GHS Band Booster Secretary - Is this job for you?

This is the second feature story of important GHS Band Booster positions that need new volunteers to step forward and assume these duties as the former volunteers move on.

BOOSTER OFFICER OR BAND ROLE: Hi! My name's Rebecca Hamilton, and by now you all know who am, and what my role is: I am the GHS Band Booster Secretary.

NUMBER OF YEARS I'VE VOLUNTEERED FOR THIS ROLE & WILL MY STUDENT GRADUTE THIS YEAR: 2009/2010 was my first and last year in this role. My daughter is a graduating senior, and we’ll both be moving on in June.

A RECAP OF MY DUTIES: As secretary, I try to attend all the Band Booster meetings, post the minutes on our blog, and keep band parents and supporters up to date on the scheduled band activities and fundraisers.

CHALLENGES: The two biggest challenges were the mailing list and getting the blog established.

The mailing list: The biggest challenge was in getting the mailing list established. This required coordination with Mr. Pirzer’s list, with the prior secretary’s mailing list, and with the information that I gathered from students and parents. It took two weekends of organizing, typing, sending test e-mails to get my list set up, and I still don’t have it completely accurate. Initially I intended to create two separate mailing lists – one for the students and one for the parents. In the end, because of how I listed the parents under the student’s name, I couldn’t make it work without creating two separate accounts, and so I decided that sending the e-mails to the parents was sufficient. I’m sure that if I had been more techno-savvy, I could have made it work.

The blog: My goal was to create a permanent record that could be accessed by parents at any time, that would be easy for me to update and maintain, and that could be passed on to the new secretary. I type really fast, and have horrible handwriting, and so didn’t want hand scribe notes. I’m also a bit of a techno dinosaur, so finding a medium that would meet my goals was a major challenge. I consulted my band student, who felt that a blog would be the best way to go, and who walked me through Blogspot.com. Fortunately, Blogspot.com makes setting up a blog really easy. Adding updates is even easier. It also made it easy for me to scribe the notes “real time” on my laptop, proof and edit, and then post the minutes. The coolest thing about the blog is that one can add links to other important websites – such as the GHS band website, the Alachua County School Board.

SUCCESSES: My biggest success was when Mr. Pirzer added a link to the GHS band website to the blog, and when other booster officers started sending me e-mails to post! That was when I knew that the blog was a success. The other great thing about the blog is that it can be passed on to future GHS Band Booster secretarys with a simple password. (The new secretary will need to establish a gmail account, though, in order to link into the blog.)

WHEN I BEGAN PREPARING FOR THE NEW ROLE: I began collecting student parent information, and coordinating with the prior secretary, during Band Camp I. I created an information sheet to send home with the students that collected names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses. I continued this into Band Camp II. In the interim, I began working on the blog and on creating a mailing list.

A LITTLE INFORMATION ON MY STUDENT AND ON ME: My daughter is Jessica Pu, known by most students as “TJ.” She was one of the drum majors for the past two years. Her primary instruments were the flute and piccolo, but the band gave her the opportunity to play a lot of different instruments. She also played trumpet in the marching band during her freshman and sophomore years, and a variety of horns, the saxophone, the clarinet. The band is a safe “home” for creative students like her, and I’m grateful that GHS supports its band program with great teachers, great music and great marching.

In my other life, when I am not a Band Mom, a full time parent of two children, and a full time wife, I am a full time claims manager for Nationwide Insurance Company. It’s a busy life, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

March 2010 Band Booster Minutes

Valued Parents & Esteemed Booster Supporters:

My apologies that the March minutes are not as thorough as usual. I showed up 10 minutes late to the booster meeting, and missed Mr. Pirzer's news entirely. Mr. Pirzer reported that there were no new important dates not previously recapped in the prior minutes. So, we start with the:

TREASURER REPORT:

Fair share is coming along okay. We had a great rush when the announcement was made that Daytona Beach depended upon the Fair Share payments. We are pending roughly $10,000. Student balances to be updated soon and posted on Mr. Pirzer's door.

Treasury balance: $5,458 in the general fund. A little over $5000 in the trailer fund and Ms. Sickon fund combined.

The trailer needs some minor work and service maintenance. It is expected to cost somewhere in the $100 range. We hope for a donation of time and labor.

