Board Meeting December 29, 2014

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on December 29, 2014 at 12:45PM.

All members were present.

The minutes of the December 15, 2014 were approved as read.

NEW MEMBERS:

Joyce Grabel (Joyce Chan)- Viola/Violin 12/2/14

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS: None

REINSTATE: None

DECEASED: None

RESIGNED:  Douglas Fischer, bassoon. 12/31/14

ERASED: None

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I.  President’s Report

  • To date, there have been no phone calls to AllClear. We have not received their bill but it should be forthcoming.
  • President Frankenfeld updated the Board regarding Trish Carmichael. She is the individual that could take over the design of Overtones, the newsletter for the Local.
  • President of the Pittsburgh Local, George Clewer, has contacted Paul for scale pertaining to ballet orchestras. The Pittsburgh scale was astronomical resulting in the cessation of live music for their ballet. Mr. Clewer is looking to bring their scale more in line with other Locals and try to return to live music.
  • President of the Louisville Local, Terry O’Mahoney, requested information pertaining to vocalists. During the holidays the Louisville airport has hired musicians to perform for travellers. The Louisville Local does not have a booking agency so the airport just worked through the President to book the musicians. Fewer flights have resulted in fewer hires and there has been an issue of vocalists (non-members) circumventing the Local’s involvement. The Louisville Board has decided that vocalists should join the Local.
  • President Frankenfeld asked Trustee Joe Gaudio if he had gotten any more information regarding the Blue Wisp Big Band playing at the museum in Devou Park. Joe is still waiting to hear back from the contact person.

 

II. MPTF

  • President Frankenfeld reminded the Board that the application process is completely computerized. Any organization that receives funding will receive mailed confirmation of the amount awarded.
  • AFM President, Ray Hair, is encouraging different revenue sources to feed the fund.

III. CSO

  • Music Hall has been awarded the $25 million tax credit grant. Management is looking to the 2016-17 season to begin renovations. The CSO would likely move to the Taft Theater. There is concern about subscriber retention following the renovations. The Taft has seating for approximately 2300. Parking will be an issue as the cost of meters is increasing and the hours of operating meters will move from 6PM to 9PM, as well as Sundays, in certain areas.
  • Both the Opera and Ballet would move to new performance venues during renovations.
  • Renovation to Music Hall causes concern about the acoustics. It is hoped that more than one opinion will be sought. One acoustician has recommended that anything done acoustically should be something that could be reversed.
  • Management is investing touring possibilities during the renovation period. It would reduce the subscription period but could ease possible inconvenience to subscribers and concert attendees.

NEW BUSINESS:

I. Security Issues

  • Vice President Barb Lambert has an acquaintance that is a security consultant. The consultant also has some music background. In light of recent events Barb suggested that we hire the consultant to see if there is anything we could do to continue to increase the security of information in the office.
  • Barb suggested that we could have the consultant make a presentation at a quarterly meeting that could also address information for members with steps to increase information security in their homes. Barb feels that anything the Board can do that is preventative and proactive is important.
  • Mike Andres suggested that Barb investigate the cost of a consultant. Discussion included taking a member survey about interest in such a presentation. Members should be reminded that they are always welcome to attend any and all Board meetings if they have a concern with any issue, including security, transparency, etc.
  • President Frankenfeld suggested that Barb invite the consultant to meet with the two of them to talk about possibilities. Discussion concluded with Joe Gaudio commenting how much he appreciates the openness of the Board. He feels that levels of trust and respect have risen over the past few years allowing Trustees to bring up any issue or concern.

II. On-line Dues Payment

  • Membership Director and Trustee, Lynne Scott, asked if the Board could investigate the possibility of allowing members to make dues payments online. There are two or three possible low cost options. President Frankenfeld will talk with US Bank about possibilities and Secretary Carol Dunevant will look into PayPal and Square Market costs.

III. Playhouse in the Park

  • Trustee Mike Andres asked President Frankenfeld if he has heard anything from the Playhouse. The tribute to Rosemary Clooney is using a trio but he did not think that any of them were members of the Local. Paul has not heard anything from them in quite some time.

IV. Boar’s Head

  • The Boar’s Head Festival is this coming weekend. The contract needs to be sent. It will have 3 performances plus a rehearsal. After this year some changes may need to be implemented.

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

 

See attached B24901-24910

 

Next meeting scheduled for January 12 at 3:30PM.

 

Meeting adjourned at 2:04PM.

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