eastsideramband.com

EHS Ram Band Booster Meeting February 16, 2010

President Valerie Linn opened the meeting at 7:05 pm.

Fundraising:

• Coupon books - $20 each

1. Coupons from LOCAL vendors, possible savings up to $1,000
2. 2 books per student – a lost catalog will be considered the student’s responsibility
3. 30 days from this Friday (2/19) to sell books & get 50% profit ($10)

• 40% after that point

1. We will require the money to be returned by March 1
2. 10 days for students to bring in $40 (2 books) each
3. 86 books ordered

• Wal-Mart – drumline fundraisers in spring

1. We need coordinator to set up with Wal-Mart
2. Mr. Hughes will give list of possible organizers

• New fundraiser ideas

1. For fall: Rehearse-athon – students get pledges for rehearsing for long hours

• Ads from local vendors a suggestion

1. Mailing list asking for donation to possible supporters
2. Re-do trailer with advertisements from local supporters
3. Gift-wrapping at mall next year – Marina Noon will get further information

 

Fair share

1. Members discussed concerns about outstanding balances
2. Balance sheets were sent home with students this week
3. We will also make an effort to call families personally

• Mr. Appelson, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Noon

1. Next year, Mr. Hughes would like to require $50 on first day of band camp, $50 on band bus, $50 first time uniforms used

 

Mr. Hughes:

• Bandroom work day-

1. A list of jobs to improve the band room

• Re-hang everything on the walls
• Paint all doors
• New shelves in uniform room
• Landscaping around outside door
• Install a sign above outside door – possibly an airbrushed sign
• Music library clean-up
• Sound system in director’s room has not worked for several years, needs replacement part(s)
• Mr. Appelson will work with Mr. Hughes to send out a list requesting help from parents
  • Mr. Lewis installed a switch for PA system already
  • Mr. Carnes offered to help raise money for materials
  • Mr. John Mellot will help design shelving/woodwork

1. No budget currently, Mr. Hughes will be developing that
2. Students should be doing the work
3. March 20^th suggested, with the 27^th as a backup date

• MPA – Saturday, March 6

1. At P.K. Yonge
2. Leaving school on bus at 8:00 am, return around 1:00. Bus is mandatory.
3. Concessions will be available at the school, please have students bring money for snacks.
4. Water on the bus will be provided by boosters
5. Mr. Hughes will be providing itinerary
6. Will need 4 chaperones

• Mrs. Smith will coordinate

1. Trailer not needed, will need vehicles volunteered to transport instruments
2. Students should bring their own music
3. Digital picture of dress should be submitted to Mr. Hughes prior to the event – all black

• Boys – black pants & shirts
• Girls – black dress/skirt/pantsuit
  • Dresses should be below the knees
  • All-State registration – spent $500
  • Flyers for the middle schools were printed - $500

1. Promotes EHS band
2. Contact information provided
3. We should have enough for 2 years

• Clinicians have been in to help teach students. Check the band website for information on who has been helping out.
• Band camp – dates will be announced soon

1. Members who will be participating in the UF honor band will be considered to have an excused absence
2. Officers/new members will start 8/9
3. All other members on to start 8/12

 

Our next meeting will be during the workday in March in the EHS band room.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm.

 

 

 

EHS Ram Band Booster Meeting January 25, 2010

Alachua County Public Library Headquarters

Meeting opened at 7pm.

Agenda- Officers asked questions regarding upcoming events and Mr. Hughes responded:

Solo and Ensemble – Friday, Feb 19 and Saturday, Feb. 20 at Buchholz High

Mr. Hughes said that he had requested Friday evening for EHS students who had signed up. The schedule has not been shared yet.

Students will be responsible for arriving on time. It is best to get there early and warm up. Students are responsible for getting a piano accompanist. If students, who signed up, do not show up for their appointment, they will be responsible for paying back the band for registration.

Concert Festival - Saturday March 6. The concert band will perform at P.K. Yonge

Will need 2-4 chaperones, to assist loading, unloading instruments, and supervision.

Students will tentatively meet at EHS at 8:00 am. Parents will provide own transportation.. Will need cars/vans to assist with instrument transportation. We will not need the trailer. Some discussion addressed provision of snacks/water. Further details will be announced later as the schedule for performance time is clarified.

