Middletown Choral Boosters Meeting
October 9, 2007
Meeting called to order at 7:07 pm.
Attendees: Jessica Parsley, Lisa Coles, Sheila Brumage, Diane Stowell, Randi Numbers, Linda Myers, Melissa Murphy, Kathy Stasiewicz, Katie Stasiewicz
September minutes were read and approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Due to the absence of the Treasurer, there was no report available. .
Committee Reports
Outfits and Robes Melissa Murphy reported that the robes are cleaned and back in the closet from the Heritage Days. Heritage Days went well, but was a learning experience for Melissa.
Concert Committee Diane Stowell reported that she has started working on getting the permits for the Holiday Concert and Cabaret. She asked for a snow date for Cabaret which was provided by Ms. Parsley. She has completed an inventory of the closet and will be getting some supplies that are needed. .
Publicity/Newsletter Randi Numbers reported that she needs material for the next Newsletter that is due 10/12/2007. She would like to put some pictures from Heritage Days, but Ms. Parsley needs to check to see if that would be allowed by the Administration. Ms. Parsley requested anyone with pictures to please e-mail them to her for the Chorus Scrapbook.
Phone Tree Pattie Hughes was not present; nothing to report.
Ways and Means
Car Washes Lisa Coles still has not had luck with contacting Wal-Mart. Katie Stasiewicz reported that the chorus students would be willing to do a waterless car wash. It was decided that it might be too late to plan anything for the fall, possibly wait until spring.
Maggie Moos Lisa Coles has not been able to reach them also. Will continue.
C&R Food Dottie Aldrich was not present; Lisa Coles will check with her regarding this fundraiser.
Yankee Candles Randi Numbers reminded everyone that Yankee Candle orders are due by October 10, 2007. She can accept orders through Friday, October 12, 2007. The candles should be delivered either the week after Thanksgiving or the first week in December.
Quilt Raffle Linda Myers still needs to contact Ellie Spade for the phone number for Steve Velot to see if he wants to make a quilt for this year.
Poinsettia Sale Carol Vanek was not present, but Lisa Coles reported that Carol had contacted Mr. Gude and he will provide the poinsettias again this year. We will be requesting 70 instead of 60 since 60 was not enough last year.
Donation Letter Lisa Coles will be rewording the letter for this year.
Flower Sales Melissa Murphy will be setting up a table at her daughter’s skating competition on
November 3 to sell flowers. All she needs is a poster to show that the profit will be going to MHS Choral Boosters. Katie Stasiewicz volunteered to have this done by the chorus members.
Pizzeria Uno Kathy Stasiewicz reported that she had obtained information from Pizzeria Uno Chicago Grill. She provided the coupons and had arranged for a fundraiser for MHS Chorus for November 5, 2007. Kathy will contact Nancy Randall, PTSA, about getting the coupon published in their newsletter. Randi Numbers will put information in the MHS Newsletter about this. Jody Brumage will check on the possibility of running an ad in the Middletown Citizen newspaper. Jody Brumage will create a flyer to be attached to the coupons for Ms. Parsley to distribute to Chorus members for their families.
Kathy also reported on Beef O’Brady’s. They did not have quite as good of a deal: it was for a shorter amount of time and restricted to Wednesdays. They do allow raffles or selling items at the same time. Possibly we will reconsider if we have a quilt raffle.
Other Fundraisers Carol Vanek is still working on the details about the Vocal Ensemble performing in country clubs. Jessica Parsley will check with the Administration on this item also.
Ms. Parsley reported that the Administration was OK with recording and selling CDs. Discussion followed on this subject regarding the cost of recording and making the CDs, how much they would sell for and an estimate of how many we thought we would sell. It was decided that our profit margin would be too small to make this a feasible project.
The group discussed the Boscov coupons, but decided that since the Band and PTSA had already done that we would probably not proceed with this one.
Jessica Parsley provided a new idea—Frederick area business coupon book. It had been sold by Frederick High School for a fundraiser. The Boosters discussed and thought this was a good idea. Linda Myers will contact the company and get details.
Jessica Parsley and Katie Stasiewicz reported that the students want to do a Rocka-Thon this year. It was decided that January or February would be a good time.
Ms. Parsley reported that the Administration did not approve the student’s idea of a duct tape sale. There was discussion of possibly changing that to a “Kiss a Pig (or Alpaca)” raffle. The students will discuss this idea.
