Past Meeting Notes

April 2021

Friends of Music Minutes 

Meeting Date: April 19, 2021

Members Present: Sherri Watson, Jeri Cardiff, Nicole Kneer, Jamie Bennett, and Anthony Napolitano

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm

Old Business:  

Nicole ordered  the blankets for Ginger, Lily, Daniel, Holley, Kate, and Dylan this month.  They should have arrived April 4th but unfortunately the blankets are stuck in transit.   We have no idea when they will arrive.  

Solo and Ensemble went really well.  We had 19 events and 14 were 1’s and 5 were 2’s.   For next year we would like to shorten the time blocks from 15 minutes to 10 minutes.  We would like to keep the format of having Solo and Ensemble at Villa Grove for next year as well.  We liked that the kids got more one on one feedback, and it was much less expensive than IHSA.   We did find medals for them as well to hand out to the kids at the concert.

New Business:

We are going to decide the winners of the Thomas and Rachel "Ray" Watson scholarships this week.  We only got two applications.

Ms. Cardiff and Mr. Napolitano talked about how to sell the coffee basket for an online auction.  We have several different types of coffee in a nice basket ($70 value).   We will have the auction start on a Tuesday, run through a Thursday, and have pick up on a Friday.  We were thinking of doing this May 4-6.

May 13th is the Jr. High and High School choir concert  The Jr. High choir will sing at 6:15 and then leave.  Then everyone will leave, the janitors will fog the gym and then the High School choir will sing at 7:00pm.  May 17th is the Jr High and High School band concert. Sixth grade band is performing at 6pm, the Jr. High band will perform at 6:50, and the High school band will be performing at 7:30. The janitors will fog between each group, each family unit is allowed two people (not including students that are performing) to be audience members.  These concerts will be live streamed as well.

May 30th the High School choir is singing for graduation.

The Elementary concert (1st-3rd grades)  is going to live stream on April 30th at 9am.  

Treasurer’s Report:  

The accounts are in good standing order.   

We do not have an answer to Nicole’s questions about donating money for new band instruments as of yet.

Next Meeting:  Nicole will email us in July to schedule a meeting in August. The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 pm

February 2021

Friends of Music Minutes 

Meeting Date: February 23, 2021

Members Present:   Sherri Watson, Jeri Cardiff, Nicole Kneer, Jamie Bennett, Ashley Kielhorn and Anthony Napolitano

The meeting was called to order at 7:01 pm

Old Business:  

The birthday singers were given a $200 donation for FOM which was split among the 11 students who went to sing.  She also gave them money for them to eat at Monical’s!

The Fannie May fundraiser went well.  We sold 743 boxes and profited $453.44.  The Jr. High band, H.S. band, and H.S. choir earned a pizza party.

The trip accounts and the Disney accounts have been updated since this fundraiser.

New Business:

6th grade band were going to record for the winter concert on February 26th which will now need to be rescheduled.  The new date is to be determined.

We are hosting a solo and ensemble for only our band and choir students on April 10. If rules are followed we can have spectators at this event.

Disney is postponed until 2022.  Disney is not allowing any performances right now and since this is the reason we go to on this trip we will now go in 2022.  Another reason to wait until 2022 is because Disney is only at 25-50% capacity, park hoppers are more expensive, and 4 kids in a room is too close.

Treasurer’s Report:  

The accounts are in good standing order. 

Next Meeting:  The next meeting will be at 7:00 pm on March 15 over Google meet.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:22pm

January 2021

Friends of Music Minutes 

Meeting Date: January 19, 2021

Members Present:   Sherri Watson, Jeri Cardiff, Nicole Kneer, Jamie Bennett, and Anthony Napolitano

The meeting was called to order at 7:04pm

Old Business:  

Disney trip:  Ms. Cardiff will call the tour guide the first week of February to see what we are going to do for this summer.  If Disney says it is a no go then our Seniors will be offered to go next summer with us.  The trip has to be scheduled by March to go this summer.  

New Business:

The Fannie May fundraiser started on Thursday.  This year we are hoping to have more sales because the customer can pay online for the order with a credit card.  One student has already sold 65 boxes primarily through social media!

We will host our own Solo/Ensemble this year on Saturday, April 10th in the big gym.  The judges will be Mr. Chesner for band and Mrs. Craddock for choir.  This is much more economical because we just have to pay the judges (no entrance fees or transportation).  This also allows the judges to work with the kids more since it will only be our students.

A question of how the students can earn service hours for Disney was brought up.  

Ms. Cardiff said that they could get credit for helping to organize the Fannie May boxes for delivery, and setting up for the recording of the choir and band concerts.

This Friday, the choir will sing “Happy Birthday” and “God Bless America'' for a woman’s 95th birthday for a donation to FOM.  This will also count for credits.

Next Friday the Jr. High choir and 7th and 8th grade band will record their winter concert at 11:30.  

The scholarships that we will be giving this school year are the Thomas Watson Fine Arts scholarship ($250), the Rachel Watson Music scholarship ($250) and the Mr. Krecji Band scholarship ($250).  The committee to decide the recipients of these scholarships is Jamie Bennett, Nicole Kneer, and Sherri Watson.

The recruitment for 5th and 6th grade band for next year will be held before the end of the school year on two separate days so they can test for instruments.  

There will be summer lessons online.

Upcoming events:

The elementary Spring concert will be on video as a virtual concert on Tuesday, April 27.  Ms. Cardif will video each class and then it will be put together.

The Spring Band concert is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11. The Spring Choir concert is scheduled for Thursday, May 13.  

Promotion will be May 27 and Graduation will be May 30.

Treasurer’s Report:  

The accounts are in good standing order.  We may want to move money from checking to savings in the Spring.