UF Inaugural Honor Band Festival - April 1-3 2010.

Mr. Hughes shared that this date conflicted with original plan to perform for the EHS Alumni Band reunion & Mr. Parker’s visit at EHS. Mr. Parker was the founding director of the EHS band. Boosters expressed concern that it was unfortunate that this would preclude students from having the option to take advantage of this opportunity. Mr. Hughes said that he would contact the alumni and see about changing the performance date**. Director and student registration information online at www.ufbands.ufl.edu/ufhonorband.html and is time sensitive.

Fundraisers Booster president, Valerie Linn presented 2 fundraising

opportunities for consideration.

1. Coffee/tea/hot cocoa sales with EHS Ram Band logo on package. Band would make 50% on sales.
2. “Enjoy the City” – Local business/merchants coupon book sales. Sold within 30 days, band would earn 50%.

Boosters decided to focus on one fundraiser – Enjoy the City booklets. And determined that each student would be expected to sell a minimum of 2 at 20$ each. Orders will be made to begin sales Feb 16. Valerie will contact representative and confirm agreement and present information to students/families.

1. Drumline at Walmart. All in attendance agreed that this would be advantageous to do. Members discussed scheduling during season when likely to be warmer and drier. Since the drumline performance entails specific students, it would be important that a parent of a drumline student organize the event to maximize drumline members attending. Parent volunteer is needed.

Discussion addressed percentage of students who have not been able to contribute to fair share and the importance of providing opportunities for fundraising. Ms. Linn shared that a number of parents had expressed that they did not know about the poinsettia fundraiser, despite emails about it. Boosters acknowledged that more frequent communications are important through a variety of methods.

Communication Booster inquired about updating Ram Band website. Mr. Hughes will be doing so soon. Inquiries were made regarding how Mr. Hughes foresaw recruiting to help maintain and develop the band next year. He shared that he has invited a number of middle school directors to come and work with the EHS band, which is good for exposure to the quality and commitment of band members at EHS. Mr. Hughes is also preparing a brochure that will be made available to interested students.

Attendance – Mr. Hughes reported that attendance to zero period has improved, although not at 100%. Boosters discussed how incentives may be developed to increase participation.

Emerald Dancers and more – Ms. Davis, the instructor for the dancers, shared her plan for color guard, baton twirlers to be added to the auxiliary next year. Mr. Hughes plans for the EHS Ram Band performing at half-time for football games. Ms. Davis presented information on the need for new uniforms & apparel for the dancers and auxiliary members, noting that she and Mr. Hughes had discussed this and agreed that students would be responsible for paying ½ of the uniform expense. Band officers will review the proposal and present at the next band booster meeting for a vote,.

Recruiting – Mr. Hughes discussed recruiting goals for incoming freshmen class and emphasized the importance of continuing to recruit band members. He is developing a professional brochure that will be available as part of recruitment efforts.

Mr. Hughes shared tentative plans for the summer band camp. More information will be forthcoming.

Next Band Booster meeting is scheduled at EHS Band Room

Tuesday, February 16^th at 7:00 p.m. Booster officers will meet at 6:30.

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

 

 

EHS Band Boosters Meeting

11/10/09

President Valerie Linn opened the meeting at 7:00 pm.

Fundraising:

• Gift wrapping

1. We need volunteers from band members & parents (as chaperones)
2. Coordinators:

• 11/27 – Robin McClellon
• 12/5 – Marina Noon
• 12/14 – Marina Noon

1. We need to get signup sheets in the band room.
2. Adult shift leaders for every shift. There are 2 shifts each day.
3. For chaperones, Ms. Linn will make phone calls to find anyone interested. Please let her or one of the coordinators know if you are interested in helping out.
4. Mr. Carnes will bring tables & tents to the band room, so we will need to pick them up before setting up at Wal-Mart.
5. Ms. Linn will be talking to Wal-Mart Wednesday, November 12, for further details on what we need to do.
6. We will need donations of wrapping paper, tape, ribbons and bows, although Wal-Mart will also provide some supplies. Mr. Hughes will be sending out an email requesting donations.

• Holiday wreaths & poinsettias (Karin Hyler & Vickie Jervickas)

1. These are done as pre-order only, and it takes about 5 days for the items to be received after we order them.
2. We keep 50% of the price for what we sell.
3. The company will bill us for what we order, so they will not require a pre-payment from us.
4. We will definitely be delivering orders at the winter concert.
5. Do we want to do an order for Thanksgiving? If so, we need to order by end of next week.

