OHS Music Boosters Newsletter: September 2004

OHS BOOSTER MEETING MINUTES
September 13, 2004

The first regular meeting of the OHS Music Boosters was called to order at 6:35p.m. by President Cathey Gardner. There were 12 members in attendance. Minutes from the previous executive board meeting were read. Mr. Miller moved that they be accepted as read, Kathy Gleich seconded, and the motion carried. The minutes will be placed on file.

Treasurer's Report:
Barb Stanek reported a balance of $39,474.63, and today deposited $1012.41, for a balance of $40,487.04. After some discussion, Ms.DeBoer moved to transfer $3000 allowed for choir robes to the robe account held by the school district, as this money will not go through the boosters. Betty Rae Potts seconded, and the motioned carried. Barb will transfer the money from the savings. Kathy Gleich moved to accept the financial report for September, and Peggy Curtis seconded, the motion carried. Mary Jo Blumer moved to accept the proposed budget for the 2004-2005 school year. Kathy Gleich seconded and the motion carried. Orchestra and Jazz Band will use their allowed monies in the very near future.

Some discussion was held in regard to the car wash. Because of the time of year, and all that is going on in the fall when school starts, the directors have talked about having students address their 10 envelopes in the spring except for the in-coming freshmen, and they would hold them until fall when it is time for the car wash. Just an idea to kick around, to see if participation would be boosted.

INSTRUCTOR REPORTS:
Mr. Miller: Mr. Miller sends a big thank-you to all who helped with the car wash. He states that the orchestra is off to a pretty good start. There are around 40 string students with a wide span of playing abilities, but all are eager, and willing to work together. They have been working on auditions for chair placement. This is done for 2 reasons, one, for seating purposes, and two, to decide where the needs are, in an attempt to order music for the orchestra. The first concert is scheduled for Monday October 25th. Several orchestra students have been busy working on All State Music, a challenging, yet good learning experience for all.
Mrs. Triplett: Mrs. Triplett was absent this evening, but Ms. DeBoer read her report. She is very pleased with the Marching Band's first performance, and is looking forward to Band Night with Evans on Sept. 17th. She reports that both sound and movement are coming along. A big thank-you to those who helped hand out the uniforms. All State auditions are on Saturday, Oct. 23rd. There are several students signed up to participate in this great learning opportunity. Symphonic Band has finished chair placements, and will begin rehearsing concert music this Thursday, Sept. 16th. Please remember to get newsletter information to Mary Jo by this Friday September 17th.
Ms. DeBoer: Ms. DeBoer reported that she too is happy with the marching band performance so far this year. Color guard is coming along very well, and is even ahead of schedule as far as routines are concerned. She is proud of this group of kids for their willingness to work together, and help when needed. She also wishes to thank boosters for purchasing the new male color guard uniform. It looked very nice. Concert band is still working on chair placement, but she anticipates good things from this group, as they are a good group to work with.
Mr. Vasconez: Mr. Vasconez echoes his thanks to all who helped with the car wash. The kids had a lot of fun, and look forward to this fund-raiser. Several groups will be participating in the Southeast Seven Concert again this year. It will be help on Tuesday October 26th, at Washington High School in Washington, Iowa. Meistersingers have been working on All State music. They had a 4 day camp before school started to begin working on it. They will be singing in 6 different languages, and it is really challenging, but he states that once the kids learn it, they really enjoy the music. Several freshmen are working on Opus auditions, a honor choir that presents before All State, and Show Choir will begin in a couple of weeks, so everything will soon be up and running.
OLD BUSINESS: Money for choir robes: $15,000.00 has been donated by the Wapello County
Foundation, and $1,200.00 from the Ottumwa Rotary. Kathy Gleich states that
she has sent out 70 personal letters in her quest for raising funds for the new robes. They are getting close to their goal, and hope to make it so that the new robes can be worn at the Christmas - Holiday Concert in December.
Thank-you's have been received from Craig Blumer, Theresa Rabbass, and Rachel Doggett, for the booster's contributions for band camp, drum major camp, and color guard camp.

NEW BUSINESS:
Mrs. Triplett brought a request to use $2000.00 ($1000 from transportation, and $1000 from Special Events) to help with the transportation costs to New York for the band in March. Kathy Gleich moved to accept, and grant this request. Sandy Mottet seconded, the motion carried. A second request was to provide $50.00 for two clinicians, one for the percussion section, and the other for the students who play double reeds. There are several students in the band who these instruments are new to. Rob Potts moved to accept, and grant this request. Kathy Gleich seconded, and the motion carried.

