Spring 2013
Visual and Performance Arts Boosters
Meeting Notes
April 09, 2013
I. Cynthia welcomed everyone to the meeting and read the Mission Statement:
“Our mission is to enrich the existing high school arts, music and drama programs and to
support additional opportunities for learning. We provide a means of recognizing and
honoring our talented young people through scholarships, special programs and support
and promotion of visual and performing arts performances, shows and events.”
II. Introduction of New Members and Old Members
Attendees went around the room and introduced themselves. Membership and participation in VPA Boosters’ activities seems to be on the increase and your continued assistance in needed and appreciated!
III. September Meeting Minutes
The minutes from our last meeting, were read and approved by the members.
IV. Treasurers’ Report
Balance as of September 25th, 2012: $11,766.00
Balance as of April 9th 2013: $ 25,276.00
Income Produced
VPA Letter: $2500.00 to date
Program & Sponsorships: $ 9925.00
Concessions: $2, 128.00 to date
Raffle: $1000.00
We have several more performances/opportunities to increase our revenue this year! Great job everyone!
V. Update from School Board re: Southern Maine Center for the Performing Arts
Bob Domine gave us a briefing/update on the progress of plans. He mentioned that building would be very close but not attached to the high school. The plans are for flexibility to suit the needs of the RSU and private use. The stage/facility would be large enough to host the Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO) along with other large events with seating up to 900 and the capability with loading docks to transport the equipment. Another key component of this facility is that there is a balcony that can be closed off and other smaller performance areas that can used for a more intimate setting.
VI. Orlando Arts Foundation Scholarship
There is an opportunity that Lisa Ottman shared for one male and one female HS Senior to study Music, Drama, or the Visual Arts. The application is on line.
VII. Student Fundraiser
Our club developed a policy where we will consider donating to a student fundraiser if:
- They are active, i.e. must be a student led fundraising effort
- They present to our club on their efforts
Monies will be $100.00-$200.00 limit per student and will be paid upon successful completion of the fundraiser. We had a student present their fundraiser to our club at our meeting. Decisions will be made by majority vote or via e-mail if necessary.
VIII Updates from Nate Menifield
All State auditions were a success again this year! Lessons learned from the 1st year, proved fruitful this year as we saved money on up-front costs. In addition, Nate mentioned that there is a savings to the district if the auditions are held here because we don’t have a per student cost per audition. We are scheduled to host the All State auditions again next year on Nov 22nd and 23th. Special thanks to all who helped make these two audition days successful.
Triam (Which is very similar to the Honor Society but for the VPA) is now an official club.
Sign-ups for next year freshman class are up!
IX Updates from Ben Potvin
All Band night is scheduled for May 1st.
Money was made during the musical! Congratulations on a highly successful performance!! Band sign ups for the upcoming freshman class are high and the upcoming class is considered strong.
It was decided at the meeting that no more free tickets for volunteering to work concessions/tickets during the performances.
X. Update from Valerie Reid
The Spring Play is on track with auditions already being conducted for “The Good Doctor.”
XI. Update from Deb Robinson
There is a calendar in the works created by students for a fundraiser. Several years ago this was a success as local vendor sold them on a consignment basis. Melanie has volunteered to work with Deb on this.
13 kids were accepted into “Honors Arts.”
Two art students had their drawers selected by the MTLI and used as screen savers
XII. 2012-2013 Fundraising Activities:
VPA Friends Letter and Magnet
Theater Program was the thickest and best ever! Thanks to everyone involved
Concessions did very well so far this year; need volunteers for the spring play
Donations at the concerts has gone well; having the boosters volunteers in the lobby and having advertising of who we are and what we do is very helpful
Lobster Raffle – Highly successful program that is currently at $1000.00 and has an opportunity to each much more this spring; please talk this up! It was decided to draw for the grand price during the last performance of the spring play.
We’re always looking for new fundraising ideas; we also need fundraising committee members for 2013/2014
XIII. Officers for 2013/2014
· President: Cynthia (Will be her last year; thanks for all your hard work!)
· Vice President: Tom
· Treasurer: Vickie, her last year as well. Thank you Vickie!
· Secretary: Open – Please consider filling; see Tom for details
· The Boosters would also like to thank Ruthie for her dedication to our club, the school and of course, our kids.
XIV. Lunchtime Arts Education Program
Jeni Kingston has an idea to offer our students an “Arts Education Program” this will be either people here locally or even outside our community that are willing to educate and motivate our students. This is an exciting opportunity to help further develop and enrich our already talented students. She will research potential speakers/performers along with a baseline for a budget and report back to the VPA Boosters. Thank you Jeni!
XV. VPA Boosters Scholarship
The VPA Boosters are proud to offer (2) $1000.00 scholarships to the senior class this year! The scholarships will be presented at class night. The committee will consist of 7 to 9 members. We are currently finalizing the committee. The guidance office has the criteria and has included our scholarship in the booklet given to parents of graduating seniors. On May 1st the guidance office will provide us with the scholarship applications and our committee has until the end of May to make our decision.
We also decided at our meeting to reinstate the KHS VPA Booster Summer Enrichment Fund from years ago. We voted to earmark $500 for KHS students participating in a visual and performing arts summer program. In order to qualify for consideration, the student must be leading an active fundraiser for the enrichment program. If you know of such a student, please be in touch. This is an exciting new initiative. We look to formalize the process for next year and beyond.
Thanks to everyone for attending the meeting and for volunteering your time to support our talented performers!