Greenbelt Community Orchestra
Annual Meeting Minutes
May 8, 2025, at 7:05 PM
Attending in person:
Board: Anne Gardner, Susan Stewart, Sarah Wissel, Sarah Rusk, Matt McLinden
Members: 40 current orchestra members
- Update from the President
Anne gave an update on the orchestra’s second season and announcements for the next season
- The orchestra performed 3 free concerts for the community
- Last year’s survey indicated a desire for more music by women & minorities which was included in all three concerts. This music is often costly, but we were able to cover it through donations and a grant from the city for our Black History Month concert.
- The GCO has been awarded a grant from the Prince George’s Arts & Humanities Council that will help pay for a Women’s History Month concert next season in March.
- This year we started paying our conductors a small stipend, as well as collecting member dues.
- Next year we would like to double the amount we are paying conductors to bring their pay in line with other community groups.
- Dues will not increase.
- The board has applied for an operating grant from this city which would cover half of our operating expenses, including conductor pay
- While we cannot accept donations for our free concerts in the gym, we will be able to collect donations at the upcoming concert at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. Rental for the ERHS auditorium is $400.
- Anne solicited help for publicity and fundraising. A survey has been sent out for members to indicate interest.
- If there are any small ensembles that would like to use the rehearsal room over the summer, this can also be indicated in the survey
- As was done last year, there will be a rehearsal following the last concert for a potluck & reading music
- Rehearsals for the next season’s fall concert will start in August, with a concert on November 16.
- Treasurer’s Report
Sarah Wissel gave the treasurer’s report:
- This year we are on track to spend $4.5K across all three concerts
- We are also on track to bring in roughly the same amount from dues, grants & donations
- Next year we will increase the conductors’ stipends, bringing total expenses up to $9K.
- Sarah would like to have enough funds in the bank to cover a concert to allow for fluctuations in income.
- Elections of the Board of Directors
Sarah Rusk will not be continuing her position on the board next season. She was acknowledged for her contributions to the group.
The GCO members were asked to vote on the following slate of nominees:
President: Anne Gardner (2nd violin)
Vice-president: Susan Stewart (concertmaster)
Secretary: Suzanne Lomax (2nd violin)
Treasurer: Sarah Wissel (flute)
At-large: Matt McLinden (horn)
The board nominees were elected by a unanimous vote
- Member Comments
Helen Sydavar (viola) expressed concern that cuts in government funding to arts organizations might trickle down to us and affect the grants we could receive.
Lauren Sarosta (cello) suggested having a bake sale at the May concert to raise funds.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:15 PM