MINNESOTA FEDERATION OF MUSIC CLUBS
52nd BIENNIAL STATE CONVENTION
All Member State Meeting and Convention Minutes

St. John’s Episcopal Church St. Cloud, MN
May 5 and May 6, 2006

Friday, May 5, 2006

Registration/Continental Breakfast: 8:30am
Official Opening & Welcome: 9:00am
The Federation Collect—Cheryl Schmidt, MFMC State President, opened the state convention with the Federation Collect, read by all.

Thank you to Great River Music Club members for hosting the convention: Ann DuHamel and Ree Rinn, co-chairs, Edythe Williams, Treasurer/Registration, Marcia Benson, Jan Dahl, Gayle Gunnerson, Brenda Handel-Johnson, Paula Heydman, Mary Kovell, Sue Mergen, Lois Muelich, Ann Percuoco, Kari Shumaker, Lois Sizer, Jenny Spaulding, Kathie Younker.

All Member State Meeting

Call to order
Cheryl Schmidt called the state meeting to order at 9:05am.

Business Meeting
Introductions were made.
Special guests: Lana Bailey, National First Vice President;
Carolyn Nelson, National Vice president/North Central Region

Attendance sheet
Club President and Festival Manager Update was distributed for participants to update information.

Members Present
Apple Valley: Pat Steege, Betty Olson, Sarah Twedt. Burnsville Area MTA: Kathy Wilson. Central Lakes Music Club: Marcia Benson, Karen Erickson. Club 88, RCMTA: Gwen Degner, Sandy Frank, Jan Prokosch. Duluth MTA: Liz Raihala. Encore Music Club: Renee Anderson. Great River Music Club: Lois Muelich, Mary Kovell, Jan Dahl, Ann Percuoco, Lois Sizer, Sue Mergen, Marcia Benson, Edythe Williams, Gayle Gunnerson, Ann DuHamel, Paula Heydman, Ree Rinn, Virginia Anderson. Hibbing Musicale: Nadine Berg, Anne Dimich, Cris Brown, Jennifer Stubbs, Susan Hoolihan, Mary Strasser, Rose Zygmanski. Mankato Music Club: Bonnie Jorgensen. Music Marshall: Dana Funk. North Suburban Music Club: Gloria Kroeger. South Suburban MTA: Shawna Daun. SW Mpls. Keyboard Club: Cora Barr. Tuesday Music Club: Jane Jensen. West Central Keyboard Club: Paulette Massa, Peggy Karsten, Raeanna Gislason, Cheryl Schmidt. Willmar Musicale: Raeanna Gislason.

Secretary’s Report
Minutes were approved as submitted.

Treasurer’s Report
Nadine Berg, treasurer, highlighted the fact that the treasury is going down because of the number of scholarships we award. We keep about $3000 of our dues. The festival cup plan has been mostly self-sustaining, but this year did cost a little more. We will need to address this deficit in the future. The $19,000 loss is really about $12,000 after adjustments deducting the national board session expenses. Currently, the national board assessments and expenses are being recorded with our state information. The 2004 National Board Assessment C/D will come due in June to cover the National Board assessments, but until the C/D is in, the fees are coming from our general fund. In June, Cheryl has requested Nadine separate out all income and expenses for MFMC and the National Board Session; to include our MFMC general fund getting reimbursed for expenses taken out for the board session. Some of the scholarships are self-sustaining, but those that are not will need to be funded in some way.

Report filed for audit.

OLD BUSINESS

NFMC 2006 Fall Board Session Update – Mary Angela Strasser, Chair reported on the upcoming National Board Session on August 1 – 6, 2006. She urged us to keep checking the MFMC web page for information, to attend and thanked members of her committee for their hard work, especially Betty Olson. Tuesday is the launch day, which will include international music. Wednesday - tours available to Orchestra Hall and American Swedish Institute. Thursday - Rose Fay Thomas Luncheon speaker is Mindy Ratner hosted by Wisconsin Federation of Music Clubs. Official Opening features the Medalist Band and The First Minnesota Color Guard from Fort Snelling with an evening concert by Pas de Duo, Ellis Duo Piano Competition Winners. Friday —church basement dinner at St. Andrew’s Church with Garrison Keillor and Vern Sutton, hosted by North and South Dakota Federation of Music Clubs. Mary also highlighted other events and meals and workshops. Mary ended with an appeal to have us attend and help a little—“There is no such thing as too much help.” She also indicated that we are not permitted to sell individual tickets, so if anyone wants to attend a specific event or concert, they must pay the registration fee.