Old Business
Website Becky DeLameter was not present. No Report. Ms. Parsley will talk to Mr. Turner for more details about the website and will check on the possibility of being able to link it to the MHS website.
New Business
Monthly Report Ms. Parsley provided a list of dates for performances for 2007-2008. She reported on the success and lessons learned from the Heritage Days performance. The Boosters suggested getting a better location and earlier time for next year’s Heritage Days. Kathy Stasiewicz suggested using the steps at the Lutheran Church instead of risers. She will check with the church to see if that would be possible.
Ms. Parsley will also be checking on the possibility of getting a different date or earlier time for the Harpers Ferry performance in December because of the students that will also be in the play being held at MHS that day.
Ms. Parsley said she has a few catalogues to share with the Vocal Ensemble for their outfits. She indicated that the students had expressed an interest in T-Shirts or polo style shirts to wear to informal events and on the days of their concerts at school to promote attendance at the evening events. Diane Stowell has a friend that does that type of work and she will get more information on this and prices. Ms. Parsley will talk to the students and get more details about this also.
Ms. Parsley provided several ideas that her father had provided of items that could be sold to help supplement our budget such as banners, pizza cutters, water bottles, car magnets, etc. The Boosters thought this would be a good idea and Ms. Parsley will discuss further with her Father.
Ms. Parsley reported that MHS is hosting the adjudication in November, but that our school would not be participating. Mr. Shearer will be handling this.
Sheila Brumage asked about the Wall of Honor and what had happened to some of the pictures that had been hung in September that are now gone. Ms. Parsley indicated that Mr. Shearer took them down because they were not the correct pictures. Linda Myers asked what happened to them; they should be returned to Ms. Parsley since the Boosters paid for them. Ms. Parsley will check with Mr. Shearer. Ms. Parsley provided copies of notes in Ms. Auchey’s files about what pictures should be hung to make sure the correct pictures are taken and hung next year.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, November 13, at 7:00 pm.
Middletown Choral Boosters Meeting
November 13, 2007
Meeting called to order at 7:09 pm.
Attendees: Dottie Aldrich, Sheila Brumage, Lisa Coles, Randi Numbers, Carol Vanek, Jessica Parsley, Melissa Murphy, Becky DeLameter
October minutes were read and approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Due to the absence of the Treasurer, there was no report available. .
Committee Reports
Outfits and Robes Melissa Murphy asked about which upcoming events required robes and vocal ensemble outfits. She requested Ms. Parsley to let her know which children would not be participating at Christmas in the Valley so she would not have to pack and transport their outfits and robes. Since the Vocal Ensemble will leave on a bus from MHS to go to Harpers Ferry, Melissa will just need to be there to get their outfits out for them.
Concert Committee Due to the absence of Diane Stowell there was no report.
Publicity/Newsletter Randi Numbers reported that she has the material ready for the next Newsletter. She will update the flyer from last year for the Holiday Concert. She is planning to contact the Frederick News Post to do a spotlight on Jessica Parsley – Frederick girl now teaching at MHS. She will check with local radio stations and the website for NBC 25 regarding advertising upcoming concerts.
Phone Tree Pattie Hughes was not present; nothing to report.
Ways and Means
Yankee Candles Randi Numbers reported that the Yankee Candles sales totaled almost $5,000 which will mean a profit of almost $2,000. She has provided to the Treasurer a breakdown of how much each student should receive in their trip accounts. The company will pack the orders by student and the orders can be picked up at Randi’s house during the last week of November or the first week of December. The Boosters decided to have another Yankee Candle sale in the spring.
C&R Food Dottie Aldrich reported that she had not really had time to concentrate on this fundraiser. The Boosters discussed waiting until early January to hold this fundraiser to have the food available for the Super Bowl.
Fundraising Letter Lisa Coles still working on this.
Skating Rink Flower Sale Melissa Murphy reported that she was not able to hold this fundraiser. The skating club already was selling flowers.
Pizzeria Uno Due to the absence of Kathy Stasiewicz, no report was available for the November 5 fundraiser.
Poinsettia Sale Carol Vanek will contact Mr. Gude to get 70 plants. She will call him a week ahead of the date to remind him. Dottie Aldrich gave Carol advice on getting chorus members to stay after school the evening of the concert to help set up the plants. Dottie explained the labeling process and Randi Numbers will help Carol with labels and the flyer.
