Attended by: Patty Mahoney, Jay Labedz, Frank Becker, Tim Yontz, Marlene Tack, Bob McMahon, Janet Schoettler, Richard Mich, Paul Taylor, Jim Ipsen, Jackie Battersby, Karen Kessler, Debbie Stein, Kristi Weyrauch, John Krerowicz, John Whyte
President Mahoney called the meeting to order. Introductions were completed.
President's Message:
Patty expressed gratitude for all of the volunteers this past summer and all of the past years' programming. The Kenosha Band Boosters website is up and running with a link from the Kenosha Unified School District website. Patty indicated goals for the upcoming year include membership, and specifically active members, as well as re-writing the Booster guidelines.
Approval of Minutes:
Meeting minutes from 6/28/05 were reviewed. A motion was approved to accept the minutes as written.
School Reports:
DOL: Mr. Ipsen indicated that there are 22 students in the grade 6 - 8 band. 10 new 5th grade students are beginning. Things are going well.
Lance: Ms. Ripley is the new director at Lance and things are reportedly going well there.
Lincoln: Ms. Blanchett sent an email. They are off to a good start with 125 musicians. 18 jazz band participants. They plan a trip to Minneapolis. New uniforms will be purchased.
Mahone: Ms. Weyrauch indicated that they have 160 musicians. Their Symphonic band will perform at the Wisconsin State Music Educators Convention. The band has received great support on this endeavor from the Fine Arts, PTA, staff clinicians, and private lesson teachers. Dr. Yontz will guest conduct. Mahone has a great bunch of 6th grade students. Kristi thanked Karl Mueller for lending a vibraphone to Mahone.
McKinley: Frank Becker noted that things are going well. Jazz band has started.
Bradford: Mr. Taylor noted that everything is new this year even after many years of teaching. Over 200 musicians are participating in 3 bands. Jazz I started up; another jazz band will start soon.
ITA: Per Dr. Yontz the number of band participants has doubled to approximately 45 musicians. They continue to rehearse on the Mahone auditorium stage.
Tremper: Mr. Covelli has jazz band rehearsal the same evening as the Booster meeting. They have 4 jazz bands and may have 2 combos. Mr. Wiele is giving more lessons to fill the gap made by Mr. Hemkes' illness.
Continued below...
Kenosha Band Boosters, Inc.
Supporting Kenosha, Wis. Unified School District music programs.
Continued from above...
Elementary: Mr. Whyte noted that they finished the placement meetings the night before. The number of students is not yet known. He guesses that there will probably be 500 or so students, which is up about 5 to 10 %. They have had 2 meetings at Reuther with break out sessions. There is a fully instrumented beginner band at Stocker. Dr. Yontz noted that he is proud of the elementary directors and has seen great improvement in the program; he notes that the introduction to instruments runs for 3 days from 8 am to 8 pm. Appointments are set. In spite of the long days, the directors remain cheerful, positive and encouraging toward all of the students.
District: Dr. Yontz stated that a goal is to facilitate recruitment. He tries to support staff in any way possible. Preliminary Band-O-Rama planning is started. There was some concern about the new flooring in the Bradford field house, but rubber caps were placed on all of the folding chairs.
Financial Report:
Profits from the Ice Cream Social and Festival of Arts and Flowers were reviewed. Truck maintenance in the amount of $1,132.21 was due to an unanticipated repair. Jeff Verzal memorial was added as a new asset line item.
Black Watch balance is negative. This is due to fewer students participating. Marlene Tack explained that the directors need to estimate costs and when there are fewer students than expected, the costs can run higher. Continental Band also shows a negative balance. However, a refund was received from Noah's Ark as well as another check which will probably eliminate that deficit.
John Whyte asked about estimates for summer bands. He questioned whether the costs could be posted after the number of participants is known. There was discussion and it was noted that parents want to know costs up front in order to determine whether their child will participate.
Marlene noted that she has a computer that belongs to the Boosters. She will pass that along to Bob McMahon. She noted that the printer does not work. A new printer is not necessary since the McMahons have a printer and several people at the meeting offered to donate printers.
It was noted that the proceeds from the Festival of Arts and Flowers may be lower this year because Rambler band was not performing and the weather was very hot. Next year, hopefully, the weather will be better and the advanced string students will be added to the program.
