Greenbelt Community Orchestra

Board Meeting Minutes

July 1, 2025 at 7:00pm

Attending in person:

Board:  Anne Gardner, Susan Stewart, Sarah Wissel, Suzanne Lomax, Matt McLinden

        Agenda Items:

1. Contract for Andrew (and Seth?): Sarah has a draft of a contract on the Google Drive to customize for either Andrew or Seth. Board members should read this over, paying special attention to the responsibilities and termination sections.

2. Additional conductor: Andrew knows of a master’s student who could help as an assistant conductor, and he is willing to share $500 with him. This was OK with the board as long as the board has the right to terminate this person. Anne will get their name and contact information. It was decided to increase Seth’s payment to $400, and the board will suggest that the new assistant also get $400.

3. Updated budget: Sarah reported that we have more money than expected. Even with the raise for Seth, a small surplus is expected. Anne will ask if we can have a donation bucket at the Community Center concerts with the new management at the Community Center. There was a suggestion to have a second venue for a concert to reach a wider audience, but there were difficulties in thinking of an appropriate second venue. Sarah mentioned a granting organization that we may be able to approach for the March concert. Anne mentioned two other grant possibilities–the Greenbelt Community Foundation and the PG County Council (perhaps approaching Alonzo Washington directly).

4. Card/gift card/party for Derek: Anne will send a reminder to sign the card as well as a potluck sign up and a reminder to fill out the absence form so that we will have an idea of attendees on the 10th. Sarah has received about $200 from Venmo.

5. Survey responses: Anne will verbally address some of the comments from the survey, including a need to reiterate that the dues are voluntary, and that the cost of renting ERHS on weekends is prohibitive.

6. Plan for coming year's 3 concerts: It was suggested to solicit applications for concertos, perhaps in the New Year. The program is set for the November concert, and the music is on the Google drive. Susan has been working on bowings. The March concert needs a program and a date, which might not be until the third week of March. It was decided to approach Veronica about another piece, perhaps for more instruments, and with Seth conducting. There is a perceived need to involve the brass section more in pieces to increase interest and engagement. Another suggestion for the March program is Florence Price’s Mississippi River Suite. There is a budget of $1200 for music for the March concert. The May concert might be a collaboration with the choir at ERHS, with a joint piece and perhaps individual pieces. Coordinating rehearsals might be difficult.

There was a suggestion to turn the orchestra 90 degrees in the gym at the Community Center to avoid the blower. Matt mentioned that he did not notice the blower.

There was a suggestion to take a piece from the November concert and one from the March concert and play them in February for additional exposure for the orchestra.

Anne will ask for program notes from the person from Howard University who had done them before.

7. Outreach events coming up:  Anne has booked a table at the Information Day at the Labor Day festival and will be looking for volunteers. In addition, there is an opportunity for small ensembles to play in the gym during the art and photo shows, Saturday or Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Susan will check the availability of the small groups that she knows, and Anne will send out a spreadsheet for groups to sign up for times. Anne believes we should be able to put out a donation basket.

Adjourned at  8:15 PM