Next Meeting:  The next meeting will be at 7:00 pm on February 16th in the study hall and Google meet.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:40pm

October 2020

Friends of Music Minutes 

Meeting Date: October 26, 2020

Members Present:   Sherri Watson, Jeri Cardiff, Nicole Kneer, Jamie and Jeremy Bennett, Ashley Hunter, and Anthony Napolitano

The meeting was called to order at 7:03pm

Old Business:  

The coffee fundraiser is over and has been delivered.  At this time we do not have the total profits but a lot was sold.  

The Variety Show will be rescheduled to November 13th. 

New Business:

Due to space limitations the Jr. High band will be split the following way:  Mondays will be 6th grade and Thursdays will be 7th and 8th grade.  Jr. High choir is practicing in the weight room and it is working well.  Dan Sappenfield provided plastic domes that go under their masks to help with the ability to sing with a mask on.

Elections of officers:   Ashley Hunter was nominated and voted unanimously for Treasurer.  Jamie was nominated and voted unanimously for Vice President 

Nicole Kneer is continuing as President and Sherri Watson is continuing as Secretary

Next Meeting:  The next meeting will be at 7:00 pm on November 30th in the Elementary Music Room and Google Meet if needed.  The meeting was adjourned at  7:22pm

September 2020

Friends of Music Minutes 

Meeting Date: September 28, 2020

Members Present:   Sherri Watson, Jeri Cardiff, Nicole Kneer,  and Anthony Napolitano

The meeting was called to order at 7:04 pm

Old Business:  

The coffee fundraiser is getting turned in today/tomorrow. He will fresh roast the beans when we turn it in.  The orders should be in by mid October. The kids can earn a Disney event by helping to organize it.

We do need to have a Vice President and a Treasurer by next month.  We absolutely need a treasurer to be able to do the Disney trip.

New Business:

A Variety Show will be done!  Posters are going up this week and auditions will be the 2nd or 3rd week of October and the show will be October 30th.  Ms. Cardiff will take the people in the show in the new gym with the performers in the audience and the one performing on the stage. Ms. Cardiff will video it and upload it into a google classroom, and then it can be shared with others.

The directors are allowing only high school students to audition for D5 because they can be eligible for All State.  These auditions will be virtual (recorded).

Next Meeting:  The next meeting will be at 7:00 pm on October 26th in the elementary music room and google meet if needed.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm

August 2020

Friends of Music Minutes 

Meeting Date: August 24, 2020

Members Present:   Sherri Watson, Jeri Cardiff, Nicole Kneer,  Becky Olson, Mr. Napolitano, and several parents.

The meeting was called to order at 7:05pm

Old Business:

We received a donation of $100 from Janet Oliver and Carolyn Case (first cousins to Ann Krejci) in honor of Ken Krejci.

We received a thank you note from Grace Hutchison for the VG friends of music scholarship.

District 5 is cancelled for this year. They can audition if they want but there is no festival.

We will need a new treasurer and a vice president.  At our next meeting we will vote to fill these positions.

New Business:

The Disney trip was discussed with the parents.  It is suggested that the students save the money for the trip themselves and give a total amount to the company in February (or whenever the deadline is) so that no money is lost if it is cancelled.  The trip will be July 19-24, 2021.

We could do the coffee fundraiser this year as a fall fundraiser.  It would be doable with the circumstances.

Next Meeting:  The next meeting will be at 7:00 pm September 28th  in the study hall room or by Google meet.  The meeting was adjourned at  7:45pm

February 2020

Friends of Music Minutes 

Meeting Date: February 25, 2020

Members Present:   Sherri Watson, Jeri Cardiff, Nicole Kneer,  Jen Mahannah, and Becky Olson

The meeting was called to order at  7:08 pm.

New Business:

We sold 989 boxes of Fannie May candy for a profit of $5530.98!

Disney:  We will have final prices in the next two weeks.  Then we will mail letters home to all of the parents which will give them the date of the meeting for Disney.

Solo and Ensemble for High School is March 7th and Junior High is April 4th.

The Jr. High field trip is this Sunday.

New fundraiser:  Easter Bunny for hire.  The family would give us money to hide the Easter Eggs at night on Saturday, April 11.   The money will be due on April 6. $20.00 for two dozen eggs. 

Treasurer’s Report:   All accounts in good standing.

We can use the school’s tax exempt i.d. because we are an organization of the school.  

We also have a savings account, so we are going to move the majority of money to the savings account from the checking account.

We made $233.00 from our winter concession stands.  

Next Meeting:  The next meeting will be at 7:00 pm on April 7 in the Elementary music room.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m.  

 




 

 


November 2017
The Friends of Music met in the Elementary Music Room on November 15, 2017.  Members present were Joyce Bretz, Ms. Cardiff, and Amy Rose.

The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m.  Joyce gave the Treasurer's report.  Senior choir students will receive the same personalized blankets the pep band seniors received.  The choir students will receive them at the Winter Concert when all of the seniors are recognized.  Joyce will get cupcakes for all 12 seniors and their parents.  We will also have soda and water to drink for the senior reception after the concert.

The FOM scholarship needs to be defined and finalized for Mr. Sims.  Since only 3 members were present, that will be tabled until the next meeting.

Ms. Cardiff reported that we have not yet renewed our Tri-M charter for this year.  The Winter Concerts will be on December 5th and 6th.  K-5 is on the 5th and Jr./Sr. ensembles on the 6th.

Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

October 2017
The Friends of Music met in the Elementary Music Room on October 2nd.  Members present were Dawn Fulk, Joyce Bretz, Juli Jobe, Ms. Cardiff, Amy Rose, Nicole Kneer, Kelsey Sears, Christian Hunter, and Ashley Hunter.
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.  

The Fall Fundraiser profited approximately $879.  We will get a list of which students sold just online so that everyone who sold can get profit into their trip accounts.

