MSU ALUMNI BAND
Alumni Band Executive Board Meeting
Minutes
November 5, 2006

 

REMINDER:  The next Board meeting will be Sunday, January 7^th, 2007.

 

 

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

 

Present:  Gary Baron, Lynn Brown, Betty Elliott, Beryl Falcone, Lynn Kelsey, John

               Kostoff, Joe Levine, Dick Lodge, Jack Nelson, Terry Person, Bill Sachs, Kevin

               Sedatole, Gerry Spry

 

Secretary’s Report – Betty Elliott

 

            Minutes from the August 6, 2006 meeting were approved as presented.

 

Treasurer’s Report – Dick Lodge

 

            A.  Reports were approved as presented.

 

            1.  For the period August 6, 2006 – November 5, 2006:

 

                        Total Expenses                                       $5,256.66

                        Total Deposits                                      $14,591.50

                        Ending Balance (checking account)       $14,072.96

                                    (Commission portion)                                        $2,091.00

                                    (Regular portion)                                              $11,981.96

 

                        Other Funds:

                        Certificate of Deposit (as of 7/23/06)    $5,270.12

                       

                        Total Cash on Hand                              $19,343.08

 

 

2.       For the period September 2005 – September 2006 (as distributed at Alumni game on September 30, 2006)

 

Total expenses                                            $18,924.46

Total Deposits                                            $22,802.50

Ending Balance                                           $15,249.59

     

Other Funds:

Certificate of Deposit (as of 7/23/06)            $5,270.12

 

Total Cash on Hand                                    $20,519.71

 

B.     Because Dick Lodge resides in Seattle, Washington, it was moved, supported and approved to close out the current account and open a new account with internet accessibility in Seattle.  Terry Person will be added to the account as a co-signer with full privileges in Dick’s absence. 

 

C.     Discussion was held regarding the change of meeting venue so that Dick could attend meetings via teleconferencing, especially if meetings are to be held more than every three months.  Members will look for alternatives between now and the next meeting, taking into consideration the availability of food/beverage service.

 

D.     The Whitwell scholarship fund is currently the only one handled through the School of Music and the MSU Development Fund.  The Bloomquist scholarship fund should be as well, so they can both qualify as tax deductible.  Joe Levine will work on this and send Kevin Sedatole the information.  

 

Vice President’s Report – Bill Sachs           

 

Bill reported that the Encore newsletter specs have been received from Kim Hopkins, which will be presented to different local printers for bid.  Bill will also get quotes on return envelopes, as Beryl’s supply needs to be replenished.  Bid figures will be sent to board members once received.

 

President’s Report – Terry Person

 

Terry expressed thanks to all for support during this new member transition and for the work everyone does on the board.

 

She will forward all promotional materials (lapel pins, etc.) to Gordon Spink for his review.

 

Band Director’s Report

 

Kevin Sedatole – The year is off to a great start, in spite of the football team.  SMB members are extremely enthusiastic and dedicated.  The concert band size and audiences are good.  Dr. Whitwell will be moving in a week, but will return for the April 15^th concert.  The guest list will be large due to the premier of the commissioning in his honor.   MSU is hosting the 16^th Annual Midwest Band Directors Conference at the S. Imperial Suite in Chicago on December 20, 2006 for MSU band alums and friends.  It was moved, supported and approved that this Board will donate up to $750 to cover one-third of the expenditures for this reception.

 

John Madden – not present (at Men’s basketball game)

 

Isaiah Odajima – not present

 

Wesley Broadnax – not present (out of town)

 

Old Business

 

A.     Fall Reunion – Gerry Spry reported that in spite of the weather, and again, the football team, the reunion went well.  There were 346 attendees with 29 walk-ins and 30 no-shows.  There were some problems with the parking passes, although there was no cost for the passes as in past years.  Terry will work on solving those problems prior to the next fall reunion.  The free T-shirts provided by Terry and Cori Gartside of Custom Embroidery Plus were a big hit.  Betty will send a formal thank you for the shirts.  Jack Nelson reported that he continues to house the banner, but because of problems incurred this year, would like tunnel passes provided next year for two adults to bring, assemble, carry and return the banner to him at the end of the reunion.  The Board approved.

 

B.     Golf Outing – Lynn Brown reported that despite the very cold 32° temps, 46 people participated and prizes were donated by 15 businesses. 

 

C.     Details regarding the Friday night banquet for next year will be worked on throughout the year.

 

D.     Homecoming Parade – Jack Nelson reported that 80+ members participated (35 in 2004, 60 in 2005).  Approximately 50 people rode the flatbed and 30 walked.  Because of this we did hold up the parade somewhat, but there was no negative feedback whatsoever, and the group was very well received.  Jack will make arrangements now for the flatbed truck and driver again next year.

 

E.      MSU Alumni Band Trip – Terry reported on behalf of Dale Bartlett that all participants are looking forward to the tour.

 

F.      Status of Commissioning Funds – The fund currently has $2091.  Gary Baron reported that the Alumni group currently has between 460-500 paying members.  It was moved, seconded and supported that the Board contribute the previously approved $2500 donation amount at this time.

 

New Business

 

A.     Spring Concert – April 15, 2007 with the Wind Symphony and the composer of the Commissioning.  It was discussed that we might not want an alumni conductor because of these additional activities.  Joe Levine will find out who is in charge of the concert, which directors will be involved, and whether or not this group should plan on a conductor as well.

 

B.     Status of our Relationship with MSUAA – Gordon Spink is working on cementing the relationship with the Alumni Association.  Bill Beekman, Senior Consultant to the Vice President Accounting Provost, is now Acting Head of the Alumni Association and sees this group as a very positive part of that entity.

 

C.     Next Encore – Terry needs any articles for the Encore by January 8, 2007.  Articles can be sent to her and/or Kim Hopkins, via e-mail or snail mail.  The newsletter will go to printing by January 22^nd, and will be mailed on February 1, 2007.

 

D.     Fundraising for New Equipment – Christy Stehouwer was to have talked to the group about our financial support for replacing the Alumni Big 10 Flags, a project being coordinated with John Madden.  Since she was not in attendance, the issue is tabled until the next meeting.

 

E.      Mass E-Mailing Difficulties – Gary Baron reported that the previous mass e-mailing caused him to be labeled a “spammer” by Comcast and shut down his system.  He will try one more mailing via some changes made.  If this does not work, then he most likely will need group and/or financial support to pursue other means to continue e-mailing our current listing of 1200+.

 

F.      Basketball Game Performances – Jack Nelson reported that we will have Alumni pep band participation at 3 men’s games (12/19, 12/23, and 12/30) and at 2 women’s games (12/28 and 12/31).  There will be no hockey game participation because the students will be available due to no football bowl games.  Gary will send notification via e-mail.  It was agreed that all members will receive notification regardless of state of residence.

 

G.     Beryl reported that past members Earle Trudgeon and Don Thornburg passed away in August and September.  She also reported that she laundered the tuba covers (we now have 35).

 

H.     John Kostkoff reported that the Fidelity Bond is expiring.  He will coordinate with Dick Lodge to get the new one properly handled.  He will also make sure all transfers are authorized for the Certificate of Deposit.

 

I.        Breakfast Club – the next meeting will be Monday, December 11, at 8:00 a.m. at the Flap Jack Shack.  All members are invited.

 

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Betty Elliott