News From MAPTA

MAPTA Board Meeting

January 25, 2011, 8:30 am, Steinway Gallery

Present: Anita Schulz, Debbie Yee, Joanna Grace, June Zeeh, Jeanne Felix, Denise Taylor, Shad Wenzlaff, Renee Farley, Janet Smith's husband Don Smith, Patty Ladpli, Cynthia Stephan, Gloria Chuang, Pamela McMullen.

1. Treasurer's Report: (Note: June provided updated Treasurer's report on January 31.) Total assets as of January 31, 2011: $10,317.16. Income is $158.50, expenses $913.38. Treasurer's report is approved.

2. Website: Debbie has two proposals for website designs, one at $36/page. Patty has also looked up several contacts. Most of Patty's proposals say it would take about a month to get up and running once we decide to go with them. All are Madison area. The Board would like Patty to continue with her contacts, with the goal of getting a website up and running by May 15. In Ben's absence, Shad shared a bit about the process with the last website - he found it challenging to understand the technical language that the website designer spoke. He issued a warning that the committee needs to carefully consider their needs and a way to specifically convey them to the designer. Most importantly for the Board is the opportunity to update the website design in a way that is very simple for us to do on a regular basis. Updating includes: MAPTA recitals and other events, uploading photos, updating annual Board member lists and Membership forms. Patty feels that if the website is done properly, it should be simple to update it. Board disagrees with having the directory up on the website, even if password protected. Anita proposes no to teacher directory, yes to referral list, Denise feels the teacher directory is important to have on the website but with the appropriate security measures in place to minimize spam and unwanted access. Anita proposes a list of Board member names, emails, phones. Cynthia is wary about email addresses - proposes lots of news information, pictures, etc. but only one link to a person. Shad is concerned about who would be willing to serve as Chair and check this email link. Patty will send proposals to the Board in about two weeks for voting at the March 1 Board meeting. The Board encourages Patty to get specific info on timeframe and shoot for a May 2 start date.

3. Minutes read from the November 2 meeting read (late because Denise arrived late to the meeting). Approved.

4. Publicity: Joanna asked if MAPTA bags could be sold at the Play-a-thon at Hilldale. Renee thinks it shouldn't be a problem as long as MAPTA mans the table for purchase, since MAFOP volunteers will be busy checking in kids and receiving pledges etc. MAFOP has a Board meeting on Friday and will confirm this. Debbie suggested selling at Honors audition and recital. Bags cost $8 or 2/$15 as a donation to a nonprofit group.

5. Referral: no report.

6. Honors: Churches for audition and recital are secure and fees are paid. Should judges fees should be given in person at the audition, or wait for expenses are received and pay then? June gave Janet's husband the form for reimbursement which he will submit to her before the audition so she can get him the check. June will do the certificates. The estate gift of $500 is coming again. Age restriction is 10-18 years old, the two judges will hear everybody. Students need to bring two copies of the music, one original and one photocopy is OK. There will be one warm-up piano available, that should be enough for the students. Joanna wonders if it would be helpful to have a keyboard with headphones. Renee volunteered to provide a warm-up keyboard on Friday, pickup on Monday. Teachers with students in the recital are asked to bring a plate of cookies, Patty volunteered to supply plates leftover from previous Honors. Judges are Trevor Stephenson and Phyllis Carroll (from Iowa State U). Debbie mentioned that at the General Meeting there was concern about Class A vs. Class B material, he says it would be OK if Class B material comes in.

7. Young Artist Recital: About 6 people in December. Feb 6 is next recital.

8. PPT: Final expense came in for rental of the facility. Total expenses are in, with a loss of approximately $120.

9. Pro Goals: Meetings third Tuesday at Ward Brodt, 9:30 am.

10. Young Composers: Shad has been meeting with a possible new Chairperson: Jeffrey Stanek. Shad has arranged next year's judge already: Jeremy Hanson, composer and teacher in Milwaukee, has experience working with kids. Jeff would be interested in chairing the festival with changes. Shad wants Board opinions on taking a new chair with changes. He would want to bring the judge in for an actual event, in lieu of an awards ceremony. He is invited to the March meeting to present his new ideas, could possibly be implemented by 2012, may be a bit late to change for the 2011 event.

11. Membership: One new member and one potential one since last submission to Nuances. Total membership about 80.

12. Nominating Committee: The slate of Officers was stated in January Nuances, the vote will be at February 11 general meeting. You can also vote by email to Grant directly. President: Patty Ladpli. Vice President: Open. Treasurer: Pamela McMullen. Secretary: Denise Taylor. This information will be re-stated in February Nuances. The Board feels the nominating committee should still be recruiting for a Vice President. Perhaps a vote for the additional person can be done by email. If the name comes in after February vote, we would complete the voting process.

13. New Business: Masterclass update: Jeremy Denk, performing at WI Union Theater. Would be on Wednesday April 20^th, during Madison Spring Break. Held on the stage at the WI Union theater. MAPTA members should submit interested names of students to Gloria, advanced level students, standard repertoire. Class runs 3:30-5:30. Teachers should be present if their students attend.

14.New Business: Debbie proposes having the March 1 Board meeting at her house, since Ward Brodt is requesting that meetings begin after 9:30. Debbie would have the meeting begin at 8:30.

15.Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Denise Taylor