FUNDRAISING:

Gatornationals update from Bruce Jennings (of course, as you know, this is now old news):

He has enough people to staff all slots!! Thinks that we're in good shape for Saturday and Sunday. They could still use some help on Thursday; however, the GHS band is not committed to providing any volunteers for Thursday. Thursday's show is essentially the same thing. Any number of people would be okay. They will take whoever shows up and combine the volunteers with their other groups.

Question on whether everyone has a ride. Mr. Pirzer gave students a list of do's and don'ts, and everyone confirmed that they had rides to Gatornationals. The biggest thing to keep in mind, other than showing up at 5:00 a.m., is that we MUST ONLY BRING COCA-COLA PRODUCTS: PowerAid, Red Bull, Desani water. We cannot bring any other brand products.

Candy bar fundraiser: Nearly completed. Tyler Parker sold 10 boxes all by himself. We only have 5 boxes left.

Cookie dough fundraiser: Cookie Dough orders are due by Friday (FYI: this date has now passed). Mr. Pirzer has only received two orders. It was noted that our cookie dough fundraiser competed against the March of Dimes and Girl Scout cookies, which probably impacted our sales.

Pancake breakfast fundraiser: Mark your calendars for April 17 - Pancake Breakfast at AppleBees. Adela Van Antwerp has agreed to chair this event. We are considering combining breakfast with a car wash if we can get enough student volunteers to wash and serve.

BREAKFAST TICKET TO MR. PIRZER -- If we can get them by next Monday, that will give us three weeks prior to spring break. (This means that you should see fundraiser tickets coming home NOW. If you haven't seen any -- ASK YOUR STUDENT FOR THEM please!

Car wash? Will we get enough kids to service both? Mr. Pirzer recommends pre-sales of car wish tickets for $5.00.

Silent auction and raffle: Our winter concert fund raiser was a big success (Thank you so much Laura and Susan) and we'd like to repeat it at our upcoming Spring concert. Some theme ideas under consideration are Beach Theme, Daytona Theme....Donations requested.

Script order: Orders should be turned in by Friday morning (already passed as of this posting).

Uf concession stands: Update provided by Ruth Dean: She's trying as hard as she can to get dates for concessions to meet our obligation to staff 9 more concession stands before the season ends. The dates for March and April weren't made available to us until March 1^st. She resent our dates on March 3rd and March 8th, and was awaiting confirmation of dates.

Contract vendors for UF have been changed, but this does not affect our concession obligations. Ruth is looking at baseball, softball and lacross. She will bring in sign in sheets once we know the dates. Ruthie thinks that staffing these concessions may be easier than the staffing the football concessions as there are still band and guard members with Fair Share balances. The baseball concessions usually net between $30 - $40 a piece, depending on the weather. The good news is that less people are needed to staff these concessions (some only need 4-6 people) and the time commitment is usually shorter. It was suggested to avoid a graduation concession stand, which lasts all day. We tried to get some basketball concessions, but all slots were taken and, we did not get any.

RECRUITING SEASON:

We had over 50 contacts at the open house. In the past month or so, Westwood and Howard Bishop sent us lists of the seniors. Mr. Pirzer has created "mini" lists of call lists - groups of 10 8^th grade graduates and requested parent and student volunteers to make these calls. (This should have been announced in class as well as in the Booster meeting). He has Westwood covered, but needs volunteers to call Howard Bishop, and he seeks parents whose children attended Howard Bishop.

What to talk about: Our impressions of GHS, the Cambrige program, the band, why their student should select GHS, rumor control to alleviate fears. Drum Majors and students will call students. The parents will call the parents. We're losing 16 seniors. Another 35-40 new musicians would be a great shot in the arm. JOT DOWN ANY QUESTIONS that need to be addressed by Mr. Pirzer. Mr. Pirzer will be happy to answer any questions that are elevated. Feel free to provide his e-mail address. BE SURE TO TELL THEM ABOUT CAMP I. No 8^th grade night anymore, as it was not well attended in the past.

GHS BAND AUDITION MUSIC: Will be posted this week.

COLOR GUARD: Asks our assistance in also targeting color guard recruits -- boys and girls. A color guard makes or breaks the marching band and rounds out the total score, and a great color guard is what separates the great bands at the top from the good bands.

Two GHS Band Booster Officers and a Key Volunteer role are leaving us this year, and we need new volunteers to staff these important positions. We're losing our Head Uniform Mom, our Volunteer Coordinator and our Secretary. We're going to feature a series of articles on our GHS Band News blog about these positions prior to the April 19th meeting. We hope new volunteers step forward at our April 19th meeting. Per the bylaws, these positions are usually staffed for two-year stints, although we do accept parents of seniors and allow them to serve just the one year term.

