Minutes of the Great Lakes Harpers Board Meeting
October 10, 2009
The Board of Directors of Great Lakes Harpers met on October 10, 2009 at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago, Illinois. The meeting was called to order by President Ida Gannon at 1:10 PM. Present were Secretary Jean Humphrey, Treasurer Gretchen Sigwart, and Board Members Doran Blakeslee, Joan Hau, Carl Johnson, Patrice Ribando, Debra Sawyer, and Susan Trotter.
Ms. Humphrey asked that the members discuss the annual conference. Members were advised that the International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen would hold a large scale conference in the St. Louis, Missouri area in 2010, that GLH member Melanie Wiltsie would host her “up north” workshop in La Crosse, Wisconsin and that member Denise Grupp-Vebon would organize the “Harp Gathering” in northeast Ohio in the spring. With three large activities planned for midwest locations, the Board agreed that GLH would return to the policy of hosting a smaller “immersion” event in 2010, and a larger, more varied conference and workshop in 2011. Mr. Johnson proposed that the immersion be held at the Irish American Heritage Center, and Ms. Humphrey reported that members who responded to a survey sent in late 2008 were interested in this site. Mr. Johnson was asked to ascertain availability of workshop rooms and a recital space for October of 2010, and provided with a list of needs and a tentative budget. Due to the nature of the meeting place, it was easily agreed that the immersion would emphasize Irish Harp Culture. Several potential clinicians were suggested, and Mr. Johnson given authority to approach and engage one of these major figures.
After some discussion, it was tentatively agreed that the larger event scheduled for 2011 would explore the smaller harp traditions that have had an unbroken history for 200 or more years, including Welsh, Latin, African, German, and perhaps others. This alternative will be explored further during the coming months, and members are invited to send their comments to any member of the Board.
Ms. Humphrey then asked the Board to consider the GLH Newsletter format and related issues. All members present felt that a greater effort should be made to expand Internet online distribution of Newsletter content, reducing cost and volunteer production labor. It was agreed that the harp marketplace would become an online only item, as listings are subject to change between issues of the News. A hard copy could be requested if desired. Other segments of the News would continue to be gathered and printed as at present. Ms. Ribando offered to serve as editor, assisted in production by Ms. Humphrey, Mr. Blakeslee, and Ms. Sigwart.
Ms. Hau proposed that the present slate of officers be elected to another term; Mr. Johnson seconded. Election by acclamation followed. Because the officers need to be re-elected to their positions on the Board of Trustees, members will be polled by electronic ballot. This project will be organized by Ms. Sawyer.
Ms. Sigwart reported a modest balance in the Treasury. The existing balance will be sufficient to finance the newsletter and upfront costs of the 2010 immersion. Members discussed various methods for economizing and/or adding revenue.
The Board members were then led on a tour of the Heritage Center by Mr. Johnson. Discussion on the tour centered on which spaces would best serve our needs for future meetings.
Following the tour, a reduced number of members entered into a discussion of the GLH web site. Suggestions to enhance the site, publicize its services, and better serve member needs were covered. Ms. Sawyer and Ms. Trotter will work together on this project.
Adjournment was proposed by Ms. Sigwart at 4:25 and seconded by Ms. Sawyer.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Humphrey, Secretary