MINUTES – September 8, 2009

DHS Jazz Choir Parents Group Meeting

·        Called to Order @ 7:15.

·        Welcome by Bill Zinn

o       Went around the group for self-introductions. 

o       Bill introduced the co-Presidents of and the Parents Group, Vicki Wooster and Kirk Trost and Choreographer Cara Rains

·        Kirk discussed the role of the parent group – to support Mr. Zinn and the choir both financially and by volunteering.  Said volunteering and chaperoning is a wonderful opportunity to interact with the kids when they are doing what they love to do.

·        Vicki passed around the roster and asked for corrections.  She also discussed volunteer jobs that need to be filled:

o       Fundraising coordinator – suggested fundraisers include recycling, holiday party small group performances, etc. (Maki Kuper took this job!)

o       Publicity coordinator  (Alicia Sanchez de Diaz took this job!)

o       Prepare program for cabaret (Rebecca Pinto took this job!)

o       Party coordinator (Rebecca Hager took this job!)

·        Discussed the upcoming retreat – have enough drivers and chaperones, itinerary and packing list have been emailed.

·        Discussed website – Rebecca Hager maintains it.  Send her photos or info to post.

·        Introduced Steve Lillya, Treasurer

o       Treasurer’s report attached -- @ $1,500 currently in the bank

o       Explained student’s individual account s -- money from participation in fundraisers is deposited in the these accounts.  Accounts are used to pay for Spring trip.  Parents can also make voluntary periodic contributions to avoid owing a large sum just before the trip.  Cabaret normally generates about $200 per student towards the trip.

o       Only about 5 families haven’t paid for costumes.

o       Scholarships for the retreat and/or trip are available for families in need – contact Mr. Zinn privately.

o       Money for the retreat goes into an ASB account, which also has money from the Jazz & Pops concert from last year.  The bill for the retreat will be paid out of that account, including money for a substitute for Mr. Zinn.

·        Introduced Kate Bowen, Costume coordinator.

o       All costumes have arrived except the new dresses, which will hopefully arrive by mid-September. 

o       Kate has 4 extra polo shirts if anyone wants to purchase one.

o       Strongly suggested each costume piece be labeled with the students’ name, and that each student get a suit bag to keep all costumes pieces in because pieces often get mixed up and misplaced.

·        Bill Zinn

o       Talked about last year’s auditions, and mentioned he has met his long-time goal of having a 40 member choir.

o       Purpose of the upcoming retreat is primarily team building – a bonding experience that will help all the students learn to take responsibility for each other and learn how to work together constructively.  Will have lots of music practice and learn dance choreography away from distractions.

o       Discussed upcoming performances:

§         October 3 – 10 person ensemble to perform at Blue and White Awards.  DHS Hall of Fame will be inducting Tony Fields, a former DHS Jazz Choir member who had a successful career on Broadway and dancing with Michael Jackson, but died prematurely of AIDS.

§         October 25 – Harmony in Our Lives concert – time TBA – either 1:30 or 3 pm.

§         December 15 (Tuesday) – DHS Winter Choral Concert.  There will be a rehearsal for the mass choir the day before after school, 4 until 5 or 5:30 (December 14)

§         Cabaret – at Emerson Jr. High February 13 and 14^th (Saturday and Sunday) The Friday night before is dress rehearsal and time to set up and decorate, and lots of parental help will be needed.  The entire week before is tech rehearsals in the afternoon and evening…students should bring their homework with them.  Also weekends in January will be occupied with rehearsals.  There will be no rehearsals during finals week.

o       Discussed the trip for next Spring.  Mr. Lange and the Jazz Band would like to have the Jazz Choir go touring with them.  Mr. Zinn would like to go on a trip together because they are excellent musicians and it would be a wonderful opportunity for the choir to collaborate and sing with an outstanding jazz band.  Mr. Lange suggested New Orleans, other possible jazz cities being considered include Chicago and New York.  Mr. Zinn has not tabulated the responses to the parent survey on the trip yet.  He asked for suggestions/ideas from the parents and a lively discussion was held.  Mr. Zinn appreciated our input.

o       With respect to timeframe for the trip, the schedule will avoid AP and STAR testing periods.  Parents expressed their concerns regarding missing too much school, and discussed the pros and cons of doing the trip during part of Spring break. 

o       Other possible trips were discussed, such as the Fullerton jazz festival in Southern California.  All the DHS Bands are going to Los Angeles this year, and students who are in both would not prefer two trips to Southern California.

·        The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm.