MARCH 2024



Metropolitan Chorale Board Minutes

March 18, 2024, 5:45 p.m.

Nazareth Board Room

Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 5:520PM. by Board President Donna Mallin. Members Present:  Joanne Hartman, Michael Walter, Angela Orr,  Prudy Klinger, Donna Mallin, Timothy Sprengeler,  Matt Aronson, Valerie Hanson, Sam Anderson, Karen Reshetar, and Ryan Occeña. 

Absent: Jim Ralston, Judy Moser

Approval of the Agenda: The agenda was approved by affirmation. 

Approval of the February 2024 Minutes: The minutes were approved by unanimous consent.

Treasurer’s Report: Joanne sent the previous month’s financial report via email for the board to review. 

 On February 19, 2024, the balance on hand in checking was:  $8066.01.  Deposits this month of $2115.00, and disbursements of $1238.94 bring the total balance on hand as of March 19, 2024, to $8942.07.

The balance in the Premier Money Market Fund on January 31, 2024, is $26,311.97. 

 The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by unanimous consent. 

Joanne reports we have three scholarship people this spring.  She has the fall concert on flash drives which are available for $10 each.   

Joanne clarified that we will pay $500 to each pianist at our concert, and a tentative amount the soloists will each receive is $210 total for 3 rehearsals and the concert. If the rehearsal number changes the amount may change.  We will make a final decision next meeting.

Director’s Report:

1. The college-age auditions for our Art Song Competition are set for 3/25/24 and the high school-age on 4/8/24.  He has four college-age who have signed up.  No high school as yet.

2. Marcos Atunez, bass in our chorale, will be the baritone soloist for this concert. 

3. Carita Pfalzgraf of the Wartburg faculty will be our second accompanist.

Committee Reports:

Marketing: Judy M. and Donna M. have the advertising poster in the works.  They will decide on the final product.  The calendar and press releases are ready.  The KUNI/KHKE scripts are ready. 

Music: Matt will do the Brahms Requiem translation for our programs this spring.

Finance/Fundraising: 

1. Joanne has the donor letter ready.  It was moved and seconded that the board approve the letter.  It was approved.

2. The CFNEI grant ceremony will be on Thursday, March 21.  Donna Mallin and Joanne Hartman will attend to receive the award on behalf of the Chorale.

Membership: Brenda will get the membership spreadsheet to Donna soon.

Communication:  Donna reports the website has been getting good traffic. 

CONTINUING BUSINESS:

Concert Arrangements:

1. Ryan reports that the two Bengtson Hall grand pianos have yet to be tuned but are in the hall.  He also reports that he feels ZEFFY will work well for the chorale.  ZEFFY is an online payment system created for non-profit organizations.  Ryan is currently testing it and will report at the next board meeting on the workability of this app.

2. Mike Walter reports he has located a back for a riser and would like to purchase it to see if it will work with the H.S. risers we use.  The cost is $523.  If it works we would look at purchasing backs for all the risers.  This would be far cheaper than buying our own risers.  Sam moved and Joanne seconded that Mike purchase one riser.  Unanimous approval. 

3. Angela contacted UNI catering but has not heard back.  She will contact them again. 

4. Valerie looked into the cost of converting our old concert cassettes into digital.  Joanne reports she has no old cassettes, only CDs.  Ryan feels we need to convert those also as CDs can be scratched etc. Valerie will check into this cost.

5. In Kind Ads - Ryan continues to be in discussions with various groups in the CV regarding collaborations.  It was discussed and decided that Karen will create a simple ad that could be easily adjusted for different times or situations.  We will contact multiple musical groups in the Cedar Valley by email offering to put a “no charge” ad in our program.  Hopefully, this will encourage them to do the same for us. 

Historian: No report

New Business:

Program Assignments: 

Cover - Judy and Donna.  They will use a form of the advertising poster.

Welcome Letter - Ryan will write

Program Order - Ryan

Program notes and translations -Matt

Member Names - Brenda

Bios:  Donna to request bio info from the soloists. 

Donors - Joanne will have that information by April 15th.

Upcoming events and mission statement - Donna and Judy

In-kind ads

Programs - a discussion was held about how many to print.  The decision was made to print 275.  In addition, we will try to have a QR code at the doors.

It was moved and seconded that the meeting be adjourned at 6:53 P.M.  Unanimous approval.

Next meeting: April 15, 2024,  5:45  at Nazareth church.

Purpose:  Final meeting before our concert; all preparations in place; plan for annual meeting

Respectfully submitted,  Prudy Klinger Approved  Date: April 15, 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

Metropolitan Chorale Board Minutes

February 19, 2024, 5:45 p.m.

