May 13, 2008
Music Boosters Board Meeting Minutes

Submitted by Kathy Cranford, Secretary
Next meeting scheduled for Sept. 9, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.

In Attendance:

Mike Cummins, Pia and Christoph Weber, Carolyn Suazo, Jeanne Hoey, Ellen Goetze, Jan Frost, Isabela Weizman, Malou Rogers, Anastasia Volnova, Cindy Au, Angeli Menta, Nazaré Simas, Teri Simas, Linda Hempsey, Jennifer Ferris, Juan Guapo Ramos, Maria Guapo, Deb and Will Velez, Riess and Jennifer Hasiam, Yusuke Murata, Junko Koike, Kathy LaBelle, Debbie Morris, June Hom, Sakgwan Lee

The meeting began at 6:40 pm.

Welcome new parents:

Mr. Cummins opened the meeting by welcoming everyone. Several new parents of incoming freshman were in attendance. Mike described the music program consisting of six performing groups - color guard, jazz band, marching band, orchestra, choir, and concert band. We are fortunate to have an administration that supports the music program. The Music Boosters would like to have participation and support from all the music ensembles. Many Booster parents are leaving this spring with their graduating seniors, and we need other parents to step up and volunteer so we can continue to have a successful, growing music program.

Mr. Cummins talked about the fall program for the marching band and color guard. There will be packets sent out over the summer that includes information, permission slips, forms for student physicals, etc. Summer marching band camp runs from Monday, August 25th through Friday, August 29th, from 8:00am - 2:00pm. There are CD’s with the fall music pieces available to take home so students can practice over the summer. The grass on the upper field is being upgraded and should be ready in the fall.

Mr. Cummins announced the enrollment so far for choir (30 students), band (68 students), and orchestra (30 students). He is pleased that the music program is growing. He has been talking with Principal Price about a new fall schedule that will allow students to participate in marching band and a fall sport. Beginning band, color guard, and drum core will be period 5th or 6th. Marching band will be 7th period. Mr. Price is supportive of this new schedule. Also, students who participate in marching band do not have to take P.E.

Outgoing President Christoph Weber then spoke about the importance of volunteering and supporting the Music Boosters. It’s very gratifying to help these kids who are very special, talented, and have a great vibe going.

Minutes:

The minutes were reviewed and accepted.

Financials:

Outgoing Treasurer Jan Frost reviewed the current budget. She talked about the fair share donations and reported that approximately 55% of families participated. There was a question regarding fair share donations. Mike explained that all schools have to raise money this way, because schools do not receive enough funds to operate their music programs. Last fall, UCHS requested $250/family for the year (for marching band), and Mike compared this amount to what the Poway school district requests per family - $2500! He explained that it is against the law to charge a student to participate in a class, so alternatively, a fair share donation is requested from each family. The Music Boosters is a tax-exempt organization, so the donations are tax deductible. The financials were approved.

Upcoming events:

Upcoming events are Pop’s Concert on May 29th, Awards Banquet on June 4th, Drum Major tryouts on June 6th, Band performs at Graduation on June 16th.

Color Guard:

Next, Mr. Cummins introduced Color Guard/Pagentry coach, Anastasia, and she was given a heartfelt applause. She has done an amazing job this year, her first as coach. After a wonderful fall season, they continued into the winter season, choreographed their own show, and performed at several high school competitions. At the end of the season Championship, they came in 5th in the County!

CD set:

Mr. Zinser has graciously offered to record the Pop’s Concert (he also recorded the Spring Concert). There will be a double CD for sale for $15 at the end of the school year. Proceeds go to the Music Boosters.

Board positions:

There are still two positions open for next school year: Uniform Manager and Transportation Coordinator. We would greatly appreciate your help in these areas which only require help during the fall marching band season (not year round).

Ellen has volunteered to coordinate the bake sales and e-script next year. Thank you!

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.