RECEPTION FOR AWARDS NIGHT: Ruth Dean is coordinating this activity. The reception will serve cake and punch after the awards. If you can help, please let her know. It's a big job setting everything up and serving it up.

CONCERN AND DISCUSSION: There was discussion concerning some school fights that recently occurred at GHS, and how it might affect the recruiting environment: Mr. Pirzer assured parents that GHS encountered similar issues that all schools face, and that Dr. Dixon takes appropriate measures to promote school safety, school integrity and student honesty in dealing with these issues. Mr. Pirzer feels that GHS is a very safe campus.

It was noted that our concert and symphonic bands improved measurably between the pre-concert festival and the FBA Concert Festival. Both groups played their pieces very well. The recording from Thursday night was very good.

The Uniform Team Needs You!!!

Have you ever wondered about the uniforms that your child wears during Marching band season and Concert band season? Who sizes the uniforms? Who orders the shoes? Who makes sure that the uniforms are never wrinkled, never musty, always clean, and that the purple and white plume stands up sharply? Who cleans the hats after each show? Who puts the uniforms away after the end of each season? And who gets the uniforms prepped at the beginning of each season? And, how DO the students always know which uniform is theirs?

This is the important job of an entire team of parents lead this year by Head Uniform Mom, Elaine Turner. Elaine is the parent of a graduating senior baritone & trombone player, Ted Turner. Her day job is the Associate Dean, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at UF. She’s been a “Uniform Mom” for the past eight years, and will sadly be leaving us this year.

Elaine wrote a very detailed description of her experience as a Uniform Mom. I hope you will read it, and consider volunteering for this vital key position or as a uniform team member.

What your Booster title or role is:

Uniform Mom – I guess I’m the ‘head uniform mom’ this year because I have the key to the band room and storage area. We call ourselves "The Mommies" (although we have had a dad or two help from time to time), and we’re the group of parents who take care of the band uniforms.

How many years you have volunteered for this role & if your student will be graduating this year:

This is my eighth year as a uniform mom; and the first that I’ve been ‘in charge’ – one might assume took me 7 years of training to catch on, but in reality there has always been more experienced uniform mom to be in charge, and I’m very good at taking direction! My uniform mom mentors include Sarah Vandergriend, Pat O’Connor, and Cyndi Griffin. This will be my last year as a GHS band parent.

A recap of what your job duties include:

The uniform moms handle all aspects of the band uniforms: organizing, fitting, altering, distributing/collecting on game days and competition days, airing out and reorganizing after performances, cleaning, and, most importantly, admiring how good our students in their uniforms! Typically we have 4-6 ‘regulars’ and then other parents who help with alterations, laundering pants, and pitching in on hectic competition days. This is a year-round function – we have responsibility for the Symphonic Band jackets and skirts.

What some of your challenges and successes were:

One of the more challenging times was the football game in 2008 (Mr. Pirzer would remember which one) when the skies opened in a downpour just as the band took the field for pre-game. There’s always some anxiety among the mommies when rain is in the forecast, especially for our gorgeous plumes! Well, on this night, the plumes were soaked, and because they are made from real ostrich feathers, they looked like sad wet birds as the band came off the field. The mommies collected the plumes and went back to GHS to figure out what to do. We found out a way to hang them upside down in the uniform storage room, and, just like real feathers, they dried out nicely and all was well. But, it was the first time we had has these plumes soaking wet, and we didn’t really know what to expect.

A major success each year is to get all the marching uniforms fitted! We work hard to get everyone looking their best; but typically the last few freshmen who get fitted aren’t in their ideal size. For me, personally, a major success was the helping fit students into the ‘new’ uniforms. They debuted in the 2003 season, and really make the band look sharp. We definitely have the best looking plumes in the state. Another major success was convincing Ms. Sickon and some of the long-time parents that the boosters should invest in garment bags. This has made transportation of the uniforms so much easier!

When you begin to do the things that you do -- summer camp I, summer camp II, some other time?