Nazareth Board Room

Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 5:52 PM. by Board President Donna Mallin. Members Present:  Joanne Hartman, Michael Walter, Angela Orr,  Prudy Klinger, Donna Mallin, Timothy Sprengeler, Judy Moser,  Matt Aronson, Ryan Occena.   

Absent: Valerie Hanson, Sam Anderson, Karen Reshetar, Jim Ralston.

Approval of the Agenda: The agenda was approved by affirmation. 

Approval of the January 2024 Minutes: The minutes were approved by unanimous consent.

Treasurer’s Report: Joanne sent the previous month’s financial report via email for the board to review. 

 On January 15, 2024, the balance on hand in checking was:  $5942.25.  Deposits this month of $5345.00, and disbursements of $3221.24 bring the total balance on hand as of February 19, 2024, to $8066.01.

The balance in the Premier Money Market Fund on January 31, 2024, is $26,281.69. 

 Joanne reports receiving a letter from the Northeast Iowa Food Bank thanking the chorale for their generous donation of $1792 and two large boxes of canned food.  These were donated by the audience at our fall 2023 benefit concert.

The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by unanimous consent. 

Director’s Report:

1.  Ryan states that overall he is pleased with where the chorale is at present. He wants the chorale to do a fair amount of self-practice on this requiem as the music is difficult.  The sectional rehearsals have been going well.

2.  He would like to see more scholarship students.  We currently have two altos and one bass on scholarship.

3.  He has been talking with Bel Canto and the W’loo/CF Symphony about future collaborations.  They are interested.  Talks will continue.

4.  He will be sending out the song competition information soon to schools.  The college-age auditions are set for 3/25/24 and the high school-age on 4/8/24.  Several singers in the chorale will be auditioning.

Committee Reports:

Marketing: The Cedar Falls library display will be taken down by March 1st. 

Music: Matt will do the Brahms Requiem translation for our programs this spring.

Finance/Fundraising: 

Joanne plans to have the donor letter ready for approval at the March 18th board meeting.

Membership: 

The number is not yet finalized due to several members dropping out and new people starting.

Concert Arrangements: The spring concert will be accompanied by two pianos.  Nathaniel Parrish, our accompanist, is working on finding a second musician.  A discussion was held on the appropriate accompanist pay for this concert as there is much more time and effort involved than usual.  The board is in agreement that we should increase the remuneration.  Donna tabled this matter until next month's board meeting. 

Donna will contact Bengtson Hall staff to have the two grand pianos tuned the week before our concert.  We will fund this. 

Mike Walter continues to explore finding risers with back rails.  They are very expensive for us to purchase. 

We will be able to have a concert reception in the entry hall of Bengtson.  Since it is on University grounds we will need to utilize their catering service. 

Angela reports she is working on the corsages for the upcoming concert. 

Historian: No report

Communication:  1 Vision, our web page manager, offered a different level of management with more perks.  After discussion, the board agreed that our current plan is all we need.

The member portion of the webpage has all the music available for practice. 

Continuing Business:

We continue to look into online banking for concerts.  Paypal requires access to our bank account and we are not yet sure how all this might work.  We will revisit this later. 

New Business:

1. The plan is to restart Beer Choir.  Our first time will be at the Hearst Center for the Arts, in their garden on Thursday, May 23, 20234.  Nathaniel will be able to accompany us.  This will be announced to the chorale after Easter.

2. A suggestion was offered that the chorale hire an executive director for a few hours a month.  This person would handle secretarial duties, grant writing, and coordinate with performance sites, etc.  We will look into this. 

3.  Angela will look into the potential of putting chorale history in the post office display case. This would be good advertising.

It was moved and seconded that the meeting be adjourned at 6:53 P.M.  Unanimous approval.

Next meeting: February 19, 2024,  5:45  at Nazareth church.

Purpose:  Continue plans for the spring concert, and decide on payment for our accompanists at the next concert.

Respectfully submitted,  Prudy Klinger Approved  Date: March 18, 2024

JANUARY 2024

Metropolitan Chorale Board Minutes

January 15, 2024  5:45 p.m.

Nazareth Board Room

Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 5:50 PM. by Board President Donna Mallin. Members Present:  Joanne Hartman, Michael Walter, Angela Orr,  Valerie Hanson, Prudy Klinger, Donna Mallin, Sam Anderson, Karen Reshetar.

Absent: Matt Aronson,  Jim Ralston, Timothy Sprengeler, Judy Moser, Ryan Occena, 

Approval of the Agenda: The agenda was approved by affirmation. 

Approval of the December 2023 Minutes: The minutes were approved by affirmation.

Treasurer’s Report: Joanne sent the previous month’s financial report via email for the board to review. 