Mr. Vasconez requested $700.00 to help fund the choreographer for show choir. He comes from California, and this would help cushion is fees. Pam DeBoer moved to accept, and grant this request. Betty Rae Potts seconded, and the motion carried.

Other possible fund-raisers were discussed for the band trip to New York. There will be several more opportunities for students to raise money needed for this great learning opportunity.

Sandy Mottet will send Thank-you notes to the following: O'Hara Hardware for providing use of their facility, water, sodas, and drinks for the kids on the day of the car wash. Godfather's Pizza for providing pizza for lunch on carwash day. Jeff Schwenk for the donuts and juice on carwash day. Kmart for the use of their facility and water.

After discussion, the band directors have decided to let the officers help in making the final chaperone selection for the New York Trip, except for Sandy Mottet, as she is one of the candidates. One male, and three females are needed. Please let Pam or Jane know of your choices by Friday, September 17th.

The next scheduled meeting for the OHS Music Boosters will be on Monday, October 11th at 6:30 in the Orchestra Room. Pam DeBoer moved for the meeting to adjourn, and Kathy Gleich seconded. The motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:
Sandy Mottet, Booster Secretary.

OHS MUSIC BOOSTERS EXECUTIVE BOARD MINUTES
Monday August 30, 2004

President Kathy Gardner called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. All members of the executive board were present.

The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the proposed budget for the 2004-2005 school year.
The balance from the June 30, 2004 finance report, showed a balance of available money of $32,327.52. Mrs. Triplett motioned to raise the transportation amount from $1,500.00 to $2,500.00, it was seconded by Mr. Miller and carried.

Ms. DeBoer suggested to leave the amount the same for the concert perks, and they will cut down to 1 donut per student, and no drink to see if the cost will be less. Everyone agreed, then after further discussion, Pam moved to accept the tentative budget of $15,450.00 for the 2004-2005 school year, Kathy Gleich seconded, and the motion carried.

Peggy Curtis brought information regarding a Sam's Club membership to purchase candy for the concession stand for the basketball games. Everyone thought this would be a good idea because then we could purchase it tax exempt. Jane will draft a letter to Steve for an OK to proceed.

Jane motioned to give money to Mary Jo to purchase labels for the the newsletters for the year. Peggy seconded, and the motion carried.

Jane's sister altered the drum major's uniform, which saved boosters a lot of money. She motioned to pay her a small fee as a token of our appreciation. The amount agreed upon was $50.00. Kathy Gleich seconded, and the motion carried.

Pam brought a request for money to pay for a male color guard uniform. Steve Miller motioned to pay for this, Dennis Vasconez seconded, and the motioned carried.
The next scheduled meeting for the music boosters will be on Monday, Sept. 13th in the Orchestra Room. Meetings will be held on the second Mondays of the month except for the months of December and May.

Jane motioned for the meeting to adjourn at 5:45 and Kathy Gleich seconded, the motion carried and the meeting ended.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sandy Mottet, Secretary
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OHS Instructor's Reports

Mr. Steve Miller-Strings
Welcome to the 2004-2005 school year! A special welcome to all of our returning veterans (upperclassmen and women) AND a big welcome to all of the freshmen! In just the short time school has been going, things are coming together nicely. We have several more string players than we did last year and everyone is playing beautifully. This group shows a lot of promise!

Our first concert of the year is on Monday night, October 25th, in the OHS Auditorium and will begin at 7PM. This concert will also feature our fine Evans Middle School Orchestra directed by Mrs. Babb. The concert will be about 45 minutes long. We think you will enjoy it very much.

For Parents and Students: From time to time, you may need to contact me. Since the phone system at OHS will not permit people to call directly, you will get my voice mailbox. You may leave messages there (683-4444 EXT 255). Presently, the alerting system that messages exist is malfunctioning and I often overlook it. A better way to get me is to call me at home of an evening (684-4753) after 4PM. If I am not home, please leave your name and telephone number on the answering machine and I will return your call. (If I get home after 9PM, I will call the next day.) If you prefer email, you may email me at home (hsmiller@rew2000.com) or use my school address (millerhs@aea15.k12.ia.us). I do check my email at fairly frequent intervals.

We are currently finishing our auditions and will soon have the initial seating. The auditions are for two purposes: 1. to establish initial seating, and 2. to allow me to hear each student's strengths and weaknesses. This helps me determine a course of action to address our needs and to select music which utilizes our strong features.

