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General Meeting 03/11/24

Financial Report March 2024

 

Board members in attendance – Allen Frank, Bill Lennox, Tina Martucci, Jacqui Fortsch, Cory Daily, Jeanette Dennis, and Joyce James

 

Tina called the meeting to order and asked for approval on last monh’s minutes.   Motion to approve was made by AnnaLisa Kelly-Cavotta.  Second by Eleanor Mayer.  Overall approval by the full organization.

 

Cory reported that a sign up genius for the spring concert will be going out soon.  It will inckude requests for volunteers for parking attendants, concession stand, bandstand, clean up, door monitoring, and donations.

 

Jacqui updated everyone on the current and upcoming fundraisers.  Pampered Chef and Mr. Sticky’s sticky buns close on Sunday,  In May we have salsa in person and online as well as spring flowers.  She also reminded everyone about making fair share payments.

 

Jeanette presented  the budget.  She worked with Sue Testa to set up a new format which will be used next year.  She also presented an expense report for February.  This is a work in progress to present it in a way that’s easily understood.

 

Allen welcomed Mitchell Hort from Moravian Unidrsity.  He is serving as our student teacher this year.  

 

Mr. Hort spoke briefly to say he feels incredibly forunate to be part of this organization and is looking forward to a great collaboration during his time with us.

 

Allen reminded us all that we are now deep into the spring schedule.  In the band app this week, the schedule took up one full sheet. 

 

The Foundation dinner includes performances by 1st Co, pipes and drums, Acapella and Theatre groups.   There is no rehearsal for 1st Co as they will be playing as people are coming in at 5:15.   Pipes will be wearing Kit A.  First Co will be in full uniform.  The performances should be over by 8:00.

 

This Friday will be all about St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.  Pipes are playing at Moravian Hall Square at 10:30.   Trumpets will play at City Hall at 11:00.   Friday night there will be a joint concert between 1st Co and Moravian at 7:30 at Foyt Hall..  We were asked in December to perform and we were their first choice to work with.  Tickets are $15.

 

Saturday is looking to be an all day marathon.  We have 10 participants in the Northampton County Band.  There is an 8:00 am rehearsal and students are responsible for their own lunch, but they will be provided an evening meal.  Concert is at 7:00 in Northampton.     Pipes and drums are in the Parade of Shamrocks.  Meet at 6th and Broad.  We are part of Division 2.   We will practice march Thursday.

 

There is currently practice for pit performers for the musical.  The show is next week.  The performances are Thursday @7:00, Friday @ 7:00, Saturday @ 1:00 and @ 7:00.

 

There is a request for senior videos so they can be part of the slide show for the concert.  Please check with your seniors to make sure they have submitted their video / slide.   Tickets for the concert are available now.  $10 adults $5 students / seniors.

 

We have students from LHS who made it to the state level in concert band, orchestra and choir and will be traveling to Erie for those concerts in a few weeks.

 

Pending School Board approval, the LHSGB will be heading to Florida next winter.  Nothing is finalized, but Allen wanted to get the word out so people can start to plan and fundraise as needed.  January is cheaper than February.   Choir will be participating too.  The groups will perform at Universal and march through Main Street at the Magic Kingdom and perhaps even perform at Disney Springs.  We are aiming high in cost ($2,000.00), but we are doing that so there are no additional surprises.  The airfare alone is about $750.00.   We will probably be housed in the Universal area rather than a Disney resort to save money as well.  Looking at about 4 days in Florida.  We will also try for a tag along trip which is a parent-run side trip.   And payments will be made through Gateway.

 

Bill encouraged us to come to the 1st Co and Moravian concert on Friday.

 

Tina brought up some new business.  Stacy Gabriel has resigned as an at-large member.  Becky Sullivan will finish her term.  And Tracy Luisser is filling another vacancy we had.

 

Sue Testa took the floor for the By-laws voting. She started by establishing a consistent motion and second for voting purposes.  Michelle Miller is officially noted as making the motion to vote for each item.  Cory Dailey is officially noted as making the second motion.  The record of votes by the general population in attendance, in person (IP) and online (OL) is listed below.  Each item was approved unless otherwise noted.

 

Item #1 ARTICLE IV – GOVERNING BODY Section 9

Vote – First Wording (2 IP, 3 OL)

Second Wording (19 IP, 2 OL)

The second wording will be used in the By-Laws.