Old Business
T-Shirts Ms. Parsley said the students had ideas about what they wanted, but no final decision has been made.
Other 2007-2008 Fundraisers Ms. Parsley said her Dad suggested making Water Bottles, Pizza Cutters, and Coffee Mugs for the Boosters to sell. It was decided that Ms. Parsley should check on the quantity and prices from her Dad. She will also check into selling these items at the school store.
Carol Vanek said she has made several phone calls to local country clubs about performances by the Vocal Ensemble. She has not had any calls returned.
Website Becky DeLameter demonstrated the new website. She wants to add Heritage Days pictures and asked for people to download pictures and send them to her. A motion was made and approved to spend the money to purchase a website sponsor. Randi Numbers will check on the service they use and provide information to the Boosters. Becky also presented some ideas of things that we might want to add to the website.
New Business
Monthly Report Student Activities: Ms. Parsley reported on the Halloween Party. Not very many of the students attended, but those that did had fun. The students want to sing at Vindobona Nursing Home again this year. They are working on a date. The students will be doing an Adopt a Family for the Holidays again this year.
Upcoming Performances: A flyer will be coming out for Christmas in the Valley. The time for Harpers Ferry performance has been changed to 5:30 pm. Bus will leave MHS at 4:00 pm. The performance with the 8th graders is still scheduled for December 11. Holiday Concert is December 19th.
On Friday, November 30, there will be a field trip to the Cultural Arts Center to see Amahl and the Night Visitors. Ms. Parsley is checking on a bus for this event.
There was no other new business.
The meeting adjourned at 8:38 pm.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, December 11, at 7:00 pm.
Middletown Choral Boosters Meeting
January 8, 2007
Meeting called to order at 7:06 p.m.
Attendees: Lisa Coles, Jessica Parsley, Dottie Aldrich, Beth Aldrich, Rachel Aldrich, Melissa Murphy, Sheila Brumage, Randi Numbers, Diane Stowell, Vickie Stowell, Kathy Stasiewicz, Katie Stasiewicz, Jennifer Shank, Ronnie Shank, Linda Myers, Alyssa Myers
December minutes were read and approved.
Treasurer’s Report
The treasurer has turned over paperwork to Lisa Coles and resigned due to family issues. Some bills appear to not have been paid. Those bills will be turned over to Ms. Parsley to check to see if they still need to be paid. There is a bill from Music Arts for $202 for a piano stool. There is an instrumentalist bill for $164.19 that still needs to be paid, and a Trinity United Methodist trip bill for $10.18, dated June 4, 2007, that needs to be paid. The present balance is $9,400. Profit from poinsettia sales was $660. Received a donation of $200 from a chorus family. Donations from the Holiday Concert came to $50.00. There were some other checks that still need to be deposited.
Ms. Parsley will check on some of these bills that still need to be paid. Jennifer Shank has volunteered to take over the Treasurer position. Lisa will be providing her the paperwork.
Committee Reports
Outfits and Robes Melissa Murphy reported that she will be getting the Vocal Ensemble dresses cleaned. She will be ordering studs for the boys' shirts. She asked the girls present at the meeting if they needed anything. They indicated that they did not at the present time.
Concert Committee Diane Stowell had nothing to report at this time. She had some bills to turn over to the Treasurer. Diane will provide a flyer for the Cabaret. She will send it to Lisa to attach to an e-mail and to Ms. Parsley to distribute to the students. Diane requested Sheila Brumage to supply a large coffee pot for the Cabaret concert.
Publicity/Newsletter Randi Numbers reported that the Newsletter was due next week. Will try to do an article on Ms. Parsley before Cabaret. The website is done and paid for ($47.11 for a year). Randi provided the bill to Lisa Coles. The website is MHSchorushome.org. All details have been provided to Becky DeLameter. Becky is working on getting data posted.
Phone Tree Jessica Parsley will organize the call list.
Ways and Means
Yankee Candles Candles are still coming in. There are still 2 orders missing. The company will call Randi tonight and let her know if they will be shipping the items or sending a rebate. There was one broken piece and the replacement is being shipped overnight. Randi received an apology from the President. The problems were due to a new system for packing orders by students' names. It didn’t work quite as well as they had hoped.
