CHORAL ARTS PROGRAM

Ms. Jessica Parsley, Director

MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL CHORAL ARTS PROGRAM

 Ms. Jessica Parsley, Director

Middletown High School

200 School House Drive

Middletown, Maryland 21769 240-236-7400

Middletown Choral Boosters Meeting Minutes May 2009

May 12, 2009 Meeting called to order at 7:08 pm. Attendees: Jessica Parsley, Sheila Brumage, Jody Brumage, Melissa Murphy, Becky Delameter, Randi Numbers, Leah Numbers, Janice Spiegel, Jennifer Shank, Ronnie Shank, Brooke Shank, Taylor Shank, Linda Myers and Kristi Robillard. Everyone was reminded that the minutes are now available for review on the website.

Treasure’s Report: Jennifer provided a written report. The checking account balance is $10,580.94. With the CD and savings the total is $17,697.36. Jennifer pointed out that two checks have not been cashed: Town Cleaners for alterations, and a family to refund their trip deposit. Ms. Parsley will email the family to make sure that they received the check. We will not contact the cleaners because we already paid them once for the job. Jennifer refunded $12 to the seniors who had paid for their Tri-M graduation chords because Choral Boosters decided to pay for those. Jody gave her the checks that he has received for the banquet.

Committee Reports

OUTFITS AND ROBES - Melissa reported that everything has gone fine for the previous events. She will fit the students early next fall for the 2009-2010 year. She reminded Ms. Parsley that the Vocal Ensemble students going on the drama trip should take home their dresses for Sunday. She will come in Monday and check the outfits to make sure that they are ready for the Concert on Tuesday night.

CONCERT COMMITTEE - Diane said that an inventory of all supplies should be done in the fall. She will prepare a listing of what she does for each event.

PUBLICITY - Randi submitted the choral information to Mr. Helmond and it will appear in the upcoming MHS newsletter. That is the last newsletter of the year. Sheila announced that the upcoming concert will be listed in the Valley Citizen and the Brunswick Citizen newspapers, NBC25 Town Crier, and the FNP calendar. Ways and Means Randi forwarded the Yankee Candle information to Sheila for a sale next fall. Attendees were encouraged to consider new fundraising ideas for next year.

Old Business

WEBSITE UPDATE - Ms. Parsley and the students discussed the possibility of having a Facebook page next year in addition to the website. They also discussed making the website a student (supervised by Ms. Parsley) responsibility.

WALL OF HONOR - The School is taking over this responsibility. It will include only students who receive statewide recognition. Other awards will be placed in the front glass case. The band and chorus will place a picture of their All-County students on the board by their classrooms.

TRI-M SOCIETY - Ms. Parsley reported that students will encourage guests to bring canned food to the concert Tuesday night. The items will be donated to the local food bank.

VOLUNTEER HOURS - Sheila reported that she submitted our total of 649 volunteer hours.

CAR WASH - Jody reported that the car wash was not held due to weather concerns. Since Sheila had already purchased the supplies, she donated them to the chorus.

BANQUET - Jennifer finalized the menu with AKA Frisco’s for the banquet this year. Randi made the flyer and it was distributed to the students and was also sent by email to the families. At this time we have 53 responses. Jennifer will call in our total number on Friday. Randi will prepare an invitation for the administrators. Sheila would like us to have a table at each entrance to take tickets. Randi volunteered to sit at one of these. Randi will determine the table arrangements once we have a final head count. Diane checked and we do not have any more rolls of white paper to cover the tables. She will purchase 2 of these. Those that would like to help set up should arrive at approximately 5:30pm. The junior class students are taking care of centerpieces and purchasing gag gifts. The students will be reimbursed for the money they spend. We agreed that the gifts should not exceed $75. The students will also be decorating the 2 long brown tables that go on the sides of the podium.

RECRUITMENT OF NEW OFFICERS - Ms. Parsley and the current officers will try to encourage new parents to participate in the Booster organization. We will also try to encourage some of the new parents to run for the officer/committee chair positions. If new parents attend the June meeting, an election will be held. If not, we will wait until the fall. Ms. Parsley will invite all parents to a welcome reception, hosted by the Boosters, at the beginning of the school year and encourage them to volunteer.

 OFFICER/COMMITTEE CHAIR JOB DESCRIPTIONS - Ms. Parsley requested that all current officers and committee chairs send their written job descriptions to her so she can try and recruit new people. New Business

STUDENT REPORT - See notes under Car Wash and Banquet. The students have planned a Pizza in the Park party for Friday May 29th after school.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT - Ms. Parsley announced the upcoming schedule of performances and events. She would like the student to arrive at 9:45am at the church on Sunday and at 6:15pm Tuesday for the concert. Carol Vanek has requested to sit at a table during the Tuesday concert and take signatures for the organization to keep music in our schools. All agreed to this. Ms. Parsley would like the students to have polo shirts next year to wear to events that do not require their formal attire, such as Heritage Days. She will include this cost in the course fee. Ms. Parsley announced that our concert choir has been asked to sing next October for a PBS special about keeping music in the schools.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:28pm The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 9 at 7:00pm.