 

Item #2 ARTICLE IV – GOVERNING BODY Section 1

Vote –  21 IP, 5 OL

 

Item #3 ARTICLE IV – GOVERNING BODY Section 2

Vote – 21 IP, 5 OL

Item #4 ARTICLE IV – GOVERNING BODY Section 3

Discussion occurred regarding At-Large members.  The discussion revolved around have a member of the community serve on the board and perhaps be perceived as depriving an  LHSGBOPC member a voice and vote.   It was decided that the By-laws vote for item #4 would remain as written and a new item will be developed and added at the next meeting.  The new item will be regarding the establishment of an advisory council for community members instead of having them serve as at-large members and need to be at a set number of events.

 

Vote – 21 IP, 5 OL

 

Item #5 ARTICLE IV – GOVERNING BODY Section 6

Vote – 21 IP, 6 OL

 

Item #6 ARTICLE IV – GOVERNING BODY Section 8

Vote – 21 IP, 6 OL

 

Item #7 ARTICLE V – COMMITTEES Section 2

Vote – 21 IP, 4 OL

 

Item #8 ARTICLE VII – NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS Section 4

Vote – 21 IP, 6 OL

 

Item #9 ARTICLE VII – NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS Section 5

Vote – 21 IP, 5 OL

 

Item #10 ARTICLE VII – NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS Section 6

Vote – 21 IP, 6 OL

 

Item #11 ARTICLE VII – NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS Section 7

Vote – 21 IP, 6 OL

 

Item #12 ARTICLE IX – BYLAWS REVIEW 

Vote – 21 IP, 6 OL

 

Item #13 ARTICLE XI – DISSOLUTION OF THE ORGANIZATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS Section 1

Vote – 21 IP, 6 OL

 

Item #14 ARTICLE XI – DISOLUTION OF THE ORGANIZATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS Section 2

Vote – 21 IP, 6 OL

 

Other new business, nominations for board members closes tomorrow at 9:00 pm.  Open positions are as follows:

 

President

Vice President Student Accounts

Vice President Volunteers

Secretary

At-Large (2 positions)

 

Send nominations through google form or to Jen Roan and the nominating committee

 

A motion to close the meeting was made by Cory Dailey.  Second made by AnnaLisa Kelly-Cavotta.  Overall approval was made by the full organization.

LHSGBOPC BYLAWS Approved March 2024

 

General Meeting 2/15/24

Financial Reports

Board Members in attendance:  Allen Frank, Bill Lennox, Tina Martucci, Jacqui Fortsch, Cory Dailey, Jeanette Dennis, and Joyce James

 

Tina welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked for a motion to approve last month’s minutes.    It was noted that per the by-laws, even though there is a motion and a second, there still needs to be a vote from the overall assembly. A motion was made by AnnaLisa Kelly-Covatta,  seconded by Sue Testa, and approved by the group.

 

Cory reported that there are no new updates on volunteer needs.

 

Jacqui reported updated fundraisers.  Mateys pizza runs from now until the 19th.  Pampered Chef will start March 1 and will benefit student accounts.  Mr. Sticky’s sticky buns will be March 27, flowers May 12, and salsa May 5.  Be on the lookout for emails.

 

Jeanette presented the Treasurer’s report and the budget comparison.  Per the bylaws, the treasurer’s report does not need a monthly approval since it is just reporting the income vs expenses for the month.

 

Sue Testa pointed out some ways to present the report that would make it more transparent and easier for everyone to understand, such as reporting incomes as separate lines items and identifying what the income was from (ie fair share, Bingo, bandstand) and display them on separate pages as well as breaking out fund raising efforts on separate line items.   Sue also made suggestions on budget structure and expressed some frustration in how fair share cost is calculated each year especially and how fair share money is used.  Sue and Jeanette will connect on how ro make the discussed changes.

 

Currently the bandstand income is negative.  but that was explained as we made large purchases in order to restock the inventory for the remainder of the year and going forward. 

 

Speaking of bandstand inventory, we are still in need of a parent or two to take over the inventory process.   Please let Cory know if you’re interested.

 

Allen spoke of including the directors in the conversations on the finances.  We want to be able to alleviate financial burden situations when we can.  That means taking some of the stress off of families, taking care of the instrument side of things and getting gear to where it should be.