LOVC festival will be here at VG on November 9th.  The students from all 6 schools will have the option to purchase a Jimmy John's lunch for $5 that they must order in advance.  VG students involved will be released from class at noon so they can start greeting the other schools at 12:30.  We will have concessions at 3:30 in the cafeteria.  We need donations for the concession stand, as well as parents and students to help work that day.  Ms. Cardiff will send out a list for people to sign up to help or donate.  Dawn will give a list of ingredients needed, and then will make the dinner for the directors lounge.

Variety Show is the 27th.  Set up is on the 26th at 5:30 p.m.  Concessions will be open, and baked goods are needed for this event.  All donations must be nut free.  Dawn and Amy will run the Variety Show concessions.

The band will ride in a trailer to perform for the Homecoming Parade.  The HS choir will sing the National Anthem at the Homecoming game, and band will play pep band.

Meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.


September 2017


The Friends of Music met in the Elementary Music Room on Sept. 12th.  Members present were Dawn Fulk, Ms. Cardiff, Amy Rose, Nicole Kneer, and Ashley Hunter.

Friends of Music voted to continue the scholarships for students who attended summer music camps.  Hannah and Abi were the two who went this past summer.  Amy made the motion and Dawn seconded. All voted in favor.

We have concessions on the 25th and 26th of this month. Ms. Cardiff cannot attend, but parents and students have already signed up to help.

HS music students will attend Beef and Boards on Sept. 28th.

Joyce gave the Treasurer's report via email due to illness.  All accounts are in good standing.  Checks were sent to Beef and Boards.

5th grade band instrument rental night is the 13th.

We will host LOVC choir festival in November.  Discussion on what foods and concessions to serve were started and will be finished at the next meeting.

Students are signing up for Variety Show auditions.  We will serve nut free concessions that night with donations from parents.

Sr. Night- gifts have arrived and we will do a reception for all music department seniors after the Winter Concert.

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.  Next meeting is October 2nd.

July 2017

The Friends of Music met at The Griddell on July 9th.  Meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.  Members present were Amy Rose, Ms. Cardiff, Joyce Bretz, Nicole Kneer, Scott Leon, Ashley Fulk, and Dawn Fulk.

Director's report- Letters are going to all students next week to see who is able to attend Band camp and march in the Ag Days parade.  Band camp is Aug.2-4 from 9:00 until Noon each day.

Pep band and marching at games is up in the air until the schedule is settled.  The Board will have to wait until the 1st day of school to consider getting a second director.

Nov. 9th LOVC choir will be hosted at VG.  There should be approximately 75 students from the schools.  We will need to have a menu for supper, water, soda, small concession stand.  Dawn will talk to Dan.

HS will go to Beef and Boards in the Fall for their field trip.  We need to start fundraising for the Chicago trip in May of 2019.

Joyce gave the Treasurer's report.  The only activity was paying for sending flowers to the Connor family for Caitlin's visitation.

Fundraising ideas- Spaghetti dinner with a trivia night, coffee house dinner theatre, add concessions to the Variety Show evening performance, chili supper before football game.  Decisions will be made at a coming meeting.

Next meeting will be August 15th at 7:00 p.m.  Meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.



May 2017

The Friends of Music met in the Music Room on May 9th.  Meeting was called to order at 7:04p.m.  Members present were Amy Rose, Dawn Fulk, Ms. Cardiff, Rebekah Hopkins, Jen Mahannah, Joyce Bretz, Nicole Kneer, and Ashley Fulk.

Ms. Cardiff shared the schedule for the end of the year- Choir concert the 11th, Baccalaureate the 21st, Promotion the 25th, and Graduation the 26th.

We received donations at both the Elementary Concert and the Band Concert.  Ms. Cardiff also shared that FOM received a sizable donation from Victory Church after the Elementary Concert.  We will send a thank you from the students.

Ms. Cardiff requested that FOM help pay for the accompanists and end of the year trophies for the students due to extra expenses in the music budget this year.  All members voted in favor.

Mrs. Fulk discussed the possibility of a FOM scholarship on Awards night in years to come.  All members present were in favor.  Details will be discussed at a future meeting.

Ms. Bretz gave the Treasurer's report.  We had a few checks go out last month and deposits from the concert donations.  

HS students will be taking a trip to Chicago in the Spring of 2019.  Preliminary ideas and details were discussed on where to go, stay,etc.  Instead of service hours, students or parents will have to help at a certain number of events.  Putting a full schedule on Google docs where students can sign up was suggested.  There will be deadlines for participation once more details are in place, as well as other specific requirements.  More details to come!

Ideas for music advocacy were discussed.  A plan of action became more detailed.

Meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

April 2017

The Friends of Music met in the Music Room on April 3rd.  Meeting was called to order at 7:04p.m.  Members present were Amy Rose, Dawn Fulk, Ms. Cardiff, and Ashley Fulk.

Students will be preparing a thank you for Mr. King.

Tri-M members will be manning the donation buckets and programs at all of the Spring music events.

Ms. Cardiff will do awards during the concerts this year instead of doing a separate awards night.  Members agreed they prefer the students have a more public recognition for their achievements.

Ms. Cardiff has put out an email to see if we can get any donations of bell sets, alto saxes, bass clarinets, or flutes.  Our school instruments are older and we don't always have enough for students in need.

Officer elections will happen in August.  Discussion was had on officers and on how to further plans for supporting the music department.

Next meeting is set for May 9th at 7:00 p.m.  Meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

March 2017

The Friends of Music met in the Band Room on March 6th.  Meeting was called to order at 7:00p.m.  Members present were Amy Rose, Dawn Fulk, Ms. Cardiff, Joyce Bretz, and Ashley Fulk.