April 14, 2009

Meeting called to order at 7:08 pm. Attendees: Jessica Parsley, Sheila Brumage, Jody Brumage, Melissa Murphy, Becky DeLameter, Randi Numbers, Leah Numbers, Sarah Spiegel, Janice Spiegel, Jennifer Shank, Brooke Shank, Taylor Shank Everyone was reminded that the minutes are now available for review on the website.

Treasurer’s Report: Jennifer provided a written report. The checking account balance is $13,156.97. With the CD and savings the total is $20,273.39.

Committee Reports

OUTFITS AND ROBES - Melissa reported that everything has gone fine for the previous events. She will fit the students early next fall for the 2009-2010 year.

CONCERT COMMITTEE - Diane was not present. Sheila will ask her to do an inventory of all supplies and prepare a listing of what she does for each event. This needs to include amounts of items necessary.

PUBLICITY - Randi submitted the choral information to Mr. Helmond and it will appear in the upcoming MHS newsletter.

Ways and Means

NEW IDEAS - Sheila suggested that we come up with new ideas for fundraising next year. All agreed that the traditional sales where we send home packets and students sell from a catalog have not worked that well. Gianni’s and Yankee Candle were both successful but others were not as profitable. Possible ideas mentioned included selling snowcones at the Trolley Festival in Myersville and Railroad Days in Brunswick. Also discussed was selling something at the elementary school carnivals.

Old Business

WEBSITE UPDATE - No report this month

PTA PURCHASE OF SOUND SYSTEM - No additional news

WALL OF HONOR - No report this month

TRI-M SOCIETY - Ms. Parsley explained the upcoming recitals for the Tri-M inductees and also the possible community service efforts the Tri-M will become involved with this spring. Sheila presented the idea that the Choral Boosters purchase the Honor Cords for the Tri-M Chorus Seniors. The attendees agreed with this suggestion. Any students that have already paid for their chord will be reimbursed their $12.00.

TRIP REPORT - Ms. Parsley reported that everything went well on the NY trip. The students had a great time and performed well.

RECRUITMENT OF NEW OFFICERS - Ms. Parsley and the current officers will try to encourage new parents to participate in the Booster organization. We will also try to encourage some of the new parents to run for the officer/committee chair positions. If new parents attend the June meeting, an election will be held. If not, we will wait until the fall. Ms. Parsley will invite all parents to a welcome reception, hosted by the Boosters, at the beginning of the school year and encourage them to volunteer.

 OFFICER/COMMITTEE CHAIR JOB DESCRIPTIONS - Ms. Parsley requested that all current officers and committee chairs send their written job descriptions to her so she can try and recruit new people.

BANQUET - Jennifer called Chick Filet, Black Hog, California Tortilla and AKA Frisco’s to get prices for the banquet this year. She presented the proposals from each group. Everyone agreed that AKA Frisco’s had the best menu choices and price and asked Jennifer to finalize plans with them. Ms. Parsley will look for the flyer from last year and Randi offered to make the new one. It was agreed that prices will remain the same as last year: $5/student; $10/non-student; free for seniors with a commitment form. This year tickets will be issued to all parents/students that have paid for the banquet and to the seniors.

New Business

STUDENT REPORT - The students will do a car wash Saturday May 2 from 9am - 3pm at Safeway.

VOLUNTEER HOURS - Volunteer hours are to be reported by April 30, 2009. Sheila will e-mail everyone that has been active this year with the Choral Boosters and has assisted in many other functions in support of the Chorus. Their volunteer hours will need to be provided to Sheila by April 28 so they can be provided to the school by April 30.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm The next meeting will be Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00pm.

Middletown Choral Boosters Meeting Minutes March 10, 2009

Meeting called to order at 7:08 pm. Attendees: Jessica Parsley, Sheila Brumage, Jody Brumage, Melissa Murphy, Becky DeLameter, Randi Numbers, Leah Numbers, Sarah Speigel Everyone was reminded that the minutes are now available for review on the website.

Treasurer’s Report: Jennifer Shank was out of town, but provided a written report. The checking account balance is $12,542.87. With the CD and savings the total is $19,659.08. Melissa Murphy and Sheila Brumage gave Ms. Parsley receipts that need to be paid. Committee Reports

OUTFITS AND ROBES - Melissa reported that she will go through the outfits and robes next week to make sure they are ready for the upcoming events. She will also come in on Thursday, March 26 to make sure the robes are ready for the NY trip.

CONCERT COMMITTEE - Diane Stowell was not present. Sheila will ask her if, in the past, we have provided refreshments for the May concert.

PUBLICITY -Randi Numbers submitted the choral information to Mr. Helmond and it will appear in the upcoming MHS newsletter. Ways and Means

FUNDRAISING LETTER - Sheila sent out the letter but we have had no responses.

CABARET - We made approximately $915. The group discussed the low attendance at Cabaret and how we might get more people next year. This included selling tickets at lunch, advertising in church bulletins, and getting more media attention.

Old Business

WEBSITE UPDATE - No report this month

WALL OF HONOR - Linda Myers was not present but sent an email to Sheila indicating that she needs the names of the All County participants so that the nameplates can be ordered. Ms. Parsley explained the idea of putting a picture of the All-County students on the board outside the music rooms since they will no longer be on the Wall of Honor.

