NORTHWEST CHORAL SOCIETY
MEETING MINUTES
October 11, 2011
CALL TO ORDER:
The October 2011 Board Meeting of the Northwest Choral Society was held at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 1095 Dempster/Thacker, Des Plaines, IL. The meeting was called to order at 6:42 PM by NWCS board president Penny Perles. The following board members were present:
Noreen LaValle Penny Perles
David Martin Chris Stukel
Mary Jane Matecki Diane Szuberla
Candy Mealer Ruta Veitmanis
John Morrison
Also present: Alan Wellman, Artistic Director
Lori Lyn Mackie, Collaborative Pianist
MEETING MINUTES:
The meeting minutes of the September 13, 2011 board meeting were reviewed. One correction was needed. Under Development Committee, the first sentence should read: “Mary Jane Matecki stated that the Yankee Candle fundraiser will run concurrently with the Ad campaign.” Candy Mealer made a motion to accept the corrected minutes. The motion was seconded by Diane Szuberla. The motion passed.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
September’s treasurer’s report was not ready for review this evening. It will be reviewed at the next board meeting.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY:
Candy Mealer reported on several activities in Des Plaines where we could set up a booth to publicize our group:
Taste of Des Plaines in July: There is a fee of $300.00 and we would have to participate the entire time the Taste runs.
Fall Festival in October: We can choose the days we wish to participate.
Do the Dewey: One evening at the Des Plaines library. This was recommended by David Martin.
Chris Stukel is preparing a brochure about us for perspective members. Alan Wellman suggested that we include a CD of us singing.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR:
Alan has secured all the musicians for the December concerts.
In reading the suggestions from the focus groups regarding updating of our Mission/Vision statement, Alan recommended that we participate in service projects in the communities in which our members live and from which we draw our audiences. For example, many area churches, synagogues and community centers provide shelter and food for the homeless in our area. We could help serve food in the food kitchen and then sing while the people are eating. These service activities would give us added exposure and also show that we are not just another singing group, but also have an investment in our communities. The entire group would not have to participate at the same time. We could participate in small groups as our schedules permit.
PROMOTIONS:
Diane Szuberla stated that Karen Pelletiere will update our Facebook page for the December concerts.
Mary Jane Matecki will start on the program notes.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE:
Chris Stukel will begin organizing a holiday party for the Tuesday after the December concerts. On past occasions, Little Villa restaurant seems to have worked out best for us.
SUNSHINE COMMITTEE:
Penny Perles thanked Jonna Guendling for the flowers and cards she sent to Mary Jane Matecki and Candy Mealer.
OLD BUSINESS:
Alan will make a presentation to the membership about the World Choir Games next July. He will present several options of activities depending on the number of days members can attend.
Board members decided not to change the date of our board meetings at this time. Since all voice sections are about equally represented on the board, some members would always have a longer evening, depending on which group was having a sectional that evening.
We will ask our December concert audience to fill out a questionnaire.
Chorus member Rita Szopinski suggested that we recruit members from area colleges. Penny asked her to compile a list of names and addresses where we could send our brochures.
NEW BUSINESS:
Since we can no longer find a place to buy additional white crewneck blouses for the women’s concert attire, Penny will ask for volunteers for a committee to look into new attire for the women.
Penny asked for volunteers to attend the monthly meetings of the Des Plaines Arts Council, second Tuesday of each month, 7:30 AM, at the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce office, 1401 Oakton Ave.
NEXT MEETING:
Our next Board Meeting will be November 8th, 6:30 PM, before rehearsal at St. Martin’s.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Board Meeting was adjourned at 7:18 PM by a motion from Noreen LaValle and a second from Candy Mealer. The motion passed.
Ruta Veitmanis
Recording Secretary
Northwest Choral Society