Syracuse University Brass Ensemble Board Committee

Meeting Minutes: April 28, 2009

King David's Restaurant

Attendees

Craig Elwood, Rob Enslin, Jim Greenwald, Charlotte Hill, Mary Kasprzyk, John McDivitt, Jim Spencer, Michael Sponsler, and Tom Quirk

Absentees

None

Proceedings

Meeting called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Michael Sponsler, committee chair

• Jim led a discussion about the SU Showcase and Le Moyne performances
• Feedback was good about both performances
• Jim is reminded to return "On Green Dolphin Street" score/parts to Lisa Peters at Le Moyne
• First trombone folder was lost after Le Moyne gig; people are encouraged to double-check their cases and belongings
• Rob said that he placed several calls to Loretto about inviting senior citizens to SU Showcase and next year's Palace Theatre gigs, but they were not returned
• John recommended calling Loretto's Ann Barnes, with whom he has played tennis
• Discussion ensued about SUBE participating in next year's Syracuse International Film Festival
• Commission or premiere original music
• Perform an intermezzo or short concert at one of the events
• Use Palace Theatre gig to publicize festival appearance
• Jim discussed upcoming convocation and commencement services
• Mentioned need for increased security and limited Dome access at SU due to Vice President Biden's appearance
• SU will provide a lock-and-secure facility
• Several compliments regarding recent publicity
• Charlotte relinquished her role as treasure, in light of her departure
• Rob was unanimously voted to replace her
• Rob requested that the account be switched to his bank (HSBC) but that it retain joint-signature status
• Balance is $689.64, as of meeting
• SUBE finances led to spirited discussion about marketing and merchandise
• Hill Communications, SU's student-led PR firm, is considering SUBE as a 2009-10 client; Hill will make decision in August
• We should upload clips to YouTube and tracks to iTunes and other online music stores
• We should offer inexpensive "memberships," entitling people to free or discounted tracks, concert tickets, and SUBE merchandise
• We should overhaul website
• We should commit to sending e-blasts before and after concerts with fundraising appeal (e.g., $5 to keep these performances alive)
• Craig discussed the importance of partnering with like-minded organizations and/or performing at venues with built-in audiences or performing arts series
• Rob mentioned possibility of joint holiday concert at DeWitt Community Church (e.g., Rutter "Gloria")
• Craig lobbied for four distinct programs of music throughout season to maintain spark among players and listeners
• Fall (i.e., Jefferson Community College)
• Holiday (i.e., Holidays at Hendricks)
• Film (i.e., Palace Theatre)
• Spring/Summer (i.e., Fourth of July)

Action Steps

• Mary will contact Owen Shapiro about SUBE participating at SYRFILMFEST '10
• Rob will contact John's friend at Loretto about possible partnerships
• Rob will assume role as SUBE treasurer and transfer account to HSBC
• Jim and Mary will choose 10-12 tracks that the latter will be paid to edit and then upload
• Rob will do an audience survey through SurveyMonkey to assess taste, price, repertoire, etc.
• Rob will explore DCC gig

Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Rob Enslin.