Meeting Notes: Band Booster Agenda
September 13, 2022
16-20 in attendance
I Voting of officers (President (Dr Sarah Buckley), Vice President (Mike Botelho) and ,
Secretary (George Ducharme)
- Treasurer Elect Stacey Gay motioned to install officers above with all those
present voting yes.
II Band Director Report:
Off to a good start; band participation is back to pre pandemic levels
- Sophomore class (were 8th graders when COVID started) is a smaller group. Initial experience of remote learning did translate to many students returning to band.
- Eighth grade class (5th graders when COVID started) experienced a lot of change, and is an expected group of about 50 members. Many came back to music.
- Mention of new class, Beginning Band - about 12 members, mix of those new to music and those already in band but wish to learn another instrument
- Large Freshman group this year (Concert Band specific)
- Symphonic Band, one of the best sounding groups in years
Schedule review:
- New E-Pass; reduces hall traffic
- Less practice time (block is shorter) but opportunities for more courses
- Beginning, two eighth grade classes, concert, symphonic (5 total up from 3)
- Less time for outside rehearsal; no marching during half time shows. Will still perform on field, but will just be music.
- No band participation at football game on 9/16 due to field construction. That game moved to Stonehill College for 9/17.
- Game on 9/23 set to be first played on new field if completed. On 9/15, informed that game will be played at Mansfield High School with band being bused there.
Summer Band Camps:
- Middle School - about 70 participants
- High School - 90+ participants, more than last year
III Budget
- Fund in good shape though big expense will be Disney trip in April 2023
- Uniform Review
- Just for 9-12 graders who have outgrown or need a new uniform. Students pay, but extras on hand for last minute need.
- Disney Trip meeting on 9/19/22
- Presentation by Bill Lacey from tour company discussing all that needs to be known including timeline of payments.
- Trip insurance can be purchased but separately.
- Current cost is $1759 per student (includes airfare, transportation, lodging, 4 days in parks and two square meals a day.
- Prior to Disney discussion, Jack Issac (coordinator of Mattress Fundraiser will speak for 5-10 minutes). Advertising is key, so will provide flyers, yard signs, etc. Hoping for 10K impact from fundraiser
- 3 students (possibly one more) have requested various amounts of financial aid due to documented hardship. Motion by the Boosters to contribute from Booster fund to pay for need was put to vote and all in attendance voted yes.
- Possibility to be reimbursed by Mass Cultural Council. Josephine (last not known) to complete needed application by Council to get ball rolling.
- Disney Performance
- Waitlisted, which can translate to be unable to performance.
- Allows for less prep prior to trip (no rehearsal for a 20 minute performance)
- More time spent in park
- Could perform at Universal Studios, but would cost more and result in less time at Disney
- Will be participating in workshop which nearly all students consider of immense value.
IV Fundraiser Calendar
- Mattress Fundraiser - set for 10/16 (10am - 4pm) at the THS Field House. Band members will have the opportunity to signup for 2 hour slots to hold signs. Better location than E Pole due everyone knowing where it is.
- Scratch Ticket - December, in time for the holidays
- Bag Tags - Before holidays
- Discussed adding a Disney option for those going on trip.
- Dining (example, Homeplate) but also inquire about Berkley Beer, Papa Gino's, Bracks, other? Include raffles
- Possible app based fundraiser in spring 23? Possibility, based on success of those listed above. Discussed a car wash in conjunction with Mattress fundraiser, but was shared would need to be donation based as opposed to paying for the service. Rarely do they result in high fundraising amounts.
- Meat on a stick in spring 23? Gauge level of interest.
VII New Business
- Need to begin the process of incorporating as a 403 (C) (3) organization in order for current treasurer, Dave Barney, to exit the post. This is because the City of Taunton has frozen the Band Booster account from any changes until we acquire our own EIN. Money can be deposited and withdrawn, but no one can be added to the account
- Discussed vendor, Parent Booster USA as an option. Initial and renewal costs are competitive, though there are additional MA state fees.
- Ideally we would have this in place at the start of the year; empty out current account and start a new one.
- Band Boosters do have the resources to cover expense
- Motion filed to begin the exploration process. All those present voted yes. Christine Botelho, Mike Botelho, Stacey Gay, Carol LaCourse and George Ducharme will lead the effort.
- Meeting schedule for remainder of the year:
- October 11th
- November 8th
- January 10th
- February 7th
- March 14th
- April 11th
- May 9th
- June 13th
- No meeting in December