 On Dec. 18, 2023, the balance on hand in checking was:  $7,643.61.  Deposits this month of $660.00, and disbursements of $2,361.36 bring the total balance on hand as of January 15, 2024, to $5,942.25.

The balance in the Premier Money Market Fund on 9/30/2023 is $26,249.25. 

Joanne reports she just received a $2000 donation yesterday that is not reflected in this report. 

The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by affirmation. 

Director’s Report:

Ryan is not present tonight.

Committee Reports:

Marketing: Donna has been distributing the Chorale business cards she created.  They look great! Also, a poster was created and put out to the membership to print and distribute around town, advertising our spring session and inviting people to join.  It can also be distributed online.  Joanne, Judy, and Donna set up a Metropolitan Chorale window display on the second floor of the Cedar Falls Public Library. 

Music: The  Requiem is on our website for members to access. 

Finance/Fundraising: 

Grant report:  Donna submitted the Community Foundation application for grant funding.

Membership: 

So far Donna has received 11 registrations online, 9 of these are new people. 

Concert Arrangements: No report

Historian: No report

Communication:  No report

Continuing Business:

No report

New Business:

Sheri Huber-Otting, program director from  the Hearst Center for the Arts attended this meeting and proposed that the chorale consider performing a concert of about 1 hour in length at their venue.  She would love to have us sometime this May.  Discussion followed.  The whole chorale would not fit in their small performance hall, but could perform in the garden area where many concerts are held.  We felt that we might do better getting a chamber choir assembled for this type of performance.  We have had a small group in the past and maybe could create one again.  We would need to find someone willing to direct as this is off season for Ryan.  We agreed to look into this possibility, if not for this May, then next year.  We will stay in touch with Sheri.

It was moved and seconded that the meeting be adjourned at 6:22 P.M.  Unanimous approval.

Next meeting: February 19, 2024,  5:45  at Nazareth church.

Purpose:  Continue plans for spring

Respectfully submitted,

Prudy Klinger

DECEMBER 2023

Metropolitan Chorale Board Minutes

December 18, 2023, 6:00 p.m.

Place: Nazareth Church

Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 6:06 PM. by Board President Donna Mallin. Members Present:  Joanne Hartman, Timothy Sprengeler,  Valerie Hanson, Prudy Klinger, Donna Mallin, Ryan Occena, Sam Anderson,

 Absent: Matt Aronson, Angela Orr, Karen Reshetar,  Jim Ralston, Michael Walter,  Judy Moser.   

Approval of the Agenda: The agenda was approved by affirmation. 

Approval of the November 2023 Minutes: The minutes were approved by affirmation.

Treasurer’s Report: Joanne sent the previous month’s financial report via email for the board to review. 

 On Nov. 20, 2023, the balance on hand in checking was:  $3,733.89.  Deposits this month of $6,525.00, and disbursements of $2,615.28 bring the total balance on hand as of December 18, 2023, to $7,643.61.

The balance in the Premier Money Market Fund on 9/30/2023 is $26,153.65. 

The donation total to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank from the fall benefit concert was $1,792.00.

The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by affirmation. 

Discussion was held about sending an honorarium to the Congregational Church to thank them for giving us use of their facility for our fall concert.  The precedent is that we have paid others $100 for the facility use and $50 for custodial service.  Joanne will send this amount to First Congregational of Waterloo. 

We have not yet received a bill for transporting the risers. 

Director’s Report:

1. Ryan would like us to focus on doing advertising in trade with other local musical groups.

2. He would like us to continue the Art Song Competition we started this year.  For high schoolers, it should be close to the High School competition. For college age, it should be close to spring break. 

3. He has talked with Bel Canto and the WCF Symphony about collaborating perhaps every couple of years.  They are agreeable to doing this and most likely will look at the ‘24-’25 performance year to begin.

4.  One goal would be to get more students on scholarships.

5.  We will be doing Brahms Requiem this spring, in German and with two pianos. 

Committee Reports:

Marketing: Donna, Judy, and Joanne will set up the C.F. library display in early January.

Music: A suggestion was made to put the Requiem on our website for members to access as soon as possible. The probable cost of music this coming semester will be $15.

Finance/Fundraising: 

 Grant report:  Donna will apply to the Community Foundation for a grant this spring. 

Membership: 

Brenda Eilers has agreed to continue as the head of membership this year.

Concert Arrangements: A venue and risers will need to be found for the spring concert.

Historian: Prairie Poetry CDs: 

1.  Ryan has the spring performance video and will have a video file for this fall’s performance.

2. Valerie suggests we digitize our old tapes of concerts as the tape will eventually degrade.

Communication: 

1. The website registration is ready after the decision on the music fee is determined.

2. A discussion was held on adding another person to the committee who can monitor the website daily.  The board agrees this is a very good idea.

