Meeting called to order by Marcia Horton @ 7:10 p.m. May minutes approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

No treasurer report – awaiting transition of materials to new treasurer.

A discussion was had on the request from retired choral director, Jay Rogers in May with regards to the Music Boosters transferring funds to a special music director’s account for use in the Unity music programs. The funds from this account have been used in the past for annual band & choral awards, band music, printer cartridges, and other purchases for the groups not normally handled through the schools’ budgets. The discussion was tabled until the July meeting pending further discussion of raising funds through a letter writing campaign. (Further information about letter writing campaign to follow under Fund Raising heading.)

President’s Report:

The Community Band formed through the Music Boosters played on July 4^th in the parade. There was great participation in the band and everyone had lots of fun performing. Several Unity High School students, graduates, and community members participated.

Due to the new school schedule of band and choral classes being held beginning in the ‘zero hour’ for the 2009-2010 school year, the cost of hiring Activity Buses was investigated. The cost of each bus would be $193.20 per day, which would be for a morning and after-school route each. Discussion on how to fund the buses was discussed with suggestions on possible student fees or cost sharing with sports programs. The Illinois Transportation Fund was also discussed and further information will be presented at the July meeting.

FUND RAISING CAMPAIGNS:

Fine Arts Calendar:

All photographs submitted by students & parents have been reviewed by Unit 7 administrators and are to be available in the Music Boosters’ website gallery for Dan Christman to choose from and get set for publication. Advertising sales are near completion. The advertising fees will allow vendors to be published in the Fine Arts calendar and the programs for the September Band Competiton.

Letter Writing Campaign:

A letter writing campaign was done in the past and was a very effective way to raise money for the music programs. The question was raised as to who the funds would be sent to, Unity Music Boosters or Unit 7 Schools to be designated for the music program usage. The Unity Music Boosters is a not-for-profit organization in Illinois, but not on the federal level thus the donations would only be considered tax exempt on Illinois taxes. It was agreed to investigate the cost of filing as a federal not-for-profit organization, which is quite a substantial cost.  Further discussion will be done after the information is gathered and presented at the next meeting.

A new letter will need to be written as well as acquiring envelopes, postage, letter copies, and a form letter for receipts. A form asking for names to send the letters to will be given to all music students by their directors after the first couple of days of classes. It was suggested that letters or a postcard should be sent to all music students’ families to acquaint the with the Music Boosters mission and gain support.

Directors’ Reports:

Band Director, Bill Jean, handed out information on the upcoming Unity Marching Band Invitational to be held September 26^th at Unity High School. The handout outlined the staffing requirements needed as well as the proposed agenda and logistics. At the time of this meeting, 4 bands were confirmed for the competition with strong interest from several more. A band performance entry fee of $100 per band will be charged and admission tickets to the competition would be $4.00 for adults & $2.00 for students. The Unity Marching Band will present a non-competitive performance at the end of the competition. There will be trophies/awards for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place in approximately 10 categories presented after the Unity performance. Concessions will also be sold by the Music Booster volunteers. Since the members of Unity Marching Band will be assigned hosting responsibilities during the competition, it was suggested that polo shirts be purchased to distinguish the Unity band members from the competitors. These shirts would also be used for their performance at the Red Bird arena later in the year and future performances that may occur.

Unit 7 Schools have purchased 10 additional marching band uniforms which are needed due to the growth in number of band members. The uniforms are scheduled for an October delivery with hopes they will arrive sooner. The need for dry cleaning of the current uniforms was discussed and prices given. Also the band will be in need of more rolling racks for the uniforms and the purchase of these will be discussed at a future meeting.

New Color Guard flags are being sewn by Music Booster volunteers to be used in this year’s performances.

Unity Marching Band Camp is to be held August 10th-14^th. Letters were sent out to all band students with details of the times and location. Students will be responsible for their own sack lunches and drinks this year. Donations of afternoon snacks or cash for snacks are being requested from parents & booster members. Water may be provided using barrel coolers this year as opposed to bottled water to assure less waste.

Choral Director, Beth Rogers, thanked the members of the Music Boosters who spoke at the last Unit 7 School Board meeting on behalf of the music programs. As a result of voicing their concerns, the music room at Unity West will be retained for its intended purpose of music education and the schedules have been amended to accommodate a better music education program.

No new business.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.