Present: Gordon Spink, Henry Nelson, Beryl Falcone, John Madden, Doug Goodrich, Bill Monroe, Bob Rice, Dave Catron, John Whitwell, Joe Levine (Dale Bartlett was unable to attend due to a prior commitment)
Guests: Lynn Brown, Gary Baron
Secretary's Report
Treasurer's Report
It was moved (by Doug Goodrich) and seconded - that $1,126.40 in the Instrument Fund be transferred to John Madden for the purchase of new instruments for the Spartan Marching Band. Motion passed.
Doug described the ongoing problems associated with incorrect billings for telephone usage. Hopefully these problems will soon be resolved.
New Business
Status of Encore - Gordon and Bill reported that it is unclear exactly what the status is regarding the publication of the new issue of Encore. It appears that it is significantly past the proposed mailing date. The issue had been planned for November. Gordon and Bill will continue to try and get in touch with Eddie Deeb.
It was agreed that the next issue of Encore should be released as soon as possible. However, care should be taken to include all necessary information/forms for the Spring Reunion so a costly "extra" mailing can be avoided. The following material/information should be definitely included in the issue:
Citrus Bowl Band Trip - It was agreed by everyone who attended the Citrus Bowl that the Spartan Marching Band was a highlight for everyone. Their presence in the parade and at the game were handled well and they were excellent representatives of MSU. They should be commended for a job tremendously well done! (It was even suggested that they "saved" the parade. Without them the parade would have been significantly less impressive!)
Concern was raised regarding the fact that the band was forced to travel via bus when funds had been budgeted in the Bowl payout for air transportation for the band. Gordon will be drafting a letter to MSU President MacPherson expressing the Alumni Band Association's disappointment in how the band was treated - clarifying the important role that the band continues to play in representing the University, and urging him to take all necessary steps to insure that this misfortunate event (traveling by bus for such a long distance) isn't repeated in the future.
Holiday Band Performances - The recruiting of Alumni Band members to play at the Great Lakes Invitational Hockey Tournament in Detroit (Dec 29/30) and the MSU/Penn State basketball game (Jan 5) was a tremendous success with 50 players at both nights of the GLI and 100 players at the basketball game. John Madden reported that he plans to handle events of this nature in the future in a similar way through the use of the Association. It was discussed that, in the future, mailings about such events should go to all members - not just those in selected geographical areas. This will provide good publicity for the activities of the Association and open the door for wider participation.
Band Auction - The Band Auction, planned for February 19, 2000, has been postponed. This is due in part to the serious illness of Karen DeFord (who is currently on the mend!) and also to allow a longer lead time for the planning of the event. John Madden was encouraged to keep in close contact with the Association regarding the auction since it is felt that it is the type of event that Association members would enjoy and willingly support.
Fund Raising - The idea of a major fund raising initiative was again discussed. It was voiced by a number of those present that it will be important that the Association be clearly part of any bigger efforts to realize new facilities for the School of Music and the bands. Gordon will be speaking with School of Music Director James Forger about the current plans and the role that the Association could play in support of those plans. He will be reporting back to the Board at the next meeting.
It was suggested that the MSU Bands consider other areas of financial need (other than a building) and to make that need known to the Association so that consideration of an alternative fund raising project might be considered.
Involving Additional Members in the Operation of the Association - Beryl and Bill reported that their deliberations are continuing and they hope to soon have recommendations for the Board to consider. (It should be noted that two members who are not part of the Board were in attendance at the meeting. This could be one indication of increased interest in participating in Association projects.)
Bylaws Changes - Joe shared suggested revisions in the Bylaws to create a new category of membership - Associate Member. This category would be reserved for individuals who have not performed as a part of any MSU band ensemble, have a strong interest in participating in the Association, and are a supporter of the MSU bands. Such individuals would petition a member of the Board for Associate Member status and pay the regular yearly dues. They would not have voting privileges and would not be eligible for election to the Board.
Another recommended change in the Bylaws is to allow the Board to elect an individual to be a member of the Association with full privileges. This would be reserved for people who, in the judgement of the Board, have made special contributions to MSU Bands or the Association.
A final recommended change was to update the Bylaws to include the following titles/categories as ex-officio members of the Board:
These additional ex-officio members would make the wording of the Bylaws consistent with practice that has been developed over the past years.
There was general support for these changes. Joe Levine and Doug Goodrich will be working together to appropriately write the wording for these changes for presentation at the next Board meeting. In addition they will be reviewing the entire Bylaws for other suggested changes. If approved by the Board, the changes will be implemented and then voted on by the membership at the next member meeting for affirmation.
Alliance with MSU Alumni Association - Gordon and Joe described the meeting they had with Keith Williams, Director of the MSU Alumni Association. They encouraged the Board to consider an official linkage with the Alumni Association premised on the ideas presented by Williams - at least $11 would be returned to the Association for each Alumni Association Member who chooses to affiliate with the Alumni Band Association. This would be a significant saving for those who presently belong to both Associations. In addition it is expected that the wide spread publicity generated by the Alumni Association, along with their support of the Association through in-kind contributions, will help strengthen the Alumni Band Association.
It was moved (by Joe Levine) and seconded - that Gordon be empowered to again discuss this with Keith Williams with the intention of developing a written statement describing the proposed alliance that can then be brought to the Board for a vote. Motion passed.
Old Business
Web Page - Joe shared information with the Board regarding usage statistics of the website. In the 17 months that the site has had a counter functioning there have been a total of 1854 visits/hits. He encouraged Board members to check the statistics directly on the website by clicking on the small checkmark at the bottom of the first page.
European Tour - Henry reported that there are already 65 people signed up for the European Tour of the Alumni Band (June 19 - July 2, 2001).
Distribution of Pins/Information to MSU Band Students - Complete details regarding the distribution of pins and information to band members who will be leaving the bands at the end of Fall 1999 will be included in the upcoming issue of Encore.
Band Fees - Doug distributed information regarding bank fees and suggested that changes be made to reduce the cost of maintaining the Association's checking account.
It was moved (by Doug Goodrich) and seconded - that all funds in the Association's savings account be transfered to the current checking account. The net effect will be a savings for the Association. Motion passed.
Bonding of Treasurer - Doug distributed information regarding the cost associated with bonding the treasurer. He encouraged the Board to consider such a move to insure the avoidance of any potential problems in the future.
It was moved (by Doug Goodrich) and seconded - that there be implemented next fall, at the time of the election of a new treasurer, a $40,000 non-transferable bond. Motion passed.
Next Meeting - The date for the next meeting of the Board has been set for May 21, 2000 (2:00 pm, Buddies in Okemos).
Meeting was adjourned at 4:08 pm.