DRAFT FORM Meeting Minutes for Monday 2018/6/11:      7:10 pm – 8:23 pm

 

RM Meeting Minutes for Monday 2018/05/14:      7:05 pm – 8:25 pm

​

Attendees:

Pam Loebach                    Nicole Sherlock, Instrumental Music 

Maizie Rocke                     Lindsay (Hein) Long, Choral Music

Aniko Albert                      Isabelle Olivos-Glander

Mike Stahl                         Janet Lawson    

 

Secretary’s Report:

Motion to approve the 3/12/20198 and 04/09/2018 Minutes was tabled to the next meeting.

 

President’s Report:

Restaurant Nights –

09/13/2017 – Villa Maya: Raised $440.

• 10/25/2017 - Chipotle, Aspen Hill: Raised $681, an increase over last year.

• 11/2017 - Jersey Mike’s/Sweet Frog: Unable to schedule this month.

• 01/22/2018 - Panera Bread: Raised $173.80.

• 02/22/2018 – Mamma Lucia, Federal Plaza: Raised $128.

• 03/21/2018 ; 04/04-05/2018 – Jersey Mike’s: Raised $50.

• 05/23/2018 – Villa Maya

 

Discussion over doing a June fundraiser included looking at Urban Bar-B-Que, Subway, California Tortilla, and perhaps Krispy Kreme for 06/15/2018, a half-day.

 

Tri-M Report: see Director’s Report by Lindsay Long

 

Treasurer's Report:

Isabelle Olivos-Glander informed attendees that additional costs this year for instrument repairs, CHARMS software, tax filings and a lower return from the Yankee Candle fundraiser reduced FORM’s targeted income.

 

FORM submitted its nonprofit information to Brass, Wind and Woodwind for reimbursement of the tax charge on the student trumpet invoice.

 

The July FORM fundraiser meeting should include initiating business sponsorships of the music department programs, spirit cups, and thoughts for increasing membership participation in FORM and for raising funds to cover scholarships, etc. for the 2019 Music Department New York trip.

 

The budget was reviewed as follows:

• Drum Major Scholarships: last year FORM covered two students in full at $1,100. Mrs. Sherlock wishes to send 6 additional students to participate in leadership training for the wind, brass and color guard sections, an increase of $300+. All classes are held in Westchester, MD. It was recommended that FORM offer to pay half the tuition across the board and review requests for additional support. Deb Stahl will look into the program’s cost.

• Possible costs from the Pot-Luck Banquet and awards are unknown at this time.

 

The bank account balance is $9,332.40.

FORM has 25 members to date including PayPal registrations.

​

Directors’ Reports:

Nicole Sherlock

She purchased 2 tuxedo jackets for $73.79 due to MCPS reimbursement (usually $90).

 

Their first Jazz Café on Friday, 05/04/2018, raised $1,800. Expenses were $200 to RHS Culinary program, $137 for ________________. $80 for reusable decorations, $300 to purchase fabric tablecloths for a net amount raised of $1,083.

 

The Jazz Café was held in the cafeteria and the response was very good; they had to set up additional tables. The Jazz Ensemble performed additional music as everyone was really enjoying their program – which was awesome.

 

There was only a normal announcement on RHS’s Morning Announcements. If it’s done through RamsNet, then Morning Announcements doesn’t do anything special. This program will need increased publicity next time.

 

Concert Orchestra received straight 1’s at State! They received many positive comments from judges and attendees.

 

Marching Band has been retooled for 2018-19 with additional staff been retained:

• Percussion – Terrell Smith, Nick Biosseau and Matt Bailey, who will also do the front ensemble

• Brass - Mike Stahl and Nate Reynolds

• Woodwinds – Deb Stahl

• Color Guard - Melissa Wilder

• Kevin Rouse, Wootton HS Band Director, will arrange the music and Drill

• Jessica Price, Wood MS, will choreograph and work on Drill

 

Mrs. Sherlock intends on increasing participation in competitions.

 

The participation fee will increase to $150 per student, with a decrease if 2 or more students in a family are in the Marching Band

 

At present, there are ~60 students indicating interest in Marching Band for 2018-19: 16 percussion, 10 Color Guard, 2 Drum Majors, plus others, which will place the group in a different division.

 

Lindsay Long

Tri-M paid for all 8 of the senior medallions from its account. Students are responsible for ordering their pink music Honors cord ($4). The group will need some additional fundraising next year to pay its $100 society membership fee.

 

They participated at the 29th Rockville Science Day on Sunday, 04/22/2018, at the Rockville Campus of Montgomery College. They enjoyed the program and presented several successful and well received hands-on activities. Participants made 150 harmonicas. Gabby Sanchez performed the National Anthem acapella during the Opening Ceremony.