Solo and Ensemble Contest was this past Saturday.  All of our students received a I or II rating, and had a very successful day!

Tri-M members will be performing for the Rotary luncheon on the 30th.

Ms. Cardiff requested a check for Mrs. Malin, who did a great job with the flag squad as their coach this year.  This request had been approved in a previous meeting.

Members agreed to recognize Mr. King for his assistance this year at the Spring Band Concert.

Ms. Cardiff reported that the sound system pieces have been received and the new system will be installed before the April 25th Elementary Concert.

Ms. Cardiff reported that she will be asking approval for a 2 day Chicago trip for the HS Music Department in May of 2019.  All details and plans will come at a later date, after approval has been received.

Discussion was had on how to further support the Music program as changes are coming in the future.  Ideas are welcomed and appreciated.

Next meeting will be April 3rd.

Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.


February 2017

The Friends of Music met in the Band Room on February 13th.  Meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m.  Members present were Amy Rose, Dawn Fulk, Ms. Cardiff, Lori Beeson, Nicole Kneer.

Ms. Cardiff reported on behalf of the Treasurer that Fannie May made a profit of $3,714 and the money refund from Metra has been received.  Refund checks will be written this coming week by Ms. Bretz.

All State was exceptional and both students had a great time.  FOM has paid half of the students' room expense, with thanks to FOM from the students' parents.  

Calendar dates:  March 4 is HS Solo and Ensemble in Broadlands, March 8 is HS field trip to Beef and Boards, March 16 is LOVC for HS Band in Hutsonville, April 1 is Jr. High Solo and Ensemble, April 25 is the K-3 Spring Concert, May 3 is the 5-12 Band Concert, and May 11 is Jr. High/HS Choir Concert.

Pictures and videos of all music events this year can be sent to Jim Kestner at [email protected] for the Commemorative DVDs.

Ideas for future fundraisers were discussed.

Ms. Cardiff reported that Mark King has been doing repairs for the band all year, free of charge.  Members present voted to thank him publicly at a later date.

Ms. Cardiff asked if FOM would pay accompanist fees for the Spring Concert, as well as purchase a rental alto sax for the band program.  All members voted in favor on both accounts.

Motion to adjourn at 7:56 p.m. by Dawn Fulk.  Amy Rose seconded.  Motion passed.

January 2017

The Friends of Music met in the Band Room on January 9th.  Meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m.  Members present were Amy Rose, Dawn Fulk, Ms. Cardiff, Ginger Campbell, Ashley Fulk, Nicole Kneer.

Ms. Cardiff reported on the Winter Concerts for all age groups.  All concerts were a great success by our students.  Tri-M students collected FOM donations at all concerts.  DVD pre-orders have also started to come in from parents.

The pep band will have 2 more performances this quarter.  

The money from the cancelled Chicago trip will be refunded in full as soon as we receive the refund checks from the 3 venues.

2 students will be attending All State- Rachel Watson and Abi Hopkins.  Ms. Cardiff asked if FOM would pay the difference of their rooms so their parents didn't have to.  All members present voted in favor.  Ms. Cardiff will get the amount from the bookkeeper after returning from All State.

Ginger gave the details of the Fannie May fundraiser.  The sale will end on January 30th, so it can be back to the company by Feb. 2nd.  The kickoff will be Jan. 17th at 2:30 p.m.  Delivery will be on February 10th.

Amy proposed that brainstorming begin for how FOM can advocate to have a band director position again next year.  All members discussed possibilities, and agree it is better to do so sooner rather than later

Tony Hooker has brought up a possibility of a music trivia night fundraiser.  This is a time of year where that could be a great moneymaker for us.  All spoke positively of the idea. No date was set at this time.

Ms. Cardiff proposed that we find a second parent who could be added as another parent on the FOM bank accounts in case we need access to checks during the day when the treasurer may not be available.  All members were in favor.  We will table the discussion until parents who are interested can be found.

The next meeting is set for Feb. 13th at 7:00 p.m.  Dawn voted to adjourn at 7:39 p.m.



November 2016

The Friends of Music met in the Band Room on November 21st.  Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.  Members present were Amy Rose, Dawn Fulk, Ms. Cardiff, Juli Jobe, Joyce Bretz, Ashley Fulk, Nicole Kneer.

Ms. Cardiff read a thank you note from Hannah Hudson for her music camp scholarship from FOM.  She also reported that the HS choir wants to sing Carols in December.  They may possibly go to a nursing home, or the elementary classes.

Ms. Cardiff reported on the Jr. high band Fall Festival, and District 5 performances for all ensembles.  All State Results should be posted on December 5th.  She also shared the concert dates for December's concerts.  The Tri-M induction will be held during the Jr. high/ High school concert.  Dawn will collect the donation money from the concerts that the Tri-M members collect before the concerts.  

There are 3 tickets left for the Chicago trip.  Ms. Cardiff asked if we could offer one to the bus driver at a discount so she doesn't have to sit for 12 hours.  FOM voted to comp the ticket for the bus driver.  Amy suggested asking the foreign exchange students if they would like to attend.  All members present voted for the idea.  Ms. Cardiff has to give a headcount to Metra by 11/26 and payment by 12/3.

Ms. Cardiff reported that the FOM parent t-shirts require a minimum of 12 shirts to order. Dawn asked for a jpeg of the shirt so she can print color flyers.  Then we will pre-sell the shirts.

FOM will have concessions on 12/1, 1/6, and 2/6.  
Next meeting will be Monday, January 9th.
Meeting adjourned 7:28 p.m.

September 2016

The Friends of Music met in the Music room on September 13th.  Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.  Members present were Amy Rose, Dawn Fulk, Ashley Fulk, Ms. Cardiff, Joyce Bretz, Juli Jobe, Ginger Campbell, Rebekah Hopkins, Abigail Hopkins, Carrie Freeze, and Libby Spannagel.

