Parent Music Association (PMA) Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 1, 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
- Motion to approve minutes from last meeting
- Seconded and approved
Attendees
Jeff Kerr, Gigi Michalec (President), Siuyien Mathews (Vice President), Dany Abdallah (Treasurer) , Beth Carey (Appointed Secretary), Kieu Wong (Ways & Means – Vice), Bebhinn O’Connell (Acting Secretary), Bill Maguire, Steve Conant
Welcome
- Welcome by Gigi
Director of Fine Arts Jeff Kerr provides update:
- Read aloud the congratulatory letter from Congressman Lynch for being one of the “Best Communities for Music Education 2024”. It was also read at the school committee meeting.
- The open music position has been filled. The new hire is Ken Gable from Belmont. He is a seasoned teacher and will start teaching at the Cleveland and Callahan on October 15th.
- MICCA Choral- Jeff confirmed that we will host. Dates are April 4-5. Micca will talk again at their October meeting about having some kind of awards ceremony that would get the kids and families to stay.
- NCM- Jeff had a conversation with Jack Tolmann about doing some features on the arts. Jack said that people sometimes reference things, and he doesn’t know what they are so he can’t respond. They started Fine Arts Friday last year. It’s 1x/week news at school. Sports have daily news because they have games daily. We can come up with a short list of things for NCM to cover/turn into a segment. Broadcasting our events is a challenge because of the legalities. It’s not impossible but there are things to consider. Jack is aware of requests to publicize the arts, and he is looking forward to partnering with the PMA.
- Thank you to Dany for purchasing materials quickly. The P.O. process is difficult. The flexibility the PMA provides is appreciated.
- Winter semi-formal in January- looking to get volunteers from all other fine arts departments- VOVA, BB, NCM to help this year.
- Madrigals Banquet- Knights of Columbus not available on the usual Friday date. Jeff has concerns about doing it on a school night. Considering other options. For now, holding Wednesday, December 4th at K of C while Jeff calls around to see if anything else might be available.
Steve Conant provides updates:
- Preview was a success. There were 3 clinicians that came to work with the students.
- Still can’t find/hire enough staff. Trying to hire the color guard clinician that came for the preview.
- Currently have 3 movements without the metronome. The 4th movement is the William Tell Overture- hoping to do it at King Phillip.
- Home Show: October 20th. We’ve picked up another two bands. We have 8 now (including us) and then UMASS Lowell. Expect 800-900 people. Quincy will have 18 wheelers. Run time- start at 1, done by 4. Invoices have been sent out.
Treasurer Report:
- Report of Spending / Financal Report for September 10-30, 2024. (Separate documents)
- Motion to approve financial report
- Seconded and approved
- Penske truck is booked for all dates this season. We need a week’s notice to cancel.
President/Board Members:
- Boch foundation- Gigi will submit application for grant to assist with new uniforms. Jeff will get the price of the uniform from Steve.
- Planning discussion for upcoming events- Home Show planning meeting Saturday October 5th @ 2:30. End of season party- talk about on Saturday if there’s time. Madrigal banquet coming up.
Ways and Means:
- Possible movie night fundraiser? Low overhead/ good return.
- Candy grams
- Singing telegrams from Madrigals- come up with concrete plan and pitch it to the students
- sell carnations on Valentine’s Day
Other Business:
- Find a new secretary- Beth Carey will do it! Names and roles need to be submitted to the state.
- Ms. Teen Massachusetts reached out to PMA. She is promoting music programs- selling t-shirts- profits would be for us- Dany will invite her to the home show.
Motion to Adjourn
Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Next meeting
- November 5th 2024 at the NHS Library.
Minutes compiled by Bebhinn O’Connell, Recording Acting Secretary