 

Last RHS was able to host the 2-hour ArtSpeak! last Tuesday, 05/08/2018, in the auditorium when another school cancelled. Mark Smool runs the program that featured a panel discussion with Christina Pedi (host Sirius XM’s On Broadway channel), Bobby Smith (local musical theatre performer), and Natascia Diaz (local musical theatre performer). Attendees asked questions about their careers and enjoyed great performances. Radio Station FM 99.5 made an announcement that morning. Attendance increased to 70 over the previous 35 at the last event!

 

Chorus participant numbers have increased for 2018-19, which could support a Concert Chorus and an Honors Chorus. Mrs. Long spoke with Principal Billie-Jean Bensen and recommended that it remain one ensemble so that the new choral director will have an opportunity to develop the program.

 

Old/New Business:

Music Department Pot-Luck Banquet:

For the Pot-Luck Banquet, Mrs. Sherlock and Mrs. Long reviewed the Sign-Up Genius reservations and pot-luck items; they’ll request additional sides, salads and main dishes. The seniors decorate and prepare the slide show. There is no Semper Fidelis award this year, they will look at it for next year. They changed the 4-year student award plaque to a framed graphic of a music note composed of one-word descriptions of what their classmates admire about each senior; Ms. McKim printed the graphics on card stock.

​

FORM Officer Nomination Report for 2018-19:

Attendees discussed creating committees for the Fundraising, Music Department Trip, and Communications aspects of the organization.

 

The following have indicated interest in serving as FORM officers:

• Pam Loebach (president or vice president)

• Isabelle Olivos-Glander (treasurer)

• Maizie Rocke (secretary)

 

2018-19 Music Department Trip: New York City, NY, 03/30 – 04/02/2019

Mrs. Sherlock met with Brett Brett Taylor of CCIS Travel, the trip company. It will be an all-inclusive package at ~ $800-850 per person; 4 days/3 nights. They discussed the proposed itinerary as follows:

 

03/30/3019 – depart RHS 10am for 4 hour bus trip to New York; lunch on the bus

• Check into Hilton Heights, NJ (all breakfasts are covered in trip cost)

• Dinner and show in New York

03/31/2019 – 9-11 Museum, lunch at Planet Hollywood

• Jazz Ensemble performance aboard the US INTREPID

• Dinner in Times Square

04/01/2019 – Music Clinic for the Band, Choir and Orchestra with Dr. Peter Loel Boonshaft of Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY

• Lunch in New York City

• Radio City Music Hall

04/02/2019 – Statute of Liberty

• Tip of the Rock Observatory versus Empire State Building

• Lunch; return to RHS

 

Meeting Adjourned 8:25 pm.

Next meeting is on Monday, 06/11/2018, 7pm

​

​

​

DRAFT FORM Meeting Minutes for Monday 2018/04/09:      7:11 pm – 8:11 pm

 

Attendees:

Pam Loebach                    Nicole Sherlock, Instrumental Music  

Maizie Rocke                     Lindsay (Hein) Long, Choral Music

Aniko Albert                      Isabelle Olivos-Glander

Deb Stahl                                            

 

Secretary’s Report:

Motion to approve the 3/12/2018 Minutes was tabled to the next meeting.

 

2018-19 Music Department Trip:

​

President’s Report:

Restaurant Nights –

09/13/2017 – Villa Maya: Raised $440.

• 10/25/2017 - Chipotle, Aspen Hill: Raised $681, an increase over last year.

• 11/2017 - Jersey Mike’s/Sweet Frog: Unable to schedule this month.

• 01/22/2018 - Panera Bread: Raised $173.80.

• 02/22/2018 – Mamma Lucia, Federal Plaza: Raised $128.

• 03/21/2018 –Jersey Mike’s

• 04/2018 – Chipotle declined since it changed its policy to once/year; Will do Jersey Mike’s again

• 05/2018 – Villa Maya

 

RHS approved Jersey Mike’s fliers for posting and distribution by students. Patrons must show a flier.

 

Pam will confirm Villa Maya. They donated food for the musical, and both festivals. She will pull the flier used for the musical program to include in the spring concert programs.

 

She will also look at Chick-Fil-A. Someone already did Krispy Kreme Donuts. They had patrons pre-order, picked them up, and distributed before and after school except not on Tues., Wed. or Thurs. as the afterschool buses departure timing  doesn’t permit patrons to pick-up.

​

Mrs. Sherlock wishes to have a Marching Band fundraiser over the summer since their expenses will be increasing next year. She expects to need $1,500-2,000.