 

For pipers, we are looking at forming a partnership with a company in Scotland willing to work with us to get pipes.

 

Reminder to please check the weekly bulletin for information.  There is a lot going on and many questions can be answered with the information that gets passed along weekly.

 

District orchestra went extremely well.  The students said that it was the best one they attended.  There were 104 students from 26 schools from Berks to Carbon county.  All the volunteers student and adult made everything run smoothly.  Thank you.

 

Big congratulations for the 4 students moving on to regionals.  They are…

 

Tom Cramer

Andrew Fortsh

Ethan Hawkes

Casey Huey

 

Regional band is next Thursday at Eastern York HS.  LHS has 4 students going to that.  We have 10 students in county band on March 16.

 

Pipes and drums gigs start picking up in March with the Red Hot Chili Pipers March 7 and continuing with the parade of shamrocks.

 

The band spring concert is 4/5 and 4/6.  The orchestra concert is 4/26 and the orchestra pops concert is 5/3.  It will be held bak in the memorial gym.

 

Encourage your students to practice at home.  It just supplements the efforts going on at school rehearsals.

 

Summer band will begin 8/5.  Next year’s band numbers will remain about the same .  The incoming class was 4th graders during the pandemic.  The orchestra numbers will go up because they were able to have more instruction during the pandemic.

 

Trip discussions are being held.  Waiting for approval from BASD.  Planning for about a year out.  Allen is planning to lay out a 3-4 trip plan.  This will aid families in preparing financially.

 

Bill asked that if your child is preparing to study music after graduation, to please let the directors know.   The process isn’t straightforward, prep work needs to be done in order to make sure your student is prepared.

 

For new business. Sue Testa took the floor to walk the group through the suggested changes that were made when the bylaws committee met.   Allen pulled up the changes on the screen for everyone to see while Sue explained the

changes.  The bylaws will be voted on at the next meeting, but we wanted to inform the group of the potential changes being made and what will be voted on.

 

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Sue Testa, seconded by Eleanor Mayer and approved by the group.

 

Board members in attendance:  Bill Lennox, Tina Martucci, Jacqui Fortsch, Cory Dailey, Jeanette Dennis and Joyce James

January Treasurers Report

Tina called the meeting to order.  The minutes from last month’s meeting are on the website. The Treasurer’s report is also attached on the website.

 

Motion to approve the minutes – Zuzana Hawkes

Second – Tracy Lussier

 

Cory has asked for 1 or 2 parents (preferably not parents of seniors) to work on bandstand inventory.    

 

We are co-hosting district orchestra with Freedom on Feb 8 through Feb 10.   We will be providing snacks along with Freedom’s hospitality committee.

 

There will be a dine to donate at Red Robin on Airport Road from 5-9 on 1/30.

 

Red Hot Chili Pipers tickets will be $25.  We have 130 tickets for the March 7 concert

 

Jacqui highlighted the current and upcoming fundraisers.  

 

CURRENT

Soup (2/10 delivery)

Pierogies (2/12 delivery)

Krispy Kreme (2/12 delivery)

UPCOMING

Matey’s

Mr. Sticky’s sticky buns

Pampered chef (first 2 weeks of March-direct to student not the general fund)

 

ONGOING

WaWa 

Giant

Candy

Shop Rite

 

Jeanette mentioned there was not much activity in December.  There were questions about additional Bingo expenses and the Give Butter deposit.   Jeanette will update for next month.  She is also hoping to have the budget comparison next month.

 

Mr. Lennox invited everyone to the January Jams concert at Northeast on 1/30 at 7pm.  It will feature Liberty Jams, Jazz, Acapella, Pipes and Fist Co.  It will be a full day for the students.  They will be performing during the school day at Broughal and at Northeast.

 

The district band concert is this Saturday 1/13.  Tickets will be available online.

 

Summer band starts August 5.

 

Next payment for the senior NYC trip is due 2/15.

 

Every student except majorettes, pipes, and percussion, should have submitted an audition.  Please check in with your students to make sure they completed the assignments.

 

Big thank you to the LHSGBOCP for the equipment purchases.  It feels good to be able to fill needs.

 

Going forward there will be a guitar class on the course selection.