Ms. Cardiff reviewed the schedule for the upcoming Homecoming Parade and Homecoming game activities for HS Band and HS Choir.

The Chicago trip transportation will be from VG to University Park on a school bus, and then on the Metra to the Millenium Station that is 10 minutes from the theatre.  The cost for the Metra is $3.50 for students and $7.26 for parent chaperones.  Ms. Cardiff was able to reduce the number of tickets for the show with no penalty.  We will only need one bus.  We will eat at the Italian Village.  Total cost for the trip will be announced as soon as Ms. Cardiff hears back from them.

Senior night is this week.  Discussion was held on what to do for the seniors.  It was decided that a reception will be held in the music room after the game. Mrs. Freeze will bring cupcakes, and Mrs. Spannagel will bring soda and cups.  Mrs. Rose will buy the music mugs and Mrs. Fulk will get gift cards for the seniors.  

Ms Cardiff is judging at District 5 auditions, so we may need a parent chaperone (preferably a school employee) to go with the band and choir students auditioning on Oct. 10 in Effingham.  

Ms. Bretz gave the Treasurer's report.  All accounts are doing well, and Ms. Bretz updated student trip accounts.

Cheesecake sales will be Oct. 5-19, with orders being delivered on Oct. 26th.  Mrs. Fulk is in charge of the fundraiser, and will schedule parents to help for the delivery day.  No younger siblings will be able to be there during the delivery, as we had some confusion last year.

Mrs. Campbell was able to schedule the Fannie May fundraiser before Valentine's Day so that we can get the sales for Valentine's and Easter.

We will project the videos of last year's performance DVDs before the concerts this year (without sound) and pre-sell the DVDs all year. Mr. Kestner will organize getting high quality videos of all music concerts and we will deliver them to those who purchased the DVDs sometime in May after all of the concerts.  

A concern was raised that the FOM donation buckets haven't been utilized well in the past couple of years before the concerts.  Tri-M students will now be assigned to be at concerts one hour early with the donation buckets and programs at both entrances to help increase donations for the music program.

The position of FOM secretary was opened.  Mrs. Hopkins and Mrs. Freeze volunteered to share the responsibility.   Mrs. Rose motioned for them to be co-secretaries.  Mrs. Spannagel seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Motion to adjourn at 7:50 p.m.


August 2016

The Friends of Music met in the Music room on August 16th.  Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.  Members present were Ms. Cardiff, Dawn Fulk, Ashley Fulk, Amy Rose, Joyce Bretz, Juli Jobe, Rebekah Hopkins, Tish Gulick.

Ms. Cardiff sent an email to Amtrak about the HS trip to Chicago.  The Union Station is a 15 minute walk from the theatre.  She is waiting to hear back to see if they can accommodate us and what the price would be.  We would need to take buses to the station in Champaign.

FOM needs a new secretary.  Members present voted to wait until the September meeting to elect a new secretary.

Band camp and the parade went very well.  Mr. Bowers did an amazing job with the percussion line, and Mrs. Malin did great work with the flag squad.  Ms. Cardiff asked if Mrs. Malin could be paid $500 for the year, which is what the coaches were paid last year.  Vote was unanimously in favor.

The car wash at Ag Days was not as profitable as in the past, but was still successful.

The Jr. High band and choir will go to Beef and Boards in November.  Since we do not have the capability to take 2 buses during a school day, we will need to charter buses for the day.

The students will be designing their t-shirts for this year.  They wondered if the FOM parents wanted t-shirts as well.  The vote was overwhelmingly yes, and that since the students have done such a great job of designing shirts in the past, the parents would like for them to design the shirts.

Camp scholarships went to the Hudson and Hopkins families.  If any other students went to a music camp over the summer, they may turn in their receipt to receive the $100 scholarship reimbursement.

Ms. Cardiff was reimbursed for the flower arrangement for Dede's family.

Mr. Kestner has offered to do a DVD fundraiser for the performances this year.  FOM will ask him for his costs up front so we can tell students the profit for their accounts before we sell them.  We will wait to sell until closer to the Winter concerts.

Ms. Cardiff has 17 FOM car magnets left that we can sell this year.  They are $10 each.  

There will be no Fall concert this year due to Ms. Cardiff preparing all of the band and choir students for IMEA, Fall Festival, and the Variety Show within a short time period when the Fall concert is normally held.

We will do concessions as a fundraiser again this year.  Cheesecake sales will be Oct. 5-19, orders due Oct. 21, and delivery Oct. 26th.


Meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.

July 2016

The Friends of Music met in the Band room on July 12th.  Meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.  Members present were Ms. Cardiff, Dawn Fulk, Ashley Fulk, Amy Rose, Ginger Campbell, Rebekah Hopkins, Tish Gulick.

 Ms. Cardiff read a thank you note from the family of Dede Eversole.  FOM sent a flower arrangement for the services.

 The band polos for incoming freshmen have been ordered.  The band students will get their polos at Band camp, and will be responsible for them through the end of the school year, when they'll be turned back in.

 Band Camp will be from August 1-5 from 9:00 a.m. until noon each day for all high school band students.  Students need to bring sunscreen as well as their instruments.  Clothing is t-shirts, shorts, and tennis shoes. No sandals!  Ginger and Dawn will bring bottles of water and Tish will bring a cooler to put them in.  There will be ice to keep the water cold.  Music for band camp will be available in the main office starting Monday, July 25.  Students need to pick it up and have all four pieces in working order by band camp.  We will have the pieces memorized before the Ag Days parade.  We will march in polos and khakis with tennis shoes.  We will have lunch on Friday when camp is over.  Band parents who would like to donate, please contact Dawn Fulk for details.

