Quarterly General Membership Meeting/Dec. 14, 2015

The quarterly meeting of the general membership of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on December 14, 2015 at 7:04PM.

14 members were present.

The minutes of the October 19,2015 quarterly meeting were approved as read. M/S was Nott/Lambert

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I. President’s Report

  • President Frankenfeld and Vice President Barb Lambert provided a brief synopsis of the Regional Conference that was held in Iowa. An attempt to consolidate regional conferences is being forwarded by the National Office. Local 1 has been a part of the Mid-America Conference and our conference voted against consolidation for a number of reasons that were shared with members present. Reasons included the expense of traveling further, no new officers were elected, no By-laws were adopted, and the general sense of disorganization and vague reason for consolidation shared by National. Out of 42 possible delegates from the MAC, only 13 were able to make the trip to Iowa. The National Office cited consolidation as a cost saving measure for the National Officers who usually visit regional conferences. It was the general consensus of MAC delegates that AFM Officers aren’t necessarily needed at regional conferences. Member Gary Winters asked if the MAC was going to stand together to let AFM National Office know that consolidation isn’t necessary. Both President Frankenfeld and Vice-President Lambert felt that would be the case.
  • President Frankenfeld reported that technology appears to have put the AFM at a crossroad. He explained that while the new integrated media agreement includes a bit of language toward digital technology he feels that the situation is akin to the advent of talking movies in the 1920s. The performance of live music faces many difficulties because of new technologies. He cited the decline of the recording industry income. The bulk of AFM income is currently coming from Symphony Orchestras. Touring Broadway groups are also downsizing pit groups.
  • The previous topic led naturally to the announcement of the Recording Musicians of America taking Sony to court. President Frankenfeld pointed out that the Federation spends a considerable amount on legal fees and the next 20 years may prove very challenging. Vice-President Lambert asked Gary Winters to speak about the situation in Europe/Germany. Gary described that the jazz scene still pays fairly well and that local gigs pay OK. Many musicians are also teaching for a steadier income while performing on the side. Gary pointed out that people should join this organization for the legal protection provided. Use the organization to create a forum where the problems of the professional can be discussed and look for solutions. It should be seen as a resource rather than a hopeful booking agency. Gary continued by saying the AFM is not the union of the 70s and it needs to learn to adapt to the new century. Examples cited were YouTube as a way to adapt to marketing. Marty Geisbrecht asked Gary if there was any written document that summarized what he said. Gary responded none that he knew. The conversation concluded that it would be important to go to potential “customers” to ask them what they need in order to be successful in their field (business end of the profession). It is not the job of the Local to find employment for members. However, the Local could provide education to students about how to progress their career. Jose Mangual spoke about how Marie Speziale taught her students what to do to make sure you get called again.
  • General discussion wrapped up with a question from Jose Mangual. He asked if there was a plan after what happened in Iowa. Vice-President Lambert said that she doesn’t think the officers of the smaller regions are getting together to work on an agenda. The whole event seemed slapped together and that there was very little relevance or connection to some of the other regions that were present. President Frankenfeld responded that it will result in several conversations

 

 

New Business

I. Fifty-Year Member Recognition

  • President Frankenfeld presented Lynne Scott with her 50-year membership pin and card. He recounted the many places she has sung, and continues to sing at. He also shared that she started her career as a percussionist.

 

II. Miscellaneous

  • Pat Nott asked if the CSO was planning a New Year’s Eve Gala. After checking the CSO website it appears that the CSO is directing people to various places around Cincinnati to celebrate following the concert.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:07PM and was followed by refreshments.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Dunevant, Secretary

 

 

/by

Board Meeting/December 14, 2015

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on December 14,2015 at 5:52PM.

Mike Andres was absent due to illness.

The minutes of the November 30,2015 meeting were approved.

 

NEW MEMBERS:

Adam Pleiman December 2, 2015- Guitar, Organ, Pedal Steel, Accordion, Banjo

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

REINSTATE:

DECEASED:

RESIGNED:

Nate Lutz – 9/30/2015 – Bass

ERASED:

 

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I. President’s Report

  • President Frankenfeld opened his report with the information that both CSO musicians and staff are being asked to donate/contribute on a voluntary basis to the Music Hall renovation.
  • President Frankenfeld met with the Archdiocese on December 2 to discuss organists interested in organizing. Currently, organists are hired as independent contractors or must be put on the payroll that can be a complicated procedure. Additionally, they are required to go through specific training as a result of the child abuse scandal. By organizing there would be an established scale and the organists could be covered under the insurance provided by the Local. The Archdiocese is very interested in the possibility of the ability to standardize and is anxious to get a proposal from the Local to determine its viability.