• Ms. Hyler and Ms. Jervickas will meet with Mr. Hughes to discuss this.

1. We would like to display a wreath at school in case faculty, staff, and other students are interested.

• We may be able to set up a box in the office for orders.
• Mr. Hughes can take any payments for these orders.

1. It was suggested that we have a contest for the person who sells the most, with a gift card as prize.
2. Decorations are not already placed on the wreaths, but are sent in a separate box.

• Mr. Hughes suggested that we give the band members a list of ideas as to where they could sell them.
• United Scrip gift cards

1. Mr. Carnes asked if a 3% return worth the effort?
2. Per Terumi, the return to us is 2-12%, depending on the retailer.
3. Money is directly withdrawn from organization account.
4. We need more information before we can commit to this fundraiser.

• Mr. Appelson suggested we have someone come in to band room to motivate the students for fundraisers beforehand

1. Ms. Hyler and Ms. Jervickas for wreaths & poinsettias
2. Mr. Appelson possibly for gift wrapping

 

Winter Concert – Thursday, December 10 at 7:00 pm

• Students need to be there at 6:00 pm.
• No chaperones are needed for this event.
• We will need a coordinator for refreshments afterward. Anyone interested, please contact one of the booster officers.

1. Refreshments to be served in the chorus room
2. Donations of food from families requested

• Mr. Hughes will be in charge of publicizing the concert.

 

Mr. Hughes will be trying to hire another instructor to help with the trumpet section..

 

Mr. Carnes reported that the bank charged the booster account low-balance fees for the last 2 months, but we are now above the minimum amount required.

Our next meeting will be prior to the concert on December 10 at 6:30 in EHS auditorium.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 pm.

 

 

EHS Band Boosters Meeting

10/6/09

President Valerie Linn opened the meeting at 7:00 pm.

• Thanks to everyone for coming.
• She introduced herself and the other officers for the benefit of those who were not at the last meeting:

1. Gary Appelson – Vice President
2. Chris Carnes – Treasurer
3. Teri Mann – Secretary

• Volunteer application forms were passed out. All parents who attend meetings or volunteer for band functions are requested to complete and turn in these forms, as they are required for the school to receive credit for parent involvement.

Mr. Carnes presented the band budget.

• The balance in the band account that was passed on from last year was $4,295.00.
• Our current balance is about $1,900.00 after paying for a number of things involved with band startup.
• We have some other funds that will be coming to us sometime in the near future, but they are yet to be announced.
• He received about $600.00 in fair share payments at the meeting.
• We will need receipts for any costs that are to be reimbursed to volunteers, so be sure to save your receipts and turn them in to Mr. Carnes.
• Any costs over $50.00 MUST be approved first.

Ms. Linn discussed Fair Share and fundraising.

• Fair Share:

1. The contribution to band from families is $150 per student. This may be paid in 5 installments of $30 per month, and the first payment is due today.
2. This cost is a bargain, as other bands in the area have costs of up to $600.00 per student or more. It takes a lot of money to run a band, and we want to keep the momentum going.
3. Volunteer work may help cover some of the costs of fair share, so helping out with fundraising can be a good way to meet the cost for your student.

• Fundraising:

1. We already have some fundraising activities scheduled, and would like suggestions and volunteers for other events.

• The band is currently signed up with Wal-Mart on Waldo Road for Christmas gift-wrapping on 11/27, 12/5 and 12/12. Email Ms. Linn if interested.
• Wal-Mart will donate some paper, but we will need more so please consider donating some wrapping paper for these events.