3. A suggestion is to poll the chorus to find members who have specific skills such as setting up a Venmo account, and creating a QR code for our website and our advertising. 

Continuing Business:

Review of Light Out of Darkness: 

1. What went well - The benefit brought a good audience.  The reception afterward was well attended, and the food was delicious.  The program notes about each piece were highly complimented.

2. What we learned:  We need someone to officially count attendance, especially since we had no ticket sales this time. 

3. Mike Walter continues to look into finding risers, but the cost will probably be prohibitive for us.

New Business:

Spring Concert:  Plans are shaping up.  We may need to revisit Covid protocols.

It was moved and seconded that the meeting be adjourned at 7:35 P.M.  Unanimous approval.

Next meeting: January 15, 2024,  5:45  at Nazareth church.

Purpose:  Sheri Huber-Otting from the Hearst Center; Launch new semester; Registration and first rehearsal.

Respectfully submitted,

Prudy Klinger

NOVEMBER 2023

Metropolitan Chorale Board Minutes

November 20, 2023    5:45 p.m.

Place:  Nazareth Church

Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 5:45 PM. by Board President Donna Mallin. Members Present:  Joanne Hartman, Timothy Sprengeler,  Matt Aronson, Valerie Hanson, Jim Ralston, Prudy Klinger, Donna Mallin, Ryan Occena, Michael Walter, Sam Anderson, Judy Moser,   

Angela Orr, Karen Reshetar

Approval of the Agenda: The agenda was approved by affirmation. 

Approval of the October 2023 Minutes: The minutes were approved by affirmation as corrected.

Treasurer’s Report: Joanne sent the previous month’s financial report via email for the board to review. 

 On October 16, 2023, the balance on hand in checking was:  $4,891.09.  Deposits this month of $520.00, and disbursements of $1677.20 bring the total balance on hand as of November 20, 2023, to $3733.89.

The balance in the Premier Money Market Fund on 9/30/2023 is $26,153.65.

The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by affirmation. 

Committee Reports - 

Marketing: The posters are done and ready for handing out at tonight’s rehearsal.

Advertising: 

1.  KUNI/KHKE contract is finalized for $1120 for a total of 40 spots this fall and 40 spots next spring.

2.  The CV Tourism, KWWL, and Courier calendars have been posted.  Melody Parker from the Courier will do an article on the chorale.

3.  Donna has worked with the CF library and they will be permitting the chorale to have a display about the chorale history on the library's second floor.  It will be displayed during January and February 2024.

 4.  Angela gave information about the Hickory Hills Christmas display.  Discussion was held and the board would like to implement this next year, feeling we do not have adequate time this year. 

Music:  No Report

Finance/Fundraising:

1,  Our fundraising letter is ready to be mailed this week - Joanne

2. The CFNEI grant application is due January 15, 2024

3.  We were awarded the Guernsey Grant of $5000 this fall.

4.  We received a $500 grant from the Kabel Charitable Fund

Membership: No Report

Concert Arrangements: 

1.  Trailer rental is required for the concert - $20/day for 3 days.  It was moved and seconded that we approve this expenditure.  Unanimous pro vote.

 2. Discussion was held about the recording of this concert.  Joanne has the contact information for Sandy Isaacs who has recorded previous concerts for us and also made CDs. She has charged approximately $200.   It was moved and seconded that we hire Sandy Isaacs to record this concert.  Unanimous pro vote.  Joanne will check to see if Sandy does video also. 

Historian: No report

Communication: 

Several suggestions were made for website updates:  Put the current concert poster on the site; update the Director's bio; and update dates.  There was concern that not all inquiries to the site were being followed up on.  Attention will be given to this

Ryan would like to see Chorale increase our presence on social media.   

Continuing Business:

A.  Update Concert Plans: 

 1. Venue:  First Congregation Church of Waterloo

 2. Do a Reception this year?  After discussion, we decided we would like to do a reception after the concert.  Angela O. volunteered to organize this reception. 

3. Food donation containers for the concert:  Angela has a barrel container which she will let us use for the canned food donations.  We will use a wrapped box for money donations.

4. Ad Trading:  Karen R. is working on the ad we will use to trade with other groups for in-kind advertising.  Suggested groups to contact:  Chris Hale, Cedar Valley Chamber Music, BHCT, Sweet Adelines, Men’s Barbershop, Bel Canto.

B. Program Assignments.:

 1. Cover - done

2. Ryan to do:  Welcome letter, Program order, and instrumentalists/guest performers

3. Program notes - Matt - Done

4. Translations - Matt - Done

5.  Bios: On file- Done

6.  Donors - Joanne to finish the list

7.  In-Kind ads:  Karen has completed an ad - Done

8.  Upcoming events and mission statement:  Donna and Judy - Done

9. Chorale members list - Brenda Eilers - in progress

New Business:

 1.  Consider purchase of risers:   Mike W. will look for a set of lightweight risers w/backstop for us to purchase.  Storage of risers to be discussed in the future. 