 

II. Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra

  • The one-year agreement expires on December 31, 2015. President Frankenfeld has spoken with LeeAnne Anklan, CCO General Manager. It appears that nothing has to be decided immediately due to the new season format. President Frankenfeld proposed to the Trustees that a three-year agreement be pursued that would include incremental increases.

III. IT Update

  • Greg Felix has downloaded the new Peachtree. More updates to follow.

NEW BUSINESS:

None

 

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B 25311-25329

Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 29 at 11:00AM

 

Meeting adjourned at 6:45PM.

/by

Board Meeting/November 16, 2015

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on November 16,2015 at 12:15PM.

All members were present.

The minutes of the November 2,2015 meeting were approved.

NEW MEMBERS:

Joseph William Rebman     Harp     11/12/15

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

REINSTATE:

DECEASED:

Norna Prior, age 90 on Saturday, October 31, 2015

RESIGNED:

Sarah Demy 9/30/15

Ren Arizumi 9/30/15

ERASED:

 

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:        

President’s Report

I.  CCO

  • Wes Neidham has succeeded Jennifer Funk as CCO Board President. President Frankenfeld will be reviewing the current CBA with Mr. Neidham. Scale had been raised by $5. LeAnne Anklan has been officially hired as CCO General Manager. The new CCO summer format was a great success.
  • An incorrect pension fund payment from a CCO recording with the Faux Frenchmen was discovered. The check has not been cashed so a new payment will be submitted. The incorrect amount was higher than needed.

II.  CSO

  • Viola auditions for two CSO positions were held. After a lengthy process two players were offered positions. Rebe Barnes and Danny Kim.

 

III.  Office Update

  • Greg Felix still has to be scheduled to come to the office and work with Rhonda on office updating needs. President Frankenfeld will be trying to contact him before the next Board meeting.

IV.  Music Hall renovation

  • All funding must be raised by January 1, 2016 or the current plans and budget begin to change.
  • Dwight Perry asked if the Local could contribute $500 toward the renovation. Mike Andres moved to table a decision in order for the Board to consider the request. Second was given by Gaudio. Motion approved.

V.  Taft Concerts

  • All Taft Museum concerts still need to be filled. President Frankenfeld asked Vice President Barb Lambert to assist with scheduling performers.

NEW BUSINESS:

I.  Aronoff Center

  • White Christmas is coming to the Aronoff. Ten (10) local players have been hired. It is a two- week run.

II. Musica Sacra

  • President Frankenfeld is still trying to finalize funding MPTF monies for Musica Sacra. The hard copy form has been submitted and all that remains is the online submission.

III.  Membership Issue

  • There are a number of members who are behind in their dues and are facing erasure. Members will be contacted and dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

IV.  Organist organizing

  • Paul Bresciani, hoping to organize organists in the Diocese (Catholic), has approached President Frankenfeld. It would total 12-15 players.

V.  Miscellaneous

  • Jazz Hall of Fame will probably be scheduled around the end of April or beginning of May.
  • Bravo reports that the Musicians Ball has been scheduled for April 1, 2016.
  • President Frankenfeld has not heard anything from CET regarding the Blue Wisp be taped for a special. It had been agreed to secure $100 per player for the brief segment.

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B 25287 – 25297

Next meeting scheduled for November 30, 2015 at 3:00PM

The Quarterly General Membership meeting has been tentatively set for December 14 at 7PM following a Board meeting at 5:30PM.

Meeting adjourned at 1:23PM.

/by

Board Meeting/November 2, 2015

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on November 2,2015 at 12:10PM.

All members were present.

The minutes of the October 19,2015 meeting were approved.

NEW MEMBERS:

Joseph Rodriguez, tenor and alto trombone, 10/15/15 (joined online)

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

REINSTATE:

DECEASED:

RESIGNED:

ERASED:

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I.  President’s Report

  • Greg Felix, IT with IWEB, has been difficult to get in touch with regarding the update of office equipment. Paul will continue to get in touch so that the office can be taken care of.
  • The retirement community concerts have been completed and the monies have been received from the MPTF.
  • MPTF paperwork for Musica Sacra has been completed and submitted.