 

Tri-M Report: see Director’s Report by Lindsay Long

 

Treasurer's Report:

Isabelle Olivos-Glander informed attendees that the family has not yet paid the sales tax for the student Brass, Wind and Woodwind trumpet invoice. The federal 990 application fee to reinstate FORM was $275 plus this year’s filing fee of $39.95. State Property tax filing is due in April. Pam will send Isabelle information on how to submit.

 

FORM received a donation check from the PTA for $100. PayPal has $242 in the account from December for a $150 donation and recurring membership renewal payments.

 

The bank account balance is $12,909.86.

FORM has 25 members to date including PayPal registrations.

 

Directors’ Reports:

Nicole Sherlock

MCPS will not reimburse RHS for repairs to the Cellos, etc. from the Central Facilities system failure. Lashoff’s did the repairs for $722. MCPS’s repairmen were back again today and are still working on temperature and humidity problems. Mr. David Strough will submit work orders pro-actively to keep on top of this problem. The rH was 17-20% but should be 45+% and she’s requested a humidifier.

 

The CHARM software has been activated. She will make it a student assignment for them and their families to enter their data.

 

Her student enrollment numbers are good for 2018-19 and she will keep all the current classes.

​

The music for the 2018-19 Marching Band performance has been selected. She is changing the type of show and will be increasing instructors and student enrollment. She may need to order additional uniforms and the color guard uniform design has not been finalized. In May they will have:

• Drum Major Auditions

• Section Leader Auditions

• The Drum Line will practice on Wednesdays during the month and instructor Tyrell Smith will help Sean Brown learn the position

• Earle B. Wood

 

She is looking at the following for the summer band camp:

• Drum Major Scholarships – two students

• Leadership team of Guard, Percussion, Brass and Woodwind Captains clinic– six students

 

Deb Stahl will look into information regarding the summer band camp program and costs.

 

She’d like to do the spirit cup fundraiser in the Fall.

 

FORM will have a July fundraising meeting.

 

Lindsay Long

Tri-M will participate at the 29th Rockville Science Day on Sunday, 04/22/2018, at the Rockville Campus of Montgomery College. In addition to being part of the Opening Ceremony at 1pm, they are an exhibitor and will demonstrate and offer hands-on activities for visitors including make a kazoo and how different materials and quantities change sound production.

 

The Middle School Choral Festival Part B will be held at RHS on 04/20/2018 since they were only able to complete half of the program due to snow.

 

Mrs. Long has received news that the Choral & Instrumental (guitar and piano) position at RHS has been reinstated to full-time. RHS has been interviewing for a new choral instructor. The student enrollment class numbers look good for 2018-19. She spoke with Principal Bensen about maintain the choir as one ensemble, 2 guitar and 2 piano classes so the new person can determine how they wish to proceed.

​

She has tabled her choral uniform concerns for the new hire to determine. Students may purchase their uniforms or borrow them from RHS as there appears to be sufficient quantity for this.

 

Upcoming schedule:

04/19/2018 – Jazz Ensemble & Choral Concert in the RHS Auditorium

04/20/2018 – Middle School Choral Festival Part B at RHS

04/22/2018 – Rockville Science Day at Rockville Campus of Montgomery College

04/23/2018 – Orchestra attends the State Festival

04/25/2018 – Montgomery County Youth Choir (MCYC) afterschool auditions will be held at RHS from 4:45 pm-8:45 pm to select students for the 2018-19 program. Northwest High School will handle this program for 2018-19 school year.

04/26/2018 – Band and Orchestra Concert in the RHS Auditorium

05/01/2018 – Jazz Ensemble performs at the MCPS Superintendent’s program

05/04/2018 – inaugural Jazz Café with desserts provided by the RHS culinary class; tickets are $10 and are available from student members or online from the Rockville Music Department website (RockvilleMusic.org); $15 at the door. Mrs. Long will update the Facebook and Twitter accounts. MCPS Print Shop will print tickets and posters, supplies and Building Services will also incur a fee.

05/17/2018 – Music Department Pot-Luck in the Cafeteria via Sing-Up Genius (Pam Loebach will set -up)

05/30/2018 – Graduation rehearsal

05/31/2018 – Graduation

 

Philip Barnes created automatic ordering of the awards for the annual Music Department Pot-Luck.

 

Meeting Adjourned 8:11 pm.

Next meeting is on Monday, 05/14/2018, 7pm

​

​

​

DRAFT FORM Meeting Minutes for Monday 2018/03/12:      7:10 pm – 8:32 pm

​

Attendees:

Pam Loebach                    Nicole Sherlock, Instrumental Music  

Maizie Rocke                     Lindsay (Hein) Long, Choral Music

Maureen Blassou             Aniko Albert

Mike Stahl                         Isabelle Olivos-Glander

Janet Lawson                    

​

Secretary’s Report:

Motion to approve the 12/11/2017 and 02/12/2018 Minutes as amended were seconded and passed unanimously.

