BENET MUSIC PARENTS ORGANIZATION (MPO)
MAY 5, 2008

The Benet Music Parent Organization’s meeting was held in the Music Room starting at 7:05 p.m. Mr. Brian Wand, Music Dept. Head, conducted the meeting. Mr. Jesse Nolan, Instrumental Music Director, was absent tonight.

OLD BUSINESS:

Jazz Ensemble Performance at Fitzgerald’s, Berwyn (4/15):
According to Mr. Nolan’s reports, this had been a “great experience” that was very well received by the student musicians, their families, and audience. Mr. Nolan had expressed his hopes that Benet’s Jazz Ensemble could continue performing again at Fitzgerald’s in the future.

Heritage Festival (4/26):
 Mr. Wand thanked Benet’s music parents and students for their help in again making this such a smoothly-run festival. He also noted that Benet’s Madrigal Singers had received a gold rating at this.

God of Justice Honor Choir (5/1):
 According to Mr. Wand, this benefit performance, held at St. Procopius Abbey, was “unforgettable, astounding, and very moving.” He also commented on the intensity and complexity of the music performed by the Benet Honor Choir at this, with an extremely high caliber performance that far exceeded that of a typical high school choir. While Mr. Octave remains in charge of the recording and c.d. production from this, Mr. Wand hopes to offer this new c.d. online through the Benet website as part of a continuing benefit for Beit Benedikt Academy for Peace. Meanwhile, Mr. Wand also stated that he had successfully purchased 14 red graduation robes at half-price through Benet’s supplier – these were used to supplement the choir’s supply, donated by former Benet graduates, which were worn by the Honor Choir on 5/1.

NEW BUSINESS:

Student Award Packet Preparation:
Jane Jacobs has already been working on these for the past 3 weeks, with band students’ award packets (certificates, awards, letters, etc.) now fully processed. Additional parent help is still needed this week for assembling choral students’ award packets, with help times available during the school day and after school. 

2008-09 Music Dept. Calendar:
The new calendar is now posted to the Music Dept. website, with this information also being submitted for inclusion in the 2008-09 student planner book. Mr. Wand reminded parents that the Music Dept. website calendar will always contain the most current and updated information, especially as some changes will occur throughout the new school year ahead.

Incoming Freshman: Music Dept.:
Mr. Wand released the following intake data about the incoming freshman class, according to information submitted: 46 Band Students; 55 Choir Students (including 10 male students); 6 Orchestra Students; and 8 Piano Students.

Mr. Nolan’s Leaving Benet
Mr. Wand announced that Mr. Nolan will be leaving Benet in order to tour with the company performing “West Side Story” on a 5-month European tour.  Mr. Wand is now beginning the search to fill t instrumental music director position.  This is not a temporary leave, it is permanent and was Mr. Nolan’s choice.

M.P.O. Committee Chairs for 2008-09:
Replacements will be needed for M.P.O. chairpersons who will be “moving on” due to graduating seniors. Each of the existing committees was briefly reviewed tonight, with requests made to indicate which parents planned to continue chairing these committees next school year. Based on this information, chairperson vacancies will exist for the following committees: Events (Jazz); Adult Ushers (Band – co-chair. needed); Scrapbook; and Marching Band “Percussion Pit” Transport.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Spring Jazz Concert (5/6): 7:30 p.m.

Spring Band & Orchestra Final Rehearsal (5/12):
While Wind Ensemble will begin this rehearsal during their regular 8^th Hour class time, Symphonic Band will continue to rehearse after school until 5:00 p.m.

Spring Band & Orchestra Concert (5/13):
7:30 p.m., followed by concert wear check-in after the concert.

Spring Choral Concert (5/14):
7:30 p.m. (this concert repeating on the following night)

Spring Choral Concert (5/15):
7:30 p.m., followed by concert wear check-in after the concert.

Band Placement Auditions for Incoming Freshmen (5/19 & 5/20):
Incoming freshmen are already signing up for their audition times, to be held 3:00-7:00 p.m. on the above dates.

Band Placement Auditions (5/19-23):
These auditions will serve as the second round for 2008-09 band placements (for current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors), also serving as part of the students’ band grade.

Color Guard Clinics (5/19, 20, 21)

Color Guard Auditions (5/27 & 5/28)

Benet M.P.O. Planning Meeting (8/4):
This meeting, to be held at 7:00 p.m., will be for M.P.O. Committee Chairs, helping plan the 8/18 M.P.O. “Get Acquainted Night.”

Benet M.P.O. “Get Acquainted Night” (8/18):
7:00-7:30 p.m. refreshments, followed by the M.P.O. meeting.

Madrigals’ Performance at The Goodman Theater, Chicago (11/30):
Since The Goodman Theater is already selling tickets for “A Christmas Carol,” Pam Graffagna will organize Benet Madrigal families’ ticket purchase. Mr. Wand will be sending out an e-mail to all Madrigals families about this very soon.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Mr. Wand thanked all of the music parents for their “gigantic service” extended to the Music Dept. throughout this year, freeing up the music instructors to devote much more instructional time to the students. He also recognized the additional “off season” work that the Marching Band “Percussion Pit” Parents had very recently done in transporting equipment to and from St. Procopius Abbey for the 5/1 God of Justice Honor Choir performance.

Marching Uniforms (Del Koch, Ann LaBarge): No report.

Concert Wear (Kathy Scriba, Pam Graffagna, Lori Aukstik):
Will look into a different style of concert wear blouses for female choir students – would like to find blouses that can be worn over concert skirts rather than be tucked in. 

Events – Marching Band (Harry & Carolyn Soo):
Requesting that a parent of a younger Benet music student “shadow” them during the upcoming school year.

Events – Jazz (Debbi Heinze):
Will need cash boxes for upcoming concert night.

Hospitality (Jane Jacobs):
Will be posting invitation reminders to music parents in early August for M.P.O. “Get Acquainted Night” on 8/18.

Tickets (Eileen Radasevich):
Tickets for the upcoming spring concert week series will begin on 5/9 during the student lunch periods and will continue through the final day of the last concert (based on ticket availability).

NHS (Donna Schaffer): No report.

Adult Ushers – Band (Debbi Heinze, Mary Ann Krasno): No report.

Adult Ushers – Choir (Michael Lamm, Marilyn Lamm, Sue Sportiello): No report.

Scrapbook (Mrs. Casey): No report.

Photography (Deb Wehrli): No report.

Minutes (Marlyn Steury): No report.

OTHER:
Graduating seniors can optionally donate their cummerbunds, concert bow ties, marching band shoes, and pep band polo shirts in collection bins after their final spring concert.

The M.P.O. meeting ended at 7:55 p.m., with this being the final meeting scheduled for the 2007-08 school year.

 M.P.O. Planning Meeting (Committee Chairs.) – 8/4 (Mon.) at 7:00 p.m.

 M.P.O. “Get Acquainted Night” – 8/18 (Mon.) at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Marlyn Steury

BENET MUSIC PARENTS ORGANIZATION (MPO)
APRIL 7, 2008

The Benet Music Parents Organization’s meeting was held in the Music Classroom, starting at 7:05 p.m. Mr. Brian Wand, Music Department Head, conducted the meeting, while Mr. Jesse Nolan, Instrumental Music Director, assisted with this.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Marching Band Uniforms (Del Koch, Ann LaBarge)
Mr. Wand reported about information and prices that he has received from the vendor for white replacement bib band pants. He noted that there is a significant price difference between non-hemmed “unisex” bib pants (30 pairs for approximately $1,200 total) vs. “fitted” male and female bib pants (30 pairs for approximately $2,100 total). The vendor also currently has the “unisex” polyester blend bib pants in stock. Mr. Wand would like to submit a purchase order request for these unisex bib pants as replacements for those band pants showing the greatest signs of wear.     

Meanwhile, Del will be setting a date for the cleaners to pick up the current stock of band uniforms from Benet. Due to increased school doorway security measures now in place, Mr. Wand will also need to know about the cleaners’ planned arrival time. Marching Band hats will also need cleaning. There was also some concern about mice, now sighted due to their displacement with ongoing building construction.