NEW BUSINESS

Correspondence
Cheryl read a letter from Sophie Mindoch, Student Audition Winner/ saxophone, thanking MFMC for this opportunity and award.

Cheryl announced up-coming events and other announcements:

• North Central Region Federation Days – July 13 -14, 2006
• NCR: MN, NE, IA, WI, ND, SD, IL (our joint project is the Junior Composer Institute)
• National Music Week Essay Contest Winner is Krista Kalthoff of Richmond, MN, student of Kari Shumaker
• National Winner, Joyce Walsh Disability Award – First Place is Lucy Sirianni, St. Paul, MN. Student of Roderick Teh

Senior and Junior Club Rating Sheets will be sent to all festival managers and club presidents. Please complete the forms noting your activities - you may receive an award.

Election of Officers
Betty Olson, nominating committee chair, announced the new nominated officers:

• President - Cheryl Schmidt
• 1st Vice President – Karen Erickson
• 2nd Vice President – Pat Steege
• Treasurer – Nadine Berg
• Secretary – Paulette Massa
• National Board Representative – Mary Angela Strasser

No additional nominations were given.

Kathy Wilson made a motion to accept the slate of officers, Sarah Twedt seconded. The motion carried to accept the slate of officers.

Junior Division
Cheryl recognized and thanked the festival auditors and explained the auditing process.

Festivals
Rennae Petersen, chair (absent)
The festival report was distributed. The total number of participants was 5,317. Rennae has resigned state Festival chair. Cheryl showed the framed Festival poster that will be given to Rennae in appreciation for her service. Cora Barr is the new state Festival chair.

Festival Cup
Susan Hoolihan, chair, announced that within 60 days, she can handle any errors in Festival cups. E-mail her with any engraving errors or damaged cups. Beyond that time period, the problems belong to the teacher. This year we ordered a grand cup— 75 points for Sarah Twedt’s son. A report was distributed that summarizes the number of Festival club recipients and costs.

International Music Camp/Summer Scholarships
Rose Zygmanski, chair, summarized the applicants for this scholarship. Four and 1/3 applicants this year. (A recommendation letter arrived without an application). After reading the applications and hearing the audition tapes, the committee recommends Breanna Kerzman, Kasey Perlinger and Sarah Puelston for scholarships. Betty Olson made a motion to fund the three students recommended. Karen Erickson seconded. Motion carried. Music camp applications were brought for anyone interested and the video tape from the camp was given to the club.

Junior Composers Institute
July 9– 15, 2006 (www.juniorcomposers.org)
Augsburg College - Minneapolis, MN – for 14-19 year olds, Dawn Lawrence camp director.
A brochure and a report were included with the meeting packets.

Junior Composer Contest
Pat Steege, chair, discussed the contest which goes from the middle of January to the middle of February. This year 24 applicants applied, ages from 8 to 18.

Winners:

Level 1

• 1st, Justin Cook*, Sunset on the Water, teacher Gayle Marcus
• 2nd, Aaron Foreman*, A to E Fandango, teacher Pat Steege

Level 2

• 1st, David Rawlins, Surprise of the Witch, teacher Sharon Kaplan
• 2nd, Laura Steege, Summer Storm, teacher Pat Steege

Level 3

• 1st, Kate Meyer, Espanol Bailor, teacher Cathy Shields
• 2nd, Cassi Schilling*, Yep! It’s a Butterfly, teacher Pat Steege

Level 4

• 1st, David Johnson*, Suite for Piano, teacher Joe Gallant
• 2nd, Emily Vomacka*, New York Tourist, teacher Dr. Paul Wirth

* denotes students who have advanced to national level.

Minnesota produced more winners than any other state in our region. Pat suggests that we make a CD of the top winners and make a copy of the scores. Some of the scores are rather long, so distribution is difficult. The issue of these compositions being copyrighted was discussed. An increase in fees will be necessary--to $14 in 2007 and then to $16 in 2008.

Junior Composer Institute Scholarships
Pat Steege, chair, reported that the level 3 and 4 winners are automatically offered a scholarship of $300. She is suggesting that the scholarship be increased to $400 as that is the amount needed to cover the camp. The families would be responsible for $25 application fee and the $35 key deposit. Mary Strasser moved that we increase the scholarship to $400. Karen Erickson seconded the motion. Discussion regarding concerns of finances for funding - the motion was defeated. Scholarships remain at $300.Another issue, Pat suggested that if one of the applicants declines the scholarship, another applicant be given the award.