 

2018-19 Music Department Trip:

Nicole Sherlock had lunch last week with Brett Taylor of CCIS Travel, the trip company. They discussed several possibilities and she is looking at New York City, NY, for a 3-day/3-night trip around 04/5-12/2019 or during part of Spring Break.

 

Instead of doing a festival or like event, she is looking at having Peter Loel Boonshaft, Ph.D., Professor Music, do a workshop(s) with students. She has worked with him several times.

​

See: https://nafme.org/dr-peter-loel-boonshaft-to-lead-exciting-band-directors-academy-in-nashville/ [will not print here]

​

Performing at Carnegie Hall costs ~$150/student. They could also tour NBC Studios, see a performance, perhaps have the Jazz Ensemble perform aboard a ship, etc. Brett is preparing possible itineraries and costs.

 

President’s Report:

FORM is not able to do another catalog fundraiser this semester. The nut one’s dates were not usable. It will look at the snacks and nuts and other offerings for the 2018-19 academic year. If catalog does not include capture of the Maryland State 6% Sales Tax, the FORM will look into adding a label, etc. to correct this. FORM has picked up the tax in prior years when this has happened.

 

The Music Banquet is scheduled for 05/17/2018 in the cafeteria for any student who participated in the music program and their families. Parents will be asked to sign-up for the pot-luck event. Tri-M and/or the senior class will do the decoration, which are stored in the closet, and prepare the slide show. Seniors need to complete their biography sheet. Awards are purchased from Gaithersburg Awards and other awards come from different organizations. Students participating in the music program all 4 years receive a plaque or trophy. Marching Band awards are given out separately at their banquet.

 

In regards to paying for the instrument damages that occurred when MCPS Central Facility’s climate control failed, Mr. David Stough, RHS Business Administrator, will ask Principal Billie-Jean Bensen to cover the cost.

 

Vice President’s Report:

Restaurant Nights –

09/13/2017 – Villa Maya: Raised $440.

• 10/25/2017 - Chipotle, Aspen Hill: Raised $681, an increase over last year.

• 11/2017 - Jersey Mike’s/Sweet Frog: Unable to schedule this month.

• 01/22/2018 - Panera Bread: Raised $173.80.

• 02/22/2018 – Mamma Lucia, Federal Plaza.

• 03/21/2018 –Jersey Mike’s

• 04/2018 – Changed to Chipotle.

• 05/2018 – Villa Maya moved to May to take advantage of their outdoor seating.

 

RHS approved Jersey Mike’s fliers for posting and distribution by students. Patrons must show a flier.

​

Tri-M Report: see Director’s Report by Lindsay Long

​

Treasurer's Report:

Isabelle Olivos-Glander informed attendees that the Brass, Wind and Woodwind invoice for the student trumpet and CHARMS software bills were paid.

 

The federal tax form 990 that she submitted via email was rejected. The IRS indicated that FORM had not filed for the last three years. FORM needs to update the filings and payments in order to be reinstated; Penalties & Interest estimated to be ~$600. Form 1023 EZ will be completed.

 

Mr. Stough informed Mrs. Sherlock that FORM will not be able to use RHS’ Sales Tax Exemption certificate. Pam Loebach will research rectifying this matter.

 

Pam will also provide Isabelle information for the April filing of the Maryland Personal Property tax form.

 

The bank account balance is $12,956.86.

 

FORM has 25 members to date including PayPal registrations.

 

Directors’ Reports:

Nicole Sherlock

The Orchestra Festival was held on 03/08/2018 at Walt Whitman HS and RHS performed at Noon. RHS’s Symphonic Band received straight 1s at Grade 4 Level; the group hasn’t been at this level for many years. She will supply a CD of their performance if a parent requests one. RHS will play some of the music in the hallways and on the Morning Announcements for students and faculty to hear. They will go to State on Mon., 04/23/2018.

 

Orchestra State competition on 04/23/2018; RHS is scheduled to perform in the afternoon. This is on the same day as the evening RHS Spring Concert. The group will perform for both events.

 

The Band Festival is on 03/15/2018 at Quince Orchard HS; RHS performs at 12:15 pm. Students plan on participating in the RHS Student Walk-out during lunch in the gymnasium in support of reducing gun violence on 03/14/2018. The walk-out may hinder student sit-ins practices/meeting during lunch.

​

Villa Maya has donated student lunches for both festivals. Parents have volunteers to pick-up the orders. FORM and Mrs. Sherlock thanks both of these for their support since students would not be able to stop for lunch and be back at school in time in order to meet the bus’s schedule. FORM will include Villa Maya acknowledgement in their spring concert programs and at the Jazz Ensemble Dessert Café.

 

The Jazz Ensemble is partnering with RHS’s Culinary Department to present a Dessert Café on 05/04/2018. It will be about a 1.5-2 hour program.

 

Graduation is scheduled for 05/31/2018.

 

Marching Band is gearing up for: to be scheduled after Spring Break

• Drum Major Auditions

• Section Leader Auditions

• Earle B. Wood

• RHS Mulch Sale under direction of Mr. Hays – Mrs. Sherlock will inform students as this program provides Marching Band funds, on-line sign-up, and permission forms, etc.

 

Lindsay Long

Tri-M is registered to participate at the 29th Rockville Science Day on Sunday, 04/22/2018, at the Rockville Campus of Montgomery College. In addition to being part of the Opening Ceremony at 1pm, they are an exhibitor and will demonstrate and offer hands-on activities for visitors.

 

March is Music in Our Schools Month. Plans are to have a banner in the hallways each week, performances and music as part of the Morning Announcements. They were not able to rectify the tee-shirt problems to be able to offer a Tri-M tee this year.

 

Chorus received all 2’s, an Excellent Rating at the Choral Festival held on 03/06/07/2018 at Wheaton High School. She thought this was the best they had performed over her three years at RHS. They are still a little weak in sight-reading.

 

She did need to order an additional 3 dresses for Chorus. Because of the time constraints, she put them on her credit card and will provide FORM a receipt for reimbursement.

 

The Middle School Choral Festival will be held at RHS and will extend beyond to afterschool to accommodate all the groups. She needs students to help, including after school.

 

The spring musical, SPAMALOT, involves many music department students. This week is Tech Week, Since students are working so late, the students paid $35 each to cover the cost of dinner and a tee-shirt. Villa Maya also donated one night’s dinner for these students. The show will be on 03/16-18/2018: Friday and Saturday at 7pm and 2pm on Sunday.

 

Chorus is work-shopping two of composer Steven Jacksons’ new works. They will help him determine any changes he may make to his final works. RHS will receive the music without charge. They plan to perform one or both works at the Spring Concert.

 

Attendees began discussing the idea of asking MCPS to offer a .5 Physical Education credit for participants in programs considered ‘Varsity Sports’, which includes Marching Band. With many RHS students participating in advance classes such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB), this would free up one class period during school hours. Many students in the Music Department have complained about not being able to take music classes because of other class credit requirements. This may be an advocacy item. If FORM pursues this request, it should include sport participant familie s as they are also affected.

 

Students can take the required .5 credit for Health over the summer at a $300 fee. RHS may offer a reduced price for its students to do the summer Health class.

 

Music Department Sit-Ins are permitted if the student maintains their classwork and program guidelines. It has been discussed that IB students may be misled when they are informed that they can continue in the music program all 4 years; however, in practicality they find the class schedules do not give them the chance to do so. IB students also receive no transcript recognition of their participation.

 

Mrs. Sherlock conveyed a contract to Ms. Ainsworth, RHS’s IB coordinator so that they know what the requirements are to be a sit-in and what their instructor needs to do to make this happen.

 

Mrs. Long was just informed that MCPS has reduced the Choral & Instrumental (guitar and piano) position at RHS from full time to .6, cutting two class periods. She is looking into why as the student numbers look good and MCPS is doing this at other schools as well. If this is not resolved, FORM may advocate the restoration of all music affected programs since they are important to student success, knowledge and experience. This would return RHS’s position to staffing classes at RHS in the mornings and Wood MS in the afternoon, which she did for 2 years. This interferes with being available to students and for afterschool programming.

 

Blake HS had cut the hours of one band director who has been there for 14 years to .8. She learned today that the position was reinstated in full and that a petition signed by 1,500 parents had been submitted prior to this decision requesting reinstatement.

 

Damascus HS’s choral instructor was also cut to .8. They are combining their top two choirs to accommodate for the class losses.

 

Wood MS’s position is also important as it is a pipeline for students to continue in all area of the Music Department at RHS. FORM will encourage Wood parents to support strengthening the music programs at both Wood and RHS. Wood MS’s Ms. Burrs is doing a great job with the choral program.

 

RHS will lose 4 full-time instructors.

 

Mrs. Long informed FORM that she will not be returning next year as she will be joining her husband in Virginia. Commuting to Rockville is not possible. She let her students know of this decision last week. She would like to see the next instructor continue to build the program and that would be more available to students in the afternoons.

 

FORM expressed dismay and thanked her for being part of the RHS family these last 3 years.

​

Meeting Adjourned 8:32 pm.

Next meeting is on Monday, 05/14/2018, 7pm

​

​

​

DRAFT FORM Meeting Minutes for Monday 2018/02/12:      7:05 pm – 8:25 pm

 

Attendees:

Pam Loebach                    Nicole Sherlock, Instrumental Music  

Maizie Rocke                     Lindsay (Hein) Long, Choral Music

Maureen Blassou            

Isabelle Olivos-Glander

Janet Lawson                    

 

Secretary’s Report:

Motion to approve the 01/22/2018 Minutes as amended were seconded and passed unanimously.

Send comments on the attached 12/11/2017 draft Minutes to [secretary].

 

2018-19 Music Department Trip:

Nicole Sherlock has been speaking with Brett Taylor, who is with the trip company, to discuss possibilities. They looked as Canada, New York City, NY or Boston, MA. Canada was dismissed because of passport requirements. At present, MCPS have scheduled a 3-day Spring Break in 2019. Mr. Taylor is working on itineraries. She will schedule a mandatory parent and student meeting when ready.

 

President’s Report:

Pam Loebach will bring the nuts catalog to the next meeting. All items are $8.00. She’ll find out about whether sales tax is included in the catalog or will FORM need to add it. This fundraiser offers 50%.

 

The By-Laws were reviewed. Please submit items for the Agenda 10 days before the meeting. The Agenda should be emailed to members a week before the meeting. Draft Minutes should be emailed to members 10 days after the meeting for review and comment. The By-Laws also indicates both the president and treasurer should sign checks. This will be implemented.

 

Vice President’s Report:

Restaurant Nights –

09/13/2017 – Villa Maya: Raised $440.

• 10/25/2017 - Chipotle, Aspen Hill: Raised $681, an increase over last year.

• 11/2017 - Jersey Mike’s/Sweet Frog: Unable to schedule this month.

• 01/22/2018 - Panera Bread: Raised $173.80.

• 02/22/2018 – Mamma Lucia, Federal Plaza.

• 03/2018 – Changed to Jersey Mike’s & Sweet Frog, Congressional Mall. Spring Break is the last week of March.

• 04/2018 – Changed to Chipotle.

• 05/2018 – Villa Maya moved to May to take advantage of their outdoor seating.

 

Maureen Blassou confirmed the Mamma Lucia date for 02/22/2018 at Federal Plaza from 4-9 pm. FORM receives 20%; patrons must use the flier and carry-out also qualifies. Pam Loebach will submit the flier to Monica Abuliak, RHS Assistant Principal, for approval to post at RHS. The fliers will be passed out to students at the Cluster Concert on 02/14/2018. Lindsay Long will have students post fliers in the school’s hallways and will announce it at the concert.

 

Tri-M Report: see Director’s Report by Lindsay Long

 

Treasurer's Report:

Isabelle Olivos-Glander indicated that the Bake Sale at Cluster Concert on 02/08/2018 earned $205.33.

 

Mrs. Sherlock spoke with David Stough, RHS Business Administrator, about the Sales Tax Exemption. If FORM is unable to obtain its certificate, it may be able to go under RHS’ when placing orders for students.

 

Isabelle will provide Mrs. Sherlock with the information necessary for her to order the CHARMS software. Mrs. Sherlock will have students and parents enter their information.

 

Tracy from Premium Gold contacted FORM about their discount card fundraisers. They will provide more information.

 

She filed the second half of 2017 MD Sales Tax. The Exempt Form for Charitable Organizations will be filed this week. Pam Loebach will provide her with information about the Personal Property Tax form that is due in April.

 

The bank account balance is $12,811.49.

​

FORM has 25 members to date including PayPal registrations.

 

Directors’ Reports:

Nicole Sherlock

Most of MCPS buildings are centrally controlled by Central Facilities. Mrs. Sherlock informed them that she was not able to maintain a constant temperature in her area because students kept changing the thermostat. Central Facilities usually controls this but RHS is one of a few schools that are not completely integrated. Building Services came and installed lock boxes over the thermostats. She spoke to them at this time about the fluctuations in temperature and humidity (both are critical to maintaining instruments) and showed them the hydrometer readings indicating this.

 

Central Facilities then had a system-wide failure over the ML King Holiday that affected many schools shortly after Building Services had visited. Her hydrometer readings showed that her area was as low as 46 degrees with a rH (relative humidity) of 16%. This is disastrous for instruments. She found significant damage to the stringed instruments and new drum heads and called MCPS to inquire about insurance after incurring $800 in instrument repairs.