The clothing sale is negative $604 dollars because there is still inventory to sell. Patty will check with Sue Mack regarding the inventory and the possibility of placing re-orders. This conversation will take place before John Krerowicz re-posts the order form on the website. It was suggested that people place orders directly from Sue via the website, if possible.
Patty noted that historically the money left over from summer bands has been divided in half, with half returning to the Booster General fund and half remaining as a line item for the summer band. The General fund was then used to make up deficits for the summer bands. It was recommended that this procedure be changed. It was recommended that the excess from summer bands be placed in a "Summer Reserve Fund separate from the Boosters General fund. It was further noted that this year's Black Watch deficit will be covered by the General Fund. The truck repair will be covered by the truck fund. Patty recommended that guidelines be developed for some of the fund categories.
There was some discussion about the Howard Dunham fund. It was noted that this fund was originally set up to be used for start up instruments for low-income elementary students.
The Boosters expressed verbal thanks to Marlene Tack for her years of faithful service as Treasurer.
The Boosters bank accounts will now be moved to Johnson Bank as was previously discussed.
A motion carried to accept the Financial Report.
Summer Bands:
KL: Mr. Whyte noted that they performed well at Ice Cream Social.
Continental: Ms. Blanchett sent an email. She noted that directing the band was a great experience for her and she thanked the Boosters and volunteers for their support. The Continental equipment is being stored at Mahone. Michelle noted she would be happy to direct the band again. Frank Becker commented about how much fun students and volunteers had this past summer.
Rambler: Ms. Weyrauch noted that Rambler band had a very successful summer. They had 127 participants. Kristi and Matt Garza team taught and this worked out well. They had 28 percussionists so they utilized much of the district equipment.
Black Watch: no report
General Discussion: There was some discussion about whether statistics are available on the number of students who participate in both junior and senior high summer bands, i.e. what percentage of kids continue into senior high summer band. It was suggested that the Boosters take a look at the goals for the organization as well as the goals of staff, parents and students. This data may be collected through questionnaire format. Perhaps the senior program is cost prohibitive. There was a comment about the cost of trips and that some of the senior high youth choose not to participate in the trip. A parent noted that the Rambler students really missed having the opportunity to attend a residential band camp. A comment was also made about senior high youth not participating because of summer jobs. There was also brief discussion about the program no longer including field drill. However, it was also noted that if the program included field drill then the emphasis is no longer on concert music and this is a time and focus/direction programmatic issue.
Ice Cream Social:
The ICS went well. A new electrician was used. Patty noted that it would be a good idea to keep better records since each year we need to determine the contact people. She also noted that the Boosters may need to invest in a newer, safer lighting system.
A parent commented about the difficulty with being able to see the students while they were performing. However, it was also noted that the change in the set-up greatly improved the traffic flow at the event.
Boosters will check on the possibility of changing the venue. The Kemper Center concerns include the lighting/electrical system as well as the large tree that drops staining berries on the previous site of the concert band "stage" area. Dr. Yontz will check with Karen Curran to determine if the application has been sent for next year. Patty will check on alternate sites including the Harbor Park area.
The recognition of Senior students and presentation of gifts to them at the ICS was well received.
Festival of Arts and Flowers:
As noted earlier, the day was very hot. A lot of drinks were sold but not much food. The temperature was 103 degrees. Volunteers were great, profit low. Performances had to be cut short due to the heat. The storytellers did a good job of filling in the gaps. Dr. Yontz thanked the Boosters.
Clothing Sale:
Patty will follow up with Sue Mack
Reuther Room:
The Rambler and Continental equipment is now staying in storage at Mahone. This creates an ideal time for cleaning out the storage area at Reuther. There is still an Eagle scout that may make wheeling racks.
Website:
John Krerowicz continues as Booster webmaster. The site looks good and is now linked to the KUSD website under "students and parents." Chad N., the webmaster for KUSD has asked for summer band photos that he can post on the KUSD site during the summer months. Boosters received some misleading solicitation asking for $50.00 for the site to be included on a search engine. John requested $25.00 from the Boosters to pay the fee for the website this next year. John noted he has sent press releases about the website to local radio and newspapers. He encourages all Boosters to submit photos for the website.