I would like to thank everyone who helped with the car wash. Once again not only the cars got clean but quite a number of students. Their shoes should be dry by December. Thanks, too, to all of the parents who helped. Additional, our hats are off to O'Hara Hardware and K-Mart for allowing us to use their facilities. I worked at the O'Hara site and Mike O'Hara went the extra mile in providing extra sponges, soft drinks, and a very healthy donation! Another firm we'd like to thank is Godfather's Pizza who brought us some reallllly delicious Pizza and lemonade for lunch (yummmmmm!!) If you happen to be in any of these businesses, please express your appreciation to their management. We really appreciate their support.

Due to having only two string teachers in the system to cover all of the elementary schools, middle and high school, students at OHS do not receive lessons. With the continuing improvement in the district's financial condition, it may be possible to ask for an additional string instructor. Until then, I would like to encourage parents to provide their young musicians with private lessons. Many already study privately locally, in Iowa City and at Truman University in Kirksville, MO. High school students make tremendous growth between their freshmen and senior years. This includes musical and emotional growth. Private study greatly benefit growth during this period.

Our Music Boosters are off to another great year. They can always use help. The meetings are the second Monday of each month (except December and May) at 6:30PM in the OHS Orchestra Room (255), and generally last less than an hour. Please join us at the October 11th meeting.

Instrumental Music/Color Guard- Ms. Pam DeBoer
Color Guard:
The 2004-05 OHS Color Guard has been working hard since July to prepare for this year. Many members attended the Central Iowa Color Guard Camp at Central College from July 5-8. They returned home with many new skills andgreat memories. A special thank you goes to our OHS Music Boosters for the scholarships they provided to help the guard members attend camp. The Color Guard is currently working on routines for the fall marching show, "The Best of Times". The music of the band Styx has been the inspiration for exciting flag work. Watch for the many solos and duets by the guard during this fall's halftime performances.
Concert Band:
The Concert Band is currently working on the music for fall which includes both pep band tunes and the field show selections. Already at this early stage of the year, the band is playing well - it will be exciting to hear what they can do by the spring! Marching rehearsals continue to go well - thank you to the many parents who help get your students up and to early rehearsals on time - we couldn't put on the halftime show without you! Students have completed their chair placement auditions and we will
begin rehearsing "inside" band music (concert not marching) on Sept. 22nd.
Jazz Band:
The jazz band auditions will be held Oct. 11-14. The audition will include preparing a piece of jazz-style music (provided) and playing major scales (extra credit for memorizing them!). Encourage your student to check out the OHS Jazz Bands.
New York Band Trip Fundraising News:
The first sale has just been completed. Students had the opportunity to sell candy and cookie/brownie mixes and earned a 40% profit from their sales. Each student selling will have a trip account in their name. Our second fundraising event will be the Fruit/Cheese/Sausage Sale. This has been a very successful sale in the past. We will begin Oct. 22nd and sell until Nov. 8th. Watch for more info on this. This is one the teachers here at OHS love - last year many teachers asked me about buying fruit because no student had visited them. We are still looking for a third fundraising opportunity for Mid-January. Several students and parents have made great suggestions and I welcome addition ones. If you have any questions or ideas, please contact me (Ms. De Boer) at OHS (683-4444, x256)

Mr. Dennis Vasconez- Vocal Music
Greetings from the vocal department. The school year has just begun and we are well on our way into another exciting school year.

Over the summer we had our first ever Broadway Kids camp at OHS. It involved over forty students in grades 3rd through 9th. Everybody had a blast while learning many different musical and performance techniques. Broadway Kids got to perform at the Lunch in the Park and also had a concert at the end of the camp.

The Troubadours and Bells are currently working on music for the annual Southeast Seven Conference Vocal Festival. The festival will be held at Washington High School on October 26 at 7:00 PM. The major work for the festival this year is the Mass in G by Franz Schubert. We are still in need for a few chaperones for this day. If you are interested please call Mr. Vasconez at the high school.

A few members of Preludes are currently working on music for Opus auditions. Each student that auditions must be recorded by September 21. The entire class is working on music for their fall concert on November 9 at 7:00 PM in the OHS auditorium.

The Meistersingers are also hard at work. We started learning the music for All-State auditions a week before school started. The music this year is difficult yet very enjoyable. Six different languages are used this year in the All-State repertoire. All-State auditions are going to be held at Fairfield high school this year on October 23.

I am looking forward to the upcoming year and I hope to see you at an upcoming performance.

