September 30th, 2021

Traverse City Music Boosters Annual Meeting

September 30, 2021

In Attendance

Wendee Wolf-Schlarf

Jill Jenkins

Thomas Hoxsie

Heather Hoxsie

Sarah Shotwell

Craig Wesley

Carrie Bui

Megan Grezeszak

Maggie/Maragaret Harrod-Burch

Stephanie Schall-Brazee

Doug Downer

Peter Deneen

Thomas Vieira

Erich Wangeman

Andrew Schafer

Ingrid Pylvainen

Wendee Wolf-Schlarf

Eileen Mikulski

Alline Beutler

Meeting was called to order at 7:01pm. There was a presentation from the Central High School Choral Aires.

Carrie Bui motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the 2020 annual meeting. Eileen seconded.

2021-2022 Budget

The budget shows a $350 loss, which we hope to make up in fundraising through the year. We were able to make it through the pandemic so far without needing to reduce the scholarships or mini grants the Music Boosters provided. This was managed because of the income generated from our endowment fund (which is typically reinvested each year) and because of a fund balance going into the 2020-2021 school year.

Megan Grezeszak motioned to approve the budget. Sarah Shotwell seconded. The motion passed.

Music Director’s Report

With VPAA bond money, $76,000 worth of musical equipment was purchased over the summer. This will impact music education from elementary general music through secondary music classes. The music staff is excited to be back in person with students this fall.

Wendee Wolf-Schlarf shared the importance of the support the Music Boosters has offered to music education within TCAPS over the years. That includes everyone from parents with children in elementary general music classes all the way up to the parent organizations that provide crucial support to the secondary band, orchestra, and choir programs.

Parent Organization Reports

West Choir-

The first meeting of the school year was well attended. The ad book is the biggest fundraiser for the year, and they are currently finalizing the ads and sponsors. Students have been fitted for uniforms.

West Band-

The car wash held in early September was successful. There has been a good turnout of parents helping with uniforms and with all the logistics at the football games.

West Orchestra-

The orchestra parents are getting organized and ready to start up again. They are looking forward to the funds raised by the music department cards.

Central Choirs-

The first meeting for the school year went well and there are new parents participating. The fall concert is coming up and plans are underway for Disney Extravaganza (formerly known as Disney and Desserts). The Central Choirs ad book is produced in the spring.

Central Bands-

There are new parents involved and new energy in the Band Parent Organization. They are figuring out the best volunteer roles to be most supportive. Earlier in the fall they also had a successful car wash.

Mini Grants and Scholarships

Last year 13 mini grants were awarded. The second week in October is when the application for this year’s mini grants is due. Decisions are made at the November Music Boosters Meeting.

All the scholarships for last year are wrapped up and families are being reimbursed for music lessons or music camps.

Fundraising

Used Instrument Sale-

It was a small sale this year, but a good percentage of the instruments were sold. With Covid restrictions the event felt different this year, but it worked out well.

Flower Sales-

Musicals for both Central and West High Schools are planned for spring of 2022.

Shop your Community Day-

Music Boosters was selected again this year. On Saturday, November 13, participating downtown Traverse City businesses will give 15% of each sale to the nonprofit organization selected by the customers.

Fundraising letter-

Later in the year an appeal letter will be planned and mailed out to our current donor list. This will be the third appeal letter mailed in the past three years. We have not had great success with the appeal letters yet, in part because we don’t have a good list of ongoing and potential donors yet. Improving our process is an ongoing conversation.

Benefit concert is planned for Thursday, May 26 at Central High School.

Meeting adjourned at 7:39pm.

Next meeting- November 16 at 6:30 at the Boardman Building

Respectfully submitted by Alline Beutler