Presentation of Gifts:
Boosters received a $25.00 donation. $750.00 was also received from the City of Kenosha as a payment for the concert performed at the bandshell this summer.
Budget 2005-2006:
The budget will be ready for presentation at the October meeting.
Painting the Truck:
Rich Mich presented some ideas about re-painting the Black Watch truck and updating it to include the new Black Watch logo. He obtained estimates as follows: $1,980.00 for vinyl graphic on both sides of the trailer, plus approximately $250.00 for paint. The Boosters would need to get the truck ready for painting by sanding down the old paint and logo. A suggestion was made to check with the Bradford automotive department. Another suggestion was made to check with Jay Bee Auto which is owned by the Tom Brand family, former band chaperones/volunteers. Yet another suggestion was made to check with the Harley Davidson company for a corporate donation or utilization of their art department. Kristi volunteered to contact Al Sabo and ask that he speak with Tom Brand. More information will be gathered and this item will be discussed again in October.
Winter Drum Line:
Mr. Taylor explained the concept of Winter Drum Line to the attendees. He noted that it is similar to an indoor marching band without brass and woodwinds. They include battery percussion and pit equipment and generally perform on gymnasium floors. There is competition available. A Winter Drum Line would provide another activity for drummers, encourage their playing and advance their skill. It is noted that most bands have more percussionists than the music calls for. This activity would be open to all students in the district.
Start up costs were noted to be approximately $8,000.00 for a standard/basic battery percussion set. Pit equipment could be KUSD equipment already owned by Bradford. Another expense is the cost of having the show written. Mr. Taylor has arranged to obtain a show for $1,500.00. He has also talked with 3 instructors who are interested and will "work cheaply." He asked the Boosters for permission to use the summer band percussion to get the program going. He anticipates the possibility of future transportation costs and some other possible start-up costs. He expects that the ensemble may be able to enter competition by November 2006. He expects the group to rehearse at Bradford. The persons noted to be interested in teaching/directing are Mark Esch, Charlie Short, and Joe Andreolli. They all come with impressive credentials.
Dr. Yontz presented noted concerns:
1. Equipment wear and tear. Who will pay for the maintenance? Paul noted that he will assure that the equipment will be in good or better condition.
2. Eligibility? All High school students may try out.
3. Conflict with other activities? It is impossible to avoid all activities. They will look for the best rehearsal time for the most students.
4. Is this a ploy to get students to join Lighthouse Brigade? Paul notes he has been involved with LB in the past. However, he will not be continuing with the group because of his new position at Bradford. He does not see the Drum Line as a conflict of interest.
5. Will this impact Black Watch participation? A negative impact is not anticipated. It is possible that this winter program will have a positive impact on students enthusiasm and participation.
Further discussion included the clarification that the summer band equipment has been recommended for gifting to the KUSD. However, the equipment currently stored on the Black Watch truck is "in limbo" for insurance purposes since it travels. As of this meeting that equipment belongs to the Kenosha Band Boosters.
A motion unanimously carried that the proposed Drum Line program be allowed to use any summer band equipment from October until the start of the summer band program with the stipulation that the equipment returns in same or better contition.
Discussion continued with the Boosters asking Mr. Taylor about financial support for the Drum Line program. He noted that approximately $3,000.00 will be needed for teachers and supply costs. It is possible that the participants will pay a fee and/or have fundraisers. A motion carried that the Boosters look at financially supporting the Drum Line program. Paul will contact Bob McMahon with a proposal before the Booster annual budget is developed.
Support Mahone Band:
It is an honor for the Mahone Band to be invited to perform for the State Music Teachers Convention and Dr. Yontz will be directing at that convention. The Boosters would like to support this endeavor. Kristi noted that money is needed for hotel, food, and a possible party or reception for students and the families traveling up for the event.
There was some discussion about precedent. It was noted that the only precedent is that the KUSD has paid for busing for similar invitational events.
A motion carried for the Boosters to donate $250.00 to Mahone to support the State Music Convention invitational trip.
