Myrene Reyes opened the meeting with some general reminders for attendees on Zoom etiquette before moving on to her opening remarks. She stated that the main purpose of SMPA is to benefit the students. She went on the introduce the Board members of SMPA.
Francie Cho joined the presentation to discuss the fall fundraising season. Mrs. Cho runs the concession stand at the SHS football games. Each game has a setup shift (8 volunteers,) first shift (11 volunteers,) second/clean up shift (11 volunteers.) She sent around a paper signup to supplement the online SignUp Genius that is used to gather volunteers from Chorus, Orchestra, and Band parents for the various home games.
Myrene announced that Pledge Day will be held on October 24th starting at 12pm. Students and parent volunteer driver will gather at SHS and pick up a pre-planned route, which they will then go to and canvas the area for donations. The membership drive also gathers donations from the community to support our programs. SMPA has pledged $64,000 towards the music programs at SHS and LCJSMS this year. A fuller budget report will be provided at the October meeting.
Jenn Creel spoke about SMPA scholarships. Many of the scholarships are need-based and are meant to support students who want to get private instruction to further develop their music skill. Lenox Underground funds scholarships administered by SMPA for band or orchestra students at LCJSMS. Merola Scholarships are funded by SMPA and help SHS students get private instruction in music. There are also merit scholarships
for graduating HS Seniors in the spring.
Communications from SMPA:
Website smpa.summit.org
Email blast SMPA.Communications.summit@gmail.com
Facebook “Summit Music Parents Association- SMPA”
Senior students from SHS spoke about why they chose to study music at SHS. Rhea Alangad (Clarinet) and Andres Vasquez (Trumpet) spoke first. They spoke about how participating in Band allowed them to enjoy music but still pursue other interests. They noted that they were also able to join the Marching Band. They shared the excitement of playing a halftime show at MetLife stadium. Rhea also noted that having a music elective in her schedule gave her a peaceful interlude during her school day. Eden
Agans, (Violin,) has been playing since 4th grade. Many of her closest friends are from Orchestra. She plans to major in violin performance at college. The SHS program has prepared her well for college level playing. Charlotte Butler, Choir President, spoke next. During high school, she took 4 years of choir and added AP Music Theory this year. She mentioned that she has made countless friends in the program, become a stronger musician, and used the classroom time to de-stress from academic classes. Orchestra co-presidents Hope Basaman and Sepehr Shojaie talked about how music
was a rewarding process, has helped them with getting to know people, and was a meaningful way to use their time.
Karen Forgione joined via Zoom. Ms. Forgione is the new Supervisor of Fine, Performing, and Practical Arts for the district. She complimented the music teachers of the district, and stated that the students are lucky to be taught be such quality educators.
Alex Bocchino, Band Director, SHS
Mr. Bocchino reviewed his written presentation from the slide show. A copy of that information is appended to these minutes. In response to a parent question, Mr. Bocchino stated that pullout lessons started this week at SHS. Responding to a second question, Mr. Bocchino advised that new teacher
Bo Park specializes in low brass.
Dan King, Choir Director, SHS
Mr. King noted that the best way that the parents can support their choir students is by supporting the work of SMPA.
Mr. King reviewed his written presentation from the slide show. A copy of that information is appended to these minutes.
Elizabeth Sato, Orchestra Director at SHS and at Brayton Elementary
Dr. Sato reviewed her written presentation from the slide show. A copy of that information is appended to these minutes. She noted that SMPA funding has allow her to schedule several guest artists to enrich her students’ educations this coming year.
Joann Manhardt, LCJSMS Orchestra Director
Mrs. Manhardt’s presentation was focused on introducing the LCJSMS music directors. She stated that parents should seek local stores to rent instruments from, as LCJSMS only has very few specialized instruments available to rent. For this year, concert attire will remain black on the bottom, white on the top.
In response to a question from the audience, “How many drivers will be needed for Pledge Day?,” Mrs. Reyes responded that 30-34 drivers will be needed. An email will be sent out with a signup in upcoming weeks.
Respectfully Submitted,
Meghan Terry
SMPA Recording Secretary
September Financial Report