C&R Food Dottie Aldrich announced that she needs someone to take over this fundraiser. She is just so busy working two jobs and going to classes. Jennifer and Ronnie Shank may head up this fundraiser in a few months.
Fundraising Letter Lisa Coles has not been able to get this done. Sheila Brumage offered to draft a new letter and will e-mail it to Lisa. Need to include in the letter information about the Spring trip and Cabaret.
Poinsettia Sale Profit was $660 (only 4 poinsettia’s were not sold). Katie Stasiewicz will prepare a thank you card to send to Mr. Gude.
T-Shirts The design has not been redone. Will get done and provide to Diane Stowell. Shirts will be black and the design will be orange.
Other 2007-2008 Fundraisers There was a suggestion to have a Silent Auction at the Cabaret. Lisa will send out an e-mail requesting donations. Jennifer Shank will organize this fundraiser.
Ms. Parsley had nothing new to report regarding new Vocal Ensemble outfits.
Ms. Parlsey had nothing new to report about the water bottles.
Website Randi Numbers has taken care of establishing the website account so Becky DeLameter can go live with the website.
New Business
Ms. Parsley recently discovered that there is $400.00 in the budget for All State Chorus. There are 8 students going and they have already paid. The 8 students are:
Vicky Stowell, Beth Aldrich, Emily Hughes, McKenna Kirchner, Krista Bussard, Alyssa Myers, Kelly DeLameter, and Brian Vanek.
A motion was made and passed to put the $50.00 is each of the 8 students’ trip accounts.
The Banquet date is May 29, 2008.
All County Medals will be bought by the students, not Choral Boosters.
Linda Myers will be handling the Wall of Fame for this year.
Ms. Parsley asked what she needed to do to prepare for Cabaret. She is conducting auditions. Ms. Parsley will design the tickets and have them printed. The cost for advance tickets will be $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for students and senior citizens; tickets at the door will be $10.00.
Randi Numbers will design the advance ticket order forms. Sheila Brumage will check old Choral Boosters records for an example.
Discussions followed about the sound systems and lighting for concerts. It was decided it may be easier and cheaper to rent the sound equipment. Randi Numbers will contact Susan Thornton for information about renting that type of equipment.
Beth Aldrich suggested have some students do a promo for the morning announcements about Cabaret. She was advised to pursue this.
Ms. Parsley asked about getting video and audio recordings done of concerts to use for classroom instruction. Lisa will check on the availability of students to record for service hours or she will send out an e-mail for volunteers to tape the concerts. She will also check on students to handle lighting.
Ms. Parsley will be checking with the students regarding doing church services this year at the Senior’s churches and Baccalaureate service.
Ms. Parsley received a phone call from Becky DeLameter that the website was up. Ms. Parsley shared it with the Choral Boosters. It looked great—they will be working on getting more pictures posted.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2008, at 7:00 p.m.
Middletown Choral Boosters Meeting
March 11, 2008
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM.
Attendees: Lisa Coles, Jessica Parsley, Sheila Brumage, Melissa Murphy, Randi Numbers, Diane Stowell, Jennifer Shank, Ronnie Shank, Linda Myers, Becky DeLameter, Kelly DeLameter
January minutes were read and approved with a minor change identified by the Secretary regarding Ms. Parsley checking on student volunteers to help with lighting and sound at Cabaret and Lisa sending out an e-mail to remind everyone of Cabaret and providing refreshments.
Treasurer’s Report
The new Treasurer, Jennifer Shank, is still working through papers that were turned over from the former Treasurer. She reported that there is $12,988.44 in the checking account. Sheila provided Jennifer a copy of the May 2007 Treasurer’s Report for a sample. Jennifer reported that Choral Boosters received $60.00 from the donations jar at Cabaret, $840.00 from Cabaret ticket sales, $395.00 from the Silent Auction at Cabaret, and $170.00 from donation letters. Lisa Coles advised the Treasurer that the Choral Booster’s Certificate of Deposit should be coming up for renewal soon.
Committee Reports
Outfits and Robes Melissa Murphy reported that one robe is still missing. She will conduct an inventory of robes Friday afternoon, March 14. She suggested that there should be more than one person on this committee next year.
Concert Committee Diane Stowell reported that Cabaret went very well. She requested approval to purchase table cloths before the Banquet. Approval was granted.
