Note:  We're playing "catch up" folks....so here are the minutes from August and September:

Unit 7 - Unity Music Boosters

August 25, 2009

Unity Junior High Media Center

Meeting called to order by Marcia Horton, nineteen attendees. July meeting minutes corrected & approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Summer Treasurer’s report handed out. July expenses $178.50 Mary Kate Douglas, Community Band/deposits $374.50 from fundraisers and advertising/Ending balance $5522.06./// August expenses – uniform cleaning, calendar printing, band polo shirts $2623.55/ deposits $2400.- merchandise sales, student/parent money for polo shirts. Ending balance as of 8/25/09 $5298.51.

Discussed $1000 Music Booster funding to UHS Music Fund - motion passed to award funding.

Treasurer Randy Wojan has looked over forms for not-for-profit status application. He requires Music Boosters past finance information to proceed with determination of feasibility. We may need to review bylaws/subject tabled until future meeting.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT:

Upcoming Events:

1)      East & West Open Houses Thursday September 3^rd – need volunteers to work instrument area and sales table.

2)      Five ‘At home’ football games – need volunteers to help with uniforms & equipment moving. Band will play all pre-games and all except 1 half-time show. Member asked that Boosters encourage Color Guard parents to begin helping with football game duties.

3)      The Marching Band Appreciation Night will be held again this year, inviting parents/guardians of band members, date to be determined at next meeting.

The Music department is in need of two uniform racks to use for band. Cost for 2 racks $264.90. Motion made and passed to purchase racks.

The discussion concerning how to get information and support for Activity Buses that had begun at prior meetings was once again addressed. Boosters discussed ways to get petitions signed with the following suggestions: have petitions at the Music Boosters table at football games, have an article printed in the County Star & News-Gazette, and solicit businesses to post petitions. There would need to be a statement on the petitions that the buses would be fee-based.

Mr. Jean reported that due to the size of the Jr. High band, 71 musicians, there is now lack of space for percussion instruments. He requested that Music Boosters consider funding the purchase of 2 portable carts @ $79 each that he could modify to transport & store percussion instruments. Mr. Jean also reported that Mrs. Luesse was building a cart for a drum and needed 4-8” wheels to complete it. A motion was made and passed that Boosters fund the carts and wheels.

Mr. Jean distributed flow charts and volunteer staffing duty lists for the upcoming Band Invitational. There are six bands that have expressed interest: St Joseph, Bismarck, Heritage, Bement, Arcola, Moroa, and Rantoul. If there is inclement weather the day of the invitational, or the fields are not usable, the event will be held in the Rocket Center gymnasium. There will be a volunteer staffing meeting on September 14^th @ 6:30 pm.

He also received requests from Heritage and Philo for the UHS Marching Band to participate in their summer parades, however declined due to probable lack of band member participation during summer vacation months.

FUND RAISING CAMPAIGNS:

Letter Writing Campaign:

Booster volunteers will prepare packets of letters, five per student, for them to address to family & friends requesting funds. Mr. Jean and Ms. Giberson will distribute the packets to the students on September 3^rd, 244 packets. Students are to return the letters by September 11^th and Boosters volunteers will stuff envelopes with the letters and pre-addressed return envelopes on September 14^th at 5:30 pm.

Fine Arts Calendar:

Marcia thanked everyone who had participated in the work on the Music Boosters calendar.

DIRECTORS’ REPORTS:

Mrs. Rogers reported that Mr. Rogers was given an all clear on his health.

Ms. Giberson said that since her classes are now located on the stage, she has only been given a ‘left-over desk’ and is need of file cabinets, file holders, and a dry erase board. It was suggested that she speak to the school administrators to request these items and supplies for her ‘classroom’ area. The schools budget for the music programs for FY10 is remaining the same as the FY09 budget.

OTHER DISCUSSION TOPICS:

Preparations are underway for the annual acapella concert. The concert will be held on Saturday February 6, 2010.

Music Boosters will be in charge of concessions for the girls’ basketball games again this year.

Need volunteers to sell Fine Arts calendars and Music Booster merchandise at the home football games.

Next meeting will be held September 22, 2009 at the Unity Jr. High Media Center in Tolono.

Meeting adjourned.

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Unit 7 - Unity Music Boosters

Sept. 23, 2009

Unity Junior High Media Center

Meeting began at 7:05 p.m. at the Unity Jr. High with 17 in attendance. 

The treasurer and the secretary were both absent.

The balance today is $4015 with a deposit of $15 to be given treasurer from shirts, magnets, etc.

Summary of meeting with Joan Dixon about a foundation

            Bonnie and Marcia attended the meeting with Joan Dixon.  In order to work with the foundation we have to be a 501(c)3.  The minimum amount to start is $5000.  There is a 1.35% fee that deals with taxes, thank yous , etc.  There is no need for a music booster board of directors.  There is an internet contribution site.  Marcia recommends working towards being a 501(c)3 organization this year. 

Upcoming Events

            October 23, 2009 is scheduled for the Appreciation Night for Marching Band and Color Guard members and their families.

            Beth and Erin Rogers are the chairpersons for the Pampered Chef fundraiser.  It starts Nov. 9.  The turn in date is Nov 23.  Product will be distributed the week of Dec 14.

Director’s report

            Mr. Jean – Oct. 2 – the band will do pregame and also perform in the stands.  The dance team performs with youth at half-time.

            The Marching Band Competition in Mahomet is Saturday, Oct. 24.  The band and color guard will be performing around 1:00 p.m.  They will be performing in the middle of the group which is good.

            There are four rehearsal dates for the pep band in preparation for the IHSA Volleyball Tournament on Nov. 14 at Redbird Arena in Bloomington.  The kids are expected to make three of the four rehearsals.  They play for the first session in the morning (leaving school by 7:00 a.m.)

            Unity Marching Band Competition, Sept. 26.  Mr. Jean has things in line.  The contingency plan is in the Rocket Center with warm-up in the High School gym.  Busses will start coming in around 10:00 a.m.  Volunteers are to meet at the kiosk at 10 a.m. with Mr. Jean for a brief info meeting.  The kids who are hosting bands should be at the school by 10:00 a.m.  Expect approximately 30 for the hospitality room which should open at 10:00 a.m.

Mrs. Rogers – Her schedule is a little bizarre. 

            Ms. Giberson has started 44 band kids.

Fundraisers

            The letter fund campaign has been handed out.

            Marcia will look into dates for the Steak ‘n’ Shake and Monical’s nights.

            We need a volunteer recruitment chair for the girl’s basketball concessions.

Other Business

            Joni reports that Diane will mention the Activity Bus in her article in the County Star this week.

            A formal marching band portrait is scheduled for October 9 before pregame.  This will be full dress – on risers on the stage in High School auditorium.

Meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.