TRI-M INDUCTION - All attendees thought the induction ceremony was very nice. They praised the speeches of both Ms. Bartkus and Dr. Hester. Everyone enjoyed Dr. Hester’s piano piece. Ms. Parsley explained the upcoming recitals for the Tri-M inductees and also the fundraising effort the Tri-M will become involved with this spring.

TRIP REPORT - There are 28 students and 4 chaperones going on the trip. There are still some students that are behind on their payments. Ms. Parsley will be holding a mandatory meeting tomorrow night at 7:00pm for the parents of the students going on the NY trip.

New Business

STUDENT REPORT - The students would like to do a car wash this spring. They are investigating doing it at Walmart since Walmart will match the amount of money the students make. The students also discussed other possibilities for fundraising next year. They came up with some suggestions for publicizing the Cabaret performance next year.

PTA PURCHASE OF SOUND SYSTEM- At the last meeting, Ms. Parsley announced that the PTA is constructing a committee to research the possibility of purchasing a new sound system for the high school. They are looking for parents of theatre, chorus and band students to serve on the committee. There was no additional information on this subject.

ADJUDICATION - The county choral adjudication will be held at MHS on March 24 from 8:30 until approximately 1:30pm. Ms. Parsley will be requesting assistance from parents to chaperone.

BANQUET - Jennifer will call AKA Frisco’s and get prices for this year. Randi mentioned the idea of doing a power point of the seniors, but since there are 16 of them, this may be too much to do at this point. Randi will consider doing this. Ms. Parsley will be ordering the pins and letters. The students have discussed their participation at the banquet. Ms. Parsley will also distribute a commitment form that requires the students that plan to attend to complete the form and pay in advance.

RECRUITMENT OF 2009-2010 OFFICERS -; The attendees discussed the parents that would still be helping next year and the positions that will need to be filled. Everyone agreed that Ms. Parsley will need to actively ask parents to become involved. A suggestion was made to have Ms. Parsley invite all parents to a Meet and Greet early next fall and encourage them to volunteer.

MONTHLY E-MAILS - Ms. Parsley asked whether it would be appropriate for her to do monthly (or more frequent as needed) e-mails to parents/students regarding upcoming events, meetings, etc. for that month. Everyone agreed that this was a very good idea.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm The next meeting will be Tuesday, April 14 at 7:00pm.

Middletown Choral Boosters Meeting Minutes February 10, 2009

Meeting called to order at 7:08 pm. Attendees: Jennifer Shank, Ronnie Shank, Brooke Shank, Taylor Shank, Jessica Parsley, Sheila Brumage, Jody Brumage, Melissa Murphy, Linda Myers, Carol Vanek, Becky DeLameter, Randi Numbers, Leah Numbers, Sarah Speigel. Everyone was reminded that the minutes are now available for review on the website.

Treasurer’s Report: Jennifer Shank provided a written report. The checking account balance is $13,150.36. With the CD and savings the total is $20,266.57. Randi Numbers said that the GoDaddy yearly fee of $3.99 was charged to her PayPal account. She will cover it this year and then have the account transferred to the treasurer for future years.

Committee Reports

OUTFITS AND ROBES - Melissa Murphy reported that all of the dresses and pants have now been properly hemmed without cutting the material. The cost was $239. All that remains to be done is the buttons fixed on the boys’ jackets. The students will wear their outfits for Cabaret and will take just their robes to NY.

CONCERT COMMITTEE - Diane Stowell was not present. She sent Sheila Brumage an email saying that she has obtained the permits for Cabaret. Also, an email has gone out to all of the students requesting that each family bring in a dessert for the event. The need for tickets and programs was also discussed. Ms. Parsley will make up the tickets in different colors for the advance student/senior, advance adult and at the door tickets.

PUBLICITY - Randi submitted the choral information to Mr. Helmond and it did appear in the recent MHS newsletter. Randi also contacted Dian Nelson at FCPS and submitted the Cabaret information for publication through Find out First. Those emails went to approximately 1200 people. The information will also appear on Channel 18. Randi asked about flyers advertising Cabaret and Jody said that the students were taking care of distributing those.

Ways and Means GIANNI’S - Jennifer Shank reported that the students sold $1,651 and our profit was $492.

FUNDRAISING LETTER - Sheila will send out the letter soon.

STUDENT’S REPORT - Jody Brumage reported that 12 students participated in the Rock-A-Thon. If all money is collected, the students will have raised $430.

Old Business

WEBSITE UPDATE - Ms. Parsley reported that the website looks really good. It is up to date with meeting minutes, trip info, announcements and pictures.

WALL OF HONOR - Linda submitted her receipt. We will ask the band to reimburse us for the $66 that was their students. The new policies/procedures affecting the wall of honor were discussed. New Business

STUDENT REPORT - In addition to the rock-a-thon the students would like to do a car wash this spring. They are also working on updating the student job descriptions so they can recruit new students for the open positions for next year.