 A vote was taken to approve continuing the $100 scholarship for students who attend music camps over the summer.  Vote was unanimously in favor.  The checks will not be written until next month, when parents have had time to turn in their receipts of payment for their child's music camp.

 We will continue the cheesecake and Fannie May fundraisers.  Dawn will be in charge of the cheesecake fundraiser, and Ginger will be in charge of Fannie May.

 FOM will do a car wash for Ag Days at Monical's.  It will be from 7-11 a.m.  Choir students will run the car wash with Scott Leon and Dawn from 7-9 a.m.  Band students will work from 9 a.m.-11 a.m.  Students may not work for more than 2 hours.  We still need 2 parents to work the 9-11 a.m. shift.  Please contact Dawn Fulk if you can help.  Jr. high band students, we need you to work this since HS will be marching!

 Band will march at Ag days and Homecoming this year, as well as home football games.

 HS Band members need to get their phone numbers to Ms. C for a Remind app group.  This will be the easiest and best way for us all to keep in touch.  Parents are welcome to be in the group as well.  Ms. C doesn't have access to the private FB page that was set up, and does not use FB messenger, so the best way to contact her is the Remind app, or [email protected]

 Chicago trip- Due to unforeseeable changes to the Dance team schedule, the trip will be on the same day as the dancer's competition.  We need to know the number of students that effects ASAP.  We will try to reduce the ticket number, but only if that doesn't raise the price.  If we can't reduce the number, we will sell the extra tickets to the public, but will keep our group to the students and a few chaperones.  We can't sell tickets on FB, but we can privately spread the word on FB if needed.  Instead of an overnight trip, we will take a train to Chicago the day of the trip.  The permission clip (for head count) will be due September 1st.  The final money will be due Sept. 30th.  Any student not meeting deadlines will have their ticket sold (or ticket number reduced).

 Next meeting will be August 16th at 7:00 p.m. in the Band room.


May 2016

The Friends of Music meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.  Members present were: Dawn Fulk, Ashley Fulk, Ms. Cardiff, Ginger Campbell, Amy Rose, Mr. Mueller, Joyce Bretz.

Directors' reports:  Beef and Boards with the Jr. High musicians was a great day.  We want to give a big thanks to the chaperones who attended.  The Jr./Sr. Spring Concert was stellar.  The students did an amazing job.  The Elementary Concert was wonderful as well.  HS band performed in the Loyalty Day Parade on Saturday.  Despite the rain, everything went well.

Joyce gave the treasurers report. She needs the names of students who used account money for the Beef and Boards trip.  The directors will give that information to her.

Mr. Kestner is going to print the DVDs of last year. He is donating the ink and FOM will just pay for the discs and labels. He must have all orders by the 17th so he has time to make them ready for delivery at the banquet on the 24th. Amy asked if there is a possibility of making them for this year's performances as well.

Baccalaureate, Graduation, and 8th grade Promotion are coming up.

We will do a car wash during Ag Days. Dawn will talk to Sid to schedule it.

The Chicago trip for December has been approved.  Ms. Cardiff recommends booking the hotel now to make sure we can get the rooms and the low rate.  She will check on the cancellation policy and report to FOM officers before the booking is done.

The End of the year banquet is on May 24th at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.  We need forks and plates donated.  Each student is responsible for bringing something (please refer to the note sent home and sent in the FOM email for details).

Tri-M will need to recharter for next year.  The directors will discuss what new members will be inducted for next year.

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. 


April 2016

Friends of Music met on April 5th at 7:00 p.m. in the Band Room.  Members present were Dawn Fulk, Melissa Jones, Zeb Jones, Jen Mahannah, Laura Cler, Ms. Cardiff, Amy Rose, Mr. Mueller.

Meeting called to order at 7:02 p.m.  Directors reported that Solo and Ensemble will be on the 16th.  FOM received a very nice thank you note from the Watson family.  The directors would like to have an end of the year get together for the bands and choirs to give out awards and celebrate our students and their families.

The Loyalty Day parade will be May 7, which is the same day as prom.  Step off will be at 10:00, line up at 9:30.  Heritage band has been invited to join us for the parade.

Beef and Boards field trip for the junior high will be on April 13th.  

Graduation and Baccalaureate will just be choir seniors this year.

Treasurer's report was accepted via email since Ms. Bretz could not attend.

The high school will see "Phantom of the Opera" in Chicago in December.  A reservation deposit was required in advance, and the final payment is due on Oct. 17th.  The tickets are $103, and other costs should bring the total to around $160 per person.  This trip will tentatively be an overnight trip after finals are finished, with many more details to come!  A motion to pay the deposit was made by Jennifer and Dawn seconded.  Motion passed.

Possible car washes on Ag Days and/or Alumni weekend to offset costs for the December trip.  The idea of a dunk booth was presented.

The next meeting is set for May 10th.

Meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.

March 2016

Friends of Music met on March 10th at 8:00 p.m. in the Band Room.  Members present were Dawn Fulk, Ashley Fulk, Ginger Campbell, Joyce Bretz, Juli Jobe, Brian Wilkey, Melissa Jones, Allison Wilcoxon, Sara Jones, Jen Mahannah, Laura Cler, Ms. Cardiff, Amy Rose, Mr. Mueller.

Meeting called to order at 8:00.  Directors reported that Solo and Ensemble for the High School was a success.  All students received I's and II's.  Jr. High Solo and Ensemble is on April 16th at Danville South View.

Spring Concert will be on May 4.  Tri-M students will pass out programs and hold donation buckets at the concert.

The Tri-M recital was well received.  New Tri-M members will be considered for next year.  Tri-M will have a Spring recital as well.

Treasurer's report:  We profited $2,910 from the Fannie May fundraiser.  Ms. Cardiff has given Ms. Bretz the student profits for the fundraiser, so their accounts will be updated.  Amy Rose will be reimbursed for ordering the FOM bouquet for the Watson family.

