History

2008

November

FORMATION

• First Nashville Singers meeting convened, attended by 13 people, including the founding members, Bruce Cokeroft, Todd Wilson, Harlan Wilson, Taylor Wilson, plus Ric Domenico, Doug Morrison, and seven other guests

COMMUNICATION

• Two Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

MARKETING

• Nashville Singers Facebook group launched
• First Facebook ad launched

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 2

MEMBERSHIP

• Membership inquiries this month: 17
• New visitors this month: 13

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• First original song submitted for consideration from a composer named Vadim Mihailov in Russia
• New Songs Introduced: Home on the Range, The Irish Blessing, My Lord & I

December

COMMUNICATION

• Two Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

MARKETING

• Facebook ad impressions this month: 106,048
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 82

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 2

MEMBERSHIP

• First prospect to respond to Facebook ad
• 5^th member joins, first new member (Ric Domenico)

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• First arrangement by our first new member Ric Domenico was rehearsed (Happy Birthday)
• Membership inquiries this month: 1

 
2009

January


COMMUNICATION

• Two Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

MARKETING

• Facebook ad impressions this month: 69,383
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 52
• First guest generated by our Facebook advertising
• First prospect to respond to our Facebook friend invitation who (eventually) became a member (Paul Gentry)

MUSIC PROGRAM

• New Song Introduced: The Lion Sleeps Tonight

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 2

MEMBERSHIP

• Membership inquiries this month: 3
• New visitors this month: 3

February

COMMUNICATION

• Two Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

MARKETING

• Facebook ad impressions this month: 19,585
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 10

MEMBERSHIP

• Membership inquiries this month: 9
• New visitors this month: 5
• 6^th member joins (Doug Morrison)

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 2

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• New Song Introduced: Dear Hearts & Gentle People

March

COMMUNICATION

• Two Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

GOVERNANCE

• First board meeting convened

MARKETING

• Facebook ad impressions this month: 120,274
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 81
• First prospect from Facebook ad who became a member (Pierre Boulogne)
• Update of Nashville Singers text treatment approved
• Update of tux logo approved

MEMBERSHIP

• Membership inquiries this month: 5
• New visitors this month: 2
• 7th member joins (Pierre Boulogne)

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 2

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• New Songs Introduced: Danny Boy, The Lord's Prayer

April

COMMUNICATION

• Two Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

MARKETING

• Nashville Singers Twitter feed launched
• Facebook ad impressions this month: 113,784
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 78

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 2

MEMBERSHIP

• Membership inquiries this month: 3
• New visitors this month: 2

May

COMMUNICATION

• Three Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

GOVERNANCE

• Second board meeting convened

MARKETING

• Nashville Singers Facebook page launched
• Facebook ad impressions this month: 458,803
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 272

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 3

MEMBERSHIP

• Membership inquiries this month: 3

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• New Song Introduced: The Star Spangled Banner

 
June

COMMUNICATION

• Two Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

MEMBERSHIP

• 8th member  joins (Mike Casper)

MARKETING

• E-voice phone number published
• Facebook ad impressions this month: 387,213
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 269

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 2

MEMBERSHIP

• Membership inquiries this month: 4
• New visitors this month: 2

PERFORMANCE

• First public (and paid) appearance for Walter Hill First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, TN on June 21

SMALLER ENSEMBLES

• First Nashville Singers quartet performs Great Getting Up Morning (Bruce Cokeroft, Mike Casper, Ric Domenico, Todd Wilson) at Father's Day Concert

SOCIAL

• First Nashville Singers social event - an afternoon of boating on Percy Priest Lake, hosted by Todd and Jennifer Wilson;
  

July

COMMUNICATION

• Two Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

MARKETING

• Nashville Singers profile created on www.gigmasters.com
• Facebook ad impressions this month: 387,100
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 147

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 2

MEMBERSHIP

• Membership inquiries this month: 2
• New visitors this month: 1

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• New Song Introduced: Lost in the Stars

SOCIAL

• Social event at Todd's house to watch delayed viewing of the Barbershop Harmony Society's webcast of the Anaheim International Chorus and Quartet Contest.

