MSU ALUMNI BAND
Alumni Band Executive Board Meeting
Minutes
September 20, 1998
Meeting was called to order at 2:04 pm by President Gordon Spink
Present: Bill Monroe, John Madden, John Whitwell, Gordon Spink, Bob Rice, Beryl Falcone, Henry Nelson, Doug Goodrich, Joe Levine.
Secretary's Report
Minutes from the July 27, 1998 meeting were approved as written.
Treasurer's Report
Doug Goodrich provided the financial report for the period July 26, 1998 - September 20, 1998:
Ending Check Balance $12,594.23*
Ending Savings Balance $9,108.55
Certificate of Deposit (2/28/98) $5,119.47
Total Cash on Hand $26,822.25**
*Does not include some expenses from the Fall Reunion, including +/- $900 from the caterer
**Includes anticipated expenditures of $8,441.40
The Treasurer's Report was accepted.
Old Business
Fall Reunion - All present felt that the Fall Reunion was the best yet!
- Due to the late game start there was ample time for members of the Association to interact with each other and have lunch without having to rush back to the rehearsal.
- John Madden was thanked for the providing of bottled water at the stadium. The Association agreed to cover the expenses of this item for next year's Reunion.
- The speaker system in the stadium is being worked on and John reported that there will be imporved communication betwen those who are in charge of the A/V system and the band so that conflicts don't occur.
- The Board was in agreement that the Reunion should be handled exactly the same way next year - all of the tweaking/adjusting over the past few years seems to now be paying off.
- Beryl Falcone reported that 341 marched during the game (which included 40 walk-ins). There were 25 no-shows. Also, a total of 85 members paid dues who did not plan to attend the Fall Reunion (the highest number yet!).
- Possible dates for next year's Fall Reunion are:
- September 11, 1999 - Eastern Michigan University
- October 2, 1998 - Iowa (Homecoming)
- The President asked the Secretary to send letters of appreciation to Karen DeFord, Sue Topping, and Ken Salzman for their assistance with the Fall Reunion.
- It was moved that the Association pay Karen DeFord $50 in appreciation for the work she continues to do to assist the Alumni Band. Motion was seconded and passed.
Web Pages - Joe Levine reported on the problem associated with getting an MSU pilot account for the Association's website. John Whitwell discussed a simple solution to the problem and will be working with Joe to get it resolved. Joe updated the members on the addition of links to the website to many other Alumni Band Associations and the possibility of selling alumni band items via the website. Joe and Doug will be discussing this possibility. Gary Baron has volunteered to assist in creating a page listing members with email addresses. Joe reiterated that he would like to see others in the Association who would like to assist with the website become involved.
Scandinavian Tour - The inclusion of photos from the Scandinavian Tour on the website was discussed. Henry Nelson agreed to send some photos to Joe as soon as they are available.
Commisioned Music John Whitwell reported that the Timothy Mahr piece is progressing and will be premiered by the Alumni band at the Springh Reunion. John encouraged the Board to consider how the work might be dedicated since he felt that the work would be published and it would be appropriate for a dedication to be included. It was suggested that we consider Leonard Falcome (it would have been his 100th birthday in April 1999), Ken Bloomquist (founder of the Alumni Band), or Walter Adams. Gordon Spink appointed a committee - Joe Levine, Doug Goodrich, Bill Monroe - to make a recommendation to the Board at their next meeting.
New Band Building - John Whitwell updated the Board on the continuing discussions surrounding a new band facility. It was suggested that such a facility might appropriately be considered a part of MSU's Sesquicentennial in 2005.
Spring Reunion - The Board was reminded that the Spring Reunion will be the next event of the Association and will be held on April 18, 1999.
New Business
Encore Newsletter - It was suggested that we consider reformatting Encore as a self-mailer so that it doesn't require an outer envelope.
Strolling Spartans - Henry Nelson described the history and role of the Strolling Spartans - providing "strolling" band music at home football games and also being available to assist when needed with other events such as hockey games (when the MSU bands aren't available), etc. Gordon Spink suggested we invite the Strolling Spartans to "officially" affiliate with the Association in much the same manner as the Overseas Touring Group is now affiliated. Henry will discuss this idea with Gary Marks and report back to the Board.
Walter Adams Memorial Service - John Madden reported on the events surrounding the death of Professor Walter Adams, the tribute to Dr. Adams at the Homecoming Game, and the generosity of Dr. Adams throigh his bequeth to the Spartan Marching Band. A memorial service will be held for Dr. Adams on October 25, 1998 at Wharton Center. A motion was made for the Association to donate $100 to the Spartan Marching Band in the memory of Dr. Adams. Motion seconded and passed.
Membership Cards - Beryl Falcone reported that the supply of membership cards was about used up. Joe Levine suggested that a form letter be created that could be used for acknowledging memberships which could be printed on a slightly heavier paper stock and include a cut out membership card right on the letter. Joe agreed to draft the letter/membership card for the Board's approval.
Social Event - John Madden suggested that the Association consider adding another event to the yearly calendar - soemthing more social in nature such as a dinner, golf outing, picnic, etc. This idea will be discussed at future meetings.
Executive Secretary Description - Gordon Spink asked Beryl Falcone to prepare a detailed job description that outlines the many different tasks associated with her job.
Mike Klass Thank You - Bob Rice recommended that the Board send a letter to Mike Klass thanking him for the 6 years that he has devoted to the Board of the MSU Alumni Band Association. Gordon Spink instructed the secretary to write the letter.
Gift to Graduating Seniors - The possibility of a gift being presented to each graduating MSU band senior from the Alumni Band was discussed. It was encouraged that such a gift be inclusive in nature and awarded to anyone who had participated for any length of time in any of the MSU bands. The idea of a congratulatory letter, accompanied by a specially designed lapel pin and a paid-up first year in the Alumni Band Association would be an appropriate gift. Gordon Spink appointed a committee consisting of Joe Levine, Eddie Deeb, and Gordon Spink to consider this idea and prepare a recommendation for the Board.
Next Meeting - The date for the next meeting of the Board has been set for January 17, 1999 (2:00 pm, Buddies in Okemos).
Meeting was adjourned at 3:44 pm.
A Reminder -
Spring Band Reunion/Concert will be April 18, 1999 at the Wharton Center.
NEXT BOARD MEETING - Sunday, January 17, 1999
2:00 pm
BUDDIES in Okemos
