Parent Music Association (PMA) Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Norwood High School – Library
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:08 pm with a quorum present
Attendees
Gigi Michalec (President), Siuyien Mathews (Vice President), Dany Abdallah (Treasurer) , Zeina Abdallah (Ways & Means), Jeff Kerr, Bill Maguire, Steve Conant, Bebhinn O’Connell (Acting Secretary)
Welcome
- Welcome by Gigi
Director of Fine Arts Jeff Kerr provide update:
- Thanked PMA for their support during summer camp.
- Marching band needs help with percussion and color guard; Steve Conant is reaching out to contacts, but it’s been challenging. Gigi will post on Facebook for assistance.
- Discussing the possibility of acquiring a new concert piano for the new middle school.
- Early planning underway for 5th grade at Coakley.
- Musical performance this weekend.
- Need to hire an elementary music teacher for general music; Sardoni resigned in August.
- Sara Durkin from North Andover mentioned MICCA Choral will only have two-day festivals this year.
- Steve Conant attended a MICCA meeting; some participants are unsure about public performances. Awards might be rescheduled for midday; decision to be made in October.
- No instrumental night for elementary instruments this year—students will keep or receive instruments at school through online registration. More families are requesting instruments.
- The Women’s Garden Club is donating for student scholarships for instruments; financial needs are higher than usual.
- A form will be sent to families of instrumental or vocal students in middle and high school to assess how PMA can support lessons. Jeff wants to discuss enhancing the lessons program, with teachers already lined up.
- Gigi asked about cost: Cost is $30 for half an hour, $55 for an hour.
- Suggestion for group lessons to reduce costs.
Steve Conant provide updates:
- Marching Band show will be a tribute to Paul Alberta. Movements include a jazz piece and the William Tell Overture. Looking for additional help.
- Performance schedule changing; local event on the 28th, not a MICCA preview.
- Yom Kippur on the 12th; accommodations for fasting or absence will be considered.
- MICCA home show includes 7 schools plus UMASS; King Phillip will not attend. Prop needs are sufficient.
- Orchestra has 14 members; concert band has over 20—positive numbers, especially among freshmen.
- Need to purchase 5-6 pairs of shoes; Siuyien will provide a list by Tuesday.
- Discussion on uniforms; Jeff confirmed costs won’t pass through the budget.
- New machine-washable marching band uniforms designed by Paul Alberta; plan to phase in purchases over time.
- BOCH Foundation grant available.
- Uniform costs range from $500 to $600, with modern designs at $360.
- Shared closet needs climate control and better organization.
- New auditorium at CMS seats 500; concert organization may change due to volunteer challenges. Jeff will discuss alternatives with Margo.
Treasurer Report:
- Financial Report – brief overview.
- Motion to approve financial report
- Seconded and approved
- Paul Alberta scholarship discussed.
- Robert Renda’s family requested a scholarship in his name, significant donation from his class. Need to establish ongoing funding for this scholarship, possibly focused on marching band/color guard.
- State registration required for new board members; fees apply for updates.
- Received thank-you letters from Paul Alberta’s family and scholarship recipients Ethan Lee and Emma Shkurti.
Vice President Report:
- Summer camp feedback was positive from both kids and staff. A firm registration deadline is needed before camp to order shirts and book venues; propose July 15th.
- Venues discussed; Urban Air worked well during inclement weather. Consider keeping Hometown Arcade as a field trip option.
- Family invitations to camp events were well-received. Discussion about the necessity of skits.
Ways and Means:
- Zeina has volunteered to take over for Linda Lee. Welcome to her!
Other Business:
- Truck rental for the marching band: U-Haul costs $1,409.90 while Penske is $1,991.19. Penske offers delivery and a lift gate, which is helpful, but decision leans towards U-Haul for closer trips.
- Bill prefers U-Haul for cost, while Siuyien notes the ease of using Penske given volunteer limitations. Decision: go with Penske.
- Dany will communicate with the director of NCM about covering music events; Jack Tolman will be contacted to discuss specific events.
- Emphasize the importance of parent volunteer involvement and clarify that music camp fees cover teacher costs only; additional expenses are extra.
Motion to Adjourn
Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Next meeting
- October 1st 2024 at the NHS Library.
Minutes compiled by Bebhinn O’Connell, Recording Acting Secretary
