Spring Reunion - April 22, 2001
New Location -
Fall Reunion - September 15, 2001
MSU vs Missouri
2:00 pm
BUDDIES in Okemos
Note: It is assumed that no one ever reads these Minutes. So, a purposeful error has been inserted in them. If you spot the error, send an email to Joe Levine (levine@msu.edu). If you correctly identify the error your name will be highlighted on this page!!
Hats off to Dave Wisner (Trumpet, 1959) who spotted the error in the Minutes the day after they were posted - March 14, 2001. (Don't you have anything better to do with your free time Dave?) Second place goes to Tom Gillette who also doggedly pursued the challenge.
Meeting was called to order at 2:06 pm by President Bill Monroe
Present: Bill Monroe, Gordon Spink, Henry Nelson, Doug Goodrich, Joe Levine, Gary Baron, John Madden, Jim McCaffrey
Guest: Lynn Brown
Secretary's Report
Treasurer's Report
Director's Report - John Madden
Update on John Whitwell: John Whitwell is currently on sabbatical leave. In his absence John Madden has taken over the Wind Symphony with others attending to the other band directing responsibilities. Everything seems to be well under control with the setup working well. In addition, there have been two guest conductor opportunities created during John Whitwell's sabbatical which further helps ease the situation.
Conductors for Spring Reunion: In addition to John Whitwell not being available for the Spring Reunion Concert, Ken Bloomquist also will not be able to attend. Dave Catron's situation may preclude his conducting. However, that will be decided at a time closer to the concert.
The suggestion had been made prior to this year to begin the practice of inviting members of the MSU Alumni Band Association to guest conduct during the concert. With the current situation it seemed to be a good time to try out the idea. So, John Madden has invited the first president of the Alumni Band - Henry Nelson - and the current president of the Alumni Band - Bill Monroe - to each share the podium (in addition to John and Wes Broadnax).
Ralph Young Fund Monies: John has yet to receive a report of additional revenue that has been generated for the Spartan Marching Band since the band has been included as a "check off" for people donating money to the Ralph Young Fund. He hopes to soon be able to ascertain how much has been generated in this way. He hopes to be able to use these funds for underwriting the cost of a 2nd away trip for the SMB - estimated at costing $10,000-$15,000.
New SMB Web Master: The Spartan Marching Band has a new web master and a newly reenergized website. It can be seen at: http://www.msu.edu/user/smb/
New Band Director Position: John shared with the Board the results of the search for a tenure stream faculty member to assume responsibilities of the Spartan Marching Band (and other related band activities) at the Associate Professor level. With a smile John reported that he had applied for the position, went through the various interviews (along with other candidates), was offered the position, and then using the intelligence he is so well known for - accepted the position. ()
Spring Reunion Concert: The Spring Reunion Concert of the MSU Alumni Band Association will be held, as planned, on Sunday, April 22, 2001. IMPORTANT - The concert will be held in the University Auditorium - not the Wharton Center as in past years, and not Fairchild Auditorium as initially rumored.
A tentative schedule is:
Fall Reunion Football Game: The MSU Alumni Band will be appearing at the Missouri game (September 15, 2001).
The question of encouraging members to register early was again discussed. After considerable discussion and a recognition of the potential harm that can come to the relationship between the Association and its members, it was decided to not attempt to use an exhorbitant late fee as a way to encourage early registration. Instead, the late fee will be continued at only $5.00 and members will be strongly encouraged via the Encore to register early. (This was presented in the form of a motion which was seconded and approved.)
Associate Member Application Form: Gary Baron shared with the Board a draft of an Associate Member Application Form. The form will be available for use at the Spring Reunion Concert - especially for non-members who will be touring this summer with the Overseas Touring Band.
Misc. other updates from John:
** The SMB will be receiving a $50,000 new equipment budget each year. This budget has now been expended for the next two years with the ordering of 20 new Sousaphones for the SMB.
** Though the Athletic Department will still provide monies for the operation of the SMB, the funds are now turned over to the College of Arts and Letters and are then available for direct use by the SMB (without any further signoffs from the Athletic Department).
** A policy of replacing the SMB uniforms every 10 years has been approved with the needed finances available for that purpose.
Next Encore: Newsletter Editor Jim McCaffrey reported that the Encore will soon be going out. It's a bit late due to problems using email attachments. Hopefully these problems have now been solved and future issues of the Newsletter will be back on schedule. Jim reported that he now realizes that a 2 week turn around isn't very realistic and a 4 week turn around (between time material is received and the Encore is mailed) is much more realistic. With that in mind, he suggests that all material be to him for the next issue no later than May 1 with an expected mailing date of June 1. He also told group that digital images were not acceptable for the Newsletter - all pictures should be submitted to him as regular photos.
MSU Alumni Association: Gordon described recent discussions with Keith Williams of the MSU Alumni Association as being very positive with the idea of the MSU Alumni Band Association becoming a constituent group now close to being a reality. It is hoped that this will turn out to be a viable reciprocal link for our Association. There are still details/questions that must be worked out. Gordon will be reporting back at the next meeting.
In the absence of Dale Bartlett, Henry also reported that the 3rd Annual Golf Outing, held in conjunction with the Fall Reunion, is being planned. All is proceeding on schedule.
Meeting adjourned.- 3:44 pm
(Minutes by Joe Levine)