Concert Wear (Kathy Scriba, Pam Graffagna, Lori Aukstik)
  Several students have needed concert wear fittings during second semester. Lori Aukstik also needs to double check about two jackets.     Mr. Wand noted that, while music students have worn their proper concert attire for actual performances, some students have needed to borrow missing pieces, e.g. bow ties, from each other. The Music Department Office now has a small collection of ties and cummerbunds left behind by students from recent concerts. It was suggested that graduating seniors be asked to optionally donate their bow ties and cummerbunds after their final spring concert to help with such concert wear emergencies.
   Pam Graffagna requested help from music parents with concert wear turn-in following the final spring band and orchestra concert on 4/13 and the final spring choir concert on 4/15. Students will again use the same turn-in format as last year (four turn-in stations by class year for male students and four turn-in stations by class year for female students), with students then receiving their concert packets upon being checked off at their respective turn-in station.

Events: Marching Band (Harry & Carolyn Soo) – no report.
Events: Jazz (Debbi Heinze) – no report.
Events: Heritage Festival (McConachie/ Blouin/ Jachna)
  With Benet’s again being a host site for this choral festival, arranged by the Heritage Festival organizers for touring school groups, Mr. Wand again stated that this annual event was a significant revenue producer for Benet. Janet Jachna requested that Benet music parents sign up to help at Heritage Festival for two-hour shifts (8-10 a.m., 10 a.m.-noon, noon-2 p.m., and 2-4 p.m.) on 4/26, with a sign-up sheet for this. Parent assistance would be needed at the lobby check-in table, in the assigned classroom waiting areas, and in the parking lot, with numerous Benet students also helping for either NHS credit or for pay.

  Mr. Wand noted that there would be some different Heritage Festival parking considerations due to the current school construction, the new parking lot by St. Daniel’s, and sporting events. The main parking lot by St. Daniel’s will need to be blocked off with orange cones, with parent helpers needed to let Heritage Festival buses in and out of this area.   

  Mr. Wand is currently checking with the Heritage Festival organizers to find out whether or not a performance by the Benet Madrigal Singers and Benet Concert Choir could again be added as a “finale” to the Heritage Festival day.

Hospitality (Jane Jacobs) – no report.

Tickets (Eileen Radasevich)
  Eileen still has some open dates needing parent daytime ticket sales help and/or confirmation. She passed around a sign-up sheet for this.

National Honor Society/NHS (Donna Schaffer): no report.

Photography (Deb Wehrli): no report.

Scrapbook (Mrs. Casey): no report

Minutes (Marlyn Steury): no report

BUSINESS/ IMPORTANT DATES:

Jazz:
NO Spring ’08 Max and Erma’s Jazz Night!
  Mr. Nolan reported that Max and Erma’s only available Spring 2008 dates had conflicted with Benet’s musical. He will try to book a date for 2008-09, contacting Max and Erma’s in the early fall for this.
  4/15 - Jazz Ensemble Performance at Fitzgerald’s, Berwyn (5:45 p.m. – call time at school; 6:00 p.m. – departure; 9:00 or 9:45 p.m. – performance)
  Mr. Nolan announced that Benet’s Jazz Ensemble would perform in the middle of the Rob Parton JAZZTECH Big Band’s sets on 4/15 at Fitzgerald’s, Berwyn, with his anticipating that the house would be “packed” at this time. Meanwhile, another school jazz group would be performing prior to the JAZZTECH’s performance.
  While many Benet jazz parents have already responded to Mr. Nolan with their offers to drive students to and from Fitzgerald’s, Mr. Nolan stated that he would be coordinating the parent driving list soon, also communicating to the parents about this. Jazz Ensemble students will then be signing up to ride with specific car groups (based on the number of available seats indicated by parents), with students also being encouraged to sign up by their geographic areas to better assist with their rides home. Mr. Nolan also especially noted that he would not be returning that night back to Benet, with parents and students also needing to anticipate this as being a very late school performance night.
  Mr. Nolan confirmed that it would not be necessary to transport a drumset, although Jazz Ensemble will need to bring guitar and bass amps. Mr. Nolan is also checking to see if the vibraphone needs to be transported.
  While Benet would be paying club charges for Jazz Ensemble members, parents and other family members/ guests would still need to pay cover charges at Fitzgerald’s. 

Spring Concerts:
5/6 – Jazz Concert (7:30 p.m.)

5/12 – Band and Orchestra – Final Rehearsal (3-5 p.m.): Due to the percussion students meeting in daily percussion class during Period 2, they will still need to practice with the full bands on some very complicated performance pieces for the spring concert. Wind Ensemble will begin their final rehearsal at 2:00 p.m. on the Stage, which should take approximately 1-1 ½ hours. Following this, Symphonic Band will have a final rehearsal with percussion students, starting at around 3:30 p.m. Mr. Nolan said that these rehearsals will also be recorded. Mr. Wand noted that the new recording system is now installed, with Mr. Nolan and his currently learning how to operate it and then training training Benet students with it shortly. This new system also helps save Benet from some significant recording technician costs.

5/13 – Band and Orchestra Concert (7:30 p.m.) – Final concert for 2007-08! Students will turn in their concert wear after this performance, except for those students who are also in Choir. Band will continue to meet during the scheduled class times after this.

5/14 – Choral Concert (7:30 p.m.) – This concert will be repeated in its entirety on 5/15.
5/15 – Choral Concert (7:30 p.m.) – Final concert for 2007-08! Students will turn in their concert wear after this performance. Choirs will not meet after this date.

Band Placement Auditions (5/19-5/23): Current band students will audition during the school day, again playing the designated music pieces and scales that will also be used for IMEA auditions in the fall. These placement auditions will finalize placements, following preliminary auditions which were held earlier this year. These final auditions  will also count as part of the final exam for band.

Color Guard: Incoming Benet freshmen have also been notified about these dates.

5/19, 20, 21 – Color Guard Clinic
5/27 and 28 – Color Guard Auditions  

Incoming Class of 2012 – Music Enrollment/ Band Placement Auditions:
Band – 46 incoming freshmen have signed up, with good instrumentation represented. A new tuba player is still needed, though. New students are now signing up for Band Placement Auditions, which will be held on 5/19 and 5/20 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Choir – 55 incoming freshmen have signed up, including 10 boys.

Orchestra – 6 incoming freshmen have signed up.

Piano – 8 incoming students have indicated their having significant piano background.

Heritage Festival (4/26) – 8:00 a.m.-approximately 4:00 p.m.: Mr. Wand stated that the Heritage Festival organizers will pay for lunches of Benet student workers and parent volunteers who will be working the noon shift. Benet will again not be providing refreshments or lunches for Heritage Festival school group participants.

Madrigal Singers – Goodman Theatre Performance on 11/30/08:  Especially due to the Goodman Theatre’s already selling tickets for “A Christmas Carol” performances, the theatre has already asked if Benet Madrigal parents and students would also like to purchase their tickets for this performance. Pam Graffagna will help coordinate this.

God of Justice Honor Choir: This Honor Choir consists of 80 Benet student voices and will be conducted by Mr. Octave. The performance will be held at St. Procopius Abbey on 5/2 at 7:30 p.m. and will benefit Beit Benedikt Academy for Peace (attended by Palestinian and Israeli youth). This concert will also serve as a memorial for the late Fr. Pascal of the Benedictine Order of St. Procopius. The Honor Choir will sing an arrangement of the Beatitudes, as composed by Nancy Galbraith of Pittsburgh, PA.
  Mr. Wand will send additional information about this performance to Benet music families by e-mail. Mr. Wand will also look into obtaining additional red graduation robes for the students to wear (with the Music Dept.’s only currently having approximately 30 red graduation robes that were donated by Benet students/ families).

Rehearsals – Thursday’s (7:00-7:30 a.m.)

Final Rehearsals – 4/28, 29, 30 and 5/1 – 6:00-9:00 p.m. Mr. Wand noted that some of these will involve rehearsing in the abbey and with the orchestra.

Concert at St. Procopius Abbey, Lisle – 5/2 (Fri.) at 7:30 p.m.  Student call time will be at 5:00 p.m.

Mass Choir: This student group will perform for the final all-school Mass tomorrow (Feast of St. Benedict). New Leader Applications will be accepted next week for 2008-09.

Solo and Ensemble Contest Honors Recital (Recap):  Mr. Wand reported that the Solo and Ensemble Contest Honors Recital, which was hosted by Benet on 3/11, had included a balanced program of “Best of [Each Judge’s] Room” participants from the Solo and Ensemble Contest, which had been held on 3/8 at Naperville Central High School. While there were 35-40 Benet student participants in the Solo and Ensemble Contest, three Benet students then performed in the Honors Recital held at Benet. Mr. Wand noted that these Benet participants are listed on the bulletin board in St. Daniel’s Hall.

2008-09 Music Department Calendar: Mr. Wand hoped to have dates confirmed by May, with plans to tentatively post calendar information to the Music Department web site shortly.

Graduation – 6/1: Band students who will not yet be graduating will be asked soon to play at the commencement exercises.

Benet Choir Camp (for current 5^th thru 8^th Graders): 6/9-13
Benet Band Camp (for current 5^{th thru 8th Graders): 6/16-20} 

Marching Band Early Week – 8/11-15: Mr. Nolan confirmed that Early Week will run from 8/11 thru 8/15, with a daily afternoon start – there will also be one additional rehearsal held during registration week. 

Marching Band – Mr. Wand stated that there will be five home football games, with the Homecoming football game being held on 9/26.

2008-09 MPO:
Committee Chair Replacements: Music parent replacements will be needed for those Committee Chairs who will be “moving on” due to their having graduating senior students. Any other committee chairs needing replacements are requested to indicate this, too.

MPO Organizational Meeting for “Get Acquainted Night” – 8/4: This planning meeting will involve the MPO Committee Chairs.

MPO “Get Acquainted Night” – 8/18 at 7:00 p.m.

OTHER: Due to a number of area schools’ current interest in their also performing “Beauty and the Beast” and in renting some items from Benet for their upcoming performances, Mr. Wand has now received permission from the Administration to do this. Some of the items available for rental will include a few costumes (for Mrs. Potts [Teapot] and Belle), some flats, the tapestries, etc. Oak Brook Academy will be renting these items from Benet shortly.

The MPO meeting ended at 8:10 p.m.

The next Music Parents Organization Meeting will be held on 5/05/08 (Monday) at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Marlyn Steury

MUSIC PARENTS ORGANIZATION (MPO)
FEBRUARY 4, 2008

The Music Parents Organization (MPO) meeting was held in the Music Classroom, beginning at 7:05 p.m. Mr. Brian Wand, Music Department Head, conducted the meeting tonight, with Mr. Jesse Nolan, Instrumental Music Director, assisting. Due to a short power failure occurring prior to the meeting, though, the school’s computers could not be accessed in order to open and print hardcopies of tonight’s meeting agenda. As a result of this, tonight’s meeting also did not use the regular format of having MPO Committee Chairperson’s summaries presented at this meeting.

CALENDAR OF MUSICAL EVENTS:
2/10 – Youth Jazz Ensemble of DuPage – 5 p.m., Benet
This free concert, hosted by Benet, will feature guest artist Bob Lark, who is also the Director of Jazz Studies at DePaul University. Several Benet jazz students, Billy Aukstik, and Joey Sterner currently perform with this student group. Set-up is needed at 3:00 p.m., with  department service hours and NHS hours available for doing this

2/12 – Winter Jazz Concert – 7:30 p.m., Benet
     Two cash boxes will be needed, for ticket and C.D. sales – programs will need to be handed out. Donna Schaffer has already been contacted for NHS ushers. Handicapped parking will be in the circular drive in front of St. Joseph’s Hall.     Percussion groups will perform at the 2/26 concert with band and orchestra, rather than at this jazz concert.

2/15 – Basketball Band (Red Band)
      Even if students from the White Band have already played at the required three basketball games, they can apply their playing with pep band in these remaining two games for departmental service hours.

 2/20 – Basketball Band (Red Band)
    Mr. Nolan will be encouraging all of the pep band students to participate in this tonight, in order to be part of a “giant” pep band experience.  Seniors can then opt to donate their pep band polo shirts to the Music Department tonight after their final Basketball Band performance.

2/24 – Welcome to Benet Day – 1 p.m.
      During the same time (1 p.m.) of Welcome to Benet Day’s opening Mass, the Music Dept. will begin setting up the displays in St. Daniel’s. Student helpers should arrive at 2 p.m. In addition, student Color Guard representatives will also be available to help recruit incoming freshmen.

2/26 – Winter Band/Orchestra/Percussion Concert – 7:30 p.m., Benet
Adult ushers and student helpers for ticket and c.d. sales are needed. Lunchtime ticket sales will be conducted on 2/22, 2/25, and 2/26.
Mr. Nolan stated that both bands have been studying the Suites for Band by Gusav Holst.  The Symphonic Band will be performing the First Suite and the Wind Ensemble will be performing the Second Suite.

2/25-3/5 – Tech Week for Musical
3/6, 7, 8 – Beauty and the Beast (Musical) – 7:30 p.m., Benet
      Tickets ($10.00 each) will go on sale during the student lunch periods starting 3/25.

3/8 – Solo and Ensemble Contest, Naperville Central High School
      Benet’s entries have already been submitted, although some “latecomer” instrumental student entries might still be accepted. Attempts are being made to obtain morning performance slots for Benet students, especially for those involved with the musical later in the day.

3/9 – Beauty and the Beast (Musical) – 2 p.m., Benet

3/11 – Honors Recital – 7 p.m., Benet 
      This free recital will showcase student musicians were judged to be the “best of each judge’s room” from the 3/8 Solo and Ensemble Contest. With the recital now being moved from a Sunday to a Tuesday night, this will hopefully attract a larger audience.  Deb Wehrli suggested listing this in the new Positively Naperville publication and on Benedictine University’s lighted message sign.

3/13, 14, 15 – Beauty and the Beast (Musical) – 7:30 p.m., Benet

3/25 & 3/26 – Choral Concert – 7:30 p.m., Benet
This concert will feature each of the choirs performing different arrangements of the hymn “How Can I Keep From Singing?”

4/16 – Jazz Ensemble’s Opening Performance for Rob Parton’s JAZZTECH Big Band at Fitzgerald’s, Berwyn
All carpooling will use parent drivers. There will only be a need to transport the vibes and upright bass, with a drum set already being provided at Fitzgerald’s. While jazz students can opt to remain at Fitzgerald’s with Mr. Nolan, after the Benet performance.  For further information about Rob Parton’s JAZZTECH Big Band, please see: http://www.rparton.com/ .
Mr. Nolan also noted that he had previously performed professionally with this big band jazz group.

4/26 – Heritage Festival – 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Benet
Although the festival organizers have asked Benet to host this on 4/25 as well as on 4/26, Benet needs to decline this commitment for 4/25 due to the school’s Variety Show. Mr. Wand is suggesting that Lisle Sr. High School might be able to a host site for Heritage Festival on 4/25. Due to Lisle Sr. High School’s similar size and proximity to Benet, this might be very workable.

5/2 – Abbey Concert – 7 p.m., St. Procopius Abbey - God of Justice -
      Mr. Wand reported that audition packets have already been handed out.   Auditions will be held on 2/14. Mr. Wand is especially encouraging the younger student vocalists with “big voices” to audition. The Benet Madrigal Singers will already be participating in the God of Justice Honor Choir. Mr. Octave will be the director for The Beatitudes, composed by Nancy Galbraith. Please check the Benet Music Department website for the rehearsal schedule.  

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

IMEA All-State Festival (1/31/08-2/2/08): All five Benet all-state student musicians (Mark Angel, Billy Aukstik, Nick Graffagna, Catherine Neff, and Robby Olp) were placed in their respective honor groups at the state festival held in Peoria. This was also the first time in eleven years that the complete group of Benet’s all-state student musicians placed in the top of their respective ensemble sections at the state festival.  Mr. Wand noted that this was a wonderful student accomplishment.

Cancellation of Seattle Music Performance Trip: Mr. Wand confirmed that the Music Dept.’s performance trip to Seattle,WA (6/6/08-6/10/08) trip has been cancelled due to a minimal student response. Especially due to this low student interest, there would not have been enough student musician participants for the respective performance groups. The tour company will now be sending refunds.