Mr. Mueller was given a RIF notice with recall rights due to budget cuts.  FOM plans to have one person be spokesperson for the group to go to the school board meeting to show their support for him on the 21st.  FOM wanted to come up with a plan to fund his salary for one year, but there are laws and rules against that.  Dawn will draft something for the school board and have another member review it.

Phantom of the Opera trip for the HS ensembles next school year.  This will be an overnight trip to Chicago, so students will need to fundraise to pay for their stay and tickets.  More details to be given later.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.


February 2016

Called to order at 7:05 p.m. Members present were Joyce Bretz, Dawn Fulk, Amy Rose, Melissa Jones, Ms. Cardiff, Mr. Mueller, Juli Jobe.

The Tri-M Winter Recital will be on the 21st at 4:00 p.m. in the study hall.  The public is welcome to attend, and a student will create an article for the newspaper to advertise.

Solo and Ensemble for the HS is March 5th at Heritage, and JH is April 16th in Danville.

The directors are looking into having a master class with a clinician for the JH and HS ensembles instead of Organizational Contest this year, due to scheduling and a desire for a more beneficial experience for the students.

Fannie May fundraiser kickoff was scheduled for this Friday.  Due to the dance team assembly, the directors will reschedule the kickoff for 2/11 or 2/16.  Money raised will go to trip accounts and FOM.

To alleviate confusion at fundraiser pickups, we will set up committees of parents to put one person in charge at fundraiser deliveries. FOM members will also help count the money when it comes in and get the orders ready so the directors don't lose instructional time with the students.

The Lion King trip in December was a great success and a wonderful day for all.

DVD's of last year's concerts are available for $15.  The directors have passed out notes to the students, but will upload the note for parents to print out since most have not received it.  ORDERS ARE DUE MARCH 23rd and checks should be made out to FOM.  DVD case artwork ideas for printing the pdf from Mr. Kestner were presented. Ms. Cardiff will see what is cheapest and get 25 of them printed.

Jr. high ensembles will be going to Beef and Boards on April 13th to see "Guys and Dolls."  The tickets are $37, and the money is due February 29th so the deposit can be paid by March 2nd for the tickets.  

Financial report was given by Ms. Bretz.

Color guard will start again on February 9th.

Articles about the students who attended District 5 Honors ensembles and Rachel going to All-State will be published in the newspaper.

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

November 2015

Called to order at 7:00 p.m.  Members present were Joyce Bretz, Dawn Fulk, Ginger Campbell, Ms. Cardiff, Melissa Jones, Minnie Vandeventer, Jen Mahannah, Stephanie Lecher.  

Director reports: Mr. Mueller

  • Band has taken on two more concessions to help raise money for uniforms.
  • Band has raised $2,000 for uniforms so far.

Ms. Cardiff:

  • Choir robes are here!  Robes can be washed and hung dry.
  • LOVC choral festival is this Thursday in Oakland. EIU's director Dr. Rossi is the guest conductor.  Students need to bring dress clothes and either money or a sack lunch for supper.
  • District 5 Jazz was a great success!  
  • District 5 Concert ensembles will be held Nov. 21st.

Lion King Trip:

Marie's Tours and Travels will send a contract.  There are 21 more tickets that parents can purchase.  Money is DUE Nov. 30th.  Students will wear dress clothes all day that day.  Students will take finals 4,5,and 6 with Mr. M and Ms. C on the 15th.  They will sign an agreement that they will be at school the Thursday and Friday (the 17th and 18th) of finals in order to go on the Lion King trip.  If they're not at school those days, they must have a doctor's note to be able to make up their finals.

Treasurer's report:

Total of $10, 924.37.  $4,000 is kids' accounts.  Joyce has a print out of how much each student has in their account. She is giving a copy to the directors.

December meeting will be on the 15th.

Meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

October 2015

Called to order at 7:02.  Members present were Joyce Bretz, Amy Rose, Melissa Jones, Jim Kestner, Scott Leon, Mr. Mueller, Ms. Cardiff.

Director reports:  Mr. Mueller

  • Mr. Mueller reports that football pep band and marching are over. They will have a parade in Chrisman on December 2nd.  There is a possiblity of a Christmas parade in Tuscola, or perhaps a Villa Grove Christmas with band and carolers from the choir. 
  • The Tri-M induction went well, and those members will do a Winter recital in January.  The Fall Concert included 4 college students to cover illnesses in the band and our kids enjoyed having them there.  
  • Jr. High Fall Band Festival in Arcola will be on 11/5/15.  They will practice from 12-6 and the concert for the public is at 7:00 p.m.
  • The Winter Holiday Concert for Jr. High and High School bands and choir will be on Dec. 11th at 7:00 p.m.
  • Prototypes for the marching band uniform have arrived.
  • On 10/26, two band students have been chosen to be in Milliken Honor Band.  They are Jake Gulick and Jessica Rose.  The guest conductor is the composer of "Moscow 1941" that the band played last week.

Ms. Cardiff:

  • Choir robes will ship on Oct. 26th.
  • District V ensembles- All three band students who auditioned were chosen and 7 of the 9 choir students were chosen.  Jazz Fest will be Nov. 2 for Mary Elam and Mytchel Freeze, and Nov.21st will be Honors Fest for Sam Reno, Juli Jobe, Daniel Olson, Abi Hopkins, Jessica Rose, Rachel Watson, Lexi Vandeventer, and Jake Gulick.
  • Nov. 12 is LOVC Choral Festival in Oakland all day.  Dr. Rossi from EIU is the guest conductor.  There will be a concert in the evening for the public.
  • The Variety Show is next week.  Set up will be at 6:00 p.m. on the 28th and the shows are at 1:30 and 7:00 p.m. on the 29th.  Anyone who can help set up would be appreciated.
  • Cheesecake orders are due the 21st.