 
August

COMMUNICATION

• Two Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

MARKETING

• Facebook ad impressions this month: 456,336
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 194
• Nashville Singers LinkedIn page launched
• EPK developed
• Press release announcing first performance in Nashville
• 30-second audio PSA produced
• Second newspaper article in The News Herald published announcing free concert

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 2

MEMBERSHIP

• Membership inquiries this month: 4
• First father/son guests to visit a meeting (Larry and Chris Wright)
• New visitors this month: 2

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• New Song Introduced: Hark the Herald Angels Sing (later dropped)

PERFORMANCE

• First Nashville Singers public appearance in Nashville on August 20

SPONSORSHIPS

• In-kind sponsorship for graphic design services secured from Suzi Moran
  
  

September

COMMUNICATION

• Three Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

MARKETING

• Facebook ad impressions this month: 268,530
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 83

MEETINGS

• Switch from two meetings per month to three
• Meetings this month: 3

MEMBERSHIP

• New member name badges designed
  
• Membership inquiries this month: 2
  
• 9th member joins (Paul Gentry)
• 10th member joins (Sloan Yarborough)

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• New Songs Introduced: Shenandoah, The Water Is Wide, Do You Hear What I Hear, Angels We Have Heard On High, Lo How a Rose 'Er Blooming (Water is Wide was later dropped)

October 2009

COMMUNICATION

• Three Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

GOVERNANCE

• Nomination process begins to fill leadership positions for 2010

MARKETING

• Facebook ad impressions this month: 258,758
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 87

MEMBERSHIP

• New name badges distributed to members
• 11th member joins (Leonard Walston)

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 3

MEMBERSHIP

• Membership inquiries this month: 4
• New visitors this month: 5

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• New Songs Introduced: Auld Lang Syne, Silent Night

PERFORMANCE

• Performance at Bruce Cokeroft's engagement party (turned into a wedding)

SOCIAL

• First Nashville Singers post-meeting afterglow at Pizza Pelon

November

COMMUNICATION

• Three Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

DATA GATHERING/ANALYSIS

• First annual membership satisfaction survey introduced

GOVERNANCE

• Third board meeting convened

MARKETING

• Facebook ad impressions this month: 148,393
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 58
• Nashville Singers Google Ad launched
• First guest to attend after doing a Google Search (Matthew Scherr)

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 3

MEMBERSHIP

• Member attendance percentage this month: 89%
• Membership inquiries this month: 2
• New visitors this month: 1

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• First self-produced learning tracks by one of our members (Leonard Walston)
• New Song Introduced: Caroling, Caroling

 
December

COMMUNICATION

• Three Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

MARKETING

• Google ad impressions this month: 44,660
• Google generated website visits this month: 14
• Facebook ad impressions this month: 134,242
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 46
• Press release announcing free concert for Vanderbilt ALS clinic distributed
• Press release announcing free holiday concert at Harborview distributed

MEMBERSHIP

• Member attendance percentage this month: 82%
• Membership inquiries this month: 1
• New visitors this month: 1

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 3

PERFORMANCE

• First Christmas performance Vanderbilt ALS clinic on December 4

REVENUE

• Nashville Singers ended 2009 with an annual budget of $2400

SOCIAL

• Last post-rehearsal afterglow at Pizza Pelon (restaurant sold);
  

2010

January

COMMUNICATION

• Three Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

EVENT PLANNING/PRODUCTION

• First draft of November 20th show program created

GOVERNANCE

• Fourth board meeting convened
• Approved a 2010 projected budget of $9,999
• First elected 5-person board of directors
• Second Treasurer (Paul Gentry)
• Second Secretary (Leonard Walston)
• First At Large Board Member (Harlan Wilson)

LEADERSHIP

• First assistant directors appointed (Sloan Yarborough and Ric Domenico)
• Section leaders appointed (Bruce Cokeroft, Ric Domenico, Harlan Wilson, Sloan Yarborough)

MARKETING

• First email marketing campaign to area churches to solicit bookings
• Facebook ad impressions this month: 14,497
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 2

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 3

MEMBERSHIP

• Member attendance percentage this month: 82%
• Membership inquiries this month: 2
• New visitors this month: 2

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• New Song Introduced: Somewhere Over the Rainbow

RECOGNITION

• First Member of the Year Award presented (Todd Wilson)
  
  

February

COMMUNICATION

• Three Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

MARKETING

• Google ad impressions this month: 50,655
• Google generated website visits this month: 21
• Facebook ad impressions this month: 111,852
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 51
• Press release announcing 2010 Board Members distributed

MEMBERSHIP

• Member attendance percentage this month: 76%
• Membership inquiries this month: 3
• New visitors this month: 3
• 12th member joins (Bryan Patrick)

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 3

PERFORMANCE

• Performance for Lifeway for 50 music ministers at The Standard
• First out of town performance inquiry (Lee Summit in MO)

 
March

COMMUNICATION

• Three Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

GOVERNANCE

• Fifth board meeting convened
• Adopted a new member Code of Ethics

MARKETING

• Google ad impressions this month: 140,075
• Google generated website visits this month: 99
• Facebook ad impressions this month: 178,469
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 84
• Updated business cards printed

MEETINGS

• Most well-attended meeting to date with a combined 23 members and guests
• Last meeting held at our initial meeting location
• First meeting in new, larger rehearsal facility on March 18
• First performance by a guest quartet at one of our meetings (The Real McCoy)
• Meetings this month: 3

MEMBERSHIP

• Member attendance percentage this month: 93%
• Membership inquiries this month: 10
• New visitors this month: 9

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• New Song Introduced: That's Entertainment (later dropped)

PERFORMANCE

• Performance at First Baptist Church downtown Nashville directed by Sloan, Ric and Harlan

SMALLER ENSEMBLES

• Second Nashville Singers quartet begins three night run at the Schermerhorn singing That's Amore (Bruce Cokeroft, Ric Domenico, Doug Morrison, Pierre Boulogne)

VENUE SEARCH

• Harlan & Todd conduct site visit of Whitworth Memorial Baptist Church as possible new meeting venue

April

COMMUNICATION

• Three Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

• Performance for FiftyForward, for 109 senior citizens, donated fee back to clienT
• Donated a free Nashville Singers performance in the Silent Auction for Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee

MARKETING

• Google ad impressions this month: 94,607
• Google generated website visits this month: 97
• Facebook ad impressions this month: 260,419
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 122
• Nashville Singers logo merchandise online store opens for business

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 3

MEMBERSHIP

• Member attendance percentage this month: 90%
• Membership inquiries this month: 1

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• New Song Introduced: Happy Together

May

COMMUNICATION

• Three Nashville Singers electronic newsletters published;

GOVERNANCE

• Sixth board meeting convened

MARKETING

• Major redesign of website with sub-navigation and much more content
• Google ad impressions this month: 90,383
• Google generated website visits this month: 91
• Facebook ad impressions this month: 168,929
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 85

MEETINGS

• Added 4th Thursday on months with five Thursdays
• Extension of meeting end time from 9:30pm to 10pm
• Meetings this month: 3

MEMBERSHIP

• Member attendance percentage this month: 70%
• Membership inquiries this month: 3
• New visitors this month: 3

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• New Song Introduced: The Impossible Dream

June

COMMUNICATION

• 102 electronic newsletters distributed over four issues;

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

• Free concert presented for Harborview Community on June 17

COSTUMING

• First informal uniform purchased

GOVERNANCE 

• Seventh board meeting convened
• Ric Domenico joins the Board of Directors

LEADERSHIP

• Bryan Patrick appointed as Costume Chairman

MEMBERSHIP

• Membership inquiries this month: 4
• New visitors this month to date: 2
• 13th member joins (Tom Armstrong)
• 14th member joins (Ed Luke)
• Member attendance percentage this month: 96%