Band Placement Auditions for 2008-09: Mr. Nolan noted that freshmen through junior band students will need to take part in preliminary 2008-09 band placement auditions by 2/25/08, as this tentative class information is needed by the Guidance Department. Final placement auditions will be held in May. Students will audition for Benet band placement using the same musical piece and scales needed for 2008-09 IMEA auditions.

     Mr. Nolan also described the composition of the three levels of bands that will be offered for 2008-09. He also shared plans to reduce the size of Wind Ensemble for next  year, especially for certain instrument sections. In addition, the third (new) band will  mostly consist of freshmen. Mr. Nolan also said that he was working on some different options for the percussion students, including the possibility of offering a special section or group for freshmen and sophomores.

Madrigal Auditions for 2008-09:
Mr. Wand stated that auditions for Madrigal Singers will be held on 2/12

Color Guard Try-Outs for 2008-09: Color Guard try-outs will take place in May.

Mass Choir:
 Having very recently provided music for the l/30/08 liturgy (Catholic Schools Week), Mass Choir will also be providing music for the upcoming liturgies: 2/6 (Ash Wednesday); 2/24 (Welcome to Benet Day); and 4/8 (St. Benedict’s Day).  Mr. Wand also noted that choral students’ participation in Mass Choir for three liturgies would suffice for earning a music letter.  

Max & Erma’s Spring Jazz Night:
 Mr. Nolan is currently talking with Max & Erma’s management about scheduling a spring jazz night, with all three jazz groups (including combo) performing at this. He will also try to make these arrangements with the Max & Erma’s that is located in Cantera (Warrenville).

Installation of New Recording System:
 Mr. Wand reported that a new recording system will be installed next week at Benet. Due to this, Benet will no longer need to pay for  recording system set-up and technician time, with the completed recordings being sent in on a master c.d. for final clean-up, copying, packaging, and mailing. Mr. Harkins, a very talented former band instructor, will work with the final stage of c.d. production. There will also be a sign-up available soon for interested freshmen and sophomore students who would like to be part of the trained recording crew for this new recording system at Benet.

Marching Band Uniforms: Marching Band uniforms will be picked up shortly by Dennis for cleaning. Benet will also be ordering some new white pants to replace some of the old ones (many of them now being 10 years old). Mr. Wand also confirmed that Benet will continue to use white pants.

The MPO meeting ended at 8:15 p.m.

The next Music Parents Organization Meeting will be on 4/7/08 (Monday) at 7:00 p.m.  Please note that there will be no MPO Meeting in March due to the very intensive musical schedule.

Get involved with the Music Department!

Respectfully submitted,
Marlyn Steury

BENET MUSIC PARENTS ORGANIZATION (MPO)
DECEMBER 3, 2007 – MEETING MINUTES
The Music Parents Organization (MPO) meeting was held in the Music Classroom starting at 7:05 p.m. Mr. Brian Wand, Music Department Head, conducted the meeting tonight, with Mr. Jess Nolan, Instrumental Music Director, assisting.

MPO COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Marching Band Uniforms: Del Koch, Ann LaBarge
Uniforms will be sent to the dry cleaner next month.

Concert Wear: Kathy Scriba, Pam Graffagna, Lori Aukstik
No announcements.

Events – Marching Band: Harry and Carolyn Soo
No announcements.

Events – Jazz: Debbi Heinze
No announcements. (Please see “Business” below).

Events – Heritage Festival: McConachie/ Bloom/ Jachna
No announcements.

Hospitality: Jane Jacobs
Several large group e-mailings, requesting help with furnishing refreshments, have been sent to Music Dept. families whose sons/daughters will be participating in the two Christmas Spectacular Concerts. While there has been a good response, additional help is still needed, especially to help furnish baked goods (homemade or store-bought) for the 12/15/07 (Saturday) concert. There will be tables set up for refreshment drop-off in St. Daniel’s prior to these concerts, with the actual refreshment tables then being set up during the concerts by parent volunteers. Sign-up sheets were passed around during tonight’s meeting.

NHS (National Honor Society): Donna Schaffer
The first call-out was made today at school for student volunteers to sign up for helping at the upcoming Christmas concerts. Mr. Wand made the following suggestions: that band students plan to help at the choir concert; that choir students plan to help at the band concert; and that freshmen and sophomore students plan to help at the two Christmas Spectacular Concerts.

Adult Ushers - Band: Debbie Heinze, MaryAnn Krasno - Choir: Michael and Marilyn Lamm, Sue Sportiello
While adult ushers are already signed up, additional ushers are needed for the upcoming Christmas concert series.

Photography: Deb Wehrli
Deb will take individual photos of this year’s Benet IMEA All-State Finalists at the Christmas Spectacular Concert. These photos will then be used in the Music Department’s January display case.

Scrapbook: Mrs. Casey
No announcements.

Minutes/Display Case: Marlyn Steury
The next display being put up later tonight will focus on the Madrigal Singers, with Benet’s new IMEA All-State Finalists being featured in the January display.

BUSINESS:
Jazz Concert at Lisle Sr. High School on 11/6/07
Mr. Nolan reported that the concert went very well, with its being hosted by Lisle Sr. High School. Next year will also mark the 10^th anniversary of this shared fall jazz concert by Lisle Sr. High School and Benet.

IMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) District Festival on 11/10/07
There were two district concerts (one for Jazz 3, Jazz 2, and Treble Chorus, followed by another for Honors Combo, Jazz Choir, and Jazz 1) held at this district music festival, hosted by St. Charles East High School. Benet student Billy Aukstik also took special recognition as the top district scorer for improvisational jazz at this. Mr. Nolan reported that theses concerts were excellent.

IMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) District Festival on 11/17/07
The district festival for Orchestra, Choir, and Band was held at Naperville North High School, with Mr. Wand’s also reporting that the concert was excellent.

Benet’s IMEA All-State Finalists (2007-08)
Mr. Wand noted that the following five Benet music students have recently been notified about their becoming IMEA All-State Finalists: Mark Angel (clarinet); Catherine Neff (clarinet); Robby Olp (trumpet); Billy Aukstik (jazz ensemble); and Nick Graffagna (vocal tenor). All of these instrumental students will re-audition at the State IMEA festival that will be held on 1/30/08-2/2/08 in Peoria, IL. However, Nick Graffagna (honor choir) will not be re-auditioning for vocal music placement then.

Jazz Combo’s Performance at Benet Auction on 11/17/07
Mr. Nolan reported that Jazz Combo’s two-hour performance, scheduled at the beginning of the Benet Auction, was “awesome,” with the students’ appearing to enjoy having this longer performance opportunity. In addition, he also mentioned that a private performance by the Combo was auctioned off that night for a date that is still to be arranged.

Musical (“Beauty and the Beast”)
“Musical Madness” has now begun, with Mr. Wand’s noting that 170 information packets having been handed out to interested students already. Important dates have included: a general information meeting held on 11/21; three vocal and two dance pre-audition clinics held during the Week of 11/27; and auditions being held during the Week of 12/3, with call-backs and final cast posting on 12/7. In addition, Mr. Nolan stated that there will be 30 spots for pit musicians, with 40 students auditioning – pit audition music will be distributed at the end of this week. Please continue to check the “Musical” webpage on the Music Department website for updates. There will also be a parent meeting (for students involved in the musical) on Monday, January 21^st at 7:00 p.m. 

Christmas Concert Series - Advance “Allotted” Ticket Mailing:
Advance “allotted” Christmas Concert Series ticket orders have been mailed out to 325 music families, with 180 families already having mailed in their ticket requests for their “allotted” number. The requested deadline for mail orders is 12/6. Students or parents can purchase/ pick-up their “allotted” tickets at the ticket table on the Gym Stage during the student lunch periods on 12/10, with additional “general sales” tickets then being sold during the student lunch period beginning on 12/11 and continuing throughout the week until all tickets are sold. Additional parent volunteers are sought to help with these ticket sales. Mr. Wand and Mr. Nolan will also try to help remind students about the need to purchase these tickets in advance, as the Christmas Concert Series sells out quickly.

Madrigal Singers
Mr. Wand reported that the Madrigal Singers’ pre-show performance in the Goodman Theater lobby went very well for the opening night of A Christmas Carol on 11/25, with the group’s then viewing the complete performance from the observation booth. The Madrigals will also be performing at a private party on 12/9 in Aurora, as arranged through a Benet Auction bid. The group will be transported to this private performance from Benet (departure from school by 4:30 p.m.) via school vans.  With reservations recently being due, the planned attendance will be for a smaller group (150-200 guests, as opposed to 300 guests last year) in order to create a more “intimate” setting. Madrigal families should continue to check the “Madrigal” webpage via the Benet Music Department webpage.

Poinsettia Sales
Roger Garvert stated that 59 poinsettia plants (including one extra) were ordered – these include 44 red and 15 white plants. Delivery is planned for 12/7 at noon. Mr. Wand said that he will enlist student help in carrying these up into St. Daniel’s (as deliveries cannot yet be made behind the building). Mr. Garvert recommended that families be reminded to pick up their poinsettia orders after attending their respective Christmas concerts.

Seattle Trip – 6/6/08-6/10/08
Mr. Wand noted that, while a good response was made by the older music students who initially received trip packets, this response was not as strong as anticipated. Therefore, trip packets will be also made available as of 12/10 (Monday) to the underclassmen.    

Mr. Wand also noted that plans also include a vocal and instrumental clinic (University of Washington), along with a performance at the cathedral.

Basketball Band
Mr. Nolan stated that scheduling is now complete for band students’ playing at selected home basketball games, with their first performance having been on 11/30/07. The band students are split into two groups and will rotate performing at five home varsity basketball games this season (excluding one held during Christmas vacation and another on a scheduled Jazz Concert performance night). The students are also learning new tunes for these. Due to some discrepancies in the game schedule, Mr. Nolan will be confirming the remaining dates for Basketball Band performances tomorrow.       

The next parent meeting will be held on 1/21/08 (Monday) at 7:00 p.m. for Musical Parents.

The next regularly scheduled Music Parents Organization Meeting will be on 2/4/08 (Monday) at 7:00 p.m.
Tonight’s meeting ended at 7:40 p.m., with MPO parents then optionally staying to help put up Christmas decorations within St. Daniel’s Hall.

Be sure to check the Music Department Website at:
www.benet.org/Music/Department/index.html

BENET MUSIC PARENTS ORGANIZATION (MPO)

NOVEMBER 5, 2007 – MEETING MINUTES

The Music Parents Organization Organization (MPO) meeting was held in the Music Classroom, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Brian Wand, Music Department Head, conducted the meeting tonight, with Mr. Jesse Nolan, Instrumental Music Director, assisting.

MPO Committee Chair. Reports:
Marching Uniforms: Del Koch, Ann LaBarge
 The chair people were thanked for their help during the fall season. Uniforms will be sent to the cleaners in 1/08.

Concert Wear: Kathy Scriba, Pam Graffagna, Lori Aukstik
The chair people were thanked for having successfully fitted and distributed concert wear in time for the fall choir concerts.

Events
Marching Band: Harry & Carolyn Soo
 Mr. and Mrs. Soo, along with Mr. Zapar, were specially thanked for all of their organizational work and parent leadership during the fall season.
Jazz: Debbi Heinze
Lisle Sr. H.S. (fall concert host) will be handling C.D. orders.
Heritage Festival: Pam McConachie, Kristan Blouin, Janet Jachna
(No announcements).

Hospitality – Jane Jacobs
Jane will send out e-mails requesting help for providing and setting up refreshments to be served following both Christmas Spectacular Concerts on 12/15 and 12/16.

Tickets – Eileen Radasevich
Eileen reported that all went well with advance ticket sales for the fall choir concerts, with plenty of parent volunteer help for these. She also felt that the e-mail reminder note about advance ticket purchase helped. Eileen also had a parent volunteer sign-up sheet at tonight’s meeting for other upcoming ticket sale dates.

National Honor Society (NHS): Donna Schaffer
Donna had sent Mr. Wand a note that there was good student help provided at the recent choir concerts.

Adult Ushers
Band: Debbi Heinze, Mary Ann Krasno
Choir: Michael & Marilyn Lamm, Sue Sportiello
There was good coverage at the recent fall choir concerts.

Photography: Deb Wehrli
Please continue to forward copies of photos (especially on c.d.) to the Music Dept. and/or to Deb Wehrli. These will be routed to various points, e.g. music dept. website, scrapbook, music dept. displays, school newspaper and yearbook.

Scrapbook: Mrs. Casey
 (No report).
Display Case/Minutes: Marlyn Steury
Marlyn thanked the several Benet parents, including Deb Wehrli, who contributed photos of the Marching Redwings recent home game half-time shows. Some of these were then used in the current showcase display focusing on the halftime show Quidam. Marlyn has now also turned over all of these photo c.d.’s back to Mr. Nolan and Mr. Wand for additional use within the Music Dept. and for the Benet yearbook and newspaper. Marlyn also made a special request for photos on the Madrigals (to be taken on 11/25 at The Goodman Theater – see below) for use in the next showcase display planned for early 12/07.

 Business:
Marching Band – successful season completed!
Mr. Nolan offered thanks for a great fall season. He also reported the marked improvement in overall quality that the Marching Band students had noted when recently viewing videos contrasting their half-time shows performed on 9/14 (Homecoming) vs. on 10/19 (final home game). For those families who would like to receive a copy of the 10/19/07 half-time show, please contact Mr. Nolan about this at: jnolan@benet.org

Choral Concerts on 10/23 & 10/24
Mr. Wand felt that these were excellent, particularly citing the 10/23 concert! CD orders are currently being processed and should result in quick delivery (due to these orders going in prior to ones for IMEA).

Fine Arts College Night on 10/29 (Recap)
There was a “pretty good” turnout for this evening information meeting, with a favorable response received from parent and student attendees. While this was the first time that such an information night had ever been held at Benet, future plans will be made for offering this on an annual basis.  Future presenters will hopefully offer more specific details and will also feature different fine arts college representatives.

Jazz Concert at Lisle Sr. High School on 11/6 at 7:30 p.m.
Due to Lisle Sr. High School’s biennially hosting this fall jazz concert, planning arrangements (ushers, programs, and CD orders) will also be handled by their school for this performance.  Call time for Benet’s jazz groups will be at 6:45 p.m. on 11/6 over at Lisle Sr. H.S.

IMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association)
Congratulations to the 57 Benet music students who had participated in auditions on 10/2 at Addison Trail H.S. and to the 13 district winners (2 band, 1 jazz, 8 choir, and 2 orchestra students)!
District Jazz Festival on 11/10 at St. Charles East H.S.
Rehearsals begin at 8:00 a.m.
The concert for Jazz 3, Jazz 2, and Treble Chorus will be at 2:00 p.m.
The Honors Combo, Jazz Choir, and Jazz I concert will be at 3:30 p.m.
District Band/Choir/Orchestra Festival on 11/17 at Naperville North H.S.
Rehearsals begin at 8:00 a.m.
The concert for Orchestra, Choir, and Band will be at 3:00 p.m.

Jazz Combo Performance at Benet Auction on 11/17 (5:00 -7:00 p.m.)
Jazz Combo was very recently scheduled to perform at the Benet Auction from 5:00-6:00 p.m. for the Auction Patrons and from 6:00-7:00 p.m. for all other guests.  Jazz Combo members are asked to arrive at 1:00 p.m. on 11/17 at the Drury Lane, Oakbrook, to assist with Auction set-up. They will also receive a complimentary lunch for helping with this. A private Jazz Combo performance (date to be arranged) will be offered for bidding through the Benet Auction.

Musical – Important Upcoming Dates and Information:
Information Meeting (11/21) 
Dance/Cast Auditions (12/3-6)
Mr. Lynch will not be able to direct this year’s choreography, due to time constraints with his new administrative promotion at North Central College.  Mr. Wand stated that other choreographers are currently being contacted to help with Benet’s musical.

Madrigals:
Goodman Theater Performance (11/25)
Madrigal students will depart from Benet at 4:00 p.m. via two mini-buses. They will then perform in The Goodman Theater lobby (5:45-6:25 p.m.), followed by their attending the opening night performance of A Christmas Carol (6:30 p.m.). Additional information will be forthcoming for parents who would also like to attend this performance.
Madrigal Dinner (12/17 at The Abbington, Glen Ellyn) 
Due to its growing popularity, holding this on two separate nights was explored.  However, it was decided to only schedule this dinner for one night due to the Madrigals’ otherwise extremely busy December schedules. In addition, the decision was also made to reduce attendance (300 last year, this year’s being planned for 150-200 attendees) in order to create a more intimate setting. 
The room reservation, menu selection, and invitation are already completed.  The Madrigal Dinner letter will also be linked to the Benet Music Dept. website.  Anita Garvert and Eileen Radasevich volunteered as of tonight’s meeting to be co-chairpeople for this dinner.

Madrigal Reunion (12/22 – New!)
Benet Madrigal groups spanning the past 10 years will be invited to participate in this reunion in St. Daniel’s Hall. Mr. Ryan Hourigan, former Benet Music Dept. Head, will also be in attendance at this.  The current Madrigal group will perform, while previous groups will also be encouraged to join in for several familiar pieces. 

Madrigal Performance Available Thru Benet Auction Bidding
A private performance by the Benet Madrigals will be available by bidding through the Benet Auction.  Mr. Wand stated that this has traditionally been arranged for the Friday night immediately preceding Christmas.

Poinsettia Sales
Poinsettia orders will accompany the Christmas Concert Advance Ticket Sale mailing and will be due on 11/28. While these poinsettias will be used to help decorate the auditorium in St. Daniel’s during the Christmas Concert Series, families can then pick up their poinsettia orders following their respective Christmas concerts attended.  Poinsettias will be ordered through We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center, West Chicago, which is a not-for-profit organization created to provide training and employment for persons with disabilities. Please see their website at: http://www.wegrowdreams.org/
Anita Garvert volunteered to coordinate poinsettia sales.

Music Dept. Trip to Seattle, WA – June 6-10, 2008
Trip plans are being arranged by Charles Pipal of Blueprint Tours, Inc., Riverside, IL: http://www.blueprinttours.com/company.htm  The cost of the trip will be $1,289.00 per person.  Trip deposits made to reserve spots will be refunded by 100% for any cancellations made up until 1/01/08.  Trip packets have already started to be sent home through students, with music students in Benet’s top performing groups, e.g. Madrigals, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Jazz Ensemble, and Junior/Senior Choir, being invited first (150 invitations distributed for 85 available spots). Some spaces will also be determined by instrumentation needs in certain performance groups.  Possible faculty chaperones to be invited include: Mr. Leffler, Mr. Taska,  Ms. Young, and Ms. Byers.

Benet Music Dept.’s Web Address (NEW): www.benet.org/Music/Department/index.html

The next MPO meeting will be held on Monday, December 3^rd at 7:00 p.m., followed by parents assisting with seasonal decorating of St. Daniel’s Hall. Refreshments will be served.

 BENET MUSIC PARENTS ORGANIZATION (MPO) 
 OCTOBER 1, 2007 – MEETING MINUTES
The Music Parents Organization (MPO) meeting was held in the Music Classroom starting at 7:05 p.m. Mr. Brian Wand, vocal music director, conducted the meeting tonight, with Mr. Jesse Nolan, instrumental music director, assisting.

MPO Committee Chair. Reports:
Marching Band Uniforms: Del Koch, Ann LaBarge
(No announcements).

Concert Wear: Kathy Scriba, Pam Graffagna, Lori Aukstik
There are still some “stragglers” who appear to not have had their fittings, with a need to now also reconcile the music student data base with actual ensemble participants.

Events – Marching Band: Harry and Carolyn Soo
All seems to be working well, with two more home games scheduled this month.

Events – Jazz: Debbi Heinze
The first concert will be held in early November.

Events – Heritage Festival: McConachie/ Bloom/ Jachna
(No announcements).

Hospitality: Jane Jacobs
Benet will also be hosting the University of Dayton’s marching band on 10/19 (Senior Night). Please see “Marching Band” section below (under“Business”).

Tickets (Choir and Band): Eileen Radescevich
With lunchtime ticket sales for other Benet events being conducted this fall on the Gym Stage, this year’s choir and band tickets will most likely be sold there, too – the Dean’s Office should also be contacted for verification. Ginny Augustinsky, previous ticket chairperson, should also be contacted about ticket printing.  

Eileen will need help with the Christmas pre-order. If you can help, please contact her or Mr. Wand

NHS (National Honor Society) Student Volunteers: Donna Schaffer
(No announcements).

Adult Ushers:
Band – Debbi Heinze, MaryAnn Krasno
Choir – Michael and Marilyn Lamm
 (No announcements).

Photography: Deb Wehrli
Please send copies of music dept. photos to Deb Wehrli or to Mr. Nolan. Photos are needed, to be forwarded to the yearbook and school newspaper, along with their being posted on the music dept.’s website.

Scrapbook: Mrs. Casey
(No announcements).

Display Case/Displays: Marlyn Steury
Photos are currently needed of the halftime show “Quidam,” for the upcoming display case.

Minutes: Marlyn Steury
The minutes for 8/20/07 and 9/10/07 are now posted to the MPO webpage. 

Business:  
 IMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) – 10/2/07 at Addison Trail H.S.

• Mr. Wand provided a much more detailed explanation about what will be happening at this tomorrow. Participating Benet students received hardcopy instructions last Friday, with additional copies still available. These include audition room assignments, (new) audition process flow charts, and a list of Benet student participants (for possible carpooling).
• Students must be in their respective audition lines by 7:00 p.m. at the very latest – they should also plan to either wear their school uniforms or dress “nicely” (no jeans, etc.).
• 62 Benet students have signed up to participate at IMEA (jazz, band, orchestra, and vocal music)
• Pam Graffagna will assist with student check-in from 4:00-6:00 p.m., with a request for additional parent helper(s) from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Mr. Wand and Mr. Nolan will have other duties there at IMEA through the evening

 Marching Redwings (Band)

• There will be NO Marching Band rehearsal on Thursday (10/4/07) due to its also being opening night of the fall play.
• Mr. Nolan would like to collect flip folders prior to the 10/5/07 home game, with each instrument section’s respective flip folders then being separately boxed for transport to Benedictine. The “Pit Parents” will transport these boxes so that the Marching Redwings can then use them while back in the stands. Mr. Nolan felt that most students should have memorized this music already, however.
• The Marching Redwings will be hosting the University of Dayton’s Pride of Dayton Marching Band on 10/19 as part of the University’s performance tour  (the same date as Benet’s final home football game and Senior Night). Both schools have very similar-sized marching bands (approximately 125 members each).
• There will now be a meal plan change for Senior Night to accommodate both the Marching Redwings and the Pride of Dayton.
• The Redwings’ call time will be changed to 5:15 p.m. so that they can meet, greet, and eat with the Pride of Dayton in the Small Gym. While pizza was originally considered for this, Benedictine’s Sodexo Food Service will now be contacted.
• With an extended halftime period, the Pride of Dayton will also perform their halftime routine on the field after the Avions’ and cheerleaders’ routines. They will then sit with the Marching Redwings in the stands, sharing flip folders as needed.
• With anticipated cold evening weather expected by this evening, Mr. Nolan is recommending that the Marching Redwings dress warmly, e.g. with long underwear underneath band uniforms. In addition, they will be allowed to wear hats, scarves, and gloves back in the stands provided that these are red, white, or black!

New Parking Lot Update - Accessibility

• Mr. Wand reported that the new parking lot will contain six handicapped spaces and will eventually be ramped to St. Daniel Hall. He explained that the original plans for this new parking lot had omitted the ramp by oversight. During this interim period, disabled concert-goers will need to have drop-off and pick-up within the circle at St. Joseph Hall, with access into St. Daniel via the outdoor front walkway.
• Mr. Wand also stated that Benet has two wheelchairs that could be used for transporting disabled concert-goers. Donna Schaffer, Benet’s nurse, expressed concerns about liability if NHS students were to help with outdoor wheelchair transport, though.

Yearbook (2007-08)

• Due to a previous Benet student poll, last year’s yearbook reflected the students’ request for more candid photos, to the exclusion of band, orchestra, and choral group photos.
• The Music Dept. has requested that this year’s yearbook include posed indoor photos of these full ensemble groups.   

Fall 2008 Football Program

• The Athletic Department has agreed to include a photo of the Marching Redwings in the Fall 2008 football program, provided that this photo is taken during Early Week. They will still need to determine the layout of next year’s program with this addition, also not wanting this to be on a separate insert page.

Fall Choral Concerts – 10/23 and 10/24

• All four choirs will be participating in Fall Choral Concerts on both 10/23 and 10/24 at 7:00 p.m. in St. Daniel Hall
• Parent volunteers (two parents per performance night) are needed to assist with helping monitoring choir students who will be watching the performances in the balconies. 

 Fine Arts College Night – 10/29 at 7:00 p.m., St. Danel Hall (NEW!)

• This presentation at Benet will be especially geared to sophomores and juniors who might be interested in studying vocal or instrumental music, music theater, or theater at the college level. 

Jazz Concert at Lisle Sr. High School (Hosts) – 11/6

• Benet will provide the programs for this event, with Lisle Sr. H.S. sending their literature to Benet for these programs.

Benet Recording of Nancy Galbreath’s “The Beatitudes” – May 2008?

• The first week in May is still being considered for the Benet Madrigals and Chorale to do a live recording of “The Beatitudes.” This is still in the planning stages, however.

Music Department Performance Trip – June 2008?

• Plans are also underway for a Music Department Performance Trip within the U.S. (possibly around 6/5-6/10/07) – this will now either be to the east or west coast. More information will be available at the November MPO meeting.
• The trip’s cost will be approximately $1,300-$1,500 per student, being offered first to students in Wind Ensemble, Concert Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, and Madrigals. A maximum of 100 plane tickets will be purchased for this.

E-Mail Distribution Lists – some additional parent help is needed for this. Please contact Mr. Wand about daytime or after-school volunteer availability.

Other:

• A Performing and Visual Arts College Fair will be held at Northwestern University, Evanston, on 10/13.  (See poster in Music Room).

 Benet’s Music Dept. Web Address (CHANGE!!):
 www.benet.org/Music/Department/index.html

The Next MPO Meeting will be on Monday, November 5^th at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Marlyn Steury

MUSIC PARENTS ORGANIZATION (MPO)
 MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 2007
The Music Parents Organization (MPO) meeting was held in the Music Classroom starting at 7:05 p.m. While Mr. Jesse Nolan, instrumental music director, was unable to attend the meeting, Mr. Brian Wand, vocal music director, conducted the meeting tonight.

MPO Committee Chair. Reports:

Marching Band Uniforms: Del Koch, Ann LaBarge
 The new uniform distribution system is working out very well. Several uniform pants are currently at the cleaners. The band shoe order was delayed due to the vendor’s having initially lost the order, although it is hoped that the vendor might give some kind of partial credit now due to this delay. Del will help with shoe order distribution at the evening rehearsal on Thursday.

Concert Wear: Kathy Scriba, Pam Graffagna, Lori Aukstik
 There are still 26 music students, primarily freshman choir members, who still need to be fitted for concert wear. Sample shoes are still also available for these fittings. Make up day will be Thursday Sept. 20 during classes.

Events - Marching Band: Harry and Carolyn Soo
 Mr. Nolan sent along his thanks for all of the parent volunteer help at the first home game (8/31) and the Labor Day parade. While there is still enough bottled water on hand for 1 ½ marching band events, music parents are reminded that more cases of bottled water are still needed.

 Mr. Nolan requested that the ladders be in place on the field more quickly for the halftime shows. Harry Soo especially noted how important the large cardboard sheets are for ease of moving the ladders, with a special request that this cardboard be specially labeled and stored in order to be available for the entire season. Mr. Wand also reported that percussion students will now help the parents with loading and putting away the percussion instruments used for the halftime show at Benedictine U.   

Events – Jazz: Debbi Heinze
 Due to the fall jazz concert’s being hosted by Lisle Sr. High School, this will involve minimal organizational effort on Benet’s part this year, except for Benet’s providing the concert programs. Mr. Steven Greene, music director at Lisle Sr. H.S., will need to be contacted about their portion of the program content. 

Events – Heritage Festival: McConachie/ Bloom/ Jachna
While Benet only hosted this festival on a single Saturday in Spring 2007,

Mr. Wand indicated that the festival organizers are trying to plan this for two separate Saturday’s in Spring 2008 for Benet’s hosting. These dates would most likely be on 4/26 and 5/3. Meanwhile, Sheila Sutherland (whose Benet student graduated in ’07) still has many of the files and information to pass on to this year’s chairpeople.

Hospitality: Jane Jacobs
 There are many parent volunteers who have signed up to help, with the first events’s being the post-game party to be held on 10/19 in St. Daniel’s Lobby. This will be held for Marching Band after the final home football game on “Senior Night.” 

Tickets (Choir and Band): Eileen Radescevich
There are a number of parents who have signed up to help with ticket sales, with more choir than band families having volunteered. The first event for which tickets will be sold during the student lunch periods will be the choral concerts in October. 

 NHS (National Honor Society) Student Volunteers: Donna Schaffer
(No announcements)

Adult Ushers:
Band – Debbie Heinze, MaryAnn Krasno
Choir – Michael Lamm, Marilyn Lamm & Sue Sportiello
The committee has already received a good amount of parent volunteer names but  has not called these volunteers for actual concert scheduling yet. 

Photography: Deb Wehrli
Deb and her husband Win organized and took the Marching Band group photo on the morning of the Labor Day parade. There was some questions raised about whether a Marching Band photo with names could be added into the football program, with some additional discussion to be continued about this after the meeting.      

Scrapbook: Mrs. Casey
(No announcements)

Display Case/Displays: Marlyn Steury
Marching Band-related photos are needed ASAP for the next display case (using a Marching Band theme). Likewise, the display boards can also use these photo updates. Please send digital photos to Marlyn at marlysteur@aol.com , or put these onto a disk.

Business:

• Band
• Mr. Nolan reported that Marching Band is off to a great start! Rehearsals and the first home game performance have gone very smoothly. The goal is for Marching Band to perform all four movements of the new halftime show Quidam (from Cirque du Soleil) at Friday night’s Homecoming game.
• Mr. Nolan also sent along his thanks for the box of ties!
• This is Homecoming Week! The band will rehearse on Thursday night. The pep rally will be held during the school day on Friday, with the game on Friday night. Meanwhile, Madrigals will sing the National Anthem before the varsity game.
• IMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) – There are nine music districts in our state, with ours being District 2.
• Student sign-up is already underway for IMEA Auditions on 10/2 at
• Addison Trail HS. Parent help is needed for two shifts (4:00-6:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m.) to help with student check-in. While some students, especially fall athletes, might still have audition times running after 8 p.m., parent check-in help will not be needed for these later times. Both Mr. Wand and Mr. Nolan will be involved with judging at Addison Trail on this date.   
• Some additional final updates and parent volunteer sign-up opportunities will be available at the Benet MPO meeting on 10/1. 
• Possible Future Madrigal Recording for Composer Nancy Galbreath
• Composer Nancy Galbreath (whose work was premiered by Benet Madrigals at St. Procopius Abbey in 5/07) has expressed an interest in having Benet Madrigals do a live performance and recording of her Beatitudes compositions (in 5/08?). She would like to catalog and archive her large collected body of works.
• More information still needs to be gathered for this.
• Possible Summer ‘08 Benet Music Dept. Performance Trip
• Plans are underway for a Benet Music Dept. Performance Trip
• in early June, 2008 (approximately June 5-10?), with further information still forthcoming. 
• This performance trip would be within the United States, with sign-up preference given first to Benet students in Madrigals, Concert Choir, and Wind Ensemble.
• E-Mail Distribution List Help Needed –
• Help is needed in transferring spreadsheet information into distribution list format.
• Grade Policy Sheets Due Fri. (9/
• One signed grade policy sheet is due per music student. Students who participate in multiple ensembles should submit a single sheet, listing their respective ensembles.
• Due to students in Freshman Choir, Sophomore Choir, and Madrigals now receiving “Pass/Fail” grades for their participation (so that their involvement in these will appear on their transcripts and report cards), they will also need to turn in a signed grade sheet for these.
• Accessible Entrance into St. Daniel Hall
• While the new parking lot should be completed by Fall ’08, wheelchair drop-off/parking will need to be done this year in the front entrance circle.
• New Music Dept. Web Address:
• www.benet.org/Music/Department/index.html

• The Next MPO Meeting will be on Monday, October 1^st at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Marlyn Steury

Music Parents Organization (MPO)
Meeting Minutes – August 20, 2007 
The Music Parent “Get Acquainted Night” meeting was held in the Auditorium starting at 7:40 p.m. Prior to this, refreshments were served in the Lobby of St. Daniel Hall, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Vocal Music: Mr. Brian Wand, Music Department Head and Head of Vocal Music, welcomed all of the parents to tonight’s meeting. He then explained the composition of the four existing choir groups (Freshman Choir, Sophomore Choir, Madrigrals, and Concert Choir) in addition to Mass Choir, along with their respective meeting times. While choir participants do not currently receive a letter grade or academic credit, Mr. Wand is awaiting word about students’ being able to receive either a “Pass/Fail” or “Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory” grade shortly so that their participation in choir will be appear on their academic transcripts.

