UAAB Board Meeting November 10th, 2001 UAAB Homecoming Minutes

Homecoming Breakfast Meeting, Rm. 205, Alumni Assn. Called to order 7:53 a.m. by President John Prokop with 62 alumni present.

INTRODUCTIONS:

John introduced Jack Lee who wrote “Bear Down, Arizona” almost 50 years ago. Jack is the Grand Marshall in the Veteran’s Day parade today. The board gave Jack a new shirt in appreciation of his work.

John introduced Jay Rees, current Pride director. Change of rehearsal for the halftime show: Gittings Field at 9 a.m. We will perform “Bear Down”, “America the Beautiful”, “Fight Wildcats”. The homecoming royalty will be introduced and then the Tucson Boys Chorus will perform the alma mater. Next year is the 100-year anniversary of band at the UA, from 1902-2002. We have special shirts to commemorate the event available now.

The group applauded John Prokop for his hard work as president of the UA Alumni Band.

AWARD:

The Fighting Wildcat Award, for service to the UA Band, was awarded to Coach Lute Olson. The basketball team is in New York and won the pre-season tournament, beating two top-five teams, so Jodi Brase, Lute’s daughter, accepted the award for him.
John Prokop thanked Jodi, noting that the nationally ranked basketball team has helped our band program.
Jay Rees commented that in 1997 when the Cats won the Final Four, Jay was at the College Band Directors Assn. convention. He was talking with his colleagues who were concerned about the amount of time their band students devoted to athletic games. However, Jay said he didn’t mind, given that he was associated with a program run by Lute Olson.
Jay also said that same year, after Miles Simon had just made a last minute field goal, that a Cincinnati player kicked a trombone. Jay said that would never occur with a Lute Olson-coached team. Jay was also impressed that after the BB team won the National championship that Lute and Bobbi Olson talked to each member of the band before the press conference and the trophy presentation; and also came by rehearsal the next day. “His (Coach Olson’s) understanding of what the band does for the team is unprecedented”, said Jay Rees.
Jodi Brase, Coach Olson’s daughter, thanked the group for the award, her husband for being here, and said that her father would have rather been here to accept the award, especially before they won those two games.
Jodi is one of 5 children, is a principal at Orange Grove Middle School, and employs one of our graduates as an instrumental music teacher. She thanked us for our tremendous and ongoing support; our dedication, talent, and spirit, and our enthusiasm at the games. The award means a lot to Lute Olson, to let him know that he is appreciated. She also mentioned the relationship with Bobbi; that she felt the love of the people in the arena. Jodi Brase accepted the award, on behalf of her father, Coach Lute Olson, “with great pride”.

Announcements:

Jay Rees talked about having the largest alumni band ever in 2002 to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of band. He wants to do a more extravagant halftime show with some drill. We will probably have a Friday night rehearsal in conjunction with the bonfire.
In December 2002 there will be a gala 100th anniversary concert in Centennial Hall to commemorate the first UA band concert, which was Dec. 9, 1902. Every band in the UA is expected to perform, including the premiere of a new work.
Jay also introduced Kelly Thomas, a new faculty member who directs the pep band and teaches tuba.

AWARD:

The Bear Down Award, for service to the UA Alumni Band, was presented to Bob Kruse. Bob is a drummer who is at virtually every event. Bob thanked those people who helped him lug his stuff around. He encouraged younger alumni to attend the events. He thanked Jack Lee for his support. When Bob was in high school he received a letter to audition for the UA band, the “Best in the West” that performed at the first Superbowl. Bob said that “band is a big deal” to him. He met his wife in band and they had 2 kids. “Thank you to the board for the award”, said Bob Kruse.

AWARD:

The Judy Lee White Award is a twirling award presented by Shirlee Bertolini. Judy Lee White was the captain of the twirling team who passed away in 1987. The award was presented to Maggie Vargas who has “unselfishly worked for many years with financial aid”, said Shirlee Bertolini. Maggie is the director of student financial aid at the UA. “She knows all the students, and it is a pleasure to work with her”, said Shirlee. Maggie is the director of scholarships. She said she “appreciates the effort of the twirlers, Shirlee, the band, the alumni band.” She has 2 sons in band. “Thank you for your efforts”, said Maggie.

Door prizes were given out.

ELECTION:

The current board members were introduced. The nominee for president-elect is Andrew Barcellos. Stan Phillips moved that the nominations be closed. Shirley Bayne seconded it. Andrew Barcellos was elected by acclamation.
Bryan Pierson, Alli Howard, and Elizabeth Ann Rowe were nominated for re-election to the board as members at large for two-year terms. They also were elected by acclamation.

AWARD:

Dave Ball will take over as President of the Alumni Band Board. He thanked John Prokop and said that he has done a great job.

Dave presented an award to John Prokop, which said “1999-2001, In appreciation for your service to the Alumni Band”.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Dave Ball said we will get the homecoming information out earlier next year. Homecoming will be Nov. 9, 2002. He urged people to check the web site and to give the board your email address. Elizabeth Ann Rowe asked people to send her address updates to: pandarowe@aol.com

We want to get more people for the pep band gigs and for tailgating.

Elizabeth Ann told people to return their music after halftime.

Andrew B. told about a short gig tomorrow at 3:30 for about 150 people.

We will line up for the parade at 12:45 p.m.

Steve Coyle told about the ASU game. We will take a group up to play. This is Coach’s last year to direct the band. Let Steve know if you want to play.

Dave Olson gave a Treasurer’s report. We spent money on a new bass drum, and on new flip folders and new music for the pep band, so we are in the red $1200. New shirts are available. Report was accepted. Also, the newsletter is now done by the Alumni Assn. so that will save us some money.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 a.m.

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