II.  CSO

  • The Mellon Diversity Fellowship Committee met on October 21. Those applying for the Fellowship will have an audition that is separate from their CCM audition. There are several questions that need to be addressed before the auditions occur. Such as, should auditions be screened or open since the applicants are already known and how many services would they perform with the CSO. It should be a progressive program. There were two committee members who raised concerns about the program. The concern is that the program only focuses on players who have already reached a milestone in their playing rather than focusing on youth to attract more diversity to orchestral music. Another question raised during the committee meeting was regarding the mentorship aspect of the Fellowship. Compensation for the mentors needs to be identified. Possibilities include Service Exchange credit or monetary compensation. Many items under discussion need to be resolved quickly since Fellowship auditions are slated for March 2016.
  • CSO Player Committee terms are staggered and as a result Lon Bussell and Matt Zory have completed their terms. Jennifer Monroe and Boris Astafiev are on the committee. They join Dan Culnan and Drake Ash. President Frankenfeld is an ex-officio member because of his office with the Local.
  • The Communication Committee reported that there appears to be no ‘Plan B’ if the renovation project falls behind schedule.
  • Arts Wave. A large part of Arts Wave criteria for funding rests with education of under represented populations. Organizations commit to a 3-year funding offer and must regularly show throughout the grant period what they are doing to meet this requirement. Because the CSO receives significant funding this has positive and negative aspects. The $3 million received by Arts Wave can essentially become a “smaller” amount because the funding cycle is three years, which does allow for increased budget costs. It can also impact the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra because they do not have a full-time executive director or manager.

NEW BUSINESS:

I.  Taft Museum Concerts

  • Taft Concerts are to begin in January and all but one of the concerts conflicts with the CSO Sunday schedule. President Frankenfeld will be able to fill concerts with free-lance musicians.

II.  Diversity Award Program

  • The AFM Diversity Awards Program recognizes recipients at the convention. There are two awards – The Charles Walton Diversity Advocate Award and the Charles McDaniel Youth Award for applicants between the ages of 16 and 35. The first part of the application process ends January 8, 2016 and the second phase begins February 1 and ends March 15, 2016. Lovie Smith-Wright of Local 65-699 is the contact for AFM. The applicant must be a member of a Local. We are looking for names of possible applicants that we can submit.
  • Election Day
  • Election Day is tomorrow and the AFL-CIO has declined to give the park issue a recommendation.

III. Phone Book

  • As a part of discussion of the vouchers the payment for ads in the phone book was questioned. With the advance of technology and more people using the Internet to locate specific items the Board was asked to consider dropping the expense. It will be discussed in an upcoming meeting.

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B 25263-25286

Next meeting scheduled for November 16 at 12:00PM

Meeting adjourned at 1:00PM.

/by

Board Meeting/October 19, 2015

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on October 19,2015 at 5:35PM.

Lynne Scott was absent.

The minutes of the September 23,2015 meeting were approved.

NEW MEMBERS:

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

REINSTATE:

DECEASED:

RESIGNED:

Sari Eringer-Thoman, viola, 10/7/15

Kelly Jones, trombone, 10/1/15

ERASED:

 

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I.  President’s Report

  • President Frankenfeld offered more information regarding the WGUC request. He has suggested $560 per player (including subs and extras) and that it could be charged against the EMG for tenure track players. The $560 would be an annual figure. This would be good for subs and extras and would also be good for WGUC, as they would still be contributing.
  • John Layne will not be present at the Quarterly meeting this evening. The net worth has gone down slightly but we should see an increase since there are five new players on the CSO roster. President Frankenfeld also reminded the Trustees that decisions need to be made regarding reinvestment strategies for funds that are going to mature soon.

II. Mid States Conference

  • Vice President Barb Lambert updated the Board on the conference that was held in Davenport, Iowa. Formerly known as the Mid America Conference, the new Mid States Conference is a result of a proposed merger of several regional conferences. The merger was an attempt to reduce the amount of travel expenses incurred by the National Office in New York. President Frankenfeld also attended the conference.
  • The Mid-America Conference did not approve the merger and it appeared that there is a question as to whether or not the merger had been officially approved by the IEB.
  • Attendance was poor for the conference. There were only 13 delegates from the former MAC conference, including Paul and Barb. The MAC conference last year hosted 24 delegates. There was no agenda, no new By-laws and there was a general sense of unhappiness with the attempted merger. Marty Hodap from the Indianapolis Local will be checking the IEB minutes to verify that the merger was officially approved.
  • Both Barb and Paul agreed that the field representatives should be at the regional conferences but it should not be required for the Officers to attend.
  • The one item discussed at the conference that was intriguing was when the International Vice President spoke about ‘Fair Play’. This is a project that identifies local businesses that feature live music. The business gets recognized for supporting live music. The concept had been discussed at the last Convention and has been used in the Pacific Northwest and parts of Canada. It does not differentiate between musicians who are members of the Local and those who are not.