 

MCPS indicated that there is no insurance and would not pay for the repairs. All of the cellos and one of the upright bases had to be re-glued. The new drum heads, which students had thankfully removed before leaving for the break or the damage would have been much worse, have small breaks. The failure affected MCPS owned instruments and potentially instruments owned or rented by students. She expects to find additional instruments compromised in the future as they were exposed to this event.

 

She informed MCPS and RHS that she had spoken to MCPS about the area’s condition prior to MCPS’s system failure and had hydrometer data documenting this as the instrument maintains a history of its measurements and is part of the school’s equipment. MCPS replied that the hydrometer readings could not be relied upon because they could not verify that the instrument had not been moved off premises.

 

This matter has affected other schools. FORM will look into this as part of its advocacy function.

The Cluster Concert was rescheduled to 7 pm Wednesday, 02/14/2018, due to inclement weather. She will include inclement weather dates on the student calendar in the future so parents are better prepared. The program is 50 minutes long and will not have an intermission. The RHS Ambassadors will need to be reminded to inform attendees that no food or drink is allowed in the auditorium. Elementary and middle school students will meet in the cafeteria and will have chairs with their names on them; Jazz Ensemble students will monitor them. High school and advanced middle school students will meet in the music room. Students will set-up afterschool and all students are due back at RHS at 6 pm. Helpers and FORM will arrive at 5:30 pm to set-up for the Bake Sale.

 

There are 50 Marching Band uniforms and 34 members, two are graduating. They may add 10-15 more students next year and may need to order additional uniforms. The Color Guard uniform design needs to be modified as some of its elements were not conducive to the full range of motion needed.

 

The Orchestra Festival is on 03/08/2018 at Walt Whitman HS; RHS performs at Noon.

The Band Festival is on 03/15/2018 at Quince Orchard HS; RHS performs at 12:15 pm.

​

MCPS has made 10 buses available for field trips between 9:30 am – 1:30 pm since the cost of renting buses has become prohibitive. They are available on a first come-first serve basis to schools with a high FARMS rate (RHS qualifies). MCPS provides a ½ day of professional leave for Festivals so no substitutes will be needed. Substitutes are needed if the instructor is out for more than a ½ day.

 

Lindsay Long

Tri-M sold out of their Valentine’s Day Music Grams. These will be delivered 02/14-15/2018. She emailed instructors so that they can opt out for delivery if they do not wish their class to be interrupted. Tri-M offered 10 songs in their selection, including Happy Birthday. This year, recipients also received two Hershey’s Kisses candies as well as a card from the sender and the performance.

 

The tee-shirt design was sent to the manufacturer but the art needs to be submitted in another format. Tri-M will offer short sleeves tees for $12 and hoodies for $25 in March, which is Music in Our Schools Month.

 

There was money remaining in her Instrumental Fund that she used to purchase new keyboards, guitars and strings for this year. Many were damaged when the Central Facilities climate control failed.

 

RHS Music Department is able to accept donations of musical instruments and accessories or can post items for sale by students, which they will develop a procedure for this.

 

Chorus has several sit-in students who could not take the class when it was offered. She may need to purchase an additional 3 dresses.

 

Motion to purchase up to three choral dresses ($60/each), if needed, was seconded and passed unanimously.

 

Choral Festival is 03/06/07/2018 at Wheaton High School. She has applied for a MCPS field trip bus.

 

Meeting Adjourned 8:25 pm.

Next meeting is on Monday, 03/12/2018, 7pm

​

​

​

FORM Meeting Minutes for Monday 2018/01/22:   7:15 pm – 8:15 pm

 

Attendees:

Pam Loebach                    Lindsay (Hine) Long, Choral Music

Maizie Rocke                     Isabelle Olivos-Glander

Maureen Blassou             Aniko Albert

Janet Lawson                                    

 

Secretary’s Report:

The January meeting was held 01/22/2018 at the Panera Bread fundraiser since MCPS closed schools due to inclement weather on its regularly scheduled meeting date of 01/09/2018.

 

December draft Minutes tabled and will be reviewed via email.

 

President’s Report:

The RHS Music Department’s voice mail has been changed for Nicole Sherlock and Lindsay Long.

Mrs. Sherlock now controls the FORM website and student Alex Rankine will be helping to update and maintain it.

 

New Business: Music Department 2019 Trip

Mrs. Nicole Sherlock met with Brett, who helped plan the 2017 Orlando trip to discuss traveling north to New York or Boston, etc., for a festival or competition. This would reduce the trip cost. MCPS hasn’t released its school schedule for 2018-19 (marking periods, testing, etc.). RHS Principal Billie-Jean Bensen will need to approve the dates first. Substitutes will be needed to cover classes.

