L.D. BELL BAND BOOSTER MINUTES

APRIL 23, 2013

The meeting was called to order by Band Booster President, Brenda Hardeman, at 7:03 p.m. We are especially glad to welcome all our incoming sophomore parents to their first band booster meeting. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and we are all here to help.A motion was made by Stacy Lott to approve the minutes from the March 19, 2013 meeting and the motion was seconded by Tamara Rabe. The minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: (Cathy Schneider)There are still some outstanding band fees that need to be paid. All fees need to be paid in full in order to receive the band yearbook and go to the band banquet. Volunteers are needed to help with fee collection dates. This would be a wonderful opportunity for incoming sophomore parents to get to know some parents and students.

Old Business:

  • An amendment to the Bylaws is proposed by committee to add a 2nd assistant treasurer position. The motion was seconded by Kathleen Hill and the motion passed.
  • The nominating committee report was postponed until June 5. The slate of officers will be posted on the website no later than May 5.
  • We are in need of a Bubb Fundraising chairperson. If you are interested in chairing this position, please contact Brenda Hardeman for more information.
  • Senior concert uniform turn-in will be Friday, April 26. Please bring back your concert uniform with the dry cleaning receipt and plastic still attached. Thank you.

New Business:

  • Senior Parents – Project Baccalaureate will be held Thursday, May 30 at 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Hurst. It is being held on a voluntary basis for all seniors. Attending seniors should wear their cap and gown. A reception will follow the service.
  • E. Don Brown Activity Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held Saturday, May 4 at 9:00 a.m. The center will be open for tours until 11:00 a.m. All booster members attending are encouraged to wear booster spirit wear to the event. The band is going to benefit by being able to use the activity center.
  • Communication/Information – Information can be obtained from the website ( and from the band news emails that come from Mr. Holt. If you are not getting the band news emails, please email Mr. Holt with your email address so you may be added. The 2013-14 calendar and fee schedule will be available at the June 5 meeting.
  • June & August Training Camps – Attendance at both camps is required – June 5th & 6th, August camp begins July 29. It is a necessary and important part of the marching band process.
  • Fundraisers – It is important for all students to participate in the fundraisers. Some of the fundraisers benefit the band’s general expenses only but others benefit the student’s account and general expenses. To compete at the level that we do, additional funding is necessary. The different types of funding for the band are the school district, sponsor funding (D’Addario and Blue Moose Tee’s), parent and booster club. The band fees are directly affected by the success of the fundraisers.
  • Once school begins after August camp, the band will rehearse early mornings. Please watch the calendar closely for changes and dates and encourage your student to listen to the band directors and leadership team as any changes will be announced the day before. Transportation will be available for students to L.D. Bell in the morning from Pennington Field.
  • Uniforms – Marching uniforms will be distributed early in August camp and instructions for cleaning will be sent home with the uniforms. Students are responsible for hemming the pants to the proper length, cleaning the uniform and returning all pieces in good condition.
  • Football games/contests – Students are required to attend these events in full uniform. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Chaperones are needed for the busses to and from the football games and contests. Sign-up sheets for these events will be available in August.
  • Color Guard – The color guard is also a part of the band but they may have a different rehearsal schedule from the band. We will have 78 color guard members this fall and a color guard parent will help communicate their requirements.
  • Flag Construction – Volunteers are needed to help with flag construction when it begins.No previous experience is necessary and you do not need to know how to sew. The construction will take place in the band hall. Watch for upcoming dates on the website. Volunteers are welcome at any time and may stay for as long as they are able to. Sign-up sheets were passed out for those wishing to volunteer.
  • David Jennings is an alumni parent who took photos of the band during marching season and has DVD’s available for a suggested donation of $30, with all profits going to the band. The DVD’s contain approximately 4,000 photos.

BAND DIRECTOR REPORTS:

Mr. Maughmer: He is completing his third year with L.D. Bell and appreciates all the parents being here tonight. He is the percussion specialist and has been teaching for 20 years. He is working with the percussion students prepping them for marching auditions. There will be master classes at L.D. Bell to prepare the students for marching auditions.

Mr. Holt – He is coming upon his 8th year with L.D. Bell. Please make sure to get a copy of the August band calendar that is available at the meeting. Start encouraging your student now to exercise daily and practice good hydration and nutrition. This will help make August camp easier. If you go to the L.D. Bell Band website and click on the calendar, you will have an opportunity to save the Google calendar to your electronic device and all updates will be made for you.

Mr. Alstrin –He is the director of band 2 and is in charge of the brass during marching season. The good thing about marching band is that it is always changing and that is a good thing. Being involved in band at L.D. Bell is a great thing for the students – band is the biggest organization on campus and has some of the best kids in the school. Students have the ability to be involved in many different things on campus and the diversity is wonderful.

Mr. Mathews –Welcome to everyone and thank you for coming tonight! He is from Charleston, SC and was a Navy kid. After this year, he will have completed 24 years as a music educator. He moved to Texas in 1994. Sophomore parents: don’t be intimidated and stay the course. Encourage your kids to concentrate on finishing the year. The band is a great organization to be a part of and it is a safe place where everyone is family. We are fortunate, by virtue of our zip code, to come to L.D. Bell.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:24 p.m.