Band camp: Sometime in the summer, we’ll get the marching uniforms organized so that we’re ready for fitting during band camp II. The last few years we’ve done all the fitting on the Saturday of band camp II (partly to accommodate schedules of those mommies who work full-time). It’s a long, sweaty day, but we get all members of the band outfitted with bibbers, jacket, hat, and garment bag. Guard members have two uniforms (pregame and halftime/competition) and a garment bag. Then, between band camp II and the first football game, we complete any needed alterations.

Football games: students carry their uniforms and hats to the game, the plumes and ponchos go on the instrument truck. We hand out and collect plumes for pregame and half-time, and then after half-time, load the hats and bagged uniforms into a parent vehicle for transport back to GHS. After the game, the uniforms are laid out in the auditorium to air out and we return on Sunday afternoon to re-bag and alphabetize for the next event.

Competitions: Uniform racks, hats, plumes, and ponchos are loaded onto one of the trailers or for state competition, loaded under the busses. We distribute and collect for each performance and then air out the uniforms in the auditorium when we return to GHS.

Cleaning: We typically have the jackets professionally dry-cleaned twice during the fall. When the jackets go to the cleaners, the bibbers are distributed to parents for laundering at home. Then, everything has to be matched up and reassembled for the next game/competition. Often, the second cleaning is at the end of the season, so at that point, the uniforms can be put back in their storage room (which is above the band room).

Concert Season: Students in Symphonic band are provided with either a tux jacket (males) or black skirt (females). We arrange these by size prior to fitting (usually in late January or early February). Students take their skirt or jacket home. After the last performance, these are collected, laundered and stored.

We do work hard – but we also have fun. Anyone who is interested in helping is welcome – you don’t need to be available for every game or competition, but just willing to work hard (sometimes in tight spaces and sweaty conditions). It’s a great way to get to know the students and form close friendships with other parents. Sewing ability is not required (although it is quite helpful!)

A little background on yourself: Your child is in what year and plays what instrument or role in the band/color guard, and what you do outside of the band:

My younger son, Ted, is a senior baritone (marching)/trombone (symphonic) player. My older son, Mitchell, was a trumpet player for GHS and graduated in 2006. I’ve been involved with GHS band since Mitchell’s freshman year, which was 2002-2003. I’m a second generation uniform mom – my mother, Roberta Curry, was in charge of the band uniforms at my high school, Wooster High School, Wooster, Ohio for the six years that my brother (tuba) and I (clarinet) were in band. Band provided me with many opportunities including travel to Europe, marching at professional football games, an appreciation for the value of teamwork, confidence performing in public, and lifelong friends. I’m so pleased that my sons chose to be in band. My day job is Associate Dean, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at UF.

GATORNATIONALS - 3/13 & 3/14

THIS IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GATORNATIONALS

ALERT:  Daylight Savings begins this weekend -- at 2am Sunday.  Spring forward: 2am becomes 3am.  Reset clocks Saturday night or you’ll be late and unemployed Sunday morning.

ONLY BRING COCA-COLA PRODUCTS:  Bring all the drinks you want, but make sure they're Coca Cola products, even the bottled water. That's because Coke is a huge Gatornational sponsor, and we agree not to bring competitor beverage products.

CAN'T REMEMBER IF YOU'RE ON DUTY THIS WEEKEND?  Our roster reads like the red carpet of who's who at the Oscars:

SATURDAY, MARCH 13

Bruce Jennings * Sara Jennings  * Clarke Spencer  *Hannah Briant  * Brittany Shore

Nick Clements  * Lauren Clements * Jordan Clements  * Ken Clements

Ginna Griffis  * Carly Mary Griffis * Andrew Vought   * Kendal Drewke

Lorie Drewke  * Zachary Smith  * Lloyd Smith *  Dianne Smith  *  Colton Hasson

Chris Hasson  *  Caleb Reichert  *  Caleb's Dad *  Matt Yost  *  Mike Yost

Brooke Shutterly *  Richard Shutterly * Valerie Shutterly *  Denarise Lee

Jessica Miller * Cameron Stamper  * Christian van Antwerp  *  Samantha Walker

Alison Nelson  * Brian Miller *  Reece Fay  *  Melonie Dorsey *  Kaitlyn Gerhold

Kevin Brown (for Gracie Brown)  *  Jocyelyn Styles  *  Claire Mazza *  Sarah Davis

SUNDAY, MARCH 14

Bruce Jennings  *  Sarah Jennings  *  Sophie Pallack  *  Greta Pallack  *  Amy Mueller