Treasurer's report: Checking balance is $4139.44 after paying for choir robes.  Savings balances are $6,734.93 and $50.  The tickets to the Lion King were purchased and that money will be repaid to FOM from students who go on the trip.  There are payments still outstanding for the 2 drill team coaches and for the tuba.  The tuba will be $2,288.50 and the drill team $1,000.

New business: Dec. 16th (Wed.) the high school band and choir will be going to see the Lion King in Chicago.  The buses were $1350 per bus from Marie's Tours and Travel.  This saved us several hundred dollars over using Peoria Charter.  We will eat at Giordano's Pizza at 11:00 and then go to the show at 1:00.  The food is $19 not including tax or tip and includes salad, pizza, pasta, focaccia, and drink.  The show tickets are $38.  We need chaperones and will sell the extra tickets to any parents on a first come, first served basis, so be watching for a note home the last week of October.

Jr. High band and choir will go see "Guys and Dolls" at Beef and Boards in Indianapolis on April 13th.  The tickets for show and dinner are $37.

A motion was made to continue the tradition of parents being able to use money from their child's field trip accounts to be chaperones for field trips with the student's consent.  Motion carried with all in favor.

Profit for the students for each cheesecake sold is $2.40.

Next meeting November 10th at 7:00 p.m. in Mr. Mueller's room

Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

 

September 2015

Called to Order 7:02

 

Attending: Jennifer Mahannah, Dawn Fulk, Joyce Bretz, Amy Rose, Lori Beeson, Jim Ketzner, Ginger Campbell, Melissa Jones, Mr. Mueller.

 

Directors Report

 

Ms. Cardiff-

 

-HS Choir students will sing the National Anthem at the game this Friday night, 9/25/15. Students are to report to the music room at 6:30 to warm up, and we will head to the sidelines at 6:45.

 

-The Cap and Gown company sent a receipt with an estimated shipping date of 10/26/15for the choir robes.  We will wear the uniforms for the Fall Concert due to this.

 

-The payment for the tickets to the HS field trip in December is due on October 16th. The tickets are $38 each.  Our cheesecake fundraiser won’t be done yet, so can  FOM pay the $2280.00 and we will reimburse FOM after the kids pay?  This was voted on and motioned carried with all in favor.

 

-Cheesecake sales will be from October 7 – October 21st. Deliver will be on October 28th in the afternoon.  We will be looking for parent volunteers to help sort and hand out these orders.

 

-Variety Show auditions are Sept 28th – October 2nd. Set up for the show is Wednesday October 28th and the shows are October 29th at 1:30pm and 7:00pm.

 

-District 5 Honors Choir auditions are October 12th. The directors will drive the students auditioning to Effingham that day.

 

Mr. Mueller-

 

-We have marched in a couple football games so far.  The first game was pregame only, due to the storm that sent everyone home.  However we have received wonderful reviews from teachers, administrators, and fans.  We have 3 more home football games we will march in.

 

-A big THANK YOU to the parents that are helping  during the games. From holding coats and sweatshirts, to taking instruments, to helping with the podium it is all greatly appreciated. Things would not run as smooth if it isn’t for our band parents helping.  Again, Thank you so much.

 

-Color Guard is down to 4 individuals. At some point we will be having auditions for 4 more spots.

 

-We had a skeleton crew to play for the Rotary Club meeting.  We only had 12 band members; however, the teachers loved it!!

 

-Marching Band has been invited to play at the Homecoming bonfire on 10/1/15.  Mr. Mueller will give you details closer to time.

 

-Marching Band will be marching in the Homecoming parade on 10/2/15.

 

-Pep Assembly this Friday to see our girls JH softball team off to state.  The band and color guard will be performing at this Pep Assembly.  Time is 10:30.

 

-Band Concession Stands- October 1st at a girls basketball game. We do have volunteers for this one.  October 2nd Homecoming football game concessions.  This will be a big game for us to work.  Of course we will need lots of volunteers to help out and the 1st half and half time will have to be worked by mostly parents since the Marching Band will have their pregame and halftime show. Please let Mr. Mueller know if you are able to help out.

 

-Fall Concert October 14th 7pm.  During the concert we will have the Tri –M induction. A special private reception will be held after the concert for Tri – M inductees and their parents.

 

-Millikan Honor Band Day October 26th. Mr. Mueller has nominated 5 individuals and is awaiting to see if they are accepted.

 

-Numbers from band: We have 23 out of 41 5th graders signed up.  We also have 28 6th graders and 30 Jr. High students.

 

-We have a 5th grader renting a ¾ size tuba that is hard to lug around to and from school. Mr. Mueller has done some pricing and has proposed the question if FOM would be willing to purchase for $2288.50 another ¾ size tuba to have here at the school not only for this student, but for any student to utilize so they do not have to transport their own instrument from home to school to back home again. Motion passed with all in agreement.

 

Wanted Secretary for FOM-  When we had elections we did not have any nominations or volunteers for a secretary.  The question is being asked again if anyone would like to take this over. Melissa Jones agreed to be our secretary. Thank you so much for volunteering!!

 

A letter will be send to the 5th and 6th grade band student’s parents explaining what FOM is and what we do.  Hopefully they will be interested and start coming to some of the meetings.

 

Marching Band uniforms- We are working on fundraising for the Marching Band Uniforms.  The cost is approximately $17,492.00 for 40 uniforms.

 

Treasure’s Report

  Checking balance $1,422.82

  Savings Account Balance $6,734.93

  Fl Trip Savings Balance $5,046.62

 

The Choir Robes have already been paid for.

 

Meeting closed at 8:02