Publicity/Newsletter Randi Numbers will include the May concert in the next MHS Newsletter.
Linda Myers made a suggestion to have the names of students in All-County and All-State published in the Frederick News Post for recognition of the MHS Music Department. Linda will take care of this. She also discussed with Becky DeLameter how to get things like this incorporated in the FCPS Find out First.
Phone Tree Patti Hughes notified Ms. Parsley that she is putting together the Phone Tree.
Ways and Means
C & R Food It was decided to wait until Fall 2008 to do a food related fundraiser. Jennifer Shank presented the idea of using Giani’s instead of C&R Foods. It was decided that would be a good idea.
T-Shirts Diane reported on the T-Shirts. The shirts will be black with orange print. The charge for each shirt is $10.00. The shirts will be sold for $15.00 each. She will try to have one made for a sample by the concert on Monday, March 17, 2008. Diane will make a flyer and provide copies for distribution to the students. She will include the water bottles on the order form. Orders will be due by March 28, 2008.
Donation Letter The donation letter was revised by Sheila Brumage and approved for distribution in early February. Donations were received in the amount of $170.00. A bill for postage was provided to the Treasurer.
Spring Flower Bulbs This fundraiser began on March 10, 2008 and will continue through Friday, March 28. Brochures were provided for each student to take home. Chairman of the fundraiser is Sheila Brumage.
Other Fundraisers Nothing new.
Old Business
Website Becky DeLameter still needs pictures for the website. Choral Booster meeting minutes will be placed on the website and archived after each school year.
Vocal Ensemble Outfits Ms. Parsley said there still was no decision on the new dresses. It was decided to wait until next year to address this topic again.
Wall of Fame Linda Myers will be working with Ms. Parsley on this project.
New Business
Officers 2008/2009 Lisa Coles asked for volunteers for President and Vice President. Linda Myers said she would consider taking the Vice President position. Randi Numbers offered to take the Secretary position if Sheila Brumage would accept President. Sheila indicated that she would consider this.
Volunteer Sign-Up List Lisa Coles suggested that we needed to put together a sign-up list of things that we need volunteers for that could be e-mailed out to the families. Some people will volunteer to help with certain activities, but are not able to attend Choral Boosters meetings.
Chorus Banquet The Chorus Banquet is scheduled for May 29, 2008. Lisa Coles explained to Ms. Parsley that the students are responsible for buying the Senior gag gifts, but Ms. Parsley needs to screen them prior to the Banquet. Ms. Parsley is responsible for obtaining the service letters and pins and awards for the Seniors and to be prepared to present these items and to briefing talk about each Senior’s plans for their future. She will also take care of the National School Chorus Award for the wall plaque. Student officers will take care of the centerpieces for the tables that are given to the Seniors. The students would like to have a different caterer. Lisa Coles will check on J&B Catering. Jennifer Shank will check on caterers that her office uses.
Report from Director Ms. Parsley requested feedback on Cabaret. Everyone agreed that it was a success. Sheila Brumage suggested that next year either Ms. Parsley or a student should serve as the announcer for each act since it is too dark to read the program. Ms. Parsley was reminded that she needed to pay Lois Kuhn for playing for Cabaret and the Winter Concert. The Treasurer will be sending a check to Ms. Kuhn for $100.00.
Ms. Parsley was reminded that she will need to arrange for a school bus for the Kings Dominion trip now scheduled for May 3, 2007. Some students will not be able to go on the trip because of SAT exams. Ms. Parsley said she would check on other possible dates, but with Prom on May 10, and the Drama trip on May 18, she might not be able to schedule the trip until May 30, which could conflict with Seniors practicing for graduation. She will do research on this.
Vocal Ensemble will be performing at the MHS Book Fair at Barnes & Nobles on April 12.
Vocal Ensemble may be performing at the Grossnickle Church of the Brethren on April 20.
May 21st is the date for the Spring Concert.
Application for the TRIM Music Society will be on the website.
The students would like to have a Student Alumni Chairman to send e-mails and put information on the website to notify MHS chorus alumni of upcoming concerts and events.
Junior All-State will be performing at MHS on Saturday, March 15. Changed from Thomas Johnson High School because of a double booking of their auditorium.
Ms. Parsley requested the Treasurer to pay the water bottle bill.