Fruit Sale:
The sale begins November 7th and ends November 21st. Orders are due to Dennis Metallo by 11/25/05. The fruit will be distributed December 10th and 11th at the Old Bain School. Order envelopes will be given to students who want to participate. The Fine Arts department will provide a spread sheet to the band directors and the database will be compiled by the Fine Arts staff.
Profit from the fruit sale goes toward prizes, 5% is given to the selling school, and the remainder goes to the Boosters general fund. It was recommended that these allocations remain the same.
A band chairperson is needed for the Fruit sale.
Election:
A motion carried to install Bob McMahon as treasurer of the Kenosha Band Boosters for the term 10/1/05 through 9/30/06.
Other agenda items were dropped due to the length of the meeting.
Next meeting October 25, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting adjourned.
Elementary: Mr. Whyte noted that they finished the placement meetings the night before. The number of students is not yet known. He guesses that there will probably be 500 or so students, which is up about 5 to 10 %. They have had 2 meetings at Reuther with break out sessions. There is a fully instrumented beginner band at Stocker. Dr. Yontz noted that he is proud of the elementary directors and has seen great improvement in the program; he notes that the introduction to instruments runs for 3 days from 8 am to 8 pm. Appointments are set. In spite of the long days, the directors remain cheerful, positive and encouraging toward all of the students.
District: Dr. Yontz stated that a goal is to facilitate recruitment. He tries to support staff in any way possible. Preliminary Band-O-Rama planning is started. There was some concern about the new flooring in the Bradford field house, but rubber caps were placed on all of the folding chairs.
Financial Report:
Profits from the Ice Cream Social and Festival of Arts and Flowers were reviewed. Truck maintenance in the amount of $1,132.21 was due to an unanticipated repair. Jeff Verzal memorial was added as a new asset line item.
Black Watch balance is negative. This is due to fewer students participating. Marlene Tack explained that the directors need to estimate costs and when there are fewer students than expected, the costs can run higher. Continental Band also shows a negative balance. However, a refund was received from Noah's Ark as well as another check which will probably eliminate that deficit.
John Whyte asked about estimates for summer bands. He questioned whether the costs could be posted after the number of participants is known. There was discussion and it was noted that parents want to know costs up front in order to determine whether their child will participate.
Marlene noted that she has a computer that belongs to the Boosters. She will pass that along to Bob McMahon. She noted that the printer does not work. A new printer is not necessary since the McMahons have a printer and several people at the meeting offered to donate printers.
It was noted that the proceeds from the Festival of Arts and Flowers may be lower this year because Rambler band was not performing and the weather was very hot. Next year, hopefully, the weather will be better and the advanced string students will be added to the program.
The clothing sale is negative $604 dollars because there is still inventory to sell. Patty will check with Sue Mack regarding the inventory and the possibility of placing re-orders. This conversation will take place before John Krerowicz re-posts the order form on the website. It was suggested that people place orders directly from Sue via the website, if possible.
Patty noted that historically the money left over from summer bands has been divided in half, with half returning to the Booster General fund and half remaining as a line item for the summer band. The General fund was then used to make up deficits for the summer bands. It was recommended that this procedure be changed. It was recommended that the excess from summer bands be placed in a "Summer Reserve Fund separate from the Boosters General fund. It was further noted that this year's Black Watch deficit will be covered by the General Fund. The truck repair will be covered by the truck fund. Patty recommended that guidelines be developed for some of the fund categories.
There was some discussion about the Howard Dunham fund. It was noted that this fund was originally set up to be used for start up instruments for low-income elementary students.
The Boosters expressed verbal thanks to Marlene Tack for her years of faithful service as Treasurer.
The Boosters bank accounts will now be moved to Johnson Bank as was previously discussed.
A motion carried to accept the Financial Report.
Summer Bands:
KL: Mr. Whyte noted that they performed well at Ice Cream Social.
Continental: Ms. Blanchett sent an email. She noted that directing the band was a great experience for her and she thanked the Boosters and volunteers for their support. The Continental equipment is being stored at Mahone. Michelle noted she would be happy to direct the band again. Frank Becker commented about how much fun students and volunteers had this past summer.
Rambler: Ms. Weyrauch noted that Rambler band had a very successful summer. They had 127 participants. Kristi and Matt Garza team taught and this worked out well. They had 28 percussionists so they utilized much of the district equipment.