1. Vickie Jervickas and Karin Hyler will be taking pre-orders for fresh Christmas wreaths and poinsettias. The wreaths are from Maine, and the poinsettias have a local connection. They will be delivered at the band’s Winter Concert on 12/10.
2. The drumline will not be fundraising at Wal-Mart this year, as all dates were booked up.
3. Bill Salus presented two possible fundraisers:

• Entertainment books
  • In addition to regular sales, there is an email system to send order requests online. The books are then shipped to the customers directly and the money deposited in our account.
  • The profit we would make is graduated:

1. 20% for 1-99 books sold
2. 40% for 100-499 books sold
3. 50% for more than 499 books sold

• There are not currently any books available, need to be ordered
• Cookie dough
  • Classic Recipes brand, with zero trans-fat
  • There are no catalogs available now, they are on order
  • Cost is $12 per tub or $14 for 48 preformed cookies
  • After some discussion, we will continue to consider these possibilities but will not commit at this time

1. Volunteering for fundraising is considered a part of the Fair Share. The value of the donations collected will be divided evenly between volunteers, except for those students who have already met their Fair Share.
2. Please contact the booster officers if you have other fundraising ideas.

 

 

Ms. Suzanna Smith discussed chaperoning.

• Thanks to all who have been handling chaperone duties at the games, and to Mr. Lance Verner who has been hauling the equipment trailer.
• The next event after this week’s game is the UF Homecoming parade.

1. The students will take a one-way bus ride from the school to the O’Connell Center, with plans to arrive at the Center at 9:00 am. There will be no bus back to school, so plan to pick up your students at the end of the parade route.
2. The trailer will be brought to the Center at 9:00 am, the students will dress and get their instruments, then the trailer will be taken to the end of the parade route.
3. There was concern from a parent about the mandatory bus ride, since her family lives closer to UF. Mr. Hughes will let everyone know beforehand if the bus ride will still be mandatory.
4. We need 10 chaperones for the parade (5 per side), including 2 people to pull wagons with water bottles.
5. We will also need plenty of water to keep the band hydrated.

• We have lots of volunteers for Friday’s game.
• The Emerald Dancers have been concerned that they are not considered part of the band.

1. Mr. Hughes confirmed that they are part of the band. He has been increasing the communications with their coach, and they should be included in all band activities.
2. They will be riding on the bus to the parade.
3. Rosalyn will be getting contact information.

• There will be a group of spirit marchers, the Power Girls, walking behind the band.

Mr. Hughes reported on band activities.

• October is a busy month for the band. They have been working very hard at practice.

1. This is Homecoming Week.
2. The parade is next week.
3. The final football game is on Friday, 10/23.
4. The field trip is on 10/24, and is mandatory. The band will be watching other bands perform and see how they are graded.

• Picture day will be on 10/22.

1. Students must be wearing their full uniform, including black shoes.
2. Pictures begin during first lunch, then continue on into second lunch and 6^th period. There is a possibility that they will continue after school, so students may end up staying at school late.

• Pictures are important to the band’s sense of tradition, and composites will be hung on the wall alongside those of past bands.
• No one is required to buy pictures, but they will be offered for purchase at some point afterward. The photographer will set a date to display them in the band room.
• The winter concert will be on 12/10.
• We have some EHS band merchandise on sale:

1. Umbrellas for $10
2. Small backpacks for $10
3. Jackets for $15
4. Gym bags for $20
5. These won’t last long, so be sure to get yours now.

• Please check the calendar on the website!

 

Mr. Appelson let everyone know about a special event that occurred during a recent zero-period practice.

• The band marched out at 8:30 am
• Hundreds of kids came out and were dancing and clapping along
• Everyone there showed great support for the band

Ms. Linn presented Mr. Hughes with a polo shirt that says “EHS Band Director.”

Our next meeting will be on November 10^th at 7:00 pm at the downtown library.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm.

EHS Band Boosters Meeting

9/1/09

President Valerie Linn opened the meeting at 7:00 pm.

• Thanks to everyone for coming.

• She introduced herself and the other officers:

1. Gary Appelson – Vice President

2. Chris Carnes – Treasurer

3. Teri Mann – Secretary

• Student information sheets were passed out, which requested information on phone and email contacts for both students and parents. All information is voluntary, in the hope of creating a directory that will improve communication for Mr. Hughes, booster officers, parents, and students. No information will be shared without permission.

• For those parents of zero-period students who are interested in carpooling, the contact information provided will be shared. Please contact Ms. Linn for further details.

• There is a great need for volunteers to help out this year. The information sheet also includes a survey of parent interest in volunteering.

• We particularly need help with fundraising, since this will help the band participate in activities such as football games and other performances. Many volunteer jobs can be very simple, such as making phone calls to possible sponsors or participating in the phone tree. We also need a transportation committee.

