Questions, Answers, and other Information from the September 7th Band Parents Association Meeting

Meeting Summary; About 55 parents in attendance

• Opening statements by Principal Victoria Kaufman and by band Director Mr. James McNeil
• An updated calendar of events was compiled by Mr. McNeil and handed out at the meeting. A copy is also available on the web.
• There was a brief advertisement from the owner of Music Education Center
• Board members for the 2005-2006 school year were introduced
• There was a review of last year's activities and actual spending
• There was a review of proposed activities and budget for the current year (both expenses and revenues)
• A supplier found for Tuxedo shirts (worn for indoor performances) - ALL students will be fitted for uniforms in the next 1-2 weeks - parents were requested to send in old tuxedo shirts (that no longer fit) in good condition for use by students in need , or for use as 'back-ups'
• Vendor quotes for polo shirts (worn for outdoor performances) are being reviewed
• Volunteers were requested for events set-up, chaperones, and fund raising
• ALL parents who want to volunteer MUST fill out a Broward County volunteer form for CSMS (even if you have already filled out such a form for another school this year) - don't forget to fill out the back, and remember to include your date of birth
• The $40 band dues are payable NOW - Please make all checks payable to CSMS Band - they are needed to purchase uniforms and schedule Clinitians to instruct the students; a reminder notice will be sent out next week
• Discussion, questions and answers. Some of the questions are repeated below:

Question: What is the $10 BPA Membership fee used for?

Answer: These funds are used for the organization's operating expenses. Sample expenditures include copying flyers and newsletters for distribution, Office supplies (poster board, receipt books, etc.), and the initial purchase and stocking of fund raising items, such as ice cream for after school sales, pizza and other sale items for performance nights, etc. As these items are sold they generate cash that goes directly toward programs for the students.

Question: Are any board members paid?

Answer: No, all board members are volunteers.

Question: What are the $40 Band Dues spent on?

Answer: These funds purchase uniforms, pay for clinicians and accompanists, cover field trips, buy sheet music, etc.; A breakout is shown the Pie Chart below. Please make all checks payable to CSMS Band.

Question: Can the 6th grade students join the marching and festival bands?

Answer: The majority of students in these bands tend to be 7th and 8th graders, however Mr. McNeil stated that he will welcome auditions from any 6th grade student who has mastered the "Sousa Spectacular" from the back of their music book. ALL 6th graders will perform in the winter and spring concerts.

Question: What fund raisers will we be doing this year

Answer: The Band will repeat last year's cheesecake / cookie dough fund raiser, beginning in October; the product will be distributed during a BPA meeting in November. Car Clings with the School Logo, A Car Wash with pre-sold tickets, and other potential sales promotions are possible; Ice cream sales have begun, and will be continuing every Friday after school from 3:45 - 4:30 PM(volunteers are needed - arrive early to get a parking place)

Question: When will the next BPA meeting be held?

Answer: Please check the Web Site, the date will be posted by the end of September.