Band booster president, Frank Mason, began the meeting at 7:05pm by asking for a motion to approve the minutes of the 9/13/10 meeting. Motion was made and was seconded, all approved.
Band Director Update
Mr. Pirzer explained the marching band competition classification system. It is based on the number of brass and wind instruments that are marched, as indicated below:
| # winds/brass | Classification |
| 1-29 | 1A |
| 30-44 | 2A |
| 45-64 | 3A |
| 65-84 | 4A |
| 85+ | 5A |
In competitions other than the state competition, bands may compete in a higher classification, but not lower. In state competition, bands must complete in the correct class.
GHS marches 64 winds/brass and is, therefore, in the 3A classification.
Mr. Pirzer then explained block scoring.
When entries are submitted in time for the early submission deadline for states, they are then randomly selected for order of performance in the preliminary round. Those bands chosen early are assigned a later slot. So, for example, the first band randomly selected gets to perform last in its class (performing later is better), and the last band randomly selected will perform first.
Once competition season starts, bands have an opportunity to change that order based on how well they do (how many points they score) in a given competition. A points threshold is establish for each week of competition, and if the band achieves that score or higher, they move up in the pecking order (or block). The earlier a band blocks, the higher it moves up, and once it blocks, it doesn’t have to block again.
The thresholds are as follows:
| Week of | Points threshold |
| 10/2 | 77 |
| 10/9 | 79 |
| 10/16 | 81 |
| 10/23 | 83 |
| 10/30 | 85 |
The good news is that GHS blocked in the Chiefland competition with a score of 79.1, putting us second to last in the performance order at preliminaries. Another 3A band (I don’t recall the school) blocked the week before, so it will perform last.
Mr. Pirzer also talked about the 10/14 GHS/BHS football game and discussed that he will offer to have GHS play post game so both schools can perform their full shows. Parents in attendance thought that was a good idea. Also, discussed the “social” that Westside Baptist Church was sponsoring for both bands in the parking lot of Citizens’ Field, at 6pm on game day.
Mr. Pirzer reviewed the upcoming calendar for October:
Next week (week of 10/17), is our last Thursday night game (10/21), which is also senior night. This means no pregame as the senior ceremonial section will take place during that time.
Next Saturday (10/23), is the competition at Districts (Columbia HS, Lake City), performance time is around 8pm (one and done, no preliminaries) A full timeline indicating when students will be required to be at GHS, and all other details, will be sent out next week.
Following Saturday (10/30), is the Southern Showcase competition. There will be 17+ bands participating. This is an important competition to the students as they set out to reclaim their 1st place title this year (last year they came in 2nd to BHS).
Mr. Pirzer distributed a flyer with information about the Parent Bus and Hotel package deal for the state finals competition. The package deal is $65 per person for hotel and bus for the 2 day trip. At this point, only the package deal is available – not the separate components. See attached flyer for further details.
Finances
Suzanne Clark reviewed the GHS Band Booster current financial status and fair share update. While I won’t put actual $$ figures in here, the key highlights are:
- Most successful (from a $$ perspective) fundraiser – Gator Concessions
- Biggest expenditure – Staff
- Fair Share is coming in nicely.
Suzanne will need to pay the deposit for the buses and other items related to the state competition very soon, so the $$ need to keep coming in.
Fundraisers
Jill Burleson reminded us that SCRIP orders are due this week (no later than Friday, 10/15). Turnaround time has been very quick – as in 5 days or so.
Barbecue tickets are currently on sale - $8 each – due 10/25. Event is 10/29, day before Showcase (no school for students that day, however they will be practicing all afternoon). Parents were/are encouraged to feed the family and deliver dinners to neighbors, as well.
Ruth Dean and Liz Brown shared the results of the Gator Concessions (very successful), and let us know that they are learning more about how to best schedule so that it is a worthwhile undertaking at every game.
Laura Netardus is working on the contact information for the wreath fundraiser. Kathy Grantham will coordinate this fundraiser.
We will likely also add the pasta sales fundraiser, which Eunice Coughlin will be investigating.
Randy Handel let us know of two requests (which he has already filled) for help for setup of booths for the downtown arts festival. He will provide additional info to entire band if he gets more requests for help.
Volunteer News
Mike Grantham thanked all volunteers (Uniform Committee, Pit Crew, Fundraising, board members, and especially those trailer haulers) for helping everything go so smoothly. Ok, so he didn’t quite say it like that … I am just trying to lighten things up a bit! Seriously, though, it takes a lot of volunteer effort to support a band program, and Mike made sure to let everyone know all efforts were/are appreciated. Mike also made it clear that each volunteer subgroup tends to its own recruitment and volunteer needs, which makes his job a whole lot easier. Thanks to Mike for all that he does!
Mr. Pirzer helped to clarify timing issues regarding getting equipment off the field. He says we did fine, although Mike G. said a judge told us we needed to speed it up. According to Mr. Pirzer, as long as we get the equipment/ tents passed the end zone, we should be okay.
Adela also wanted to thank everyone for help with uniforms, alterations, etc. The uniform committee has implemented a new routine for the “uniform repair and rebagging” process that happens the day following an event. Each time, a section of band parents will be asked to help. First week was the trumpet section (worked very well), next is baritones.
Miscellaneous
Laura Netardus thanked Mr. Pirzer for enabling the band to participate in the Haile event (the Brain Tumor Walk) a few weeks ago. The person for whom the event was honoring was a former GHS student and she was present at the event. As Mr. Pirzer said (and all parents agreed), it was nice for everyone to get out of the regular day-to-day routine and be involved in something that has some intense meaning to it.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30pm.
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