, drum hardware pack, flugal horn, keyboard synthesizer, xylophone, 4 violins, and concert bells. The amount of the grant is approximately $26,000. These items were purchased through the district.

Nilantha Sirisoma took some pictures at the competition last week. We are trying to get them submitted to the Scroll, and the deadline is Friday. Malou and Jeanne also sent out some pictures via e-mail to the parents.

The minutes from the last meeting on October 9th were accepted.

Financials:

Jan passed out handouts of the latest financial report. There was a suggestion by Karin that we provide another snack in addition to lunch for the Riverside field show since we will be there a long time and returning after dark. Nilantha and Asoka offered to put a snack together for the kids. Because of the longer time spent at field show competitions this year, it was proposed to increase the food budget to $1000. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Jan reported about 50% of families have participated in contributing their fair share donations. Mr. Cummins reviewed the cost of the school buses needed for the field season. The financials were approved.

Fund Raising:

Carolyn reported the Entertainment Book Fundraiser was a success. We sold 50 books and the Music Boosters made $400.

Isabela had an idea for a fundraiser, selling Jack In The Box coupon books. This fundraiser would work like the one for the Entertainment Books, where the students would sell the coupon books to friends, family, etc. but not on campus.

We discussed the Jack In The Box taste testing fundraiser which we did last year in conjunction with Standley Middle School. It was a great success and each school received $2000. Carolyn volunteered to check into doing this fundraiser again this year.

As usual, we will be having a Bake Sale at the Holiday Concert. All contributions are welcome.

Rising Star Band:

We need to form a committee to organize this event. First we need to figure out some possible dates. February/March timeframe was suggested, and a Friday or Saturday night would be preferable. This will be a fundraiser for the music program, and we will sell tickets to their performance. Mr. Cummins said he will contact them and check what dates they have available during those months.

EduCate:

Jeanne gave an update on the EduCate grants. There is an early grant deadline coming up, and it was suggested that we ask for sheet music and cabinets in which to file the sheet music. Jeanne also informed us about a CD sale sponsored by the radio station 98.1FM. If we want to write a grant, it should include specifics about what we want (e.g. cabinets for sheet music). Other items that could be requested include winter color guard competition fees as well as new flags, sabers, and rifles.

Other Business:

Bonnie reported on the “Buy for Charity” website. It was suggested that Malou send out an e-mail to parents with the information. There was definitely interest in signing up our group on this website.

The e-script coordinator is Ellen Goetze, and her e-mail address is: Lnormg67@yahoo.com.

Carolyn has inquired about tax exempt status for the Music Boosters with the Centurion Foundation but has not received information back yet. Pia offered to contact the previous Music Booster President (Donna) and see if she has any information about obtaining tax exempt status. Jan suggested checking with our e-script account since they would possibly have our organization’s number.

Color Guard:

Anastasia, our color guard coordinator, gave us an update about what items the girls would need for the winter guard competition season. It was estimated there will be 15 girls in winter color guard, and the cost per girl is about $120 which will be needed to purchase poles, rifles, sabers, and material to sew their own silk flags. Any correspondence can be directed to: UCHScolorguard@hotmail.com.

Victory Party:

Drum Major Cindy and Assistant Drum Major Angeli led a discussion about the party they are going to provide for the marching band. They put it in writing early in the school year that they would throw a party if the band placed first in their division at a competition. Not only did the band do this once……they did it twice! Cindy and Angeli asked if a parent(s) in the University City area would host the party at their house. Malou offered to send out an e-mail to ask parents about this, and Karin suggested having the party at Giovanni’s or Round Table.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm.