YVMEA meeting:  1/7/09

1. Solo and Ensemble Contest discussion:
1. Jeff and Anne Chapman, the contest managers, are working on a “play-through” at the Seasons performance hall for students participating in Solo and Ensemble Contest; a chance for students to practice their pieces in a performance setting prior to the actual contest.  Teachers would act as informal adjudicators. Admission for participants would be free; others would be charged a $5 entrance fee.  Fees would be used to sponsor other student performances at the Seasons.  Discussion centered around a date for the performance.  Sunday, February 1rst was suggested. The Chapmans asked for input from directors.  Contact them if you have a suggested date.
2. There has been some consideration of using two rooms in the CWU Art Department building adjacent to the Music Department building for Solo Ensemble Contest.  The cost to rent these rooms and custodial fees would exceed $1000.  It was decided to use the student lounge and percussion practice room in the Music Department building instead.
3. There was a discussion concerning students buying double slots for Solo and Ensemble.  Students are allowed to do this to gain more time with the adjudicator, but only the first slot can be used to participate in the contest.  Consult State rules for specifics.
4. There is no need for school directors to submit individual printed adjudication forms to the Solo Ensemble Contest managers. Submit information using the online website only.  The contest managers will provide all forms to adjudicators.
5. Our treasurer Megan Ley reminded directors that, if they are using POs to pay for Solo and Ensemble, the POs need to be submitted by January 9.  All payments also need to be submitted immediately.  We need to avoid overdrawing the YVMEA bank account as happened several years ago.  Megan requests that all directors keep in touch with her regarding any late POs or payments.  Her FAX number is 509.972.5701
6. A total sucker volunteered to be next year’s Solo/Ensemble manager.
7. Megan Ley requested that YVMEA subsidize a ½ day substitute for each regional adjudication.  She needs to attend part of each contest for the purpose of writing checks for adjudicators and other costs.  The request was approved.

II. YVMEA inservices/workshops
Michael Brant made a request for inservice/workshop topics.  We would like to sponsor some workshops for our YVMEA members next year.  He will make contact with some presenters during the Northwest Conference.  Contact Michael at 509. 829.6000 if you have an idea for such a workshop.

1.  Treasurer’s report

Recent charges have included a reimbursement check to Dan Ray, a reimbursement check to the Yakima School District  for a substitute for Anne Chapman for Solo/Ensemble work, and a payment for Don May for purchase of a website domain name and other website costs.

1. Ike/Davis Jazz band/choir contest May 15

Davis H.S. and Eisenhower H.S are sponsoring a jazz band and choir contest to be held on May 15 (the third Friday in May) at Davis H.S.  John Pew will be the guest artist and adjudicator.  The contest will last all day;  John Pew will perform at the Capitol Theater that evening .  Contact Dave Walter, Eisenhower H.S. band director.

1. 2nd Annual Sunnyside Mariachi Festival

Yoko Kan announced a mariachi band Festival workshop at Sunnyside H.S. on Saturday, January 24.  Mariachi Huenachi from Wenatchee is scheduled to perform during the workshop.  Sunnyside H.S. mariachi band and other local bands will participate. The schedule includes a workshop where all students will learn three new songs, and each participating band will have an opportunity to perform 3 – 5 songs.  The cost is $5 per student.  Contact Yoko Kan at 509.836.5821 or 425.770.8589.

1. Regional Honor Choir Report

Bruce Walker reported on the successful Honor Choir held on November 24.  Choirs from Toppenish, Sunnyside, Granger and Wapato participated.

1. Contest Managers meeting

Directors who are managing regional adjudications met briefly to discuss issues:

1. Expense form:  Megan Ley has generated an adjudication expense form to help keep track of various expenses incurred  during the running of contests.  An effort should be made to keep expenses down to a minimum and share materials (video tapes, CDRs, etc. ) from one contest to another.
2. There was a discussion of banners.  There is no current supplier of banners.  Directors would like to have them.  They are expensive.  Can we find a supplier?
3. The adjudication contracts contain a typographical error:  mileage expenses are now $0.51/mile.

Respectfully submitted, Bart Roderick

I realize that there are errors in these minutes.  Errors occur as a result of my inattention, poor hearing, and reoccurring acid flashbacks.  Just kidding about the hearing. If you have any corrections, please contact Bart Roderick at

509.697.5461
509.697.0725 ext. 776
bartroderick@charter.net

Respectfully submitted:
Lil’ Bart Roderick