Minutes for Band Parent Association Meeting on April 07, 2010

The meeting was held in High School Library and began at approximately 7:20 PM.
Approximately 6 parent members attended (in addition to Mr. Goode).

Ms. Saez (B.P.A. President) reported that she will be able to get permission from the city to hold Canvasing Events (also known as Tag Day, Can Shakers, etc.). The process involves a fingerprint check and takes from 7 to 10 days. As soon as we know more, we can plan our proposed Tag Day.

She also stressed the need for immediate funds for uniform cleaning during the upcoming Parade Season which begins on April 24th with a "Walk a Mile to Save a Child" and continues through the June 13th Puerto Rico Heritage Day Parade in Manhattan. See the CALENDAR for the complete list of parades. We need to get $30.00 from each Band Parent by April 15th. You can get cash or a money order (no checks) to Ms Saez, or use PayPal to send the Band Parent Association $30 using a credit card. Send the money to this e-mail address if using PayPal: bpapandparents@gmail.com

More fund-raising projects were then discussed. The Fish Fry was scheduled for Thursday, April 15th from 12:00 noon to 7:00 PM. Fish dinners include 2 pieces of fried fish, macaroni salad, garden salad, and a beverage for $10.00. Proceeds will benefit the band. All dinners must be ordered and paid for in advance. See our Fund Raising Page for details. You can pay with cash, money order or PayPal... no checks.

The Benefit Band Concert, "Music Under the Stars," is scheduled for Saturday, May 1st from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It will be held outdoors in the Ampitheatre in front of the school, with additional seating on the lawn. Other fund raising ventures will occur at the same time and location - food sales, bake sales, and T-shirt sales. Tickets for the Concert will sell at $5.00 for adults, and $3.00 for Senior Citizens and children. Bring lawn chairs, cushions or blankets to sit on. Seating will be on a first come - first seated basis.

As promised, this Web site now includes other events on the calendar besides Band events... any Art Exhibits, or other Performing Arts Shows or Concerts are being included until the school gets its own "official" website operating.

Other business: It was suggested that the Alumni Association should be contacted so the funds promised to the Band can be put into the bank before Summer Band Camp begins.

Parents who wish their children to participate in the East Orange Unified Marching Band Summer Band Camp will be asked to pay $100 in advance for each child. Payments can be made in "installments" beginning in May, but must be paid in full by June 27th. Please keep in mind that your child will be receiving supervised instrumental music and marching instructions, daily breakfast and lunch for the 4 weeks and 2 days of Band Camp. Each child will also receive a T-shirt for the final performance "Uniform." Scholarships are available if you need financial assistance for your child to participate; please see Ms Saez.

An All Star Football Game between Orange and East Orange was mentioned, but as yet we have no definite details or a date.

Jim Gerrish will work on a series of brochures to advertise the three main events mentioned: The Fish Fry Fund Raiser, The Benefit Concert, and Summer Band Camp.

The next meeting of the Band Parent Association is scheduled for Wednesday, May 5th, 7:00 PM in the School Library.

Compiled by
Jim Gerrish (Secretary Mr. Leon Mantle was not present)