 

Sue Testa reminded everyone that the bylaws committee will be meeting on Tuesday of next week.  It’s not too late to join.

 

Thank you to the director and the students who played for the swim meet benefitting the John Jones memorial.

 

Motion to adjourn – Sue Testa 

Second – Suzanna Hawkes

Board members in attendance: Allen Frank, Bill Lennox, Jacqui Fortsch, Cory Dailey, Jeanette Dennis, and Joyce James

 

Cory called the meeting to order in Tina’s absence.   She asked for approval of the minutes from last month.   A motion to approve was made by Annalisa Kelly-Covatta, second by Todd Snyder

 

Cory gave the update that Bingo was a huge success.  Right now there are no immediate needs for parent volunteers.

 

There were two cemetery lots remaining from the flower sale if anyone is interested in purchasing them.

 

Jacqui gave an update about fundraisers.  Current fundraisers are on the website like Gertrude Hawk and Wawa.   We took a break for Dec and Jan.   Upcoming fundraisers will be 

 

Pizza

Soup

Pierogies

Krispy Kreme

Pampered Chef

Mr. Sticky’s sticky buns

 

It was asked if there could be a fundraiser done that specifically favors the students’ accounts rather than the general fund.  Jacqui said that is something that can be taken into consideration going forward.  Fundraising has been low this year.

 

Jeanette presented the Treasurer’s report.  The Bingo portion of the Treasurer’s report was discussed at great length within the meeting.   All of the Bingo proceeds/expenses are accounted for except the deposit from Give Butter.  That was made later and will be reflected in December’s report.   It seems that the breakdown for Bingo was a bit confusing.  A request was made to have it displayed in a spreadsheet form and itemized more to allow for future planning (ie less basket quantity but more basket quality if raffle tickets didn’t sell).   Another point to encourage itemizing was the general terms used, such as one time fundraiser doesn’t give much information.   On a positive note, the proceeds from Bingo bought us instruments such as our new suspended cymbal as well as miscellaneous orchestra needs.   

 

A question was asked about how we are doing financially versus what was budgeted.  Jeanette mentioned she was planning a budget comparison for mid year.  The by-laws say it should be presented monthly. Jeanette will work  on setting up the Treasurer’s report in spreadsheet form going forward.  Motion to approve Treasurer’s report Annalisa Kelly-Covatta, second by Eleanor Mayer

 

The question was asked about what donation can be made by the organization to make the band and orchestra needs met.   Once a budget vs actual comparison is done, this topic will be revisited.

 

The budget discussion segued nicely into the by-laws discussion.  Sue is organizing the by-laws committee and it will be meeting in January.  The by-laws are designed to keep the LHSGBOPC moving in the right direction.  Any changes to the by-laws gets voted on in March at the general meeting.  Elections are held in April.  Please let Sue know if you would like to be part of the committee.  It’s open to anyone.

 

Allen mentioned that there is a winter concert evening rehearsal Thursday from 5-8:30 for the orchestra and choir.  Tickets to the concert are $10 general admission, $5 students and seniors and free for under 12.  Tickets can be purchased in advance which cuts down on the line out the door in the cold.  There is a basketball game on Friday so parking is likely to be limited.  Report time for Friday is 6:00 and 1:00 for Sunday.

 

LHS along with FHS is hosting the District 10 orchestra concert Feb 8-10 at Northeast Middle School.  Auditions were just held for district band and orchestra.  We’re proud to say we have 9 band members and 5 orchestra members who qualified.   Jazz auditions are due Friday.

 

There are wheels in motion to start planning a trip for next year.  No announcement yet as nothing has been finalized.

 

Caroling will be happening around Bethlehem next week.

 

Red Hot Chili Pipers tickets go on sale in January.  We have already been invited to participate in 2025.

 

Bill mentioned purchasing mouthpieces and reeds as stocking stuffers.  Don’t buy instruments on Amazon.  If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

 

Motion to adjourn Sue Testa, second Tracy Lussier

December Corrected

Board members in attendance: Allen Frank, Bill Lennox, Jacqui Fortsch, Cory Dailey, Jeanette Dennis, and Joyce James

 

Cory called the meeting to order in Tina’s absence.   She asked for approval of the minutes from last month.   A motion to approve was made by Annalisa Kelly-Covatta, second by Todd Snyder

 

Cory gave the update that Bingo was a huge success.  Right now there are no immediate needs for parent volunteers.

 

There were two cemetery lots remaining from the flower sale if anyone is interested in purchasing them.

 

Jacqui gave an update about fundraisers.  Current fundraisers are on the website like Gertrude Hawk and Wawa.   We took a break for Dec and Jan.   Upcoming fundraisers will be 

 

Pizza

Soup

Pierogies

Krispy Kreme

Pampered Chef

Mr. Sticky’s sticky buns

 

It was asked if there could be a fundraiser done that specifically favors the students’ accounts rather than the general fund.  Jacqui said that is something that can be taken into consideration going forward.  Fundraising has been low this year.

 

Jeanette presented the Treasurer’s report.  The Bingo portion of the Treasurer’s report was discussed at great length within the meeting.   All of the Bingo proceeds/expenses are accounted for except the deposit from Give Butter.  That was made later and will be reflected in December’s report.   It seems that the breakdown for Bingo was a bit confusing.  A request was made to have it displayed in a spreadsheet form and itemized more to allow for future planning (ie less basket quantity but more basket quality if raffle tickets didn’t sell).   Another point to encourage itemizing was the general terms used, such as one time fundraiser doesn’t give much information.   On a positive note, the proceeds from Bingo bought us instruments such as our new suspended cymbal as well as miscellaneous orchestra needs.   

 

A question was asked about how we are doing financially versus what was budgeted.  Jeanette mentioned she was planning a budget comparison for mid year.  The by-laws say it should be presented monthly. Jeanette will work  on setting up the Treasurer’s report in spreadsheet form going forward.  Motion to approve Treasurer’s report Annalisa Kelly-Covatta, second by Eleanor Mayer

 

The question was asked about what donation can be made by the organization to make the band and orchestra needs met.   Once a budget vs actual comparison is done, this topic will be revisited.

 

The budget discussion segued nicely into the by-laws discussion.  Sue is organizing the by-laws committee and it will be meeting in January.  The by-laws are designed to keep the LHSGBOPC moving in the right direction.  Any changes to the by-laws gets voted on in March at the general meeting.  Elections are held in April.  Please let Sue know if you would like to be part of the committee.  It’s open to anyone.

 

Allen mentioned that there is a winter concert evening rehearsal Thursday from 5-8:30 for the orchestra and choir.  Tickets to the concert are $10 general admission, $5 students and seniors and free for under 12.  Tickets can be purchased in advance which cuts down on the line out the door in the cold.  There is a basketball game on Friday so parking is likely to be limited.  Report time for Friday is 6:00 and 1:00 for Sunday.

 

LHS along with FHS is hosting the District 10 orchestra concert Feb 8-10 at Northeast Middle School.  Auditions were just held for district band and orchestra.  We’re proud to say we have 9 band members and 5 orchestra members who qualified.   Jazz auditions are due Friday.

 

There are wheels in motion to start planning a trip for next year.  No announcement yet as nothing has been finalized.

 

Caroling will be happening around Bethlehem next week.

 

Red Hot Chili Pipers tickets go on sale in January.  We have already been invited to participate in 2025.

 

Bill mentioned purchasing mouthpieces and reeds as stocking stuffers.  Don’t buy instruments on Amazon.  If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

 

Motion to adjourn Sue Testa, second Tracy Lussier

December Treasurer Report

LHSGBOPC Meeting – November 6, 2023

 

Board members in attendance – Allen Frank, Bill Lennox, Tina Martucci, Jacqui Fortsch, Cory Dailey, Jeanette Dennis, and Joyce James

 

Tina called the meeting to order. Welcome to everyone in person and on zoom.  Looking for motion to approve last month’s minutes.

 

Motion to approve – Christine D’Annibale

Second – Eleanor Mayer

 

Cory updated the group about Bingo.  Currently, we have 60 gift baskets to raffle.   We need people to make the meat for marching tacos and to make cabbage and noodles.  Bingo will be held on Nov 19.  Community service hours are available to students who volunteer that day.  We will have Bingo card dabbers for purchase.

 

General fundraiser with Kendra Scott kicked off yesterday.  They are a nationally known jewelry company.  They also sell colognes.    They personalized 3 colors of gems for the jewelry for us.   Items can be purchased in person or online and we will receive 20% as long as the code is used.

