MSU ALUMNI BAND
Alumni Band Executive Board Meeting
Minutes
March 25, 2007

 

REMINDER:  The next Board meeting will be Sunday, June 3, 2007

 

 

1.  The meeting was called to order at 2:05 p.m. by President Terry Person.

 

Present:  Gary Baron, Dale Bartlett, Wesley Broadnax, Lynn Brown, Betty Elliott, Beryl Falcone, Tim Fox, Lynn Kelsey, John Kostoff, Joe Levine, John Madden, Greg Pell, Terry Person, Bill Sachs, Gordon Spink, Gerry Spry, Christy Stehouwer

 

2.  Secretary’s Report – Betty Elliott

           

Minutes from the January 7th meeting were corrected in item #4a to read “Jim” Forger (not Kevin).  Minutes were then approved as corrected. 

 

3.  Treasurer’s Report – John Kostoff and Greg Pell

 

a.       Greg Pell was introduced as the new treasurer. 

b.      John Kostoff presented his last report as Interim Treasurer (located at end of these minutes).  It was moved and seconded to accept the report as presented.

c.       All future bills will be sent directly to Greg, eliminating any middle man, and thus expediting payment.  The account has been set up at National City Bank.

d.      Terry will e-mail Rebecca Surian, in the Development Office for Music, to clarify whether or not any money meant for the commission went directly to the Development Fund.

e.       Gary Baron keeps a data base of contributors and will ask Rebecca to keep him informed of any donations sent directly to the Development Office.

 

4.  Vice President’s Report – Bill Sachs

 

a.       Bill reported that he was very pleased with the last issue of The Encore.  He feels it may be possible to go down yet another level in the quality of paper.  Paper weight needs to be kept in mind, because re-mailings are at regular postal rates, not bulk.

b.      Gary Baron suggested that there be no re-mailing because The Encore is available on the web.  Not re-mailing does not restrict a member from getting the next newsletter, as the data base is continually updated, and info is available on the web.  Members agreed.

c.       It was suggested that a list of members with “no known address” be included in the next issue of The Encore.

 

5.  President’s Report – Terry Person

 

Terry reported that she did e-mail each of the former band directors, welcoming them to the spring concert.

 

6.  Band Directors’ Reports

 

a.       John Madden

·        It was announced by a member that John Madden has just been elected to the American Band Masters Association.  Congratulations.

·        John reported that the Wind Symphony has been rehearsing the commission piece and it is going very well.

·        The pep bands have been extremely busy with the Men’s and Women’s basketball teams’ presence in both Big Ten tournaments and NCAA tournaments, as well as the Hockey Team going to the Frozen Four.

b.   Isaiah Odajima – not present

c.   Wesley Broadnax – no report

d.   Kevin Sedatole – not present

 

7.  Member Relations – Beryl Falcone

 

a.       Beryl brought along extra copies of The Encore that can be handed out with programs at the spring concert.

b.      She has a supply of Alumni Band patches that can be put out at the spring concert rehearsal with a sign indicating “donations to the commissioning fund.”

c.       Beryl said new membership cards will need to be printed with Betty’s signature.  Bill will look into alternative printing methods in hopes of reducing costs.

 

 

8.  Old Business

 

a.       April 14, 2007 Reception for John Whitwell – John will clarify whether or not Kevin Sedatole expects the Alumni Board to handle this reception. 

b.      Spring Concert – everything is set; registration is at 8:00 a.m. with students handling the morning reception (donuts, coffee, etc.)

c.       Fundraising for New Big Tens Equipment – Christy Stehouwer and Tim Fox, “Big Tens” Alums, recapped the presentation given at the last meeting for the campaign to raise money for new Big Tens equipment.  Via fundraising already in progress (mailings to past Big Tens alums, etc.) approximately $2745 of the $5000 goal has been raised, with the first phase of new purchases (new poles; now have three sets) having been completed.  The second phase will be to purchase new harnesses, with the final phase being the new flags.  It was moved; seconded and approved that the Alumni Board make a donation of $500 to this campaign.  John Madden will go ahead and place the order for the harnesses.  Christy provided him with quotes regarding the cost of the flags.

d.      MSU Alumni Band Trip - Dale Bartlett reported that the tour band will be meeting for lunch after the spring concert rehearsal on the 15th.  More information can be seen at the web site:  www.msutourband.tripod.com

Lynn has put in a huge amount of work getting the tour band history, photos, programs, bios, etc., on to this site.  Joe will work on linking it to the current alumni band website.

e.       The Encore – previously discussed earlier in the meeting.

f.        Status of Scholarships and Commissions – Joe Levine reported that the Whitwell scholarship will be presented at the April 15th concert.  He will get recipient information to Bill so that a certificate can be presented as well.

 

9.  New Business

 

a.       Electronic Mailings – Gary Baron & Bills Sachs – Gary reported that numerous problems continue to occur with the electronic mailings to such huge numbers.  His e-mails end up getting blocked and his account labeled as spam.  Research has led him to a “hosting service”, which is what the SMB uses.  Gary feels sharing with the SMB would be a positive thing; details would need to be worked out should we share with SMB, with the basic cost being less than $100 a year.  Mr. Madden supported the plan.  He reports that the company, Advanced Network Hosts, and the rep, Brad Halls, contributes good services and expertise.  The board supports Gary, John and Brad going forth with the project.  It will increase communication, have website capabilities, and strengthens the link between all bands.

b.      Alumni Band Article and Photo in MSUAA Magazine - Gordon reported that the editor of the MSUAA magazine has agreed to an article, and possibly a photo, in each issue since MSU Alumni Band is listed as a constituent and special interest group and should be represented.  He is also working to get the masthead on The Encore changed from the School of Music to the College of Music, along with an accurate description of Dave Catron’s position with the Department of Music.

c.       Alumni Band Day for the Fall – John reports that September 8, the game against Bowling Green, works best for the SMB.  The Friday night dinner two years ago was very successful.  Gerry Spry volunteered to head a committee to arrange again this year.  Anyone wanting to help him can just give him a call.

d.      Other – Beryl reported that she is sorting through huge amounts of historical items and will be checking with MSU archives as to whether or not they would like the items.  If not, this board needs to decide what to do with them.  It was decided to table this item until the next meeting.

 

The meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Betty Elliott

 

 

A Reminder –

 

NEXT BOARD MEETING – Sunday, June 3rd, 2007 at 2:00 p.m.

 

BUDDIE’s in Okemos

 

Treasurer’s Report

 

For the period January 7, 2007 – March 25, 2007

 

Starting Balance:                                            $11,907.49

 

Total Expenses:                                                $7317.66

Total Deposits:                                      $460.00

Ending Balance (checking account)                   $5049.83

 

Other Funds:                                       

            Certificate of Deposit                            $5371.76

 

Total Cash on Hand:                                   $10,421.59

 

Anticipated Expenditures:

            K.G. Bloomquist Scholarship                $1000.00

            John L. Whitwell Scholarship                $1000.00