Choral Adjudication will be held on April 1, at MHS. Lisa Coles and Randi Numbers told all about the responsibilities for parent chaperones that day and expressed to Ms. Parsley that she needs more than two parents for chaperoning. Ms. Parsley will e-mail parents for chaperone volunteers.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2008.
Middletown Choral Boosters Meeting
April 8, 2008
Meeting called to order at 7:07 PM.
Attendees: Lisa Coles, Jessica Parsley, Sheila Brumage, Melissa Murphy, Randi Numbers, Diane Stowell, Jennifer Shank, Ronnie Shank, Linda Myers, Alyssa Myers, Becky Delameter
March minutes were read and approved.
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer, Jennifer Shank, provided the treasurers report. She has a $15.00 discrepancy that she will continue to try to resolve. She is working on the student’s accounts. Jennifer requested the names of the students that attended All State Chorus so she could put their portion of the money set aside in the budget for All State. Ms. Parsley thinks the cost for each child for the Kings Dominion trip will be $30.00-$40.00. She has arranged for the two buses, but she did not know what the charge will be. It was decided that when Ms. Parsley finds out the cost of the buses, she will send an e-mail to Lisa Coles. Lisa will then send an e-mail to the Choral Boosters members and ask for a vote on whether we will pay for the buses.
Committee Reports
Outfits and Robes Melissa Murphy reported that she purchased a rolling rack from Value City for $34.00 for when we need to transport the robes. One of the dresses needs a zipper. The missing robe was never found. Lance Hays’ vest is in very bad shape. Ms. Parsley will have Lance try on the extra vest to see if there is one he can wear. There was also some discussion about some robes that need to be repaired.
Concert Committee Diane Stowell reported that she has purchased roles of table cloths.
Publicity/Newsletter Randi Numbers will provide material for the next newsletter by next Friday.
Linda Myers spoke with the Frederick News Post about publishing a story about the students that were in All County and All State. It would probably be too late for this year, but Linda will plan to have something done next year. They will try to get something on Channel 18 and FCPS Find It Out First. Linda and Alyssa will get an article put together and pictures and have it published in the Valley Citizen and go ahead and send it to the Frederick News Post for publishing later.
Phone Tree Patti Hughes notified Ms. Parsley that the phone tree is ready. It will be ready for adding the new students next year. Need to keep the phone tree even though most communications are done by e-mail because of emergencies. The phone tree can be used when there is an emergency that requires canceling events. We need to also include emergency information on the Website.
Ways and Means
Gianni’s In middle August, Jennifer Shank should be able to obtain the number of students from Jessica so she can order the brochures for Gianni’s fundraiser to be distributed after Labor Day. Ms. Parsley will need to submit requests for approval before school ends to have a Gianni’s and Fall Flower Bulb fundraisers early in the fall.
T-Shirts Diane reported that there were 30 T-Shirts ordered. It was decided to take orders again after these shirts are delivered.
Donation Letter An additional $40.00 was received.
Spring Flower Bulbs Total sales for this fundraiser came to $1,476.50. The 50% profit came to $738.25--$73.83 going to chorus members’ trip accounts, leaving $664.42 going to the Choral Boosters. Sheila Brumage reported that if we sign up by June to have another flower bulb fundraiser next year, we will receive an additional 3% profit. It was decided that we would have a Fall Flower Bulb fundraiser and Sheila will serve as Chairman.
Water Bottles Twenty water bottles have been sold.
Other Fundraisers Ms. Parsley needs to talk to the students to see if they want to do a car wash in the Fall.
Old Business
Website Becky DeLameter reported that the website has been updated. The calendar was updated and meeting minutes were added. Becky still needs pictures for the website.
Vocal Ensemble Dresses Ms. Parsley was reminded that fittings for Vocal Ensemble are done in the Spring and Robe fittings are done in the Fall. Diane Stowell suggested that maybe there should be a committee started to help with deciding on new dresses for the Vocal Ensemble girls and jackets for the boys. Diane and Melissa Murphy will meet the first week of May with Ms. Parsley to look at the dresses the girls picked out and attempt to make a decision on what dresses to purchase. Becky DeLameter suggested making dresses. That way there will be a pattern to make other sizes in years to come. The committee will consider this idea also.