The new band director, Mr. Joseph Hughes, introduced himself and outlined his plans for the band this year and in future years.

• He is a graduate of EHS. The band was approximately 120 members strong during his time at Eastside, participated in many activities, and won many awards.

• He hopes to bring back the traditions of the EHS Ram Band, including hanging banners and composite photos of all previous bands.

1. Anyone interested in helping to hang photos, please contact Mr. Hughes.

• Former band members have been brought in during camp and classes to speak to the students.

• The band is a family, and Mr. Hughes wants students and parents to feel like one.

• There is a lot of work to be done at the beginning of the year, and we need parents to step up and volunteer.

• Band camp went very well this summer.

• There are approximately 50 students currently in band. The band is currently in need of more trumpet players.

• Mr. Hughes has told band student leaders to expect mistakes, and not to freak out about them, since this is a learning process this year.

• The drumline performed tonight at the School Board of Alachua County meeting, and the performance was taped and will be shown on Channel 12.

• Thanks to the booster officers for their work so far. Ms. Linn and Mr. Appelson helped with the performance at the school board meeting.

• The article in The Gainesville Sun was very complimentary, and brought in approximately $1,900 in contributions plus many instruments.

• The new website for the band is www.eastsideramband.com. This includes articles, a calendar, booster information, educational resources, band pictures, and many other great features. Please check it out.

• Mr. Hughes stressed that we need volunteers for activities, especially a fundraising coordinator. One parent did volunteer to be an advisor for fundraising.

There were a number of important topics addressed tonight, including:

• Fair share:

1. The contribution to band from families is $150 per student.

2. May be paid in 5 installments of $30 per month.

3. Volunteer work may help cover some of the costs of fair share.

4. We don’t want cost to discourage students from being in band due to the cost.

• Chaperoning for games/events:

1. Need help handing out uniforms at games.

• Need 2-3 volunteers to help out.

• The uniforms will be brought to the game in the band trailer, then checked out for games & back in afterward.

• Students need to hang up their uniforms when they take them off, to keep them in good shape.

• No uniforms to go home. Brand new and don’t want wear & tear. Also removes responsibility for families to clean.

• Mr. Hughes has distribution system he has used successfully before

• Volunteers need to coordinate with Mr. Hughes for first game, but should be able to show up at future games without signing up

1. 5-7 parents needed in stands with band.

• Well-behaved siblings allowed when necessary.

• Still working out game entrance fees. There may be a limit on how many chaperones can get in for free.

1. Water coolers will be needed.

2. Mr. Hughes will look into the possibility of T-shirts for chaperones.

• Football games:

1. Only 1 away game, at Santa Fe High School in High Springs.

2. Band will take bus, although we may need help with transportation in cars as well, depending on how many students are allowed on the bus per SBAC rules.

3. Will need chaperones on bus.

4. Will attend all EHS games scheduled at Citizen’s field.

• Students to meet at Citizen’s field, since bus would cost approx $500 per game

• This Friday, 9/4, students need to meet at 6:15 pm, near the pool. The game is at 7:00 pm.

• Trailer is kept locked and secure during games.

• Students will be in band T-shirts and gym shorts; will put uniforms on over that.

  • Current T-shirts are free, but Mr. Hughes may be ordering another in 6 weeks that could possible require payment.

  • We already have some fundraising activities scheduled, and would like suggestions and volunteers for other events.

1. The band is currently signed up with Wal-Mart on Waldo Road for Christmas gift-wrapping on 12/5 and 12/12.

2. One of the boosters volunteered to contact Wal-Mart on Archer Road to set up performances by the drumline for donation. Further information will be made available when these dates are set.

3. There was a suggestion to create a job description for volunteers.

4. Please contact the booster officers if you have other fundraising ideas.

 

Mr. Appelson discussed booster meetings.

• Current plans are to meet on the 1^st Tuesday of every month.

• Asked the boosters present if they would prefer to meet at the downtown library in the future.

1. The location would be more convenient for many parents

2. The library would not be available on the 1^st Tuesday next month, so we would have to change the meeting to the 2^ndTuesday. Mr. Appelson will check to see if we could have the library on the 1^st Tuesday in the future.

3. The boosters agreed that next meeting will be at EHS on 10/6/09 at 7:00 pm. We hope to see everyone there!

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm.