TANTASQUA Music Association
Meeting Minutes
October 2, 2023
I. Welcome and Introductions
II. Overview of TMA: Primary focus is fundraising, Private Lesson program explained, 48% retention rate from 8th to 9th grade band, highest rate since 2017.
III. Treasurer’s Report and PLP update: Projected expenses presented. PLP packets should be given to show choir and to Julie Boyd, director. We could email packet, as show choir is an extracurricular activity, they don’t meet during school hours. PLP information to be put on website by Ed Boyce. Both Show Choirs have a FB page- gain access so TMA can post PLP. Also PLP is on student’s Google classrooms.
IV. Membership: Goal this year is to increase membership. We reduced rates in order to increase members. Discussion about whether membership could be done through school’s unipay. Goal is to make it as easy as possible for people to join. Discussed why some don’t join, misconceptions about TMA and ongoing financial/ volunteer needs of groups like show choir. Having “music” in the group name could be a barrier. Bringing back kids with buckets to fill at concerts. Members will reevaluate membership options at end of year. Business sponsors needed.
V. Fundraising Ideas: Meat raffle discussed and general feeling was this is a good idea to start working on. Members who have access to clubs will be key (Hamilton Rod and Gun CLub, American Legion, etc for a venue.) Other ideas for fundraising or general exposure/opportunities to play/perform included Old Sturbridge Village Christmas by Candlelight, Sturbridge Farmer’s market, Hitchcock Academy, Festival of Giving Trees where public can give donations. Holiday online raffle, mattress fundraiser, flowers art concerts and concessions discussed. Caroling for a fee fundraiser/ hire a group to do caroling for an event. Place to check for performance venue: Overlook. Committee will be formed for major fundraisers. Concerts: Principal doesn’t want concessions at every concert. Perhaps simple bottles of water at TMA table
VI. Other: Zoom option for member meetings.