MINUTES OF THE WIMB MEETING

JANUARY 2009

Nancy introduces our guest speaker, Marie Gray, Instructional Supervisor for Social Studies, Art, Music, and World Languages-

Mrs. Gray shares some of her history.  She was also a Booster parent and shared how her son’s experiences with the band continue to help him even now. Her focus through the coming year will be to keep the art and music programs in place, especially in light of the current economic conditions.  In an effort to preserve our equipment and facilities Mrs. Gray has requested that the band and choral rooms are only for district program use. In addition, it is imperative that the public be made aware of the value of the arts and music program using whatever resources we have available…Superintendent’s Newsletter, town newspaper, etc.

Introduction was followed by questions from parents:

Ø      Gail Griffin- Is there any movement on a music/art lab, especially to accommodate students working on individual composition and Music Theory?  Discussion that followed that the money for this is not available now, but we could pursue other venues, such as donations of money or computers.  Mario Ciampi asked who do we get the computer specs?  Mr. Dion will look into and get back to us. 

Ø      Yolanda Preysner- We should offer AP Music--,   Also, Have you heard of any budget cuts?  Mrs. Gray responded no, but it is a tough year…

Ø      Mr. Silvestri- Is there any discussion to start string instruction earlier?  Currently, students start in grade 4.  This is not a good time to try to expand music program.

Ø      Nancy Andrew- Any thought to creating a more structured summer music program, something like Newington’s?  Will look into Newington’s Program.  Nancy, also, asked about Mr. Kohlhagen’s multi-school music fair.  Mrs. Gray was not aware of any concrete plans.   Several ideas were discussed from Wethersfield’s 375^th Celebration to being in the spring on Cottone Field where it would be best to coordinate move of equipment.

Mrs. Gray’s ending comment “I love to make it better.  The students and teachers are always in my focus."

December minutes accepted by Gil Winder and Jerome Sauer seconded.

Treasurer’s Report

Mario Ciampi- December income was actually collection of NYC trip money, and the expenses totaling $14,290.02 were mostly the pay out to NYC trip and the balance due to Fowlers.  Booster’s Account ended with $21,654.57.

Nancy let us know United Way check is coming!

Gail Griffin everything seems to be working fine.  Anyone requesting to add their email please don’t forget to confirm to ensure their inclusion on the list.

Yolanda Preysner- Newsletter will include events.  Tomorrow The Post will have info and photos from regional honorees. Next year we will include photo release forms in booster packet.

Dave Dion’s Update

Ø      Still have 3 tickets for $125 to the NYC trip.  Discussed attending lunch at Ellen’s Stardust Dinner Theatre for an additional cost of $24. 

Ø      Pep-Band is being spare-headed by Liz Preysner. First event will be tomorrow.  Look to email notification.

Ø      Spring play, Music Man, practices are Tues and Thurs., pit is inexperienced but is making good progress.  There’s a $45 activity fee that includes cost of t-shirts and related social functions.

Ø      Concert Dates are March 25^th and June 10^th.  SDMS is invited and will be performing June 10^th.

Ø      As soon as he has the date, he will let everyone know what day the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be.   

Ø      09-10 Band Camp- Won’t know dates until he gets 2009-2010 Calendar in early February

Paul Silvestri asked whether the school would be providing transportation to regionals.  No, students need to get their own transportation, suggested carpooling.

Uniforms

            Donna was not present.  Nancy says she has all but four.

Ø      Bottle Drive- Charlie: Date is April 25^th; Flyer to be sent out to neighbors.

Ø      Ad Book-Dan Jylka; need shadow; has send out letters to businesses and parents; will start soliciting after February break.

Ø      Fruit Sale- Still needs shadow  

Other Business

Ø      Banquet- Nella Szilagyi and Elia Walsh to chair; It will be on Friday, May 22^nd.  The cost is $5.00 per person and a dish.  Need someone to volunteer to buy senior students’ gifts.

Ø      Drama Club has asked if we would like to put an ad in the play program.  Motion for a ½ or full page ad motion by Charlie Epp, seconded by Donna Rizzio.  Gail Griffin will design a ½ and a full page ad.  We will purchase size needed for program.

Ø      Nancy – Do we want to buy Pep Band t-shirts?  Not necessary, they use their Superstar t-shirt.

Ø      Jerome Sauer suggested a new fundraiser- offering X-mas tree removal for a donation of $10.00.  Someone pointed out Boy scouts are doing for $5.00.  Nancy says if Jerome can get some volunteers he can try this weekend.