Annual Meeting Minutes - Phi Beta Mu - Illinois - January 28, 2011
The meeting was called to order at 11:30 a.m. by President Vromen.
Our special guest, Darcy Nendza, Executive Director of IMEA addressed the group.
Mrs. Nendza encouraged the membership to be presenters for the IMEA conference, reminding the members that the application date deadline will be March 1st. Please send comments, questions, or concerns to her at darcynendza@ilmea.org
Business Meeting
The 2010 minutes were read and approved by the members with the note made that we still need a brief biography for William Johnson (one of the 2010 Hall of Fame Award winners).
Financial Report
Charles Groeling, Executive Secretary submitted the 2010 Annual Financial Report. The year end balance was $6005.73. The membership summary shows 107 total members, a gain of 5 this year. Mr. Groeling mentioned that our organization is registered with IRS as a not for profit organization. The report was approved.
Outstanding Bandmaster Award and Hall of Fame Award Reports
Nominations were made, researched and accepted for both committees.
Web Page Report
Jon Springbrunn reported that there had been some problems with the web page, but that it was working fine now. He also mentioned that he would be willing to format and coordinate an E-newsletter. www.phibetamuxi.org
Old Business
E-newsletter had been discussed as a possibility at the last meeting, but no action was taken. Breck Hufnus suggested that a quarterly issue might be helpful with members sharing experiences and contributing articles. Mr. Springbrunn is willing to send out a quarterly issue, but he will need more membership contact. Dr. Vromen suggested that perhaps 5 members could contribute 2 tips each per issue. It was suggested that contributors be assigned rather than have members volunteer. Mr. Fansler suggested that a paper newsletter might be a welcomed relief from all of the email. Dr. Vromen suggested that it is good to store the newsletters on the website for all to refer back to, but that we do have enough money to also send out a hardcopy of the letter to the membership. The idea of using Facebook for our membership was also discussed.
Dr. Vromen also mentioned that we do have a balance right now and that he was looking for ideas as to how to put the money to good use and become more involved with IMEA. He suggested that the members might supply certificates for the 1st chairs in the honor groups or help pay for a clinician for the conference etc. He suggested
that this could be done by forming a committee. It was also suggested that our own members could serve as the clinicians.
New Business
Charles Groeling suggested that we start some kind of an idea bank full of unique teaching techniques to be shared. For instance: special curriculum, recruiting strategies, travel destinations or tips, fundraising ideas could be included. He is willing to put the publication together, so members can email attachments or hard copy ideas to Mr. Groeling. It was suggested that this might be an annual publication while our newsletter could come out quarterly.
Dr. Vromen added the membership list to the meeting agenda in hopes that the members could see for sure who is in the group when considering new members for nomination.
Election of Officers
Ann Lusher, chairman of the nominating committee, reported that there were no nominations for officers from the general membership, so the committee agreed to nominate the current slate of officers for another term.
The following slate of officers was elected for another term:
David Vromen - President
John Springbrunn - Vice President Laura Ramseyer - Recording Secretary
The meeting was adjourned for lunch at 12:15.
New members, Katrina Fitzpatrick, Anita Myles and Ross Kellan were initiated.
Outstanding Bandmaster Award was presented to Mr. Keith Schmink
Keith Schmink has been the director of bands at Pontiac Township High School since 1993. His bands have consistently received Superior ratings at IHSA organizational contest and he has had numerous students participate each year in the IMEA District and All-State festivals. The Symphonic Band has performed three times at Western Illinois University Showcase of Bands, has been selected for performance at the University of Illinois Band Contest, and was awarded with “Best in Class” awards at the Illinois State University Concert Band Contest in 2006 and 2007, and for their Festival Disney performance in 2007.
Mr. Schmink has been very active in IMEA. In the past he has hosted district auditions, judged district auditions and was Band Division Vice President of District 3. He has also served as the All-state wind and percussion audition chairperson. In 2007, Keith’s Symphonic Band was selected to perform at the IMEA All-State Convention.
Mr. Schmink has mentored over a dozen student teachers in his career and faithfully visits, assists, and mentors the directors from his feeder schools. Keith founded the Pontiac
Indian Showdown Marching Band Competition which continues to improve and draw in excellent bands from all over the state of Illinois.
Keith has hosted a wide variety of performing groups and clinicians at his school for his students to hear and to have a chance to visit with. Among the 23 most recent are Bradley University Band, ISU Wind Ensemble, ISU Marching Band, WIU Symphonic Band, The Chicago Youth Symphony, IWU Percussion Ensemble, Air Force Band of Mid America, United States Marine Band Albany, GA, Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser and Mark Camphouse. Most recently, Keith held his annual January concert band camp and brought in Frank Payton and Joe Manfredo to work with his bands.
Keith supports the Pontiac Municipal band as principal euphonium and occasional guest conductor. He also plays trumpet with the Vermillion Players pit orchestra and has recently started a tuba quartet that plays at various functions in the Pontiac area.
Before Pontiac, Keith taught in Lexington and Hamilton school districts. Mr. Schmink is a graduate of Illinois State University and the American Band College at Southern Oregon University. His professional affiliations include MENC, Phi Beta Mu, IAJE, MBA and ASBDA. Keith and his wife Diane have two daughters as well as two grandchildren.
Hall of Fame Award was presented to Mr. Ross Kellan
Ross Kellan was director of bands at Glenbard East High School from 1973 to 2006. During this time, the Glenbard East Bands achieved the highest performance levels. The groups performed at the Midwest Clinic and IMEA. Mr. Kellan began work at Elmhurst College where he has been a mentor and role model to many students and directors.
Dr. Vromen closed the meeting at 1:00 P.M.