 

Vice President’s Report:

Restaurant Nights –

09/13/2017 – Villa Maya: Raised $440.

• 10/25/2017 - Chipotle, Aspen Hill: Raised $681, an increase over last year.

• 11/2017 - Jersey Mike’s/Sweet Frog: Unable to schedule this month.

• 01/22/2018 - Panera Bread – Maureen Blassou

• 02/15 or 22?/2018 – Momma Lucia, Federal Plaza

• 03/2018 – Changed to Jersey Mike’s & Sweet Frog, Congressional Mall. Spring Break is the last week of March.

• 04/2018 – Changed to Chipotle

• 05/2018 – Villa Maya moved to May to take advantage of their outdoor seating.

 

Pam Loebach and Maureen Blassou will schedule the remaining restaurant nights. FORM should look at other restaurants such as Ledo Pizza and California Tortilla for the next school year.

 

The next Cluster Concert is on 02/08/2018. A lot of food and drink items remain in the FORM cabinet that should be used; FORM should only request some baked goods. It was suggested to add a raffle basket of spirit wear or another theme.

 

FORM hasn’t conducted a donation fundraiser yet this year since they didn’t do the Giving Tuesday one because of no email access. Purchasing the CHARMS software corrects this problem. The Giving Tuesday campaign will be placed on the June Agenda.

 

Lindsay Long indicated that Mrs. Sherlock still wishes to have FORM add a sponsorship fundraiser program.

 

Tri-M Report: see Director’s Report by Lindsay Long

 

Treasurer's Report:

Isabelle Olivos-Glander indicated that the profit from the Choral Cluster Concert Bake Sale was $205.

 

She has not yet ordered the CHARMS software yet as RHS has to complete the trial period, which has been extended. FORM paid the sales taxes for Yankee Candle catalog sales (online orders automatically included sales tax). FORM needs to amend how they handle such in the future to include the sales tax.

 

Some other fundraisers to review include:

• Candy & Nuts: all items in the catalog are $8 each with FORM earning 40-50% of sales

• Tumblers: need further information; perhaps do for a fall 2018 campaign

 

Adding an instrument purchase program for music department students was discussed. This could be a great benefit to extend to FORM members or procure for a fee. FORM is able to order instruments at a discount that is passed through to the student who will supply FORM with the funds.

​

FORM will discuss a procedure for this, perhaps extending the benefit to Wood Middle School and other Cluster Schools since Wood students are currently permitted to be part of the RHS Marching Band program to further encourage the pipeline of upcoming students. FORM has been qualified by the company and is purchasing a trumpet for a student, which will serve as a test to see how this program can be best implemented.

 

Isabelle conformed that FORM does not have a Maryland Sales Tax Exemption Card pursuant to FORM’s initial filing in 2009. She will follow up on this to see if it can be acquired.

 

She is still putting together all the duties and filing requirements for the treasurer’s position. She discovered that the first half of 2017 sales taxes were not paid and has submitted them; there were no penalties because there was no tax due. She’s working on submission for the second part of 2017 as well as the Maryland Charitable Organization form and federal Form 990.

 

The bank account balance is $12,811.49.

 

FORM has 25 members to date including PayPal registrations.

 

Directors’ Reports:

Lindsay Long for Mrs. Sherlock

Mrs. Sherlock was unable to attend tonight.

 

She is looking to take the Symphonic Band and Symphonic Orchestra to Festival. In the past, Philip Barnes took three groups to Festival because one was at RHS. This year, the Choral Festival will be hosted by RHS.

 

Lindsay Long

Lindsay married over the Winter break and is still working out her living arrangements.

 

Tri-M will be doing its Valentine’s Day Music Grams for the second year. Their tee-shirt design is completed and they plan to offer it for sale as their fundraiser in February. They may be exhibiting at the 29th Rockville Science Day on 04/22/2018. They or others from the Music Department are able to do the Opening Ceremony, National Anthem, etc. The group Neon Rain may also be able to participate.

 

Choral Festival is 03/06 or 07/2018. This year, the students were involved in selecting both of their presentations. She may have them do the same for their Spring Concert. RHS will host the Middle School Choral Festival on 03/30/2018.

 

The Chorus class has changed this semester with the gain/loss of some students but in all there is not a high turn-over.

 

For those unable to take the class, Sit-Ins will be held on Thursdays during lunch and they will attend the Chorus class every two weeks. Sit-In students must keep up their classwork.

 

The Spring Musical has been cast and the Pit Orchestra has begun.

 

Meeting Adjourned 8:15 pm.

Next meeting is on Monday, 02/12/2018, 7pm

 

​

​