2.  Karen R. and Angela O. will partner to create a social media committee.

3.  Donna will send the poster in PDF form to the membership.

4. Angela is making boutonnieres and corsages for the upcoming concert.

5.  There has been interest in chorale t-shirts.  Valerie H. will try to contact the person from Expressions that we worked with last time we purchased t-shirts.

Comments and Announcements:

It was moved and seconded that the meeting be adjourned at 6:50 P.M.  Unanimous approval.

Next meeting: December 18, 2023, 5:45  at Nazareth church.

Purpose: Review Fall Season and concert;  continue plans for spring

Respectfully submitted,

Prudy Klinger

OCTOBER 2023

Metropolitan Chorale Board Minutes

October 16, 2023, 5:45 p.m.

Nazareth Lutheran Church

Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 6:07 PM. by Board President Donna Mallin. Members Present:  Joanne Hartman, Timothy Sprengeler,  Matt Aronson, Valerie Hanson, Prudy Klinger, Donna Mallin, Ryan Occena, Michael Walter, Sam Anderson, Judy Moser,  Angela Orr, Karen Reshetar.   

Absent:  Jim Ralston

Approval of the Agenda: The agenda was approved by affirmation. 

Approval of the September 2023 Minutes: The minutes were approved by affirmation.

Treasurer’s Report: Joanne sent the previous month’s financial report via email for the board to review. 

 On August 23, 2023, the balance on hand in checking was:  $5844.27.  Deposits this month of $3905.00, and disbursements of $4858.18 bring the total balance on hand as of October 16, 2023, to $4891.09.

The balance in the Premier Money Market Fund on 9/30/2023 is $26,153.65.

Joanne reports she will pay Nazareth Lutheran Church’s annual usage fee next month. 

The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by affirmation. 

Committee Reports - 

Marketing: 

1. Judy M. and Donna M. are working on the concert program and poster design.  Ryan asked them to design a small ad that can be put in the program books of other performers in the area.  We would put their ads in our book.  We are trying to increase in-kind ads.

2. Ryan also requested that they include in the ads/posters/program information about the Brahms Requiem we will be performing next spring on April 21 as a tentative date.

3. Ads will be placed on the tourism, KWWL, and Courier calendars, and run on KUNI/KHKE radio, and a press release will go to the Courier.  We will be stressing that this is a benefit concert.

4. Ryan needs to order 10 more copies of “Will There Really Be a Morning?” and 2 more copies of “Radiant Dawn”.

Finance/Fundraising: 

1. Grant report:  Donna will be applying to the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa for a grant.  It is due January 15. 

2. A fundraising letter should go out by November 15.  Donna and Tim are working on this.

Membership: Brenda Eilers reports we have 59 members singing this fall.  We had one student scholarship person drop out.  A discussion was held on the need to make younger members feel a part of the group.  We will continue to address this issue.

Communication: 

1. Suggestions for Website:  Donna reports she adds the minutes and registration information to the site.  People with access to post on the site are Michael Walther, Mike Best, and Donna Mallin.  Karen R. offered to work on updating the site.  Michael said they will look at how the site is being managed and perhaps be able to add Karen later on. 

2. Angela reports she is posting on Facebook as often as she has something to share.

Continuing Business:

Concert Arrangements: 

1. Ryan continues to evaluate venues for the concert.  He would like to have the dress rehearsal 10-12 on Saturday AM Dec. 9th. 

2. We will need a second pianist for one number.  Ryan will ask Nathaniel for suggestions.

3. We discussed the beneficiary of our concert proceeds.  It was moved and seconded that we make the Northeast Iowa Food Bank the beneficiary.  Approval was unanimous.  Methods discussed were cash, cans, or using a QR code to donate - details to follow.

4.  Program Assignments: 

Cover - Judy and Donna

In-kind Ads - Judy and Donna

Upcoming Events and Mission Statement - Judy and Donna

Welcome Letter - Ryan

Program Order - Ryan

Instrumentalists/guest performers - Ryan

Program Notes - Matt

Translation - Matt

Members - Brenda Eilers

Donors - Joanne

Bios - on file

New Business:

1. For future discussion - creating a digital marketing committee

Comments and Announcements:

None 

It was moved and seconded that the meeting be adjourned at 6:36 P.M.  Unanimous approval.

Next meeting: November 20, 2023, 5:45  at Nazareth church.

Purpose: Final plans for the December concert.  Look ahead to the spring season.