Mrs. Jane Triplett-Instrumental Music
Marching band is going well. The students have done a super job. The theme is "The Best of Times" with music by the 80s rock group, Styx. Soloists include Alex Peters and Kari Readel. I hope everyone has a chance to see and hear the OHS Bulldog Marching Band perform at a football game or parade to appreciate his or her hard work and efforts. By the time you read this we will have had September 17 "Band Night" with the Evan's Bands. I believe it will be a fine performance. Bravo and congratulations band and color guard on a job well done!

Thank you....thank you.....thank you.........
Thank you OHS Music Boosters, students and fellow directors for all of your work with the car wash! Even with only 2 sites this year the car wash was extremely successful. Donations are coming in every day! Also thank you OHS Music Boosters for your work with the uniforms this summer during registration in August.

We have several OHS band students preparing for All State auditions on October 23 at Fairfield High School. Good luck to them!!! The first performance at home for the OHS Concert Band and Symphonic Band will be November 16. This will be a special start to the year since we have invited the Evan's Bands to perform on the same concert. Please put this on your calendar to attend.

On November 18-20 is the All State Festival at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. What a wonderful concert that will be! If you are unable to attend the performance try to watch on IPTV on Thanksgiving Day. It is a concert the whole family would enjoy.

Meanwhile, parents, please remind your son/daughter to play their scales, arpeggios and/or rudiments due for each quarter. Your reminders and encouragement always helps!!!
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Thanks to Volunteers!

Thanks to the following volunteers who have helped with various activities at the beginning of the year.

Marching Band Camp Refreshments:

Uniform Distribution: Kathy Gleich, Dee Dorset, Ronnie Freed, Cathey Gardner and Cati, Barb Stanek, Dana McCall, Janet VanDenBerg, Deni Hotek, Deb Stephenson, Sarah Miller, Peggy Curtis and Joel and Vonda Kitterman.

OHS Music Booster Carwash Fundraiser: Kathy Gleich (volunteers and envelops), Kim Hellige (publicity), Karla Bray (record keeping), Barb Stanek (treasury) Directors: Steve Miller, Jane Triplett, Pam DeBoer and Dennis Vasconez. Site Sponsors: O'Hara True Value Hardware and K-Mart. Thanks also to Godfather's Pizza for donating pizza to the volunteers and to Jeff Schwenk for the donuts and juice!! Site Parent Volunteers: Robert Potts, Joan McMillin, Sheryl Tilus, Jeff Schwenk, Janet VanDenBerg, Barb Stanek, Jerry Gleich, Ken and Peggy Curtis, Pam Alexander, Tim and Pam Ward.. Thanks also to all of the students and donators who made the carwash successful!
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2004-2005 Approved Budget
Beginning balance as of June 30, 2004
Balances in Music Booster Accounts
Savings-DCFCU................................................. 56.61
Checking-DCFCU......................................... 2,258.38
Savings-Ottumwa Schools Emp. CU......... 37,432.80
Total Balance as of June 30, 2004........... $39,747.79
Reserved for New Choir Robes ........3,000.00
Reserved for Orchestra Uniforms... 1,320.00
Reserved for Jazz Band....................... 250.27
Total Reserved Funds................... $4,570.27
Total Available Funds............................. $35,177.52

BUDGET INCOME 2004-2005
Carwash..................................................... 6,000.00
Basketball Concessions........................... 5,000.00
Interest/Dividends....................................... 450.00
Total income.............................................. 11,450.00

EXPENSES
Activity fund.............................................. 1,500.00
Uniforms..................................................... 2,000.00
Educational Services................................. 2,500.00
Transportation............................................ 2,500.00
Scholarships............................................... 2,200.00
Special Events.............................................2,000.00
Equipment...................................................... 500.00
Concert perks (donuts, snacks)................... 900.00
Receptions..................................................... 500.00
Postage, newsletter....................................... 600.00
Recognitions (awards, plaques).................... 150.00
Misc, bank fees & supplies............................ 100.00
Total expenses........................................... 15,450.00

Total Beginning Balance as of June 30, 2004....... $39,747.79
Plus Income .............................................................$11,450.00
...................................................................................$51,197.79
Less Expenses....................................................... -$15,450.00
Anticipated ending balance on June 30, 2005...... $35,747.79
Reserved for New Choir Robes.......... 3,000.00
Reserved for Orchestra Uniforms..... 1,320.00
Reserved for Jazz Band......................... 250.27
Total Reserved Funds...................... $4,570.27
Total Available Funds.............................................. $31,177.52

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Just a Note .....About Concert Etiquette

Please respect student musicians and the other members of the audience by observing these courtesies:

* Turn off all cell phone, audible pagers, personal CD players and radios before entering the auditorium

* Please remove hats

* To avoid glare and distractions for the performers on stage, please, no flash photography during musical selections

* Enter and leave the auditorium only between musical selections. If possible, stay to enjoy the entire performance. Respect the audience attending the performance.