Wall of Fame Linda Myers will be working with Ms. Parsley on this project. They may consider group pictures instead of individual pictures or smaller individual pictures. Ronnie Shank will assist with this job and will help Jessica hang old pictures in the chorus room. Linda will arrange for the photographer to be at the Spring Concert to take pictures.
New Business
Trip Ms. Parsley said she will need chaperones for the Kings Dominion trip on May 3. A permission slip with chaperone sign-up will be sent home will be sent home this week. Ms. Parsley will find out the cost of the buses and let Lisa know. Lisa will e-mail the Choral Boosters and request a vote on whether or not we will pay for the buses. Ms. Parsley was advised that she needs to start planning soon for next year’s trip.
Officers 2008/2009 Lisa Coles announced the slate of officers for next year: President – Sheila Brumage, Vice President – Linda Myers, Secretary – Randi Numbers, and Treasurer, Jennifer Shank.
Volunteer Sign-Up List Sheila Brumage provided the meeting attendees a draft list of items that parent could volunteer to do next year. Sheila asked for ideas of additional items. Lisa Coles suggested adding photographers to provide photos for the website and volunteers to record concerts. Those will be added to the list and any other items provided to Sheila.
Chorus Banquet The Chorus Banquet is scheduled for May 29, 2008. Ideas for food and prices were provided by Lisa Coles and Jennifer Shank. The Boosters decided on Friscos. The cost will be $10.00 per person; students will be charged $5.00; seniors will be free. Jennifer will work with Friscos on the menu and provide that information to Lisa Coles. Lisa will develop a flyer. Jennifer will also be taking care of the drinks.
Ms. Parsley said the Leah Numbers and Jody Brumage are doing centerpieces. Victoria Stowell, Emily Hughes, Meghan Fisher and Lakourdjai will be working on the scrapbook in preparation for the Banquet. The underclassmen are working on ideas for the senior gag gifts to present to Ms. Parsley for approval. Ms. Parsley is putting together a ballot for the students to vote for awards for seniors. Ms. Parsley is also working on the service hours and letters for the Chorus students.
Volunteer Hours Volunteer hours for May 1, 2007 to April 30, 2008 are due. Each Choral Booster member is to provide their number of volunteer hours to Lisa Coles this week.
Report from Director Ms. Parsley asked if she should recognize the All State and All County participants at the Spring Concert. The answer was “yes.”
Vocal Ensemble received a One at Adjudication; Concert Choir received a Two. Both received Ones for Sight Reading.
Ms. Parsley provided an updated calendar to include: Vocal Ensemble will be performing at the MHS Book Fair and Barnes & Nobles on April 12. Vocal Ensemble will be performing at the Grossnickle Church of the Brethren on May 18th. May 21st is the date for the Spring Concert.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2008.
Middletown Choral Boosters Meeting
May 13, 2008
Meeting called to order at 7:05 PM.
Attendees: Lisa Coles, Jessica Parsley, Sheila Brumage, Melissa Murphy, Jennifer Shank, Ronnie Shank, Linda Myers
April minutes were read and two minor changes were made. Minutes were then approved with changes.
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer, Jennifer Shank, provided the treasurers report. She still has not been able to resolve the $15.00 discrepancy. She asked approval to just add the $15.00 into the budget. That request was approved.
Committee Reports
Outfits and Robes Melissa Murphy had nothing to report. Melissa reminded Ms. Parsley that they needed to do fitting and measuring for next year within the last 2 weeks of school. Ms. Parsley will select a day and notify Melissa.
Concert Committee Diane Stowell was not present, but Lisa Coles was not aware of anything new.
Publicity/Newsletter Randi Numbers was not present, but Lisa Coles reported that she would be submitting material for the next Newsletter. Ms. Parsley will provide pictures from the Kings Dominion trip.
Linda Myers reported that Russell Beaton has not put anything out yet regarding students’ accomplishments in the MHS music department on the FCPS website. Linda will work with Sarah Brighton, Frederick News Post, to do an article on Ms. Parsley’s successful first year at MHS. Lisa Coles suggested contacting Frederick 360 (Channel 10) about publicity for next year. Frederick 360 is produced by Frederick News Post.
Phone Tree Nothing new.
Ways and Means
Gianni’s Jennifer Shank, chairperson, will have brochures ready for distribution after the Labor Day holiday. Ms. Parsley has obtained approval for this fundraiser.
