Booster President Tom Blakley called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.  Mr. Johnson and Mr. Smith needed to leave the meeting, so they made their comments at the beginning of the meeting.

Staff Comments 
The Midway picture orders are due by March 31st.  The pictures will be on display for the students.

Mr. Johnson reported that he and Mr. Smith have a Marching Band Program meeting this evening.

The Jazz Ensemble has been in several contests lately and has won them all.  The Booster funds pay most of the expenses for this band.  Rob Calhoon directs the Jazz Band and he will be the Music Department Chair at East after the schools split. 

There are three Winterguards. Winterguard II has won their class at every competition they have entered.  Winterguard I is now ceded as a national guard. 

Rehearsal for the spring musical is underway. 

The Southwest Suburban Conference Choral groups performed today at East.  The choral students heard 6 of the schools perform and then had a clinician work with them.

Marching Band season is about to start now.  New staff members are being looked at.  The summer calendar has been distributed, which includes guard and winds and percussion.  There will be soon an announcement of a new Music Department staff person.  This person is being hired because of the split. 

In an effort to lower travel costs for marching band next year, the Marching Griffins will perform in three Fourth of July parades.  They should be finished with all performances by late afternoon.  The band will be compensated for these performances as well as their Momence performance. 

Mr. Smith reported that the marching band will be competing at both Ypsilanti and Indianapolis BOAs.  They both may be 2 night trips.   

Marching Band rehearsals will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; times have not yet been determined.

Band auditions are scheduled for March 27th.  Students have signed up and schedules are posted.

The complimentary DVDs from the band trip have been received.  Mr. Johnson will distribute them to all the students who participated. 

Secretary’s Report
Mary Ellen Pifko made a motion to accept the minutes; Karin Lezon seconded.  Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Reports
Mike Kaczmarski outlined the income received during the last month.  He generally discussed the February activity, including interest posted in the joint account, income from the Cupid Raffle, interest posted to the general fund, the final payment for International Travel for the band trip, income from the Winterguard Spaghetti Dinner and space rental for the Winterguard. 

Jean Stanker made a motion to approve the report; Lisa Drenner seconded.  Motion carried.

IBA Updates
There has been no activity in the IBA accounts recently.  Flower sales income will be added soon.

Communications Report
The newsletter has been sent out as well as some email messages.  Kohl’s gift card orders need to be submitted by the end of the month.

Ways and Means Report
Tom McKay reported we are still looking for a co-chair for Market Day.  The next Market Day pick up is April 17th, and saxophones are volunteering.  This is also pie bonus month.

Cupid Raffle went well.  Kris Lindley will report later in the meeting.

The Winterguard Home Show is this weekend.  There will be 31 groups performing.  This should be a good fund raiser.  The Winterguard’s show is great this year, so he encouraged everyone to attend.  Our Winterguards perform at 12:57 and 2:49.  The Junior High Guard will be performing at 4:09.

The Puffin Foundation has awarded the Music Department a grant in the amount of $1,200.  More grant opportunities are being sought.  Tom McKay has met with MTV to apple for a grant from the Justin Timberlake grant program. 

Karin Lezon reported that a total of 76 flower orders have been received.  No further orders are being accepted at this time. 

Planning for next year’s fund raisers will start next month.  100% of all car wash profits go into IBAs.

Current Business

Cupid Raffle Recap
Kris Lindleyreported that the raffle was successful, although the budgeted amount was not reached.  Kris will be looking for help next year, as his students will be seniors.  This is a very easy fund raiser, $8,000 was raised.

By-law changes
At last month’s meeting, changes to the Constitution were read.  Cindy Heath explained the changes, most of which are necessary because of the school split, including adding more Board members.  The scholarship award was revised as well as the number of meetings required between the schools.  Additionally, the fund raising section was changed, making it easier to understand and making it more current.  Nancy Stachura reported that many of these changes had already been adopted, but apparently the revised Constitution was never posted on the website.  Steve Therriault reported the changes made were very similar to the ones recommended.

Eugene Simpkins made a motion to adopt the revised Constitution; Mary Ellen Pifko seconded.  Motion carried.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
Bunny Breakfast volunteers are still needed.  Sign-up sheets are available.  A sign-up sheet will be available for Tri-M members as well.  The school is donating the food for this fund raiser.  Serving starts at 7 am.  Flyers will be distributed through all the elementary schools, and information has been posted on the local cable channels. 

New Board Members (East and North)
Board members are still being sought for next year, including 2 treasurers and a communication chairman and a secretary for East.  Anyone interested should talk to a current Board member.   It is fun to serve on the Executive Board and make a difference in the Music Department. 

Steve Therriault reported that voting on the officers must be held next month so that new members can attend the May meeting.  He was concerned that there was not a complete slate to present tonight, so he encouraged everyone to step-up and keep this program running. 

Anne Lindley reported that there will be 4 Uniform Chair positions available as well, and she encouraged people to step up and shadow her and Barb Albert this year, so they understand how everything works. 

Tom Blakley reported that Sue Ann Del Vicario nominated Bert and Cliff for Outstanding Young People in the State of IL awards through the Jaycees.  Bert was chosen, and he will be attending a banquet honoring him.  Tom Blakley showed an ad that the Boosters have placed in the program.

Dave Drenner made a motion to adjourn at 8:00; Mary Ellen Pifko seconded.  Motion carried. 

Respectfully submitted,

Robyn Madden

Secretary

Upcoming Dates

Winterguard Home Show               March 18

Breakfast with Easter BunnyMarch 31

Please check the Music Dept. calendar for updates on performances, auditions & rehearsals.