District VII – Meeting Minutes
10:00 a.m. – Holiday Inn Convention Center
February 7, 2009

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District VII Meeting was called to order by District Representative Cindy Roberts on Saturday, February 7, 2009, at the Holiday Inn in Bristol, Virginia.

Cindy Roberts extended special thanks to Patrick Butler, Mark Collins, Gary Holley, Bob Ballengee, Ben Parks, Beverly Campbell, Jeff Kleiber and David Semones.

Copies of the 2008 minutes were distributed. Bob Ballengee made a motion to dispense with the formal reading of the minutes. David Semones seconded the motion.

Old Business:

  1. VBODA State Marching Festival – Patrick Butler reported that the event well, but urges participating schools to visit concessions in order to help support the hosting school.
  1. All-District Auditions – Mark Collins reported that the audition process went well, and that no problems were experienced with individual audition rooms.  He thanked directors for all help and flexibility.  Mark also shared that audition numbers are down and suggested that we encourage more students to audition. Mark mentioned several ideas about making the audition day more fun for the students.  He also encouraged us to communicate with our principals and athletic directors about the dates for auditions and All-District Band in order to avoid conflicts.
  1. All-District Band Clinic – Bob Ballengee, Ben Parks, and Beverly Campbell – They requested assistance with loading and moving percussion equipment following the event. Bob encouraged directors to make sure that percussion students come with adequate materials for this event. Ben expressed thanks to directors. He said that the event would be held regardless of the weather, due to expenses involved. Ben also informed directors about the rising cost for the hotel site. Ben extended special thanks to all those involved in organizing the event and especially to Matt Frederick (E&H).  He said one goal of the event is to invite different ensembles to perform each year.
  1. Clinicians for All-District Band 2010 – Mark Collins reported that the following are possibilities: David Holsinger, Dr. Brian Amarall (spelling?), David Albert, Col. Coburn, and Quincy Hilliard (2015). If any other suggestions for clinicians, share with Mark Collins.
  1. Concert Festival – Bruce Miller and Justin Commacho reported that Richlands is honored to host the event.  Although the community college does not charge for the use of its facilities, there has been an increase in fees ($5.00 VBODA fee included).  He said that updates and paperwork will be on the website (thanks to Gary).  Bruce mentioned the inclement weather policy (handbook p. 36).
  1. Manual fees – Cindy Roberts reminded everyone that these have to be paid.
  1. All Virginia Band Auditions – Feb. 28, 29 – The prepared piece will be online Feb. 8.  The fee has gone up to $15.00 (plus the $5.00 VBODA fee). Cindy also reminded everyone that if only a parent goes with the student, he/she will need a note from the principal in order to register.

 

New Business:

  1. Solo and Ensemble 2009 – Sites and Dates
    1. Area I: Rye Cove on May 4 (Buchanan, Lee, Wise, Scott, Dickenson, Tazewell, and Norton)
    2. Area II: Holston High School on May 5 (Washington, Bristol, Smyth, and Russell)
    3. Area III: _______________ (Wythe, Bland, Carroll, Giles, Galax, Pulaski, and Grayson)
  1. State Marching Band Festival – West – October 24, 2009 – Site undecided.
    1. Volunteer needed who is active in marching for state committee – Patrick Butler and Uley Daniels
  1. All-District Auditions – John Battle HS – December 12, 2009 (January 9, 2010 alternate)
  1. All Virginia Auditions – JMU – February 27, 2010
  1. Concert Festival – March 5-6, 2010 – Richlands will probably host.
  1. All Virginia Band – April 8-10, 2010 – Site undecided.
  1. UVA-Wise Marching Competition – October 31, 2009
  1. District Manual Fees and Directory - $50.00 Wayne Powell
  1. VMEA dues - $102.00 (may be subject to increase)
  1. VMEA In-Service Conference – November 19-21, 2009
  1. Next Generation Jazz Clinic – April 24-25, 2009
    1. Beverly requested assistance with the organization of this event, which will be held in conjunction with Abingdon’s jazz festival.
    2. $20.00/students recommended by director
  1. Commissioning of New Music
    1. Mark Collins presented some information about this. There was discussion, but no decision was made as of the end of the meeting.  More information required.
  1. Elections of District Representative and Secretary
    1. Cindy Roberts and David Semones were nominated for District VII Representative; Cindy received 29 votes and David received 12 votes. Cindy Roberts is District Representative.
    2. Andrea Hines was nominated and elected to serve as secretary.

Motions:

Ben Parks made the motion that the committee for guest clinicians be restructured to work in accordance to the guidelines set forth in the VBODA manual starting 2011. David Semones seconded the motion. Ric Munsey called to question. Motion passed.

Miscellaneous:

Mark Collins mentioned the availability of three percussion instructors for hire, a potential regional percussion clinic (to be held during the third or fourth week of June), and platform program (schoolband.com) of possible interest.

Jamie Davidson voiced concerns about no-sight percussion auditions in regard to difficulty in judging sticking techniques when not being able to see them.

Patrick Butler made the motion to adjourn the meeting, and Janet Longerbeam seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned.

Minutes compiled by Andrea Hines