FOWM Meeting – October 2009
Date: October 5th, 2009
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Introductions
Present:
Margaret Sandvig, Co-Chair
Steve Yamasaki, After-school liaison
Asha Wadhwa, Co-Chair
Laura Gardner, Orchestra liaison
Nelda Swiggett, Jazz Band Liaison
Shelly Bates, Bake Sales
~ 50 music parents
Meeting Minutes taken by Asha Wadhwa
Purpose
The October board meeting was the first potluck of the year and an opportunity for music parents to meet the new FOWM Board as well as each other. The meeting consisted of an overview of FOWM, given by Margaret Sandvig, and misc reports of currents events/issues.
Presentation
(primarily by Margaret Sandvig)
This year’s main goal is to try to maintain the high level of the music program in the wake of the “split”.
FOWM’s purpose is to support the music program through fundraising and volunteering. We need more volunteers.
FOWM will focus more on community outreach.
REVERB report given by Laura Gardener: The event was very successful – room was packed. Musicians had a blast!
Senior concert dates and venue were confirmed (December 16th & June 17th Quincy Jones Performance Hall).
Margaret stated that the budget will be very tight this year.
Margaret reiterated that there would be no private lessons available at school.
SMP (Seattle Music Program overview presented by Margaret) program kicks off this month.
Steve Yamasaki indicated that Drumline & Junior Jazz would likely begin this month based on student enrollment.
Janet Jones (parent volunteer) reported that uniform sizing was 75% complete.
Margaret explained how the instrument repair process works i.e. contact Terry Thompson rather than getting individual instruments repaired.
Festival & Trips: Reno Jazz & Lionel Hampton for Senior Jazz. The possibility of a trip to Chicago for senior groups is under discussion. Will require a large number of parent volunteer to raise funds. Some concerns expressed by parents:
- Chicago trip form lacked details of what the trip included
- Why not Anaheim
- Why not explore less expensive options
Parents were directed to discuss trip details with music directors.
Margaret said that there would not be an afterschool choir program this year but we would explore it for next year.
Some parents expressed concern about the cost of uniforms. Margaret indicated that the uniform exchange program did not work well last year (this year, donated uniforms will be given to students needing scholarships 1st) but there are scholarships available for anyone in need. One parent made some good suggestions about availability of black attire (shoes, pants etc) at Goodwill.
Jennifer Carter (parent cartmom@comcast.net) volunteered for Band Liaison as well as helping coordinate senior trip.
Next meeting
November 2nd, 2009 @ 7 PM. Band room at WMS.
Adjourned at ~8:30pm for potluck & informal discussions.