PTA PURCHASE OF SOUND SYSTEM- Ms. Parsley announced that the PTA is constructing a committee to research the possibility of purchasing a new sound system for the high school. They are looking for parents of theatre, chorus and band students to serve on the committee.

BANQUET - Randi mentioned that she thought we should begin to consider options for the annual banquet. Jennifer will call AKA Frisco’s and get prices for this year. The group discussed that the juniors are responsible for the decorations/centerpieces, gag gifts and gifts for the seniors. A few times in the past, the centerpieces were the senior gifts. Ms. Parsley will discuss this with the juniors. The seniors are responsible for gifts for the booster officers.

Director’s Report

CABARET - Cabaret is scheduled for February 22, 2009. The snow date is Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm. There are approximately 18 acts. Mrs. Kuhn has agreed to accompany the students. Ms. Parsley has asked Carl and Gus to emcee the event. She has asked them to submit their “script” to her for approval. Students will have to be at the school at 1:15pm. Randi suggested invited the school administration (principal and asst. principals) to this event. Everyone agreed so Randi will take care of inviting them.

NEW YORK TRIP - Ms. Parsley gave the bus invoice to Jennifer. We discussed the tip for the bus driver and agreed it should be $100 cash. There are 28 kids and 4 chaperones. The 9 boys will be in three rooms of 3; and the 19 girls will be in four rooms of 4 and one room of 3. Ms. Parsley stated which meals will be done as a group and wondered how to deal with the students’ money for the additional meals. We agreed that the chaperones will have envelopes with food money for each meal for each of the students in their group. Trip info will go home with the students soon and parents will be required to attend a parent meeting in March if their student is going on the trip. The last payment is due on 2/23. Jennifer will update the individual student’s trip accounts at the end of the week to include the rock-a-thon and Cabaret ticket money so that families will know what their final payment will be.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00pm.

Middletown Choral Boosters Meeting Minutes January 13, 2009

Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm. Attendees: Jennifer Shank, Ronnie Shank, Brooke Shank, Taylor Shank, Jessica Parsley, Sheila Brumage, Jody Brumage, Melissa Murphy, Gwen Burcker Everyone was reminded that minutes are now available on the website.

Treasurer’s Report: Jennifer provided a written report. The checking account balance is $17,761.57. Those in attendance gave Jennifer money to be deposited, invoices to be paid and requests for reimbursement. Sheila presented an e-mail from Linda Myers, Vice President, who was not able to attend. Linda notified the Boosters that the cost for name plates for the Wall of Honor was $126.00. $66.00 of this is to be paid by the Band Boosters. It was decided that the Choral Boosters would go ahead and pay the total bill and request reimbursement from the Band for their portion. Sheila presented questions to the Board that had been raised by students regarding use of their personal trip accounts. Since some students are not able to participate in the trip to New York, they would like to use the funds in their trip accounts for All State, All Eastern or other such Chorus related events. The Boosters decided that this would be acceptable. Also, Ms. Parsley had been asked whether the Boosters would be providing any financial support to the All State and All Eastern students. It was decided that we would provide the same funding as last year, $50.00 for each student. One student is participating in All State and All Eastern and Boosters decided that student should get $100.00. Ms. Parsley will check with parents to see whether they want to receive this money by check or have it transferred to their students trip account to help pay for their trip to New York.

Committee Reports

OUTFITS AND ROBES - Melissa reported that everything went pretty well at the Winter Concert. There is a problem with keeping the hems in the girls’ dresses and the boys’ pants. Jody Brumage reported that several boys had lost the buttons off their jackets. Sheila mentioned that she had talked to Diane Stowell after the concert and Diane was going to talk to the cleaners about the hems not staying to see what we could have them do that would work better. Diane was not at the meeting, so Sheila sand that she would e-mail Diane to see what she had found out. These items will need to be fixed before Cabaret.

CONCERT COMMITTEE - Diane was not present. Sheila discussed the fact that the next concert would serve refreshments. Sheila said that she would e-mail Diane to remind her that Caberet would be coming up in February so Diane would remember to get permits.

PUBLICITY - Randi Numbers was not present to provide a report on publicity.

Ways and Means GIANNI’S - Jennifer Shank reported that Gianni’s brochures had been sent home to parents and were due back by January 21, 2009. Jennifer is trying to get the delivery date changed from January 30 to January 29.

DONATION LETTER - Sheila provided a draft copy of the Donation Letter and requested anyone with comments to please e-mail her and provide them. The Boosters decided not to do any more fundraising this year and starting next year with the donation letter instead of so many different fundraisers.

NEW IDEA - Melissa Murphy suggested Choral Boosters having a Yard Sale in the spring using the school parking lot and selling spots to families that want to bring their items and set up a table. This was discussed as possibility becoming the one big fundraiser that the Choral Boosters could have that would be something different from other organizations. This will be discussed at the next meeting

STUDENT’S REPORT - Jody Brumage reported that the students have decided to have a Rock-A-Thon on February 6, 2009. Sponsorship forms will be provided to participants within the next few weeks to allow time to get sponsors for the event.

Director’s Report –

CABARET - Cabaret is scheduled for February 22, 2009. A snow date had not been set. Ms. Parsley will check to see which evening during the following week is clear on the school calendar to set as the snow date.