NEW BUSINESS:

I. Future of Music Coalition Summit

  • The Board received an offer from the AFM National Office to contribute $500 to help sponsor the Coalition Summit. The Summit is to be held October 26-27 in Washington D.C. We would get our name on banners, programs, and web pages. The Board declined the offer.

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B25239-25262

Next meeting scheduled for November 2, 2915 at 12:00PM

Meetings were tentatively scheduled for November 16 and 30. The next Quarterly General Membership Meeting was tentatively scheduled for December 14, 2015.

Meeting adjourned at 6:50PM.

/by

Board Meeting/September 28, 2015

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on September 28,2015 at 5:32PM.

All members were present.

The minutes of the September 14,2015 meeting were approved.

NEW MEMBERS:

Jason McNeel, Double Bass – 9/22/15

Michael T. Davis, Viola – 9/24/15

Michael H. Culligan, Percussion – 9/26/15

 

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

REINSTATE:

DECEASED:

RESIGNED:

ERASED:

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I. President’s Report

  • The Ballet Orchestra scale moves immediately to $70. Music Director Carmon Deleone would like to record King Arthur. The recording may be with the CSO. President Frankenfeld was questioned by Deleone if the recording could be done at demo rates. Carmon indicated he might write a piece that the Ballet Orchestra would do.
  • The Idina Menzel concert work dues were not paid up front as promised. Individual members will be billed for the dues.
  • The CSO management is asking for two waivers regarding schedule. They are hoping to record three orchestral concerti by three different composers and are looking for ways to accomplish this within the CBA.
  • The CSO is undertaking a three-year project of performing the three versions Pelleas and Melisande (Schoenberg, Debussy, Fauré).
  • The orchestra met with Akoustiks. It is possible that there are better feelings after the meeting and more understanding about the renovation.
  • WGUC is requesting relief from the pension payments. They would like to also do multiple broadcasts. The amount has never changed since the agreement was established. Because of the Electronic Media Guarantee (EMG), President Frankenfeld asked the Board to contemplate the request.

II. Office Equipment

  • Office Manager, Rhonda Gillum, spoke to the Board about updating the office equipment. She has spoken with and IT specialist, Greg Felix. The current payroll program is 20 years old and needs to be replaced. The new program will be an expense but necessary. Greg will submit a proposal to the Board. He is confident he can transfer 2014 data into the new program. Greg Felix offered a rough guess of $800.
  • Trustee Lou Lausche gave a motion to approve the expenses related to updating the office computer software, including a newer version of Peachtree. Barb Lambert gave the second. The motion passed.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

I. MAC Conference

  • Next week is an off week for the CSO and President Frankenfeld will accompany Vice-President Lambert to the Mid-America Conference for the AFM. It will be held in Iowa.

 

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B 25222-25238

Next meeting scheduled for October 19 at 5:30PM. The Quarterly General Membership meeting at 7PM will follow the Board meeting

Meeting adjourned at 6:04PM.

/by

Board Meeting/September 14, 2015

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on September 14, 2015 at 3:39PM.

Paul Frankenfeld was absent due to the passing of his mother.

The minutes of the August 10,2015 meeting were approved.

NEW MEMBERS:

Stefanie Collins, violin on 9/9/15

Zach Quortrup, on 8/25/15

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

REINSTATE:

Jeffrey Carwile, clarinet on 9/1/15

DECEASED:

RESIGNED:

Joseph Grimmer, bassoon on 8/25/15

ERASED:

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I. President’s Report

  • In the absence of Paul Frankenfeld, Barb Lambert reported that there seems to be a small number of players in the CSO voicing concerns with the plans presented by Akoustiks for the rejuvenation of Music Hall. The company has been thoroughly vetted and has a strong record of working with historical music venues. The project will be moving ahead with Akoustiks.
  • The Mid-State Conference will be meeting in Des Moines, Iowa. It appears that each region will still meet separately. The reorganization was to reduce expenses at the National level since AFM Officers travel to the regional conferences.
  • The International Convention will convene in Las Vegas on June 19 and runs through the 23rd. Barb is asking to run as Delegate in addition to the office of Vice President. We will be checking Local and National By-Laws for guidance to make sure this does not represent a conflict of interest. Local 1 is allowed 3 representatives, President, Secretary, and one elected delegate to represent the Local.
  • The payroll for the Idina Menzel concert has been settled. Work dues will be paid directly by the contractor.
  • Paul has been in discussion with Carmine Deleone about the Ballet Orchestra scale. Rehearsal scale has moved to $70 effective immediately. They are still in discussion regarding a potential recording opportunity. Paul will report on this as soon as he has more information.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

