Minutes for MMS Band Booster Meeting
August 14, 2007
( Approved at 09/11/07 Meeting )

 

Tracy Hartung opened the meeting with introduction of officers.  Tracy President, Dave Preece Vice President, Kristi Miller Treasurer, and Ann Hogan Secretary.  A reminder that a form was sent home to complete with contact information – e-mail etc.

No Secretary report was available.

Treasurer Report.  Kristi explained the student credit and general fund accounting system.  She can be contacted to find out your students balance.

Mr. Huppert, our new principal spoke about his support for the band and praised the enthusiasm and hard work of Mr. Williams as well as the efforts he sees by the MMS and MHS band directors working in conjunction for the betterment of the band program.

New uniforms were discussed.  Mr. Williams explained that while they are 11 years old, they have not been worn much and given that the high school is requesting new uniforms, it may not be possible for MMS to do the same in this fiscal year.  Tracy will look into possible monies through grants and Mr. Williams suggested a committee be formed to look into other options for this effort.  Cost for uniform cleaning and t-shirts for this year was inadvertenly reversed on the note that went home.  T-shirts are $10 and uniform cleaning is 5. 

Mr. Al Allen has offered to create a website for MMS Band.  His services are donated and would require only a $20 domain registration fee.  He currently is webmaster of the Crimson website (www.crimsonexpress.com).  Discussions will continue between he and Mr. Williams on the best way to set up this new website including whether to have our own site or be part of the Crimson website.

T-shirts have been ordered and several students have not completed their order.  Shirts need to be worn at numerous events including the upcoming Back to School Bash. Thanks to Pam Grob, Cheryl Rose and Gay Bachman for helping with uniform fittings.

Fundraising.  Gay Bachman is chairing the General Fund fundraising.  Pat Gilmore is chair of Market Day, and Pam Grob is chair of SIU concessions.  SIUC concessions entails working at SIU football and basketball games as well as other special events.

A sign-up sheet was available for volunteers for the Apple Festival parades.  MMS will march in both the Kiddie and Grand Parades with the Crimson Express.  Volunteers are needed to donate water, icing drinks and water walkers during the parades.

Directors Report

Mr. Williams introduced himself and Ms. Stephanie Hanson, a new elementary school teacher.  Ms. Hanson is hoping to start a color guard for MMS this year but with a bit of a late start it may not happen until next year.  She suggested spreading the word by mouth so students will know color guard is available.

A reminder that insurance verification forms and a copy of insurance cards MUST be on file in the office to participate in band.

Students were given a master schedule to take home.  The only change to this schedule is the date of homecoming.  It is changed from the 11th to the last weekend in October.  MMS will march in the homecoming parade with Crimson.

Handbooks will be given to the students tomorrow, August 15th.   Mr. Williams stated there is some new information and changes from the previous handbook and therefore should be read thoroughly. Of note is the form that will be used for excused absences from lessons, sectionals and performances.

There will be 7th and 8th grade lessons this year.  These will be scheduled during exploratory.  Lessons are 15 minutes once a week.

Once school begins, students will no longer be able to access the band room through the door on 21st street.  This door will remain locked for security and safety reason. Students can be dropped off at the cafeteria entrance and enter the band room through the cafeteria.

Jazz Band tryouts will be held after Apple Festival.  Students will be given the music September 2 and therefore will have plenty of time to practice.  Specific tryout date will be announced later. 

Mr. Williams posted his new e-mail address nwilliams @mhs.org.  He also thanked everyone for attending and reiterated that parents are the backbone of the band.  He is excited about the upcoming year and said the students have been doing a great job so far!

Questions about transporting the 5th grade students to/from band was discussed.  Mr. Williams will discuss with the administration the possibility of using a District vehicle for this.

Band booster meetings take place the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m.  Board meets at 6:30 and parents are welcome to attend board meetings if they have issues they would like to discuss in private.

A $30 donation was received in the memory of Mr. Ronald Reynolds who recently passed away.  He was a graduate of the Murphysboro Township High School Graduating class of 1954.

Mark McKulay made a motion to adjourn.  Kristi Miller 2nded the motion.