NEW YORK TRIP – Ms. Parsley started discussing the upcoming trip to New York. Ms. Burcker explained that she had not approved the trip to New York because she is concerned about how many children are not going because their parents cannot afford the cost. She wanted to know what the charge was for the bus, the accommodations, etc. Ms. Burcker suggested that possibly we could find a cheaper motel. Jessica explained that this is a package deal and the organizers decided which motel they would be staying at. Ms. Burcker asked Ms. Parsley whether any of the students had told her that they wanted to go on the trip but their parents could not afford to pay the cost. Jessica said that no one had approached her about this. Ms. Burcker said that she wants to meet with Ms. Parsley either Tuesday or Wednesday, January 20-21, to go over the list of children to see if any are members of the Concert Choir or Vocal Ensemble. Then Ms. Parsley will need to discuss with those children whether they are not going because of the cost. Based on this discussion, the Choral Boosters tabled their decision on possibly paying a portion of the bus cost to help bring down the cost for the students.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35pm The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 10 at 7:00pm.

Middletown Choral Boosters Meeting Minutes DECEMBER 9, 2008

Meeting called to order at 7:10pm. Attendees: Jennifer Shank, Brooke Shank, Taylor Shank, Jessica Parsley, Sheila Brumage, Jody Brumage, Melissa Murphy, Randi Numbers, Linda Myers, Carol Vanek, Diane Stowell and Becky DeLameter. November minutes were read and approved. Randi suggested that in an effort to save time at the meetings, she will send out the minutes before each meeting for members to review. We will no longer read the minutes at each meeting. Everyone agreed.

Treasurer’s Report: Jennifer provided a written report. The checking account balance is $11,465.00. Those in attendance gave Jennifer money to be deposited, invoices to be paid and requests for reimbursement. Committee Reports Outfits and Robes- Melissa reported that the new Vocal Ensemble tuxedos and dresses came in. They are currently being hemmed by Town Cleaners and should be ready by Saturday. Diane reported that due to the amount of excess material to be hemmed up, the cleaners suggested doing it with temporary tape. They can’t be dry-cleaned or the tape will come out. This may not be a permanent solutions but it worked so that the outfits would be ready before the Holiday Concert. The robes are going to the dry cleaner tomorrow and will be back by Tuesday for the concert.

Concert- Diane got the permits and checked the supplies. She will call those who volunteered to help with the refreshments at the concerts to help her. A note went home with the students today requesting that each family supply 2 dozen cookies/bars/mini-treats on platters and ready to serve. Diane will be setting up the tables at 2:15 that day and requested student help. Jody will make sure he has students to help her.

Publicity- Randi will submit information for the next newsletter. Randi submitted info for our Holiday Concert to Diane Nelson for Channel 18. Randi gave Jody a flyer she made for the Holiday Concert in case the students wanted to copy and distribute it.

Ways and Means

Yankee Candles - Randi reported that the products are in the process of being shipped and should be here by the weekend. There were a few items that were no longer available and those customers will get a $10 Yankee gift card. This is more than the cost of the items. The cards can be used in the Yankee candle store or on the Yankee candle website. If customers use the website they will also get a code so they do not have to pay shipping.

Silpada Jewelry- - Ms. Parsley reported that this sale was a success. The students sold $3652 and the profit was $730. She also reported that Mrs. Holian was very easy to work with.

Poinsettias - Carol reported that we sold 50 plants and we will make $250. Mr. Gude will deliver the plants after the busses leave on Tuesday. Jody will ask some of the students to carry the plants in. Carol will put tags on them with the purchaser’s name.

Student Fundraisers - Jody reported that the students made $170 selling candy and water bottles after school for tech week. The choral students also raised over $500 for their “adopted” family for the holidays. It is a single mother with 3 girls (ages 16, 13 and 11). With the money, the students purchased each child $75 in gift cards and a stocking with $25 of items. The mother will receive a $50 mall card, a $50 gas card and a $100 Giant Eagle card. The parents at the meeting complimented Jody and said how proud they were of the kids for doing this. Students will also be doing a “Secret Snowflake” exchange amongst themselves like they did last year. He also informed us that the students will be caroling at Vindabona on 12/12.

Old Business

Website Update - The website was updated. Becky requested that people submit pictures to her and Randi will send her the meeting minutes.

Wall of Honor - Linda is still working on a few last issues.

New Business

Director’s Report Upcoming Dates- The Harper’s Ferry performance date for the Vocal Ensemble is 12/13 at noon. Students have been asked to be at the school by 10:15 and the bus will leave at 10:30. The holiday concert will be held on Tuesday December 16 at 7:00pm. Students have been asked to arrive at 5:45pm so that they can rehearse with the middle school students at 6:00pm. Attendees did not realize that this was a joint concert. Ms. Parsley said that the middle school director mentioned that they usually put out a donation jar and since we do that, he wondered if we would share the donations with him. Attendees felt like since we provide the refreshments and the students are in 8th grade and will benefit from the funds next year, the donations should remain in the high school program.