Black Watch: no report
General Discussion: There was some discussion about whether statistics are available on the number of students who participate in both junior and senior high summer bands, i.e. what percentage of kids continue into senior high summer band. It was suggested that the Boosters take a look at the goals for the organization as well as the goals of staff, parents and students. This data may be collected through questionnaire format. Perhaps the senior program is cost prohibitive. There was a comment about the cost of trips and that some of the senior high youth choose not to participate in the trip. A parent noted that the Rambler students really missed having the opportunity to attend a residential band camp. A comment was also made about senior high youth not participating because of summer jobs. There was also brief discussion about the program no longer including field drill. However, it was also noted that if the program included field drill then the emphasis is no longer on concert music and this is a time and focus/direction programmatic issue.
Ice Cream Social:
The ICS went well. A new electrician was used. Patty noted that it would be a good idea to keep better records since each year we need to determine the contact people. She also noted that the Boosters may need to invest in a newer, safer lighting system.
A parent commented about the difficulty with being able to see the students while they were performing. However, it was also noted that the change in the set-up greatly improved the traffic flow at the event.
Boosters will check on the possibility of changing the venue. The Kemper Center concerns include the lighting/electrical system as well as the large tree that drops staining berries on the previous site of the concert band "stage" area. Dr. Yontz will check with Karen Curran to determine if the application has been sent for next year. Patty will check on alternate sites including the Harbor Park area.
The recognition of Senior students and presentation of gifts to them at the ICS was well received.
Festival of Arts and Flowers:
As noted earlier, the day was very hot. A lot of drinks were sold but not much food. The temperature was 103 degrees. Volunteers were great, profit low. Performances had to be cut short due to the heat. The storytellers did a good job of filling in the gaps. Dr. Yontz thanked the Boosters.
Clothing Sale:
Patty will follow up with Sue Mack
Reuther Room:
The Rambler and Continental equipment is now staying in storage at Mahone. This creates an ideal time for cleaning out the storage area at Reuther. There is still an Eagle scout that may make wheeling racks.
Website:
John Krerowicz continues as Booster webmaster. The site looks good and is now linked to the KUSD website under "students and parents." Chad N., the webmaster for KUSD has asked for summer band photos that he can post on the KUSD site during the summer months. Boosters received some misleading solicitation asking for $50.00 for the site to be included on a search engine. John requested $25.00 from the Boosters to pay the fee for the website this next year. John noted he has sent press releases about the website to local radio and newspapers. He encourages all Boosters to submit photos for the website.
Presentation of Gifts:
Boosters received a $25.00 donation. $750.00 was also received from the City of Kenosha as a payment for the concert performed at the bandshell this summer.
Budget 2005-2006:
The budget will be ready for presentation at the October meeting.
Painting the Truck:
Rich Mich presented some ideas about re-painting the Black Watch truck and updating it to include the new Black Watch logo. He obtained estimates as follows: $1,980.00 for vinyl graphic on both sides of the trailer, plus approximately $250.00 for paint. The Boosters would need to get the truck ready for painting by sanding down the old paint and logo. A suggestion was made to check with the Bradford automotive department. Another suggestion was made to check with Jay Bee Auto which is owned by the Tom Brand family, former band chaperones/volunteers. Yet another suggestion was made to check with the Harley Davidson company for a corporate donation or utilization of their art department. Kristi volunteered to contact Al Sabo and ask that he speak with Tom Brand. More information will be gathered and this item will be discussed again in October.
Winter Drum Line:
Mr. Taylor explained the concept of Winter Drum Line to the attendees. He noted that it is similar to an indoor marching band without brass and woodwinds. They include battery percussion and pit equipment and generally perform on gymnasium floors. There is competition available. A Winter Drum Line would provide another activity for drummers, encourage their playing and advance their skill. It is noted that most bands have more percussionists than the music calls for. This activity would be open to all students in the district.
Start up costs were noted to be approximately $8,000.00 for a standard/basic battery percussion set. Pit equipment could be KUSD equipment already owned by Bradford. Another expense is the cost of having the show written. Mr. Taylor has arranged to obtain a show for $1,500.00. He has also talked with 3 instructors who are interested and will "work cheaply." He asked the Boosters for permission to use the summer band percussion to get the program going. He anticipates the possibility of future transportation costs and some other possible start-up costs. He expects that the ensemble may be able to enter competition by November 2006. He expects the group to rehearse at Bradford. The persons noted to be interested in teaching/directing are Mark Esch, Charlie Short, and Joe Andreolli. They all come with impressive credentials.
Dr. Yontz presented noted concerns:
1. Equipment wear and tear. Who will pay for the maintenance? Paul noted that he will assure that the equipment will be in good or better condition.
2. Eligibility? All High school students may try out.
3. Conflict with other activities? It is impossible to avoid all activities. They will look for the best rehearsal time for the most students.
4. Is this a ploy to get students to join Lighthouse Brigade? Paul notes he has been involved with LB in the past. However, he will not be continuing with the group because of his new position at Bradford. He does not see the Drum Line as a conflict of interest.
5. Will this impact Black Watch participation? A negative impact is not anticipated. It is possible that this winter program will have a positive impact on students enthusiasm and participation.
Further discussion included the clarification that the summer band equipment has been recommended for gifting to the KUSD. However, the equipment currently stored on the Black Watch truck is "in limbo" for insurance purposes since it travels. As of this meeting that equipment belongs to the Kenosha Band Boosters.
A motion unanimously carried that the proposed Drum Line program be allowed to use any summer band equipment from October until the start of the summer band program with the stipulation that the equipment returns in same or better contition.
Discussion continued with the Boosters asking Mr. Taylor about financial support for the Drum Line program. He noted that approximately $3,000.00 will be needed for teachers and supply costs. It is possible that the participants will pay a fee and/or have fundraisers. A motion carried that the Boosters look at financially supporting the Drum Line program. Paul will contact Bob McMahon with a proposal before the Booster annual budget is developed.
Support Mahone Band:
It is an honor for the Mahone Band to be invited to perform for the State Music Teachers Convention and Dr. Yontz will be directing at that convention. The Boosters would like to support this endeavor. Kristi noted that money is needed for hotel, food, and a possible party or reception for students and the families traveling up for the event.
There was some discussion about precedent. It was noted that the only precedent is that the KUSD has paid for busing for similar invitational events.
A motion carried for the Boosters to donate $250.00 to Mahone to support the State Music Convention invitational trip.
Fruit Sale:
The sale begins November 7th and ends November 21st. Orders are due to Dennis Metallo by 11/25/05. The fruit will be distributed December 10th and 11th at the Old Bain School. Order envelopes will be given to students who want to participate. The Fine Arts department will provide a spread sheet to the band directors and the database will be compiled by the Fine Arts staff.
Profit from the fruit sale goes toward prizes, 5% is given to the selling school, and the remainder goes to the Boosters general fund. It was recommended that these allocations remain the same.
A band chairperson is needed for the Fruit sale.
Election:
A motion carried to install Bob McMahon as treasurer of the Kenosha Band Boosters for the term 10/1/05 through 9/30/06.
Other agenda items were dropped due to the length of the meeting.
Next meeting October 25, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting adjourned.
* Next meeting
Click on asterisks for:
*What's New
*Home Page
*What We Do
* Breakfast with the Bands
* Band-O-Rama
Summer Bands:
2008 details coming this spring
* OrchestraFest 2006
*Welcome
5th grade &
new band students
*Membership
*Booster Apparel
*Volunteering
*Volunteer Opportunities
*Minutes
*Send us a Note (contact us)
*Buy/Sell
Instruments
Links:
* Kenosha Unified
School District
* Schools
* Elementary Bands
*What's New
*Home Page
*What We Do
* Breakfast with the Bands
* Band-O-Rama
Summer Bands:
2008 details coming this spring
* OrchestraFest 2006
*Welcome
5th grade &
new band students
*Membership
*Booster Apparel
*Volunteering
*Volunteer Opportunities
*Minutes
*Send us a Note (contact us)
*Buy/Sell
Instruments
Links:
* Kenosha Unified
School District
* Schools
* Elementary Bands
Suggestions? Comments? Contact web@kenoshabandboosters.org
(Please mention 'Band Boosters' in the subject line.)
(Please mention 'Band Boosters' in the subject line.)