Respectfully submitted,

Prudy Klinger

SEPTEMBER 2023

No Board Meeting

AUGUST 2023

Metropolitan Chorale Board Minutes

August 23, 2023, 6:00 p.m.

Donna Mallin Home

Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 6:07 PM. by Board President Donna Mallin. Members Present:  Joanne Hartman, Timothy Sprengeler,  Matt Aronson, Valerie Hanson, Jim Ralston, Prudy Klinger, Donna Mallin, Ryan Occena, Michael Walter, Sam Anderson, Judy Moser.   

 Absent: Angela Orr, Karen Reshetar

Approval of the Agenda: The agenda was approved by affirmation. 

Approval of the July 2023 Minutes: The minutes were approved by affirmation.

Treasurer’s Report: Joanne sent the previous month’s financial report via email for the board to review. 

 On July 17, 2023, the balance on hand in checking was:  $8,412.49.  Deposits this month of $477.98, and disbursements of $3,046.20 bring the total balance on hand as of August 23, 2023, to $5,844.27.

Chorale transferred Ann Ginther’s $2000 donation to the money market this month.

The balance in the Premier Money Market Fund on 8/23/2023 is $24,059.65. 

The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by affirmation. 

Committee Reports - 

Marketing: Pre-registration for Fall Season:  We will have registration in person the first three Mondays of rehearsal, and also on the website.  An invitation letter will be sent out to alumni.

Music:  The fall music has yet to be ordered as Ryan is still tweaking the program choices.

Finance/Fundraising: 

Grant report:  Donna will apply to the Guernsey Foundation for a grant this year, and to the Community Foundation for a next spring grant.  It is too late to apply for this fall. 

Membership: Brenda Eilers has agreed to head membership this year.

Concert Arrangements:  Ryan and Jim have visited multiple sites, and have 3 top choices.  Piano accessibility and venue size are factors.

Historian: Prairie Poetry CDs:  Joanne wants a CD for the Chorale Historical records.  Ryan will check with Russell Hall to inquire.

Communication: No report 

Continuing Business:

Tour committee report:  They have not met as yet.

New Business:

 2023-2024 Fiscal Year:  Budget: Joanne sent a copy of the 2023-2024 budget to the board.  One change was made and Mike and Sam moved and seconded that the budget be approved.  Motion passed.

 Fall Season Details:  We will be rehearsing in Bethel Hall starting September 11, 2023. 

Ryan has a tentative program title of “Light Out of Darkness” and he anticipates 10-12 pieces and an approximately one-hour concert length.

Comments and Announcements:

Ryan shared that he and his wife are expecting a new baby around the beginning of November!  Exciting news.

It was moved and seconded that the meeting be adjourned at 7:05 P.M.  Unanimous approval.

Next meeting: September 18, 2023, 5:45  at Nazareth church.

Purpose: Assess registration and first rehearsal.  Continue with plans for the season. 

Respectfully submitted,

Prudy Klinger

JULY 2023

Metropolitan Chorale Board Minutes

July 17, 2023, 6 p.m.

Home of Donna Mallin

Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 6:03 PM. by Board President Donna Mallin. Members Present:  Joanne Hartman, Timothy Sprengeler,  Matt Aronson, Valerie Hanson, Jim Ralston, Prudy Klinger, Donna Mallin, Ryan Occena, Michael Walter.   

 Absent: Angela Orr, Sam Anderson, Judy Moser, Karen Reshetar

Approval of the Agenda: The agenda was approved by affirmation. 

Approval of the June 2023 Minutes: The minutes were approved by affirmation.

Treasurer’s Report: Joanne sent the previous month’s financial report via email for the board to review. 

 On June 19, 2023, the balance on hand in checking was: $7,204.91.  Deposits this month of $2,100.00  bring the total balance on hand to $9,304.91.

This month Chorale disbursed $995.92  for a checking balance on 7/17, 2023 of $8,308.99.

The balance in the Premier Money Market Fund on 6/30/2023  is $24,059.65. 

The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by affirmation. 

The question was raised about keeping the $2000 donation by Ann Ginther in the checking account.  Could it be moved to the money market to gain some interest?  Joanne said she could do that.  Mike W. moved and Joanne H. seconded that the $2000 Ginther donation be transferred to the money market account.  The motion carried.

Committee Reports - 

Marketing:   No Report

Music:  The concert folders we ordered finally arrived.  We will sell this fall.

Finance/Fundraising: No Report

Membership: No report

Concert Arrangements: No Report 

Historian:  No report

Communication: No report 

Continuing Business:

Contracts:  Ryan and Nathaniel have accepted and signed their contracts for the upcoming year.

Rehearsal;  Rehearsals will again be held in Bethel Hall at Nazareth Lutheran church on Mondays from 7 pm to 9 pm beginning September 11th. 