Motion: Student must have participated in the Minnesota Junior Composers Contest in January of the year of the scholarship award and must be a first or second place winner in Levels 3 or 4. In the event one of these four winners declines the scholarship, written applications from other non-winning JC entrants in Levels 3 or 4 will be considered. Students must be a junior member of the NFMC in good standing. Raeanna Gislason made the above motion. Betty Olson seconded. Motion passed.

Joyce Walsh Junior Disability Award and Minnesota Scholarships for Challenged Students
Cheryl Schmidt, chair, reported that no applications were received.

MFMC Insurance Coordinator
KathyWilson reminded that we need certificates for insurance for our festival locations and even if we do not have the exact date, we should register that we are planning a festival in a particular location.

Student/Collegiate Division

MFMC State Student Auditions
Sheila Shusterich, chair (absent)

Student Auditions
MFMC awarded $4,000 in scholarships to 9 students.In two differentcategories (Piano and Woodwinds), the adjudicators did not feel a first place award was merited; however, they did feel a 2nd prize was appropriate.

Piano
Amanda Cook, Pennock, 2nd place, $400 (no 1st place award)

Organ

• Megan Buysse, Minneota 1st place, $500 award
• Rebecca Petersen, Clara City, 2nd place, $400 award

Man's Voice

• Micah Erickson, Alexandria, 2nd place, $400 award
• Nathan Herfindahl, Duluth, first place $500 award

Woman's Voice

• Amy Hagensen, Duluth, first place $500 award
• Esther Peterson, Kerkhoven, 2nd place $400 award

Strings
Anna Bakk, violin, Medina, first place $500 award

Winds
Sophie Mindach, alto saxophone, Alexandria, 2nd place $400 (no first place award)

Georgia Chapman Piano Study Award
Sheila Shusterich, chair (absent). Sheila recommends that we just cover the tuition, not the materials. She recommends awarding applicant Lillie Kendall $585 for lesson tuition. Betty Olson moved that we award Lillie Kendall $585. Ann DuHamel seconded, motion carried.

Young Artist Piano Camp Scholarship
Sheila Shusterich, Chair (absent). Pending: May 1 is the postmark date deadline for applications, so Sheila is waiting for any other applications. Two have been received as of this date.

Senior Division

Historian
Judith Zylstra, Chair (absent). No report.

Opera Report
Jane Jensen, chair, questioned how many clubs perform Opera, discuss Opera or cover any aspect of Opera. No one responded. Jane mentioned the Opera in the Ozarks program under the direction of Roger Contrell. La Traviatta, Barber of Seville, and a children’s opera among others. She talked about the program - Interview with Elmo about opera.

Arts Advocacy
Sarah Twedt, chair, reported that she is waiting to hear from local clubs on what they are doing for arts advocacy. She sent out information about arts advocacy urging clubs to have activities and then take pictures and send to Sarah. She mentioned a bill presented April 5 to the Minnesota House. The proposal was to raise the state sales tax with 34% to wildlife, clean water, etc. and 22% goes to the arts. Minnesota Citizens for the Arts does have a paid lobbyists and does give reports of how individual legislators votes. We can join and get this information.

Rose Zygmanski Teacher Trust Grants
Karen Erickson, chair, reported on an application from Ann DuHamel to go to The Amalfi Coast Music Festival and Institute in Vietri sul Mare, Italy, from July 2 to 14, which includes master classes and private lessons. The grant is for $200. Pat Steege moved and Kathy Wilson seconded a motion to award the $200 grant to Ann DuHamel. The motion carried.

Parade of American Music
Kathy Wilson, chair, reported that she got the official proclamation from Governor Pawlenty. This proclamation is a good way to promote American music and get local attention. Folk songs are being forgotten. She suggested that clubs try to include a program in November that includes American music. Also, libraries and schools can be contacted for this type of focus. Kathy presented the proclamation to our club.

Adult Composers Contest
Betty Olson, chair, reported that this year’s Adult Composer Critique attracted 3 applicants (last year 2 people entered) with results available in August. Costs are reduced by limiting mailings to club presidents, with 5-10 applications per packet depending on the size of the club, music stores and colleges. The fee was increased to $5 per page beyond two. Betty suggested that the fee could be dropped now as we are saving money with the reduced mailing list. An informal decision was made that an applicant can not win the Virginia Kendrick Award two years in a row.

