March 24, 2007 - Minutes DCO Board Meeting

Attending: Don Parrish, Dick Pitcher, Tom Rutherford, Sally Vandeven,
Martha Froseth, Erika Nelson, Mike G.

First item centered on the recording of the March 11 concert.
Mark Jay's recording (using his unique equipment) is very good. He
records the rehearsals (is Michael Bonner's friend) but for what reason
other than his personal enjoyment of being "in on the process of concert
making." It's great to have him there and to hear the rehearsals later.

Audience Development:
* Publicity - More systematic poster distribution - have a list
  (include back seat windows of our cars)
* Print more posters
* Information to the press earlier (except radio stations want it 10
  days before the event.)
* Print tickets (Sally Vandeven) to distribute to Sr. Centers (Mike G),
  to Retirement homes, to schools (for Friday folders).
* Get Dexter Leader more involved - does anyone know a staff member there?
  Look up past issues of DL to see how (DCB) publicity has been handled.
  Should we place paid ads?
* How to involve the D. business community more - ads etc. Contact
  LaFontaine for one.
* Erika Nelson seems to have assumed the position of Publicity Chairman

Orchestra Development
* Discussion: Easier music vs more challenging works.
* How to have more good players to bolster the sections, keep them
  interested and still reach out to every orchestra member.
* Shorter program?
* Who should lead in each of the 4 string sections - what are the leaders
  responsible for?
* Evaluation of music so far: Everyone at this meeting seemed inspired by
  the Tchaik. in particular.
* Would it be a good idea (Erika) to, during the summer, have "music
  reading sessions?"  Reaction was favorable.

Amendments to By-laws: Dick Pitcher will start to look into any amendments
thought necessary.

Competition 2008
* Specify - audio tape or audio CD only.
* Base deadline on postmark
* Applications out in Sept.
* Develop a list of Schools and Music Teachers. Don has a comprehensive
  list (will bring it to MB at next rehearsal)
* Get winner's bio.
* Have both pianos tuned.
* 2007 mailing campaign was successful.
* Should there be a list of recommended audition pieces (repertoire)?

Education/Outreach
* To find out where the "fence" is, there should be a meeting with
  AASO, Mary Steffek Blaske and her Education Coordinator. How can
  we augment what they already do in the Dexter area schools. (a must
  activity for grants)
* Are open rehearsals feasible?
* Preconcert lectures? Students at local Schools of Music might be
  good source for this.
* Tom would like to see open rehearsals on days other than concert day.
* Discussion: Side by side concert
* Need to advertise both open rehearsal and any pre concert lecture.

Finance Report (in the absence of the treasurer)
    $2600 in the bank
     $750 for music rental (Pines of Rome, Rossini)
     $200 Prize money for competition winner (covered by entry fees)
* Where are we with regard to non-profit status now? - Still in the works.
* Web site is paid up for 3 years. Thank you Tom

Lists Needed:
* Donor lists (Erika will work on this with Ashley)
* Patron lists
* Schools (MB will work on this with Erika)
* Music teachers
* Scout troops
* Area businesses
* Visitor lists (Tom)
* Known contributors so MB can send thank-you notes

Orchestra Roster - Erika to work on consolidation.

Volunteers
* Ushers
* Refreshments for after-glow (local businesses like Dex. Bakery might
  provide in payment for a program ad)
* Sally Vandeven will organize refr. for May 20 concert.
* Tom would like to see some of these things taken off the list for
  Orchestra members.
* Fran would like to see the after-glow continue (also raised the issue
  of ushers)
* Don Parrish has all the orchestra bio sheets and needs someone to enter
  them into a database.

Family Concert - The idea to make an open rehearsal a tradition at this concert met with approval.

Logo:
* Although we appreciate and thank Ashley's family for the contribution
  used on the March 11 program cover, it was generally thought that,
  a contest in the Dexter School System Art Departments might be an
  excellent outreach project.
* Such a logo competition will need guidelines. (Mike offered to visit
  the art departments)
* Tom will eventually put a logo on the Web site.

DATES:
  April 4 - Sectional rehearsals
  April 11 - no rehearsal 
  April 21 - next Board meeting at GTPC at 2PM (1.5 hours)
  May 23 - annual meeting of the orchestra, election of officers, picnic
      (potluck) (make sure we have the correct # of people on the Board
      and be clear about the role expectations)
  June 15 - concert in the park
  October 21 - concert ?
  December 16 - combined DCBand concert
  March 9, 2008 - concert ?
  May 18, 2008 - concert?

Respectfully submitted, MB