Logan Mason  *  Cindy Mason *  Erick Molina *  Maria Plaza *  Garrett Grantham

Mike Grantham  *  Nick Clements  *  Lauren Clements  *  Jordan Clements

Ken Clements  *  Ginna Griffis *  Carly   *  Andrew Vought *  Chris Voughts

Caleb Reichert  *  Caleb's Dad  *  Matt Yost  *  Rachel Brown  *  Michael Brown

Linda Brown *  Katie Brown *  Michael Dean  *  Tim Dean  *  Brooke Shutterly

Richard Shutterly  *  Valerie Shutterly  *  Erin Sturm   *  Deborah Scarboro

Bob Buck  *  Chris Cornelius  *  Denarise Lee  *  Jessica Miller  *  Alison Nelson

Cameron Stamper  *  Christian van Antwerp  *  Samantha Walker  *  Kaitlyn Gerhold

Jocelyn Styles  *  Claire Mazza  *  Sarah Davis

OTHER IMPORTANT GATORNATIONAL INFORMATION:  Direct from Bruce Jennings: 

Hello Gatornationals volunteers.

AM I ON THE ROSTER? Saturday is almost here.  Our roster is almost complete.  I’m including a list of “temporary Gainesville Raceway employees” for each day.  Please let me know ASAP if you see any errors or need to make a change (bruce@ehsfamily.com).  Please remember that I’ll need time to correct any problems.  We must have at least 40 workers each day!

WHAT TIME DO I SHOW UP? But first, a few notes.  Mr. Pirzer sent home a page of good information; please read that.  Let me emphasize that you must arrive by 5am.  It would be best if we all arrive early; we could coordinate teams within our group. 

HOW DO I GET TO THE RACE TRACK? Give yourself time to drive; it takes about 30 minutes from University and W 34 St.  I drive north on 34 St and east on NW 53 Ave.  Just before reaching Waldo Road (seriously, it’s only a few yards), turn north onto County Road 225.  Drive about 4 miles, and you’ll see wooded areas filled with RV’s.  Then, on the right, you’ll see the Raceway with 5 entrances. Enter at the third, Gate C, at the large sign for the Raceway. Turn right just inside the gate, park, and find our group. We’ll all move toward a tent in that section near the road for instructions.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? Wear layers. It will be cold, and then it will be warm.  Use hats and sunscreen to protect your skin.   Let’s all try to wear purple.  

WHERE SHOULD I PARK? All of our team should be working near the road/staff parking/initial meeting at the start of the day.  I always leave my car at staff parking (right near the entrance) and walk to assigned areas.  Some people move cars when sent to work the back lots.  It is good to have water and snacks with you; backpacks work well.  Coke products only!

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?  Be ready to walk, stand, and point.  You'll be on your feet the whole time. Wear good shoes. We generally stand to wave cars on toward a lot, wave them into a lot, and call them down toward a parking space.  You’ve seen this in theme parks.  We try to park vehicles in diagonal arrays, close together, and about four feet off the pavement.  There can be extra space for wheelchairs and lifts.  Drivers will tell you what they need.  Don’t park anyone in mud.  If someone insists on parking incorrectly, just tell them that their vehicle may not be there at the end of the day but may be towed to the far east end of the property.  Handicap shuttles are available.  There should be no four-wheelers except Raceway staff, no trailers, no soliciting (flyers on windshields), and no tailgating on roadways. No one is allowed to sell tickets or merchandise on the property.  Counterfeit tickets have been a problem in the past.

AND FINALLY: Law enforcement and raceway staff will be everywhere. Follow directions from our adults, Raceway staff, and law enforcement officers.  Be polite, courteous, and nice to everyone. Raceway staff are our employers.  Race fans are our customers.  Refer all problems to law enforcement. We are working, and parking lots are dangerous.  Do not talk on phone, text, or listen to music.  If you need to rest, you can sit IN A SAFE PLACE (between rows of already parked cars and not where vehicles are still moving or in empty spaces where an inattentive driver may race through). We work until Raceway staff release us.  We will meet Doug and Tina at the morning meeting.  Learn their faces because only they have the power to release us. We have been released as early as 11am and as late as 2pm.  Return your safety vest to me as you check out or check out with me and use the vest for free admission to the races if you want to be a fan.  Caution:  Many people bring ear protection: the races are incredibly loud.

I think that's it folks!!!  See you at Gatornationals!

Your GHS Band Boosters Volunteer Coordinator, Bruce Jennings