Half Notes & MFMC Web Site
Louise Lundin, editor and manager. Cheryl explained that Louise is so effective as our editor and worth every penny. Cheryl explained that she requires all information for Half Notes be sent to Cheryl as she can coordinate and check phone numbers, etc., which she does for free, whereas Louise works with billable hours for this type of proofing. Suggestion was made to include Half Notes on-line.

Club Presidents Reports

Other Items for discussion

Lana Bailey, national first vice president, explained the improvisation opportunities and urged that we encourage students to get involved in this competition. Improvisation will be included in the next bulletin.

New Bulletins
We can pre-order now. They will be ready to ship in June. The web page for national headquarters has the information.

Attendance reminder
All participants were reminded to sign.

Membership roster
Members were urged to contact Nadine Berg for any corrections in the membership roster.

Reminder about North Central Regional Federation Days
July 13-14, held at the Holiday Inn Express with the workshops at Augsburg College.

Club Stationary
Available from MFMC state secretary upon request.

Registration at the National Board Session
Cora Barr requested that she wants someone from each club to e-mail her with one volunteer to man the registration booth for three hours.

Future MFMC Dates

• NFMC Fall Session – August 1 – 6, 2006. Hotel Sofitel, Minneapolis, MN
  
• MFMC All Member State & Festival Meeting – Wednesday, August 16, 2006
  
• Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Minneapolis, MN
  The MFMC All Member State meeting will be held in the morning. Cheryl mentioned that after lunch, the festival meeting will include everything needed for your next festival. All festival mangers or a festival representative must plan to attend.
  
• MFMC Spring State Meeting - April 2007 (date to be determined)
  MFMC Officers and Chairmen (all members are welcome)
  
• MFMC 53rd Biennial Convention
  
• August 2007, SW Minneapolis Keyboard Club Hosting. State and Festival meeting included.
  
  Cheryl explained that this convention is coming up fast because we changed from a spring convention to fall to coincide with National programming.

Special Dates

• National Music Week – May 7 – 15, 2006
  
• Federation Days at Opera in the Ozarks – July 19 – 22, 2006, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

President’s Wish List

• Membership Chair
  Respond to requests for membership into MFMC. Be willing to provide personal contact by phone, developing (with state president) a new member packet, helping with contact of local club. Initiate creative and active ideas to recruit new members into the organization.
  
• Student Division Chair
  An MFMC member is needed to take an active role in visiting colleges and making teachers and students aware of all the scholarships available from our Federation. Just sending information does not get teachers/students active. It is helpful to get colleges federated with our organization, because students do not have the additional fee of membership when they apply for scholarships. Our state organization will continue to find chairmanships for all these scholarships so there is an appropriate contact person.

Web Sites
Minnesota, www.mfmc.net
National, www.nfmc-music.org

Meeting Adjourned at 11:35 am

Musical Interlude
Performance by Reed Tetzloff, piano.

Luncheon held at 12:00 noon
Mary Strasser, Invocation.

Paul Wirth Workshop at 1:00pm
Presented lecture: “Future Problem Busters, or, If I only know then what I know now!

Jeffrey Kline Performance, 2:15pm
Virginia Kendrick Scholarship Award winner performed his composition titled Fall from Grace.

National Fall Session Planning Meeting: 2:30pm

Continued to finalize events, etc.

Festival Honors Recital, 4:00pm
Approximately 25 – 30 students participated. Two Presidential Awards for $25.00 each were awarded for special performances.

Banquet, 6:00pm
Cheryl Schmidt, presiding

• Betty Olson, Invocation
• Featured speaker, Lana Bailey, First Vice President, NFMC
• Time of Remembrance: Honoring Pat Kadlecek, Lorraine Raitz, Mickey Jax

Installation of MFMC officers
Lana Bailey, presiding

Young Artist Concert, 8:00pmPerformed by Christopher Atzinger, pianist. First place winner, 2005 NFMC Biennial Young Artist Competition. Mozart, Brahms and outstanding performance of Samuel Barbers Sonata for Piano.

Saturday, May 6, 2006

Registration/Continental Breakfast: 8:30am

Piano Master Class, 9:00am
Christopher Atzinger coached three piano students.

Minnesota Inspirations, 10:15am
Featured compositions of Wynn-Anne Rossi with performers Carolyn Finley, Edward Turley, Jill Plyatt, Erin Boyer and Axel Theimer.

Festival Honors Recital, 11:30am
Approximately 25 – 30 students participated. Two Presidential Awards for $25.00 each were awarded for special performances.

12:30pm State Convention/Adjournment