 

Salsa and Pocono Cheesecake pick up is this Saturday.   Fundraising orders for hoagies and soup as well as for winter flowers are due this Sunday.

 

Jeanette presented the Treasurer’s report.   The general fund pays for instrument needs (replacing / fixing) Currently we have $9,700+ in instrumental needs. 

 

Motion to approve – Sue Testa 

Second – Tracy Lussier

 

There’s a possibility that the BASD might purchase some instruments.  We are currently in wait and see mode on that.  More to come.   We will accept used instruments (except maybe pianos). 

 

Now that football season is over, many thanks and praise was given to:

 

Roadies

Bandstand

Bus chaperones

Sue Testa (press box)

Behind the scenes 

Parent volunteers

 

2024 band Camp kicks off August 5.

 

Upcoming performances for our various groups include:

 

Mayor’s Christmas tree decorating at City Hall, 

Veteran’s Day events at Hanover, Moravian, Sterling Hills retirement

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce annual event at Wind Creek

 

Come see Radium Girls by the LHS Theatre Group on Nov 16 and 18

 

In preparation for the winter concert, 7am rehearsals will be used for Jazz band and for sectionals.  Tickets for the concert are available in advance or at the door.  A bit better to buy in advance to avoid standing in line in the cold.  Dress rehearsal is Dec 14 from 5:00-8:30.  Concerts are Dec 15 @ 7pm and Dec 17 @ 2pm.

 

Band App expectations – Notifications are turned off after 10 pm.  Each year using it is a learning year.  Before asking questions, please check previous posts and bulletins.  Many times the topic has probably already been addressed.   There are currently 500 members on the app between band and orchestra.  Try to post only questions that could benefit the entire group.  We don’t want people turning off notifications and missing an important post.  If there is a question or school related issue with your child, please don’t use the band app, please send an E-mail to both directors. 

 

There will be a bulletin posted weekly with the latest schedule and other pertinent information / news.

 

Encourage your child to adhere to the school district-wide cell phone use rules.

 

Please join us at Nitschmann Middle School for the First Co concert on Nov 14 @ 7pm.  Report time is 6pm.  The concert may start a few minutes late to give Radium Girls cast members time to finish rehearsal and get to the concert.  And to avoid excess noise, please silence cell phones.  

 

Simple instrument repairs can maybe be done by Mr. Lennox.  Other repairs, take instruments to Nazareth Music Store.  Reeds and mouthpieces can make a difference in instrument performance. (and they make great stocking stuffers)

 

Motion to adjourn – Sue Testa

Second – Todd Snyder

 

LSHGBOPC General Meeting – 10/12/2023

 

Board members in attendance – Allen Frank, Bill Lennox, Tina Martucci, Jacqui Fortsch, Cory Dailey, Jeanette Dennis, and Joyce James

 

Tina welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order.   

Motion made to approve last month’s minutes was made by Annalisa Kelly-Cavotta

Second by Tracy Lussier

 

Cory updated everyone that the online clothing sale closes tomorrow.  The pipes/drums clothing orders closed a while ago.

 

3rd qtr donations have been amazing this year.  Thank you to all of the parents for donating and for volunteering.  This year for Liberty/Freedom game, we have salty snacks.  Look for a sign up genius to donate.   

 

There will be a Google doc sent for bingo volunteers.  For bingo, we have the students participating by donating items for raffle baskets.  Each section has a different theme.  Please check with your kids to see what their section’s theme is.

 

Jacqui gave the update for current fundraisers.  Maddie’s strudel pickup is Saturday from 10-10:30.  The truck is coming early so pickup may be sooner.  Will update through the band app.

 

Three fundraisers for November

Apple dumplings

Salsa

Pocono cheesecake

 

December fundraisers

Winter flowers

Hoagies

 

Fair share is due by the end of the month.  E-mail reminders will be going out soon.  There are 129 who still haven’t paid.  If there are funds in the Charms account, they can be used to pay fairshare, but you have to request a transfer which triggers an E-mail to Jacqui to complete the transfer.  Jacqui or Jeanette can check to see who has funds available.   They can also answer questions.  Partial payments are tricky to do, but it is possible.

 

Jeanette presented last month Treasurer’s report.   Motion made to accept by Annalisa Kelly-Cavotta.  Second by Shelly Hever.