T-Shirts Diane Stowell was not present, but Lisa Coles reported that the T-shirt orders have been distributed and Diane can accept orders for shirts any time.
Donation Letter Nothing new.
Spring Flower Bulbs Nothing new.
Water Bottles Nothing new.
Fall Flower Bulbs Sheila Brumage, chairperson, reported that the application has been completed for this fundraiser and we will receive the additional early-bird 3% profit. Ms. Parsley will obtain approval for this fundraiser.
Old Business
Website Jennifer Shank and Becky DeLameter have pictures from Kings Dominion that can be posted to the website.
Vocal Ensemble Dresses Melissa Murphy reported that they held the committee meeting and decided that they wanted to order dresses, not make them. They want to order at least two samples. The Choral Boosters will also be purchasing jackets for the Vocal Ensemble boys. Ms. Parsley said there will be 10 or 11 boys next year.
Wall of Honor Linda Myers reported that the photographer will be available after the concert on May 21. It was decided to do group pictures of the Vocal Ensemble, Concert Choir, and All County participants. All State participants will have individual pictures taken. The photographer will come back after the Chorus Banquet for the National School Choral Awardee picture, possibly on one of the graduation practice days. Linda will check to see if he can provide digital copies of these pictures for the website.
Trip Ms. Parsley reported that they received a score of One and trophy at Kings Dominion. There were a total of 12 schools represented. There were issues with the bus service. The bus did not have sufficient seating, even though the company was informed of the number of people. Some parents had to drive. There was also confusion regarding the departure time from the park. Ms. Parsley will ensure that she gets a written contract that both she and the bus service will sign to avoid these types of problems.
Sheila Brumage mentioned that this is why it is important to be planning next year’s trip early. Ms. Parsley indicated that she had started working on next year’s trip. She is looking into New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. She will be discussing these ideas with Mr. Shearer since the trip may be combined with the band. She will have more information at the June meeting.
Chorus Banquet The flyer has been completed and distributed. Jennifer will be sending a check for the food.
Centerpieces, senior gag gifts, and senior gifts are being handled by the students. Ms. Parsely will get certificates printed by her father for the seniors.
Student Service Hours Ms. Parsley reported that they had started counting the hours and will complete by May 14.
Volunteer Sign-Up List Sheila Brumage is developing this list and will continue to add items.
New Business
Heritage Days Jennifer Shank asked if the Boosters would be interested in selling snow cones at the Middletown Heritage Days. She can borrow a snow cone machine, and the Boosters would need to pay the $40.00 charge for a spot and buy some cups, flavors, and ice. The attendees discussed this and thought it was a very good idea. Jennifer will research sizes and cost of cups and how much to charge for snow cones. Possibly we will be able to get some donations of ice or flavors from Booster members, friends and families. We can also sell water bottles and possibly brochures will be available for the fall flower bulbs.
Choir Camp The subject of Choir Camp was discussed and Ms. Parsley indicated that she would probably not be doing it this year. She would like to have a picnic for returning choir members and invite the new members. This would be held close to the beginning of the school year.
June Meeting The Choral Boosters will decide if they want to continue with meetings on the second Tuesday of the month.
Report from Director Ms. Parsley asked whether the Choral Boosters would like to purchase State Choral Adjudication Medals for the Vocal Ensemble members. The Boosters voted to purchase the Medals. Ms. Parsley reported that the state adjudication went well and the students enjoyed lunch at the Townson Mall food court.
Ms. Parsley reported that the performance at the PTA banquet went well. She asked whether in the past a bus would have been scheduled for a function like this. The Boosters answered that buses were usually not scheduled for this type of an event. Ms. Parsley had received some negative comments from parents of students that were driving to Thurmont.
Ms. Parsley reported that Pizza in the Park might be cancelled for this year. The planned date was rained out. There is a problem with trying to find a free date to reschedule.
Ms. Parsley would like to send Section Leaders to the Dr. Tim Workshop next fall either in Severna Park or Hanover. The cost is $30.00 person. Ms. Parsley will choose the attendees.
Schedule of Events:
Vocal Ensemble – Grossnickle Church of the Brethren, May 18.
Spring Concert – March 21 (Dress Rehearsal after school of March 20)
Concert Choir – Baccalaureate Service, May 28
Chorus Banquet – May 29
Vocal Ensemble – Graduation, June 3
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2008.