Spring Trip- Ms. Parsley informed us that 26 students and 2 chaperones have signed up for the Orlando trip. Since they represent a good vocal spread this would work out, but she would really like more students to go. The band did not get enough students who were interested in the trip so they will not be going. Ms. Parsley researched ways that she could alter the trip to perhaps reduce the price and get more students to go. This included not including the meals and going to a different show. She also priced going to another location through the same festival company since we have given them a $500 non-refundable deposit. The options included Atlanta, Chicago, DC and NY. Those in attendance discussed these options and asked Ms. Parsley to send out a note to the families presenting these options and see what kind of response she gets.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55pm The next meeting will be Tuesday, January 13 at 7:00pm.

Middletown Choral Boosters Meeting Minutes NOVEMBER 11, 2008

Meeting called to order at 7:10pm. Attendees: Jennifer Shank, Ronnie Shank, Brooke Shank, Taylor Shank, Jessica Parsley, Sheila Brumage, Jody Brumage, Melissa Murphy, Randi Numbers, Leah Numbers, Linda Myers, Carol Vanek, Diane Stowell and Becky DeLameter. October minutes were read and approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Jennifer provided a written report. The checking account balance is $11,817.30. Those in attendance gave Jennifer money to be deposited and invoices to be paid.

Committee Reports

Outfits and Robes- Melissa reported that the new Vocal Ensemble tuxedos came in. The boys will try them on tomorrow. The dresses were ordered with the taffeta on the bottom. A few extra dresses were ordered so we have some mixed sizes for those that do not fit correctly. We may keep the extra dresses. The dresses will arrive on November 18. The tuxedo pants and the dresses will need to be hemmed. Diane got an estimate from Middletown cleaners to hem all of the pieces. They quoted her $15/dress and $8/pants. All in attendance agreed that it was well worth the money to have them done professionally.

Concert- Diane will get the permits and check the supplies. She will call those who volunteered to help with the refreshments at the concerts to help her.

Publicity- The deadline for the next newsletter is 11/16. Randi will submit information to new contact person. Randi will submit info for our Holiday Concert to Diane Nelson for Channel 18.

Ways and Means

Flower Bulbs- Sheila reported that this sale did not do as well as we had hoped. We made $158.90

Yankee Candles- Randi reported that 18 students participated in this sale and sold $2,675 worth of products. We will make approximately $1,100. Yankee has contacted us to do another fundraiser in the spring, but Randi told them that we will not commit to that until we complete this sale successfully.

Silpada Jewelry- Ms. Parsley reported that the sale materials were sent home with students today. The due date is November 24. We will have a special showing during the fall drama production on Saturday November 15. Customers can complete the order form with their own address so that the items will be shipped to them directly.

Poinsettia- Carol reported that she spoke to Larry Gude. Due to the economy he can no longer donate the plants. He will charge us $5/plant and we will sell them for $10/plant. The group decided that we will take orders well in advance and if we do not get many, we will decide if it is worth doing. Carol will call Larry to find out when he needs to know the number of plants that we will need.

Student Fundraisers- Jody reported that the students would like to do a rockathon in January. Students are currently selling candy bars (.75) and water bottles ($1) after school for tech week. The choral students have “adopted” a family for the holidays. It is a single mother with 3 girls (ages 16, 13 and 11). The goal is to raise money to get the mom a grocery card, a gas card and gift cards for the girls. The students will also be doing a “Secret Snowflake” exchange amongst themselves like they did last year. Jody showed our group the flyer that the students made to distribute around the county to announce the Vocal Ensemble’s performance in Harper’s Ferry. He also informed us that he is still waiting to hear from Vindabona regarding having the Vocal Ensemble perform there on 12/12.

Old Business

Website Update- The website needs to be updated. Becky requested that people submit pictures to her. Wall of Honor- Linda is still working on a few last issues.

New Business

Director’s Report

Vocal Ensemble Outfits- Ms. Parsley reminded us that in the past we have collected $15 from each boy for their white shirt and $15 from each girl for the cleaning of their dresses. She asked us to consider what we would like to do this year since no monies have been collected.

Upcoming Dates- The superintendent has requested that the Vocal Ensemble sing the national anthem at the PTSA conference Friday 11/14 at 1:00pm at the FSK Holiday Inn. A bus will be provided. Students are asked to wear white and black. Students will perform at Christmas in the Valley on 12/5. They will carol at 6:00pm and sing at 7:00pm. The Harper’s Ferry performance date for the Vocal Ensemble has been changed from 12/6 to 12/13 at noon. The holiday concert will be held on Tuesday December 16 at 7:00pm

Spring Trip- The trip has received official approval. It will be a joint trip with the band to Orlando, Florida. It will be from Friday 3/27 until early morning Monday 3/30. Ms. Parsley said that calls had been made and that due to cost issues the group would be traveling by bus. The estimated cost of the trip is $670/student. The students interested in attending will be asked to pay in 3 installments. The first payment of $250 will be due by December 5. The group discussed the cost of the trip noting that we are in the midst of difficult economic times and we are not sure how many students will be able to afford the trip. Attendees discussed what will happen if we do not get many students who are able to go. They also asked Ms. Parsley to consider a “Plan B.”

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55pm The next meeting will be Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00pm.

