BOARD MEETING
DECEMBER 21, 2004
PRESENT: Dan Schultz, Wayne Fiester, Dave Emory, Frank Book, John Powell, Tina Patton
ABSENT: Jim Bolte, Jon Patton, Jim Sermershiem
Per email discussion, Dan requested a motion to buy “I Recommend” books for rehearsal warm-ups. Motion made and seconded. Decided to buy 2 books/part to encourage members to buy their own.
Respectfully submitted,
Tina Patton
BOARD MEETING
JUNE 30, 2004
PRESENT: Dan Schultz, Wayne Fiester, Dave Emory, Jim Bolte, Jon Patton, Frank Book, Jim Sermershiem, Tina Patton
ABSENT: John VanZant
The second issue was defining responsibilities of band members. The consensus was that members should own their own instrument and stand, show up for rehearsals and performances, work to improve playing skills and follow instructions from the director.
The third issue was defining the responsibilities of the conductor. There were more individualistic responses to this. All agreed that the conductor should evaluate the needs of the group and the characteristics of the performance and assist the group in preparing new pieces for concerts. Two members thought the conductor should be responsible for telling disruptive members (either through their playing or behavior) to make appropriate changes. The consensus was that the board should empower the conductor to make decisions for the good of the group.
Dan noted that John VanZant has not been attending rehearsals, concerts or board meetings. He requested board input re: retaining him as a member. The board agreed that in the best interests of the band that John be asked to resign and a new member appointed to fill out his term until annual election. Dan will contact John and ask for resignation. Potential candidates were discussed. The members will approach candidates and elect one at within 2 weeks.
Respectfully submitted,
Tina Patton
BOARD MEETING
APRIL 26, 2003
Present: Dan Schultz, Wayne Fiester, Jim Bolte, John VanZant, Frank Book, Jim Sermerschiem, Tina Wedding
Absent: Dave Emory, Jon Patton
Old Business: In Dave’s absence Dan gave a financial report. It was too early to include the cost of the Stavanger dinner, but we still had a positive balance after that was taken out. Dave plans to be present at the next meeting and have the updated figures.
Dan reported that we had positive responses all around from the Stavanger concert. He distributed a list compiled by Don Bookout from the BRBB. Our selections were well-received by the audience.
New Business: Dan reported on the email responses from our query re: how to improve performances. Mark Taylor, Bryan Hartig, Gene VanStone and Wayne Fiester all responded to the questions. In Jon’s absence he reported ideas of Jon’s including outreach to the local student bands and working more diligently on specific pieces that world be crowd-pleasers. The board then discussed various ideas; discussion as follows.
Jim S described the original purpose of community bands as to entertain the crowd and provide social outlets for the band members. These died down after unions insisted that its members could not perform unless paid union wages. Jim emphasized that the instrumentation was sometimes haphazard but the band’s primary purpose was to entertain the crowd. This could include dancing, jokes, standing for solos or for sectional soli, etc.
Jim B reported that concert bands do not traditionally perform in this manner, but did allow soloists to stand to receive applause after a particular number. He pointed out that this not only was the style of high school bands but also in the philharmonic. He agreed that a straightforward concert style may not be best at all our venues.
Wayne pointed out that during some of our concerts, the Great Pumpkin, Scales Lake and Trinity Church in particular, we have more audience participation. He believed incorporating some of Jim S’ ideas might most logically start at those concerts. He also pointed out that John Powell’s jokes go over well at LODB concerts.
Frank submitted the idea of having a vocalist for some of the songs. He suggested we could recruit from local high school or church choirs. Jim B emphasized that the scores would have to be written with a vocalist in mind. Frank also suggested “theme” concerts such as jazz, Americana , musicals, etc.
Dan suggested a committee be formed to investigate performance improvement and submit its findings to the board. Wayne suggested we invite all those who offered input via email. John VanZant thought Jon should also be included in the invitation. Dan will contact all these people.
Dan gave the following list of scheduled performances for both bands:
LODB 5/8/03 at Atria
ODCB 5/17/03 at Newburgh in Bloom
ODCB 5/31/03 or 5/24 at Rose Hill Cemetery (he will clarify date)
LODB 6/7/03 at United Fidelity Bank
ODCB 6/10/03 at Handy Fest in Henderson
ODCB 6/14/03 Newburgh Summerfest Bicentenial
LODB 6/21/03 Willow Park
ODCB 9/7/03 Newburgh Jazz Fest
ODCB 10/12 or 10/5/03 Great Pumpkin ( Wayne will clarify date)
ODCB 12/4/03 St John’s
Unfinished business: There was a suggestion to create section leaders to help distribute parts in a manner that best suits the needs of the band in terms of performance. This discussion was postponed to another meeting.
Respectfully submitted:
Tina Wedding
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
December 2002
Present: Dan Schultz, Wayne Fiester, Jon Patton, Jim Sermersheim, David Emery, Frank Book, Jim Bolte, Tina Wedding
Absent: John VanZant
Dan Schultz opened the meeting asking for nominations for the 2002 officers. Nominations and votes were as follows:
Secretary: Tina Wedding accepted the nomination and was voted in with no dissenting votes.
Treasurer: Dave Emery accepted the nomination and was voted in with no dissenting votes.
Vice-President: Wayne Fiester accepted the nomination and was voted in with no dissenting votes.
President: Dan Schultz accepted the nomination and was voted in with no dissenting votes.
OLD BUSINESS
Dan reported we do have a popcorn machine for a summer series concert in Newburgh provided that Alcoa accepts the grant proposal submitted last fall. The series would focus on a family theme with music, magicians, popcorn and soft drinks, and other entertainment. This would most likely be a series of three concerts. It is not clear when we will hear back on the application.
NEW BUSINESS
Jim S. proposed that we come up with a lighting system for the canopy or for the stands. We are using a set of patio lights of Dan's now.
Wayne reported that the Newburgh Arts Council will have a series of events showcasing local artists. These are scheduled in February and March on Sunday afternoons. He suggested the Little Band or the whole band perform at one or two of these.
Wayne suggested that for fundraising we might consider nominal dues from the band members. Discussion followed. There was no clear consensus and the the issue was tabled until next meeting.
Jim S. proposed that we have a mechanism for Jon to be reimbursed for the copies he makes for the folders. Jon reported he makes as few copies as possible and rarely spends more than $20. Discussion followed. Decided to give Jon and Dan up to $25 monthly to use on copies. They will be reimbursed upon providing a receipt.
Dan proposed that we form committees to oversee different function of the board. Nominated and elected were Dave for the recruitment committee, Jon for the performance committee, Jim B. for the music committee, Jim S. for the fundraising committee, and John for the finance committee. Committee members can be selected from the board and from the band as a whole.
Jim S. motioned to adjourn the meeting; Frank seconded. Meeting adjourned.
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
DATE: March 5, 2002
Present: Dan Schultz, Jim Sermersheim, Jon Patton, Wayne Fiester,
John VanZandt, Frank Book, Tina Wedding
Absent: Dave Emery, Jim Bolte
OLD BUSINESS:
Dan and Tina completed a property list, including music, instruments, copier,
canopy, hats, and miscellany. The estimated net worth is $8,836.
The list also includes the location of all property as it is
stored with various members.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dan reported that the Evansville Farmers' Market would like us to perform 2,
two or three hour concerts in the late spring/early summer.
Decided this would be a better venue for the Little Dam Band.
Jon motioned the meeting be adjourned; Jim seconded. Meeting adjourned.