Minutes from the Farragut Band Boosters Meetings
President Jim Johnson called the September meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting Minutes: Ellen Weaver requested that the July minutes be amended to read, “Kroger will donate $500 to the band for every $75,000 spent at their stores.” Jim Whitaker motioned to accept the minutes as amended, Harry Herrmann seconded and the July minutes were accepted.
Treasurer: Tracy Sawyer presented the Boosters’ Check and Deposit Details - July 5 through September 7 (copy attached). Jim Johnson accepted the Treasurer’s Report. Tracy said that our bonding fee of $225 is due this year. Lynda Johnson motioned that we pay the bonding fee and Mike Murphy seconded it.
OLD BUSINESS
Directory: The band directory is almost finished and will be copied and distributed soon.
Barbecue: The band camp BBQ was very successful and attendance was the highest we have had. We made a $500 profit.
Band Dance: The kids had a ball at this year’s band camp dance. There will be another dance during winter band camp.
Refreshments for Students: The bus chaperones will provide water and snacks after the game on away trips. This is a new policy. Please remind students to eat before the game.
Band Itinerary on Web Site: Applause to Mr. Taylor for an excellent band web site. All game and competition itineraries are shown at www.farragutband.org.
NEW BUSINESS and COMMITTEE REPORTS
Kroger Commitment Card: Ellen Weaver distributed Kroger Commitment Cards and encouraged everyone to use them. Scan both the “Plus” card and “Commitment” card, and for every $75,000 spent, Kroger will donate $500 to the band. We expect our first $500 check in October. Kroger in Knoxville, Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia honor the Boosters’ card. Please continue to use the card after your child graduates!
Fruit Sale: Mike Murphy stated that Fruit Sale dates are set (see handout, attached); however, exact fruit prices have not been determined due to the Florida storms. Approximately 35% of our fruit sale is profit for the band. Start selling fruit on Oct. 21. Mr. Rogers explained that on Blitz Day, November 13, students team up to sell fruit, and their total sales are divided and applied to their individual sales.
Head Chaperone: Janice Moore is working on the competition travel schedule. Please let Janice know if you are able to chaperone.
Booster Jewelry Sales: Janice Moore said that there is a good market for selling Booster jewelry, and she is looking for a volunteer to take over the responsibility of jewelry sales.
Booster Buttons: Dinah Bates met a person who might be able to make picture buttons of band students. Jim Johnson suggested Dinah get more information on this. Meet and Greet: Ellen Weaver commented that it was nice that the Heritage H.S. Boosters had met the band students and chaperones when they entered the Heritage stadium on game night. She proposed that the Farragut Boosters implement a “meet and greet” as a gesture of goodwill. Mr. Rogers agreed that it is important to make visitors feel welcome. Ellen and volunteers were to stay after the meeting to get organized.
Band Shirts: Mary Turner said band shirts can still be ordered (see band website for order form). Shirts ordered last week will be available at Friday’s game.
Newsletter: Jim Johnson announced that the newsletter article deadline is September 14.
Concessions: Jim Whitaker has a deal with Kroger to get cold bottled water at their lowest price. He looks forward to great sales at the Bearden game.
Spring Fundraiser: Jim Johnson brought up the subject of a spring fundraiser, and it was discussed at length. Mr. Rogers motioned that a committee be formed to discuss it further. Bric Wheeler seconded.
Uniforms: Marie Johnson needs all blue uniform jackets so that a blue band can be added to the arm cuffs before the Bearden game.
Patron Fund: Lanny Bates explained that he is going to area businesses and requesting donations to the band. He is using a list from the Chamber of Commerce web page; however, if anyone knows of a business not listed, please send it to Lanny’s email address: LDBates@tds.net
DIRECTOR’S REMARKS
Mr. Rogers thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. He recognized that our meetings often include in-depth discussions about the band’s finances; however, the band receives only $1,000 each year from Knox County. The bus bill alone is $9,000, not including trips to competitions.
Friday’s Bearden game will be very crowded. Students will wear their full uniform and must remain in full dress (buttoned) unless Mr. Rogers tells them otherwise. The pre-game concert is 6:30 in the Memorial Garden. The complete game schedule is on the band web site.
Approximately 40 band students and the chorus ensemble will perform at the Taste of Tennessee September 11. Students will leave FHS at 9:30 a.m. and return at 1:00 p.m.
Mr. Rogers talked about upcoming competition dates. More details will be available soon:
October 9- Greeneville, TN at Tusculum College (definite)
October 16- Possible locations in South Carolina or Georgia
October 30- Possible locations in Alabama
November 6- Mr. Rogers is looking into a Florida competition.
He does not have exact times but will work around PSAT, ACT, SAT test dates.
Nine Knox County marching bands will perform on September 21, 6:30 p.m., at Halls High School. Farragut band will march at 8:30 p.m. and will return to FHS at approximately 10:00 p.m. There will be no after school rehearsal on Thursday, September 23.
Ellen Weaver motioned to adjourn the meeting; Phil Antonelli seconded. Jim Johnson closed the September FHS Band Boosters’ meeting.