* Do not allow younger children and students to play in the aisles or rows of seats during the performances at OHS or Evans Middle School.

* Respect the students and their teachers who have worked so hard.

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Evans Middle School Music Boosters Minutes
September 7, 2004

The Evans Middle School Boosters meeting was called to order at 5:05 p.m. Mr. Ackerman, our new band director was introduced and welcomed by the board.

Treasurer's Report: At this time, we are seeking a treasurer for the2004/2005 school year. Budget and balances will be reviewed at the next meeting.

Old Business: Magazine sales were discussed. They are still going on and are going well. There are some left over gift certificates for the top sellers of the Pizza Sale last spring. If any students didn't pick theirs up, they need to see Mrs. Babb

New Business: The board is wishing to revise the bylaws to state that our meetings will be the 1st Tuesday of each month, starting at 5:30 pm. These meetings are in room 102 (the band room). Everyone is welcome to attend. There are 2 more weeks to sign up for the SEIBA auditions. Sign up with Mr. Ackerman. The cut off date is Friday, Sept. 24. The storage room above the band room desperately needs cleaned! We will have a cleaning/organization day sometime this year. It should take a few hours to complete. The more to help, the less time it will take. Date to be announced. Pink sheets were sent out to parents (via their student) regarding different events that the band and orchestra need help with throughout the year. Some of these are: concert receptions, chaperoning, and SEIBA, to name a few. Only half of the sheets have been returned. Parents should ask their children about these and then return them to either Mr. Ackerman or Mrs. Babb.

Mr. Ackerman- Band: Mr. Ackerman comes to us from Akron, Iowa. He came on board with the EMS band in the late summer. He has 25 years of experience as a band director and is looking forward to this year. He reports that he has 82 students in the two bands, combined, and that everything is going well. There are 38 eighth graders and 42 seventh graders. Information has been sent home with the students
regarding grading. It is important for them to remember to come for their lessons. There are 10 required lessons in a12 week period and the lessons make up 33% of their grade. Remind them to practice. Band Night is September 17. That is when the Evans students join the OHS band students to play together at the high school football game. A schedule of band events and extra rehearsals have been sent home with the students. Ask to see them. Here are some highlights:

Sept. 10- EMS Marching Band Rehearsal 7:30 am - Band Room
Sept. 17- Band Night (day practice and evening game) 2-4 pm and 6:15 am
Oct. 1 - Oktoberfest Kiddie Parade- 5:30 pm - St. Pat's Church Lot
Oct.2 - Oktoberfest Parade - 9:00am West Music (Sorden's)
Nov. 16 - Band Concert with OHS Bands - 7:00 pm - OHS Auditorium

Mrs. Babb - Orchestra: Welcome Back! I'm anticipating a great year, this year. We have a good total of string players in orchestra and what's even better is that we have a good balance across the sections. I don't think there are nicer young people in all of Ottumwa but what are here in my orchestra.

Our first concert will be October 25th with the OHS Orchestra in the auditorium at OHS. New music is currently being ordered and some old favorites are being tried on for size. I'm also hoping to premier a
composition by University of Iowa grad student, Enaldo Oliviera, with the combined orchestras.
We'll know more when the selection arrives.

Currently, the bands and orchestra are conducting their magazine sales/renewals. Please help us by
renewing your subscriptions through us. We've been assured that they are the lowest prices going. Music cd's are also available. Magazine subscriptions make great gifts. It's the gift that keeps on giving all year. The band and orchestra gets to keep $ .40 of each dollar received, so a good profit is possible if everyone participates by selling at least 3 subscriptions.

Lessons have begun and it's important for each student to remember to attend. It's not possible for me to go to the classroom to get a student. I've hand scheduled each student so that the class they come from for lessons is one that can easily be made up. Students also know that if they fall behind in a class and need to be rescheduled, I can do that quite easily, but I need to know when they want to change lesson times.

If you need to visit with me, my email is babbp@aea15.k12.ia.us. Or you may call me here at Evans,
684-6511 ext. 104.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m. Next meeting is October 5th at 5:30 p.m. in the Band Room. Everyone is welcome.

Respectfully Submitted,
Dee Dorsett

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Reminders:

Please check the online calendar for current upcoming events! It is update regularly and has the most current schedule of all Fine Art Events at Ottumwa High School.

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