Paypal:  Angela is not here tonight so the discussion is tabled. 

Tour Committee:  Ryan has been in contact with the tour company “World Strides”.  He will be looking at other agencies.

Ryan hopes to re-poll the choir to get more specific feedback such as going abroad or more locally;  where to go;  when to go -  in 2024 or 2025.  Ryan discussed with us the “International Choral Festival” which is held in Powell River, British Columbia as a potential trip.  He said traveling would work best if we have close to 40 members going. 

Office of Vice President:  Donna informed us that Sam Anderson has declined to serve as V.P. due to impending retirement and travel.  He does not feel he can properly serve the committee as he would probably miss meetings. 

We held a discussion on needing a V.P.  We last had one a long time ago and our by-laws do not require the office be filled.  The committee agreed we will not fill the position.

Hearst Cantata:  We need legal permission to perform this work.  Donna will contact the Latham estate which Texas University manages.

We will also need to get the score notated for orchestra and choir, as it is handwritten.  Ryan knows someone who does this professionally - Ryan will get a quote.

Joanne, Matt, and Ryan will work together on getting an account set up with J. W. Pepper.

New Business:

2023-2024 Fiscal Year: 

 1. The budget is not finished.  Approval is tabled until next month.

2. Annual Schedule:  Joanne reports all details are set for rehearsals at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Bethel Hall. 

 Fall rehearsals will start on 9/11/23.  Our fall concert will be on 12/10/2023 at 3 P.M., venue to be determined.  Ryan, Mike, and Jim will visit potential sites. 

 Spring rehearsals will begin on January 15, 2024, with a concert date of April 21, 2024, venue to be determined. 

Joanne moved, and Tim seconded that the schedule be approved.   The motion carried.

Ryan stated he would like the 2nd Annual Song Competition to be held in late March.  He would like to have 2 separate tryouts, one for college and one for high school. 

 3.  Fees/Ticket Prices:  Mike moved and Joanne seconded that we approve the following fees.  The motion carried. 

 Standard membership -$50

Student Membership - $25

Unable to afford:  Request scholarship funding

Concert Tickets - $15 apiece

Fall Concert:

 1.  Ryan made the suggestion that we might do a benefit concert.  A discussion was held on our financial ability to do this, on who might be the recipient of the benefit funds.  We decided we did have sufficient funds to do a benefit.   Jim moved and Joanne seconded that our fall concert will be a benefit.  Recipient to be decided later.   

2.  For the fall concert Ryan would like to possibly do some German pieces, looking at a possible theme of light vs dark.  He has some music in mind. 

Spring concert: 

  For the spring concert, Ryan would like to consider doing Brahms Requiem.  A decision would need to be made to do it with orchestra vs. 2 pianos and in German or English. 

Ryan asked that we think of as many performing organizations as possible to see if we can engage them in cross-advertising, an in-kind exchange. 

It was moved and seconded that the meeting be adjourned at 7:33 P.M.  Unanimous approval.

Next meeting:  August 21, 2023, at the home of Donna Mallin

Purpose: Approve the 2023-2024 budget; Final plans for fall concert; other

Respectfully submitted,

Prudy Klinger

ANNUAL REPORTS 2022-2023

2023 Annual Report for the Office of Treasurer of the Metropolitan Chorale

     The fiscal year for the Metropolitan Chorale is July 1 to June 30.

     The Metropolitan Chorale is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501c (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Each year, form 990-N is E-filed.

     The Treasurer’s Reports are printed, emailed, and presented at each monthly Board Meeting, and includes all receipts and disbursements.

     The bank statements, check book ledger, and excel file are reviewed and audited according to accounting procedures and are found to be in compliance with the basic accounting clerical accuracy, bookkeeping and recording standards.

Registration: Registration for fall and spring was $50.00 for adults and $25.00 for students per semester. 

Music: was ordered from J. W. Pepper in Pennsylvania, and totaled $1,098.24. Matt Aronson, Music Librarian, orders black folders from J. W. Pepper in Pennsylvania for $14.00 each, and they are an in and out. 

Chorale Artistic Director, Ryan Occena, was paid $625.00 per month for 12 months, totaling $7,500.00. 

Chorale Accompanist, Nathaniel Parrish was paid $337.46 per month for 10 months, totaling $3,374.60. When he accompanies concerts he is included under Orchestra Musicians and is paid $100.00 per concert. Total was $3,574.60 

Substitute Directors/Accompanists: Michelle Swanson was paid $100.00 for sub accompanist. 

Orchestra/Musicians/Soloists/Scholarships, mileage, cartage, and accompanists are paid according to the Chorale Board & Orchestra Contractor. Fall Concert 3 soloists-$585.00. Fall Concert 7 orchestra-$1,250.88. Spring Concert was piano only. Scholarships to students who sang with us were paid Sept. to April was $775.00. Spring solo winner prize-2 students-$150.00.

