FDABA Minutes
July 18, 2004
Billygan's Roadhouse, Tualatin
Present: Phil, Jeannette, Jeff, Monica, Laura (Renee's proxy = Monica)
Absent: Lani and Renee
Meeting called to order at 4:30pm by Phil.
I. Approval of Minutes: Jeannette moved to approve 12/20/03 minutes, Jeff seconded, unanimously approved.
II. No financial report available.
III. New Business
1. The Future of FDABA:
a. Phil recapped the history of FDABA, that the organization began to exist as an independent entity in 1997 then voted to align itself with the OMB in 2000 in an effort to positively promote itself and gather younger members.
2. OMB Band Banquet Results:
a. Phil and Jeff shared our membership numbers and trends with OMB Director Todd Zimbelman. Our boys explained that while FDABA has offered thousands of dollars in scholarships, made Homecoming free to all alumni regardless of FDABA membership, hosted (and funded) a mid-band-camp BBQ, and provided snacks during the 3rd quarter at Homecoming, etc., FDABA has not experienced equaled reciprocity, i.e., we have not gained a significant number of new members from the OMB as a result of this alliance.
b. Todd suggested Phil and Jeff ask the students themselves why they are not joining FDABA after they graduate. Responses were disheartening: “We (the OMB) work SO HARD”, “You make us look bad”, “You look so geeky” (referring to our lack of visual uniformity, i.e. creative use of green and yellow), “You don’t do enough for us”, phasing problems (director’s complaint), etc. It was made clear that even for the one game we play at, OMB feels FDABA distracts from their aural and visual excellence. Views regarding FDABA scholarships were of token vs. genuine appreciation.
3. Taking the above into consideration, Phil suggested FDABA align itself with its original intent, to serve alumni of the University of Oregon Athletic Bands and sponsored individuals that meet qualifying criteria through various social and performance activities. (FDABA is organized and operated exclusively as a social and recreational club within the meaning of section 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code.) The following topics were discussed:
a. Instead of having OMB pay for our late summer mass-mailing, see if we can insert a flyer into Ledger Lines (contact person=Scott Barkhurst) and/or UOAA mailings (contact person = Dan Rodriguez).
b. Continue to send “time to rejoin FDABA” postcards to current membership database. (Monica to do)
c. Discontinue OMB scholarship donation as part of FDABA membership beginning in 2005. However, continue to leave a space on membership form for VOLUNTARY donations for OMB scholarships, OMB equipment and travel fund, and FDABA wish list (instruments and equipment). Dues would continue to remain at $25 for one year membership and $45 for a two year membership; funds that currently go to the scholarship fund would be reallocated to benefit the social and performance activities of FDABA members. If approved by the FDABA Board, let current members know of this change in upcoming newsletter or flyer.
d. Change our name from FDABA to the Oregon Alumni Band and create new logo. In accordance with UO’s copyright, our name shall not include the phrase “University of Oregon” or the word “Duck”. Laura volunteered to design an acceptable logo and check into getting T-shirts printed ASAP pending board approval.
IV. FDABA’s 2004 season
1. We will NOT be performing at the Big Green Benefit this year, as they do not want a live band this year. Therefore, we will not be receiving our usual $500.
2. We will NOT be hosting or funding the OMB BBQ during band camp due to the negative comments and lack of appreciation, and the fact that the funds from the BGB help pay for the BBQ.
3. We WILL PARTY at Homecoming!
a. Seating is most likely adjacent to OMB, as last year. Check to see if we may sit opposite the OMB so we don’t interfere with their aural or visual excellence.
b. FDABA will provide sousaphones and percussion to registered participants ONLY, no sooner than 10 days before Homecoming.
c. Loosen game day schedule so people traveling longer distances don’t have to show up so early. Pre-registration is still required, as a gate list will need to be submitted. Sample schedule (assuming a 12:30 KO):
check in 9:30 – 10
rehearse, eat, party, and tailgate 10-12; members can purchase
their own food/beverages at the Mo’ Center anytime during these
two hours.
stands – noon
Kickoff – 12:30
Post-game BBQ party in Armory parking lot (must vacate by 7 pm)d. Add to registration forms:
1. A box (or button if on the web) indicating “I want to party after the game!”
2. There will be a BBQ following the game in the Armory’s parking lot (no open containers are allowed inside the Armory). BYOF/BYOB: Please bring your own burgers, dogs, and buns and libation of your choice; FDABA will provide the condiments and plates.
3. No trinket this year; new shirts will be enough, pending board approval. We can sell the old FDABA gear.
4. Jeff motioned to simplify Homecoming by limiting FDABA’s activities to fall within our mission of being a social organization; eliminating the OMB scholarship (as it stands connected with member dues); creating three voluntary donation funds: OMB scholarship, OMB equipment and travel, and FDABA wish list; and keep the current dues structure with balance of funds originally designated to the OMB scholarship fund to be re-designated to social/performance activities for FDABA members. Laura seconded, approved unanimously.
5. Laura motioned to send a written letter to FDABA Board members to entertain the notion of changing our name from FDABA to the Oregon Alumni Band. Jeff seconded, approved unanimously.
Meeting adjourned 6:15 pm
Next meeting TBA