 

We are purchasing a Clover system to accept credit card payments at fundraisers.  

 

Mr. Frank gave us the latest schedule rundown. 

 

Next week is a pretty slow week.  Taking advantage of that before the busy week of LHS/FHS spirit week.

 

Report time for Emmaus is 4:30.

Departure 5:-5:30

We perform first at halftime

 

We have two parades to do.  We are missing kids.  The Hellertown parade is October 22 at 2:00. We will meet at Saucon Valley. We are looking into getting one bus so students who don’t have transportation will be able to attend.

 

Liberty/Freedom week

October 24 combined rehearsal with Freedom.  

October 25 is National Honor Society

October 26 is the bonfire

         We are outside at 6

         Bonfire festivities start at 6:30 with senior recognition

         Bonfire lit around 7

 

Seniors can decorate the band room from 7-10

It has been stressed that we are decorating not vandalizing houses for the 49 seniors

 

On game day for LHS/FHS, we report at 10.  The luncheon is at 11.  Party band plays at 11:30.  Pregame step off is 12:30.  Kickoff is at 1.

 

Bethlehem Halloween parade is Sunday at 2:00.  We will meet at the parade.  The school will be open for about a half hour for anyone needing to get instruments.

 

Upcoming potential events / interest in LHSGB

Veterans Day

Cops n Kids

In February, we, along with Freedom will be co-hosting the PMEA district 10 orchestra concert.   Northeast middle school will be the venue.  We will need volunteers to help.  Students can get community service hours.

Nov 14 is the First Co. concert at Nitschmann

 

Lots of pep band opportunities have been happening.  Just this week, there were 3 ½ hours of pep band.  Great opportunity to support the many teams here at Liberty.

 

The leadership team was brought in early one morning to participate in a leadership workshop. Learned about community first, music second.

 

Mr. Lennox reminded everyone to make sure students are wearing black socks and a band t-shirt.  There are too many students showing up without black socks and with random t-shirts.  We are running low on supplies (band aids) to cover piercings.  

 

Motion to adjourn was made by Tracy Lussier.  Second by Shelly Hever.

 

LHSGB&OPC General Meeting – 9/12/23

 

Board Members in attendance : Allen Frank, Bill Lennox, Tina Martucci, Jacqui Fortsch, Cory Dailey, Jeanette Dennis, and Joyce James (zoom)

 

Reminder for those on Zoom…Questions can be thrown into the chat at any time.   Reminder to speakers…Repeat questions from zoom and band room prior to answering so that everyone can hear.

 

Tina opened the meeting welcoming everyone present and on zoom.  She asked for approval of last month’s minutes.  

 

Motion to approve: Sue Testa.   Second: Tom Snyder

 

Cory thanked the parent volunteers who have helped out so far this year and mentioned how nice it was to see new faces join in.   There are many opportunities to help out and all help is greatly appreciated.

 

Upcoming band general fund fundraisers:

 

Bingo is being moved to the 5th of November

 

11/5 – 11/11 Jewelry from Kendra Scott at the Lehigh Valley Mall.  We will receive 20% and they are specializing some colors for us.

 

Dine to donate – 

10/12 Buffalo Wild Wings Easton

11/19 Mod Pizza Airport Road

12/7 PJ Welihan’s

Jan 2024 Flying Pig – Date to be announced later

 

Jacqui discussed the Charms system informing everyone that Charms can be utilized for fundraiser announcements, fair share payments, accounting of all funds for students as well as another means of communication with parents.  Instructions for accessing Charms were put into the chat.  If anyone had a Charms account before, an E-mail link was sent to the parent E-mail address on file.  For new accounts, an E-mail was sent to the student’s BASD account.  This is only good for 24 hours.   If beyond 24 hours, E-mail Jacqui for a reset.  If families have more than one student, let Jacqui know because the students’ accounts can be linked. 

 

Questions were asked about Charms:

Balance in accounts can be used to pay fair share. After sign in on main screen, request to transfer funds and an E-mail will automatically be sent to Jacqui.

Credit cards can be used.  Charms was bought out by another company.  Currently the credit card function still works.  There is a fee involved (3.5%?).

Charms login info is on the LHSGBOPC website.

Jacqui will resend e-mails to student accounts if needed.

Mr. Frank will screenshot if needed to show step by step.

Anyone having issues, send a screenshot to Jacqui, be patient and give her a chance to research and respond.

 

Current and upcoming individual fundraisers:

 

Maddie’s Strudel – orders due 9/24

Flowers are 3 times a year

      Mums (fall)

      Poinsettias – need a coordinator for that as Cory is unable to do delivery

      Hanging baskets (spring)

 

Jeanette presented the Treasurer’s Report.  There were issues with carwash purchases.  The ordered hoses didn’t get delivered in time, so we purchased from the store directly.  There will be a credit on the Treasurer’s report in September.  We were not billed twice for the same thing.

 

Motion to approve Treasurer’s report:  Sue Testa   Second: Joe Testa

 

Mr. Frank reminded everyone that open house is tomorrow at Liberty.

 

We lost a rehearsal with the power outage today.  So we are going into Saturday’s game with one rehearsal.  We are the visiting team against BeCa.  We will not perform our standard pregame.  We may do our halftime show in the pregame slot in order to extend the courtesy to BeCa for their halftime show.  We will send communication through the band app once confirmed.  If so, step off will be 6:45.

 

Snow day information – When there is a snow day, the district gets off the standard 6-day cycle.  Mr. Frank and Mr. Lennox will keep students informed of which day of the cycle we are on.   When there is a snow day or a delayed opening, there is no 7am rehearsal.

 

All events currently scheduled for the band are on the calendar.  For the orchestra, the calendar is not yet up to date.  

 

Pep band gigs are popping up all the time.  They are often last minute and may not make it to the performance calendar online.  The first pep band is the “Pink Out” with volleyball on Wednesday at 6:30.   Students are encouraged to participate whenever possible.  Street clothes are worn and not uniforms.  It’s fun to do, shows school spirit, is a great opportunity to play more often, the more the merrier.

 

The band is growing!!  Since the beginning of the year we have had 3-4 new    members join.  We also have a need for instruments.   The BASD is seeing there are needs and is really great about helping out and maintaining a sense of camaraderie.  Having more kids than instruments is a great problem to have.  All of the middle schools have been donating their extra instruments for our use.  We have even borrowed from Freedom High School.  We are still in need of piccolos.

 

Parade time is fast approaching.  We kick it off with the Celtic Classic parade on the 23rd.  Step off will be at 11:30.   After that we will have the Hellertown and Bethlehem Halloween parades at the end of October.  We do not throw candy at the parades and while we do not have parents walking directly behind the band, they walk on the sidewalks near the band to help with any issues that arise.   A few other things to note about the parades…

 

The Hellertown parade ends on a hill.  Make sure students eat breakfast on the 23rd for the Celtic Classic parade.  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  Get out and keep moving to get used to the constant movement of parade marching.  Some years the weather cooperates and it’s beautiful parade weather.  Other times, it’s still hot.   We will be notified by the city of any weather cancellations.

 

Security concerns still exist for drop offs.   The doors do not open until 6:40.  Please don’t drop off until after that point.  And please don’t drop off in the athletic or teachers’ lot.  Too many cars.  Drop off points are Grenadier Blvd or in front off the school, but not in the bus channel.

 

Mr. Frank then introduced Mr. Kenn Miller who has been taking some wonderful photos of the band kids in action, as a whole band, and close ups.  He has been posting them online for everyone to view.  Thank you Kenn.

 

Christmas City studios will be rescheduled for a time during first block for the whole band photo and certain sectionals.  In prior years individual photos have been taken, but there is not enough time this year.

 

Mr. Frank will have seniors report a little early for the game the weekend so Cory can take their photos for the posters we hang at the Liberty/Freedom game.

 

Mr. Lennox wrapped up the meeting by mentioning some extra stuff that happens at the end of the day.   There are scale rehearsals Tuesdays and Thursdays.   This is mostly necessary in order to participate in PMEA.   If your child has plans to try out for PMEA, they should have already been practicing scales.   These after school practices are to enhance that.   There will also be low brass sectionals and percussion sectionals after school.   First company is leading sectionals on the fly.

 

To stay informed, check the website, subscribe to the calendar, join the band app.

 

Motion to adjourn: Marilyn Kelly-Cavotta   Second: Tracy Luisser