Middletown Choral Boosters Meeting Minutes October 7, 2008

Meeting called to order at 7:10pm. Attendees: Jennifer Shank, Ronnie Shank, Jessica Parsley, Sheila Brumage, Jody Brumage, Melissa Murphy, Randi Numbers, Mrs. Burcker, Becky DeLameter September minutes were read and approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Jennifer provided a written report. Checking account balance once outstanding checks clear will be $11,817.30.

Committee Reports

Outfits and Robes- Melissa reported that the robes were not used for Heritage Days performance. She will be getting the robes and stoles cleaned in a few weeks. The new Vocal Ensemble sample dress came in and was tried on. The bottom of this dress was taffeta and we will have them made in satin. The dresses take approx. 6-8 weeks to arrive and will need to be hemmed. We need the dresses by 12/6 for the Harper’s Ferry performance. The tuxedo pants will also need to be hemmed.

Concert- No report

Publicity- The deadline for the newsletter is 10/13. Randi will submit information to new contact person. Ms. Parsley reported that to put choir information on Find Out First, it had to go through Mr. Berno; but to post info on channel 18, we need to submit it directly to Diane Nelson. Randi will submit info for our Holiday Concert.

Phone Tree- Sheila reported that we did use the phone tree for Heritage Days and although there are a few corrections to be made, it worked well.

Ways and Means Gianni’s- Jennifer reported that we sold over $4,000 and the profit was $1259.50. The company has mentioned that if we use them again this year, they may come up with an incentive plan for us. The company has also offered to come and serve samples of their options. SnoCone Stand (Heritage Days)- Jennifer reported that we made $528.05 profit at the stand. Jennifer requested that thank you notes be sent to the Chef’s Outlet, Rudy’s Welding and Tim Smith for their donations and assistance. Ms Parsley will ensure these thank you notes are sent.

T-shirts- No orders were taken at Heritage Days, but Ms. Parsley is announcing the sale in class.

Water Bottles- None were sold at Heritage Days. We reduced the price to $3 and Ms. Parsley will be announcing the sale in class.

Flower Bulbs- Sheila will take forms until Friday 10/10. At this point only 55 items were sold, but the company has agreed to still complete our sale with a reduced percentage to us.

Yankee Candles- Randi reported that the Yankee brochures are here and that the flyer is ready to go out with them. Ms. Parsley will distribute the information this week and the sale will continue until 10/22.

Fundraising Letter- Sheila will update and send in early 2009.

Silpada Jewelry- The group agreed to do the sale from Nov 10-24. We will have special showings during the fall drama production on Nov. 14-16. We also agreed that catalogs should be distributed to all students with the request that they be returned to us. We will have to pay $1 for each catalog not returned. Ms. Burcker suggested making sure that the staff knows about our sales.

Poinsettia- no report

Student Fundraisers- Jody reported that although the kids like the idea of a waterless car wash, it is getting too cold. Students would also like to do a rockathon. We suggested that they consider doing this in Jan or Feb. Students are also considering selling candy bars and water after school during tech week Nov 10-14.

Old Business

Website Update- The website needs to be updated. Becky requested that people submit pictures to her.

Wall of Honor- Linda is still working on a few last issues.

New Business

Student Trip Accounts- The group voted to increase the amount going into the students’ accounts to 20% of their profits for all fundraisers held this year.

Director’s Report

Women’s Ensemble- Ms. Parsley reported that this group continues to meet and that they will be performing a piece that Bryan wrote.

Dr. Tim Workshop- Ms. Parsley reported that this did not happen this year but she will keep it in mind for next year.

Spring Trip- The trip has received official approval. It will be a joint trip with the band to Orlando, Florida. It will be from Thursday 3/26 until early morning Monday 3/30. The group debated the mode of travel; bus vs. plane. Ms. Parsley will estimate the number of students and chaperones going and then Jennifer will make calls to get estimates for prices both ways. It was pointed out that if we do fly, we need to get the robes to Florida and the students would need bus transportation once they are there. The group discussed the cost of the trip noting that we are in the midst of difficult economic times. Ms. Burcker pointed out that we need to make sure that the trip is affordable for all students. The need to set up a payment plan so that families can pay in installments was also discussed. The attendees encouraged Ms. Parsley to have a meeting with the parents as soon as possible to provide them with all of the information.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55pm The next meeting will be Tuesday, November 11 at 7:00pm.

Middletown Choral Boosters Meeting Minutes September 9, 2008

Meeting called to order at 7:45pm. Attendees: Jennifer Shank, Ronnie Shank, Jessica Parsley, Sheila Brumage, Jody Brumage, Diane Stowell, Carol Vanek, Elizabeth Lobdell, Megan Lobdell, Linda Myers, Melissa Murphy, Randi Numbers, Leah Numbers. Introductions were made of those attending the meeting. June minutes were read and approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Jennifer reported that all checks have cleared and gave balances in the checking and savings accounts, as well as the CD. There was discussion of why there was money left in the savings account. Jennifer indicated that it is trip account money.

