Tuesday, April 1, 2014 · Band Room, KHS
Meeting was called to order by President Jolene Berke.
Copies of the minutes were available via email blast and paper copies at the door. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Alexis McNeal, second by Stuart Hollander. The minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s Report from Brent Meyer: Checking $15,771.86, Scrip Account $643.91, Student Accounts $19,785.16, Savings Account $6,943.63. Reminder that the final Chicago trip payment of $240 is due today, April 1. Please see Brent or Jan to make payments from student accounts.
Sold about $6000 of ButterBraids. Students made $5.63 for each ButterBraid sold. Student profit is around $2600.
Scrip has brought in almost $1500 this year. Last month we won a prize. Scrip is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year and on the 20th of the month they draw a winner. Last month we won reimbursement of shipping which was $7.75. Total rebate this year is $1474.96 – $643 to KBPA and $831 to students.
Old Business
Band Scholarship – We have received six applications. Packets have been made for the review committee in which applicants’ names have been removed. Two members of the exec board and four volunteers will review and select winners. Winners do have to submit proof of enrollment to complete the process and receive payment for their award.
Band Banquet – Sign up sheet was sent around to sign up for general help. Banquet starts at 5:30 on May 3. In the past, banquet has been potluck where each family brings a main dish and a side dish. We usually have around 400 attend. We are looking at the possibility of catering this year. Robin Farrar, chairman, has found a place where we can get pulled pork salad, potato salad, baked beans, lemonade, table service, plate, cup, silverware and individual baked apple pies for about $3 per person. However, we have to order ahead and won’t take reservations. We could suggest a donation of $4 per person. Rule of thumb is that free will donations bring in more money than a set price. But we open ourselves up to potential cost. Discussion included that the potluck has been enjoyed by those with special diets since they can bring food they are able to eat. Another comment made was that with a large family, the cost for a main dish & side can be significant so $4 per person may be a good deal. This alleviates the problem of wrong temp food as we don’t have outlets for crockpots, etc. A concern was also voiced that some people are not able to make the donation and may not attend. At Bearcat Marching Festival, the first year we charged while we asked for a donation the second year. The second year our take was much higher.
A motion to have the meal catered and ask for a free will donation of $4 per person was made by Karen Premer, second by Stuart Hollander. A count of hands was taken for the vote – 17 votes for catering, 15 votes against catering. Motion carried.
Big Band Dance – Allie Nelson thanked those who have donated money and would welcome any other monetary donations. Tables cloths are rented, desserts are being purchased with donated money, Kearney Floral has donated flowers in bud vases for centerpieces. Caribou Coffee has donated coffee, Outrageous Cakes has donated cupcakes. We have some radio ads and a half page ad in the paper two different days. Will have a group on NTV tomorrow morning. Call Allie if you have questions.
Amazon Smile – not live yet, but will be soon. This is another program where we can earn free money for our group. They give a rebate back for purchases. Instructions will be blast out once it is live.
Cruise Nite – We have not had anyone step up to chair this event. We are getting close to the “deadline” for this and may have to forego this fundraiser if no one steps up. Darin & Lisa Meseure chaired last year and did a great job. They would be available to offer advice. Made $1400 for student accounts. If we don’t have a chair by May we will not do the event.
Officers for 2014-15 – We have had someone throw their hat in for president elect. Nominations are still open for all positions. Have not had anyone agree to be nominated for the treasurer elect. Elections are next month.
Directors
Butterbraids – Sold 479 butterbraids sold by about 50 kids. A bit over $2600 profit into student accounts. Didn’t have the best customer service from the rep. Delivery is on April 10 after school.
Lettering – Each student is offered the opportunity to letter (fine arts letter). Requirements are in the band handbook online.
District Music Contest – Have 34 entries which is the most ever. Entry fee is $10 per entry, due asap. There will be a pre-contest recital on April 24. Contest is April 26. Wind Ensemble is attending. Anticipated bus time will be 6-6:30 am.
Leadership applications – Applications look different this year. The student must turn in a resume, do a service project for the band, have to interview someone on campus about leadership…. These applications will be shared with students via Google docs. These are due April 15.
Band trip – Post on kearneybands.org/. There is a Google form which needs to be filled out by each person going on the trip. Rehearsal dates are listed. On May 21 at 4:45 there will be a meeting with final information and also a performance of the pieces for the trip concert. All students and parents are required to attend. We do have two openings for the trip, one parent and one student.
Hastings Jazz Festival – April 8 both Jazz ensembles will go to Hastings to participate. The Jazz Ensemble will be a headliner.
NSBA – NSBA will add a third site and UNK and KHS will jointly host this. Great opportunity. Will be a fundraiser for us. Mr. LeFeber has had several schools tell him they had not been planning to go to NSBA next year but now that it is in Kearney they will be coming.
New instruments – Our eight new brass sousaphones are here thanks to the Cope Foundation grant. Today received a new vibraphone which was purchased with funds from the Give Where You Live campaign.
New High School – Design coming along nicely. Hopefully will start breaking ground in late summer. The proposal to go to the strict 4×4 block schedule causes the music department some apprehension, but we are looking to find ways to accommodate what is needed for the music program. We are trying to facilitate options through either essential pairings or even online classes. We are optimistic that something can be worked out. It would be good to express to board members and administrators how important music is to your students’ lives. No one is talking about cutting the program or doing away with anything. We are working hard to preserve and not minimize our offerings.
One of the music educators organizations, the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) has a campaign showing how music is a lot more important for education than standardized tests. They have a great website with lots of information. Mr. LeFeber will send out this website.
Currently, the committee is going to recommend to the board going to a strict 4×4 block and then the board has the opportunity to accept or reject the recommendation. Reasons for a strict 4×4 block: it offers flexibility for some students and for administration and teacher in that it classes are happening more frequently throughout the year so kids can schedule more classes. Teachers don’t teach as many classes. Students only have four classes at a time to worry about instead of up to eight. Mr. LeFeber is not sure why parent input was not sought.
The only school in Nebraska using a strict 4×4 schedule is Millard West, the school at which Mr. Dostal was previously. Lexington used to use a strict 4×4 block but switched back because their academics actually dropped, according to one parent. Do one is out to kill the music program, but it appears that it isn’t understood what it will do to the programs. It is asked that if you do contact school board members that you please just be respectful and ask them to share with you the benefits of the strict 4×4 schedule. Please be mindful of what you say as we don’t want to jeopardize our music program in any way.
Next meeting will be held Tuesday, May 6. Election of officers will be held.
Having no further business to conduct, a motion to adjourn was made by Ed Uden, second by Jeana Pineda.