None

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B 25186 – 25221

Next meeting scheduled for at September 28 at 5:30PM. This is to be followed by the General Quarterly Meeting at 7PM.

 

Meeting adjourned at 4:23PM.

/by

Board Meeting/August 10, 2015

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on August 10,2015 at 11:06AM.

All members were present.

The minutes of the July 20,2015 meeting were approved.

NEW MEMBERS:

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

REINSTATE:

DECEASED:

Harry Meuser – Bassoon

RESIGNED:

Janice Ahn – Violin 7/27/15

ERASED:

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I. President’s Report

  • President Frankenfeld began the meeting with an update on scheduling an investment firm to speak to the Board regarding options when several Treasury Notes mature. The gentleman he is trying to schedule is on vacation.
  • President Frankenfeld has put in calls to Anthem and Horan to see if they have anything comparable to Gary Slowicks proposal.
  • The Board was informed on the office hardware and software update. President Frankenfeld suggested an IT person come in and evaluate. Vice President Barb Lambert will contact Gary Winters for information he can provide. President Frankenfeld will look to area businesses that may be able to help.
  • Articles are being finished up so that an issue can be completed.
  • Petitions for Officer and Trustee elections will be available on August 24. Elections are in December.

NEW BUSINESS:

I. Idina Menzel is singing at Riverbend on August 18. Work dues will be held back based on our scale.

II. Lynne Scott has called Yolanda regarding the Labor Day picnic.

III. Phone book advertising. It was discussed that we continue to reduce the amount of advertising in the phone book due to the reduced function of the book and increase in using the web to locate businesses and phone numbers.

IV. Trustee Mike Andres commented that the Playhouse would be doing Sondheim musicals. He was curious to find out who was doing the contracting.

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B25156-B 25159 and B 25163 – B 25185

Next meeting scheduled for September 14, 2015 at 3:30PM

Meeting adjourned at 11:34PM.

/by

Board Meeting Minutes/July 20, 2015

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on July 20,2015 at 3:40PM.

All members were present. Guests: John Layne

The minutes of the July 6,2015 meeting were approved with a correction. Under ‘President’s Report’ the expiration date for the CCO’s CBA is 2015.

NEW MEMBERS:

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

REINSTATE:

DECEASED:

RESIGNED:

ERASED:

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I. President’s Report

  • Flowers were delivered to Carolyn Mason in memory of her brother who passed away.
  • A refund for the over payment to the State of Ohio has been submitted.
  • The Blue Wisp Band had a very good turnout for their performance at the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Devou Park. The band was also scheduled to perform on Fountain Square in conjunction with the All-Star Game. The performance was rained out.
  • President Frankenfeld put forth a proposal to invite a representative from John Investments as well as US Bank to offer options for reinvestment of Treasury Bonds that will be maturing soon. The Board agreed and asked Paul to set up the presentations for a future Trustees meeting.
  • President Frankenfeld reported that during the year of renovation at Music Hall the CSO would tour both Europe and Hong Kong. They will also participate in the Edinburgh Festival. Contract waivers will need to be dealt with but President Frankenfeld does not see any potential problems.
  • The pit issues for the opera ‘Morningstar’ were resolved satisfactorily. A review for the Chicago Tribune was glowing and the Local Enquirer review was more critical, stating the performance was static.
  • President Frankenfeld referred back to the meeting of June 9, 2015. Gary Slowik has a group benefit product with some attractive prices. President Frankenfeld was requested to give due diligence and see what might be possible. Even with a dozen people participating there might be something to offer members.

 

II. John Layne – audit report

  • Based on the findings of the audit the financial health of the Local is excellent.
  • Kelley, Galloway, Smith, Goolsby, PSC (KSGG) made the following recommendations.
  • The General Ledger needs to be posted more often. Updated office equipment and software can help Rhonda get this done more often. For example, September financials need to be posted in December. Posting quarterly is highly advised. KSGG can provide training for new, updated software.
  • Upon review of the audit report and supplemental materials the management response is:

The Board of Trustees has discussed the options concerning the capabilities of preparing financial statements that would not require significant changes by the auditor. The Board has decided that it would not be cost beneficial to change the current practice. The Board believes it is in the best interest of the Fund to continue to retain the auditing firm to prepare tis financial statements in conjunction with a year-end audit. However, management will review and approve adjusting entries, if any. Additionally, management will review and approve the financial statements, including disclosures, before they are presented to the Trustees. Management will review and approve the Form 990 and Form LM-2 before they are filed.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

I. Overtones

  • Trish Carmichael is working on a new format. A consensus of the membership regarding a group benefit product could be done through Overtones.

II. Chico Armstrong, a security guard in the building, is a songwriter and has asked Paul whom he should approach with his music. The Trustees provided a couple of names, which Paul will share with Chico.

III. Reminder that this is an election year. Petitions will be available September 1 and due October 6, 2015.

IV. The next quarterly membership meeting is tentatively scheduled for September 28 at 7PM. President Frankenfeld will try to reach out to members again. Honorary memberships will be presented at this meeting along with the financial report.

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B25147-25155 and B25160-25162.

Next meeting scheduled for August 3 at 3:30PM.

Meeting adjourned at 5:26PM.

/by

Quarterly Membership Meeting/June 22, 2015

The quarterly meeting of the general membership of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on June 22, 2015 at 7:12PM.

12 members were present.

The minutes of the March 30,2015 quarterly meeting were approved as read. M/S was Hurd/D. Dunevant

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I. President’s Report

  • President Frankenfeld reported that the contract negotiations for the CSO were successful. He outlined the 5-year contract providing 1.5% increases each year over the five years. Current season members received $10,000 for their 401(b).

II. Music Hall Renovation

  • President Frankenfeld reported that there had been a meeting with Akoustiks, with all of the players. The proposal seemed drastic and that architecture was being put before acoustical considerations. His concern is that the process is moving too quickly. The $25 million tax credit had been pulled but was re-instated. There were a series of acoustical tests, all of which had negative effects.
  • James Lambert, CSO musician on the Committee for Restoration was present and provided the following information
  1. First, and foremost, the strategy is to “do no harm”.
  2. The acoustical tests were likened to a photo shoot. The acousticians got to hear the hall 6 different ways. Most people seemed to like the sound when the cloud was raised a little bit.
  3. The next meeting is scheduled for June 23 and he would find out more information.
  4. His impression is that the appearance of the hall would not be changed. There was concern that it would be gutted but that is not the case. They have to pay attention to the historical requirements.
  5. The company does not want to touch the physical cosmetic appointments. He provided an example using the walls. Currently they are plain but they may become articulated (not flat) which would create texture to the walls. Everyone involved so far likes the acoustical footprint of the hall but the task will be to get the sound dispersed equally throughout the interior. Currently the orchestra has to exaggerate some things in order to be heard (articulations, etc.).
  6. The acousticians said that it was their hope that when everything is done people will come in and ask, “What did you do”?

Discussion:

  • President Frankenfeld voiced his relief that drastic measures would not be taken and asked about the timetable. Jim Lambert replied that the acousticians said the time frame was short but they think it can happen. He continued that the concern is for the musicians to take the process seriously to reduce the number of rumors. He is encouraging musicians to voice their concerns.
  • Pat Nott, member, commented that the CSO as an organization should be sharing information with the public because rumors are possibly a result of the plans that were released 3+ years ago. She also asked about plans for the Ball Room. Jim replied with regard to the old plans that things have progressed to plan B or C at this point but that he would share her thought with the committee. As far as the Ball Room is concerned that is outside his purview. He is only involved with Springer Auditorium. In summary he stated that he feels concerns are being heard.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

I. Web Sites/Barb Lambert

  • Vice President Barb Lambert asked those present who had their own website and who was interested in having their own website. She was prepared to make a presentation on the ease of creating your own website. If any members are interested they are encouraged to contact her for more information.

II. Bravo Music/Don Hurd

  • Trustee Don Hurd, also a member of the Bravo Board, gave those present a brief update on what Bravo is working towards.
  • Bravo is interested in building up their educational outreach. They are looking to provide opportunities for members of the Local to fund performances.
  • There were several questions from those present about the funding. Don answered as fully as possible but reminded everyone that they are still in the fledgling stages.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:21PM and was followed by refreshments.

 

 

/by