Rehearsal & Concert Hall space rent: Nazareth Lutheran Church fall rehearsals-$150.00. First Presbyterian Church fall concert-$100.00, and church cleaning-$150.00. Chair rental was $36.48. Nazareth Lutheran Church spring rehearsals-$150.00. Russell Hall/Bengston Auditorium spring concert $965.00. 

Concert CDs and Recording: Sandy Isaacs was paid $200.00 for fall concert. CD’s sold were $40.00. - Recording for spring concert was done by UNI Russell Hall..

Commissioned piece for Spring 2023: Mari Esabel Valverde-$3,000.00. Taken from Money Market Fund. 

Iowa Public Radio spots: Fall concert was $560.00 for 40 spots. Spring concert was $560.00 for 40 spots.

ASCAP Licensing: $80.60.

Cash box: Is an in and out of $200.00 each concert.

Check order: Harland Clark, $22.65.

Corsages & boutonnieres Made by Angela Orr for Spring concert was $66.49.

Insurance is $281.00 annually to PDCM Insurance/Unified Fire Group.

Web Host is I Vision Inc. $414.00 annual fee.

Postage & Post Office Box 1616: $196.00 annually. Postage for thank you notes $24.00.

Tax Filing was $50.00 & $30.00 to H & R Block to report 1096, 1099, & 990 forms. All e-filed.

Printing: 60 Handbooks $14.12 & $7.70. Copies of music were printed until music arrived, totaled $409.23. Storey Kenworthy/Matt Parrott Printer: 100 posters-$128.40.  1,304 mailing pieces-$961.59. 150 programs-$354.17. 50 posters-$136.96. 1,304 mailing pieces & 75 posters-$1,123.66. 300 programs-$575.66.   

Donations & Tickets/Admissions: Fall totaled $3,250.00. Spring totaled $4,791.00.

Registrations & Music: Fall totaled $2,185.00. Spring totaled $3,450.00. 1 returned music $20.00 (could not sing). 

Grants: Community Foundation was $5,000.00. Max & Helen Guernsey Charitable Foundation was $5,000.00. Lowell J. Walker Fund Grant was $439.74. DeLeauw Family Foundation $500.00. Ann Ginther $2,000.00. Total $12,939.74 

                                                       * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Metropolitan Chorale Board Annual Report 2022-2023 Concert Season

May 15, 2023

Home of Donna Mallin, President, BOD

The Metropolitan Chorale’s 2022-2023 season was a time of continuing traditions and new initiatives. 

The summer work focused on searching for a new artistic director. We were fortunate to find and retain Ryan Occeña whose skills, talents and energy have guided us through a successful season.

We are also fortunate to have had Nathaniel Parrish continue as our loyal and talented rehearsal and concert accompanist.

Rehearsals continued to take place at Nazareth Lutheran Church sanctuary due to continuing concerns for Covid distancing. Masks were optional.

Fall registration and first rehearsal took place on September 12. Membership was 39 of which 5 were new to the chorale.The fall concert, “Oh Love,” featured Schubert’ Mass No 2 in G Major, continuing the tradition of performing a classic choral piece with orchestra. The chorale was challenged by “Prayer for Ukraine,” by Mykola Lysenko, sung in Ukrainian. Three other pieces continued the motif of love through music. The concert on December 4 was performed at First Presbyterian Church in Waterloo to an audience of an estimated 150 attendees. The program honored the memory of two singers, Rick Koontz and Bob Morgan.

Spring registration and first rehearsal took place on January 15. Membership was 52 of which 9 were new to the chorale. The program “Prairie Poetry,” introduced new elements: the world premiere of our commissioned piece, “A Green Voice,” by Mari Esabel Valverde, lyrics by James Hearst; solos by winners of the Metropolitan Chorale’s first Art Song Competition; and  performing in Bengston Auditorium, Russell Hall on the UNI Campus. The UNI School of Music gave us a director’s discount, and Cedar Falls Schools loaned us risers.  To complement the program of songs about prairie themes, the UNI Tallgrass Prairie Center provided a lobby display. An estimated 200 attendees comprised the audience. The concert was dedicated to the memory of Hugh Pettersen.

We leave the 2022-2023 season in good fiscal health, having received generous grants,  donations, memberships, ticket sales and sponsorships itemized on the Treasurer’s Annual Report and on the concert programs. 

Next season we look forward to continued growth of membership; new collaborations; possible travels; a more suitable rehearsal space (Bethel Hall at Nazareth); digital payment methods;  and, most importantly, celebrating life through song.

Respectfully submitted, 

Donna Mallin, Board President