Committee Reports

Outfits and Robes- Melissa reported that the robes were not cleaned at the end of the school year, but will be cleaned after the Heritage Days performance. Melissa indicated that she may be away and need help getting the robes to Heritage Days location. Sheila gave her names of parents who volunteered to help with that. Ms. Parsley will be doing robe fittings soon.

Concert- Diane had no new report. Sheila gave her names of families that volunteered to help with concerts.

Publicity- The deadline for the newsletter is 9/15. Randi will submit information to new contact person. Jody discussed putting events on the morning announcements. Linda reported that the trail has gone cold regarding publicity through FCPS. Russell Beaton is not responding and Linda suggested that it might get farther if pursued by Ms. Parsley.

Phone Tree- Sheila announced that we did get a volunteer to organize the phone tree effort. She will give the information we received to her.

Ways and Means

Gianni’s- Jennifer reported that all info has gone out and the deadline for orders is 9/16.

SnoCone Stand (Heritage Days)- Jennifer reported that things are set for our stand. She does not know where our spot will be yet. She has taken care of the health department permit. Jennifer reported that she has priced 12oz cups and contacted Rudy’s to get ice at cost. She will purchase 1,000 styrofoam cups that we can then use for coffee at the Cabaret Concert. Jennifer said that she and her family would set everything up and supervise the stand, but that she would like the students to work in the stand. Jody will recruit students to do 2-hour shifts. These students will earn money for their trip accounts by working at the stand. Jody will also have the students make the signs for the stand and a list of the upcoming events to hand out. We will have a donation jar at the stand. We discussed pricing the snocones so people can put their change in the jar.

T-shirts- Diane stated that we will have one on display at the Heritage Days stand so that we can take orders. Ms. Parsley will print and distribute the order forms in class so that new students can order shirts.

Water Bottles- We will have the water bottle available for purchase at the stand.

Flower Bulbs- Sheila has the forms ready to distribute for the sale. Brochures will be distributed on 9/22 and are due back on 10/3.

Yankee Candles- Randi will contact them so we can begin our sale in the middle of October and have the items well in advance of the holidays.

Fundraising Letter- Sheila will update and send in early 2009.

Other Possible Fundraisers- Mrs. Holian proposed a Silpada jewelry sale. She is a sales rep and will donate her 20% commission to the Chorus. She travels quite a bit and would like to do this in September. She indicated that a good way to do this is to have a “showing” one evening where people can view and order the jewelry. Ms. Parsley will talk to her about the details regarding if she will give us catalogs for those that can’t come to the showing or other ways that they can order.

Carol Vanek will contact Larry Gude about the poinsettia sale for this December. Other suggestions were listed on the agenda in case anyone wanted to pursue them.

Student Fundraisers- Jody said that the business meeting will be before our next meeting. He will discuss possible student fundraisers like a waterless car wash and the rockathon with the students.

Old Business

Website Update- The website needs to be updated. Becky DeLameter said that she would still like to do it. Attendees encouraged Ms. Parsley to see if a student would like to do this for service hours.

Vocal Ensemble Outfits- Once the girls are all sized properly the dresses will be ordered.

Wall of Honor- Linda is making sure that the correct pictures are ordered, hung and have the correct plaques. Ms. Parsley told us that Ms. Clabaugh is heading a committee that is discussing the hall and the pictures that are hung there. Angie Bernazani and Brian Vanek are on the committee.

New Business

Volunteer List- Sheila has the master list of the families that have volunteered.

Director’s Report

Women’s Ensemble- Ms. Parsley had the first meeting of this new group and 25 students attended.

Tri-M- Ms. Parsley announced that the applications for this honor society had been received and that she was reviewing them. She said that the students would be notified of their acceptance by Friday 9/12.

Heritage Days- Ms. Parsley reported that our performance is scheduled for 1:30-2:00pm at the end of the street by Gladhill Furniture. The meeting attendees were unhappy with this location. They reported that we were there last year and that because it is so out of the way, we did not have much of an audience. Ms. Parsley will talk to the organizers and suggest that we perform on the steps of Zion Lutheran Church. Carol Vanek noted that then they will not have to set up risers for us.

Other Performances- Ms. Parsley reported that the concert choir will perform at Zion Lutheran Church at 7pm on 12/5 for Christmas in the Valley. She also reported that the Vocal Ensemble will perform on Saturday 12/6 at 3pm in Harper’s Ferry.

Dr. Tim Workshop- Ms. Parsley reported that there is a Dr. Tim workshop in Alexandria, Va on either 10/2 or 10/3. She would like to invite the leadership of the concert choir and vocal ensembles to attend. This includes officers and section leaders. Ms. Parsley will investigate the price of the bus.

Spring Trip- Although the trip has not received official approval, Ms. Parsley announced that the proposed trip will be a joint trip with the band to Orlando, Florida. It will be from Thursday 3/26 until early morning Monday 3/30 and include 2 park tickets to Universal and Sea World. The hotel is the Doubletree Hotel. The price, not including travel, will be approximately $215 per person for 4 people/room. Travel will be by bus. Ms. Parsley said that the trip will be about $500/student. Since it is a combined trip, Carol Vanek volunteered to be the liaison to the band for this trip.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15pm Due to conferences, the next meeting will be Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00pm.