Instrumental Music: Mr. Jesse Nolan, new Instrumental Music Head, was then introduced to the music parents. He holds both a Bachelors Degree in Music Education/Percussion and a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies/Percussion from Indiana University. He has had both previous high school instructional as well as professional performance experience.

 Mr. Nolan reported that Marching Band has worked hard during last week’s Early Week on this year’s halftime show, which is a four-movement piece from Cirque du Soleil. He noted that the students have already worked halfway through this show to date. Mr. Nolan reminded parents that there will be another Marching Band rehearsal this coming Thursday (8/23) from 6:00-9:00 p.m., with call time at 5:45 p.m. Additional Marching Band rehearsals will be held on Thursday nights, as indicated on the online schedule. This year’s halftime show calls for a large pit, with additional parent volunteers especially needed to help Mr. Zapar with moving percussion equipment to and from the stadium. Marching Band’s first performances for the 2007 season will be at the first home football game on 8/29.

While Intermediate Band was eliminated from the curriculum this year, instrumental music enrollment has increased. Although there will be two bands, Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Winds, offered this school year, plans are underway to develop a third band for 2008-09. In addition, there will be a new Percussion Techniques Class taught during 3^rd Period this year. Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble will continue to rehearse before school, while Jazz Combo and String Orchestra will rehearse after school. An information meeting for all interested jazz students will be held on 8/30 at 2:45 p.m.                  

Music Website: Mr. Wand demonstrated navigation of the Benet Music Dept. website, accessed through www.benet.org – this website will contain the most up-to-date schedule information and is updated regularly. This website includes the following information:
Benet Private Music Lesson Opportunities
Calendar of All 2007-08 Benet Music Events
Concert Ticket Policy Explanation
Description of All Benet Music Groups
MPO Chair People Listing
MPO Meeting Minutes
Uniform Explanations/ Policies

Other:  Due to this year’s construction, the parking pattern near St. Daniel Hall will be changed, especially affecting handicapped parking and access to the Scene Shop. Handicapped parking for this year’s performances will temporarily be relocated to the circular driveway by St. Joseph Hall.

Mr. Wand explained that music “call time” refers to the time that music students are required to be in the building and that “start time” refers to the time that Marching Band students actually need to be out on the field with their instruments. In addition, some of the student groups will be assigned staggered call and start times on concert nights.       

The Music Dept. will hold a separate registration of all music students in St. Daniel Hall during students’ respective school registration times this Wednesday and Thursday. Music Dept. registration will include concert wear fitting, along with re-registering onto the computerized database. Especially since Music Dept. communications are now primarily sent out electronically, Mr. Wand noted the critical need for all correct contact data to be re-entered at registration and then updated throughout the year as needed. Music parent volunteers are still needed to help with this registration (shifts from 7:15-10:15 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m. on 8/22; and from 7:15-10:45 a.m. and 12:15-3:15 p.m. on 8/23).

Mr. Wand then introduced Mrs. Carol Arthurs, who is Benet’s MPO Coordinator. While she currently teaches chemistry at Benet, she also has a long history with MPO, having had three daughters graduating from Benet, who each had four years of involvement with its instrumental music program. Mrs. Arthurs reviewed the history of MPO and then highly encouraged all of the music parents to become involved with the Music Dept.’s many volunteer opportunities, with committee sign-up sheets available on the tables outside of the auditorium tonight. She then introduced the MPO committee chair people.

MPO Committee Chairs:      
MPO Faculty Coordinator: Mrs. Carol Arthurs
Marching Band Uniforms: Del Koch, Ann LaBarge, and Lois Hitchcock
Marching Band uniforms will be using a new system with roll-out racks of uniforms organized by instrument section this year. Parent help is needed for uniform distribution and collection per Marching Band performance. 
Concert Wear – Band: Lori Aukstik & Choir: Pam Graffagna and Kathy Scriba
Parent help is needed for assisting with concert wear fitting and distribution at registration, along with collection of concert wear at the final concerts in May. In addition, parents with sewing skills are also sought for quick hemming alterations. 

Marching Band Events: Harry and Caroline Soo
Parent help is needed for the following:
transporting, setting-up, and returning pit equipment per home football game (usually involving two truckloads)
setting up and holding ladders for drum majors on the field during each halftime show
transporting and distributing water to Marching Band members after their pre-game and halftime show performances and at the Naperville Labor Day parade
providing cases of bottled water, along with large bags of ice, prior to each home football game

Hospitality: Jane Jacobs
 Parent volunteers are needed to help with refreshments served to Marching Band after the final home football game and to all concert attendees after the Christmas Spectacular concerts.

Tickets: Eileen Radasevich (for both Band and Choir)
 Parent volunteers are needed to help with lunchtime ticket sales on the two school days prior to and including the Fall Choral, Winter Choral and Band, Christmas Concerts, and Spring Choral and Band Concerts. Mr. Wand noted that, due to this year’s construction, these ticket sales tables will need to be relocated to an as yet undetermined place.

NHS (National Honor Society) Student Volunteers: Donna Schaffer (Benet Nurse)
Students (both music and non-music students) are encouraged to sign up in the Dean’s Office to volunteer at concerts for NHS service hours. Students will enter CD orders into a laptop computer and monitor the lobby during performances – they can also do homework while monitoring the lobby. Students should arrive for concerts as follows: at 1:15 p.m. for 2:00 p.m. concerts; at 3:15 p.m. for 4:00 p.m. concerts; and at 6:45 p.m. for 7:30 p.m. concerts.   

Adult Ushers:
 Band – Debbi Heinze and Mary Ann Krasno
 Choir – Michael and Marilyn Lamm & Sue Sportiello
Parent volunteers are needed to help NHS students with ticket and CD sales, as well as usher, on concert nights. Parent volunteers will also be able to attend the concerts.
Parent volunteers should also arrive for concerts as follows: at 1:15 p.m. for 2:00 p.m. concerts; at 3:15 p.m. for 4:00 p.m. concerts; and at 6:45 p.m. for 7:30 p.m. concerts.     

Jazz Events: Debbi Heinze
 Two of the three 2007-08 Jazz concerts will be held at Benet this year – for these, parent volunteers are needed to help sell tickets and take CD orders on performance nights. (While student volunteers will stay at the ticket table throughout concerts, parent helpers will be able to attend the concerts).

Heritage Festival: __________________________________
Parent volunteer coordinator(s) is/are needed to help recruit and organize Benet parent and student volunteers for this choral festival hosted by Benet (on 1-2 Saturday’s in spring). An outside organization arranges for this jr. high and high school choral competition and festival, attended by various school touring groups.   

Photography: Deb Wehrli
 This committee needs still and video photography from the halftime shows as well as from concerts throughout the school year. Please forward interesting photos by e-mail to Mr. Wand at bwand@benet.org – some might then be posted onto the website, used in photo displays, or forwarded to the yearbook staff.

Scrapbook: Mrs. Casey 
Additional help is needed to work on both last year’s and this year’s scrapbook. These scrapbooks are displayed at concerts and at Open Houses.

The next MPO Meeting: Monday, September 10^th  at 7:00 p.m. in the music classroom within St. Daniel Hall. All music parents are welcome and encouraged to attend! Please join us!

Get involved in your student’s music department at Benet!
- Marlyn Steury