MARKETING

• First photo session held June 17
• Google ad impressions this month: 57,459
• Google generated website visits this month: 85
• Facebook ad impressions this month: 169,093
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 133

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 3

RECORDING

• First formal recording session held on June 19

July

COMMUNICATION

• 736 electronic newsletters distributed over four issues;

GOVERNANCE 

• Eighth board meeting convened July 12
• Bryan Patrick appointed Vice-President of Fun
  

MARKETING

• Facebook ad impressions this month: 290,656
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 77
• Google ad impressions this month: 18,224
• Google ad generated website visits this month: 11

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month to date: 4

MEMBERSHIP

• Membership inquiries this month: 2
• New visitors this month: 3

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• Coaching session with Grace Thomson on July 15

PERFORMANCE

• Mount Juliet performance at Rutland Place on July 25

SOCIAL

• Social event (Quartet Olympics) held on July 22

August

COMMUNICATION

• 1204 electronic newsletters distributed over five issues;

PERFORMANCE

• High-profile performance secured for October 9 at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

GOVERNANCE

• Ninth board meeting convened via teleconference
• General membership meeting held to approve minor revisions to the corporation's bylaws

MARKETING

• Facebook ad impressions this month: 257,137
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 115
• Google ad impressions this month: 17,147
• Google ad generated website visits this month: 8
• Second photo session completed for PR purposes and new CD project

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 4

MEMBERSHIP

• Membership inquiries this month: 2
• New visitors this month: 1  

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• New Song Introduced: I Wonder What You're Doing for Christmas
• New Song Introduced: Carol of the Bells

RECORDING

• Second recording session at Uno Mas Studios for new CD project
• First recording session at Ocean Way Studios Nashville for new CD project

SOCIAL

• Social event held at Harborview Clubhouse

SPONSORSHIPS

• In-kind sponsorship secured from Ocean Way recording studios
• In-kind sponsorship for photography services secured from Sincera Media Solutions

September

COMMUNICATION

• 1978 electronic newsletters distributed over nine issues;
  

EVENT PLANNING/PRODUCTION

• Tickets go on sale for November 20 concert

MARKETING

• Facebook ad impressions (membership) this month: 162,332
• Facebook generated website (membership) visits this month: 127
• Facebook ad impressions (concert) this month: 223,867
• Facebook generated (concert) website visits this month: 51
• Google ad impressions this month: 4,236
• Google ad generated website visits this month: 7

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 5

MEMBERSHIP

• Membership inquiries this month: 2
• 15th member joins (Tim Mullican)

RECORDING

• Second recording session at Ocean Way Studios Nashville for new CD project
  
  

October

COMMUNICATION

• 2116 electronic newsletters distributed over 16 issues;
  

FINANCIAL DEVELOPEMENT

• Received an anonymous donation to subsidize a majority of the cost of our new CD project

GOVERNANCE

• Tenth board meeting concened on October 11

MARKETING

• Facebook ad impressions (membership) this month: 55,958
• Facebook generated (membership) website visits this month: 127
• Facebook ad impressions (concert) this month: 241,344
• Facebook generated (concert) website visits this month: 53

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 4

MEMBERSHIP

• Membership inquiries this month: 1
• New visitors this month: 1  

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• First all-day Saturday retreat in preparation for the concert

PERFORMANCE

• Performance on October 9 for our largest audience yet (approximately 8,000) at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Brentwood
• Secured a performance as the opening act for Erica Lane at a holiday concert scheduled for
  December 21st

SPONSORSHIPS

• Secured an in-kind sponsorship (lighting) donation for the concert from Jeff Lava at www.jefflava.com
• Secured an in-kind sponsorship (photography) donation for the concert from Angel Guay

November

COMMUNICATION

• 2433 electronic newsletters distributed over six issues;
  

EVENT PLANNING/PRODUCTION

• Produced two concerts on November 20. Sold out the evening event, came within 23 seats of selling out the matinee. Attracted 278 concert attendees from over two dozen cities in Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, California, Alaska, and New York. Almost 100 people attended the cast party which was catered by Kim Gentry. Luminaries in attendance from the music industry included Erica Lane and Andy Griggs. 

GOVERNANCE

• Eleventh board meeting convened on November
  

MARKETING

• Facebook ad impressions (membership) this month: 369,268
• Facebook generated (membership) website visits this month: 65 
• Facebook ad impressions (concert) this month: 471,912
• Facebook generated (concert) website visits this month: 89

MEETINGS

• Meetings this month: 3

MEMBERSHIP

• Potential members identified at the concerts: 2
• Membership inquiries this month: 1
• New visitors this month: 1  

MERCHANDISING

• Released our first audio CD entitled The Journey Begins.

PERFORMANCE

• Performance on November 11 for FiftyForward in Nashville

VOLUNTEERISM

• Potential volunteers identified at the concerts: 5

December

COMMUNICATION

• 2826 electronic newsletters distributed over seven issues;
  

GOVERNANCE

• The annual membership meeting was held December 2; revisions in bylaws were approved; 2011 leadership was elected, including: Bryan Patrick - President & Board Chair, Sloan Yarborough - Vice-Chair, Treasurer - Paul Gentry, Secretary - Ed Luke, Immediate Past President - Bruce Cokeroft, Vice-President of Membership - Ric Domenico, Board Member At Large -Harlan Wilson,
  
• Board meeting  #12 was held on December 13; the 2011 business plan, budget, and a $500 donation to Metro Nashville Public Schools was approved;

LEADERSHIP

• Todd Wilson was appointed to the position of Executive Director; Ed Luke was appointed Sergeant At Arms and Mailing List Manager; Tim Mullican was appointed Historian;

MARKETING

• Facebook ad impressions (membership) this month: 2885
• Facebook generated (membership) website visits this month: 3 
  

MEMBERSHIP

• New visitors this month: 1  

PERFORMANCE

• Performance at Lebanon Road Church of Christ on December 10
• Performance at Rutland Place in Mount Juliet on December 19;
• Performance as opening act for Erica Lane on December 2;

2011

January 2011

ALLIANCES/PARTNERSHIPS

• New affiliation started with Chorus America;

COMMUNICATION

• 1302 electronic newsletters distributed over 5 issues;
  

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

• Performance at Hall of Fame Park in downtown Nashville for the Resolution Run, benefitting United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee;

GRANTS

• $400 Matching leadership development grant awarded to Nashville Singers by the Center for Nonprofit Management;
• Executive Director begins search for a grant writer, interviews two candidates;

LEADERSHIP

• Sloan Yarborough promoted to Associate Direct0r

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• New songs introduced: Tonight, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, Satin Doll, and Man in the Mirror;
• Meeting held between Todd Wilson, Sloan Yarborough, and Grace Thomson to finalize curriculum for Free Singing Lessons Program;
  

MARKETING

• Facebook ad impressions this month: 508,516
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 101
• Main page of website redesigned;

MEETINGS

• First-ever meeting canceled rehearsal due to icy road conditions on January 20;
• Meetings this month: 3

MEMBERSHIP

• Membership inquiries this month: 3
  
• Guests this month: 2

MERCHANDISING

• The Harmony Marketplace becomes the first wholesale distributor of The Journey Begins;
• Acappella.com becomes a wholesale distributor of The Journey Begins;

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• Free Voice Lessons program announced and promoted;

PHILANTHROPY

• Nashville Singers "Music Makes a Difference" grant application created and sent to MNPS to be disseminated to needy Nashville-area schools/choral programs;

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Leadership development class for new board presidents attended by Bryan Patrick on January 19, presented by the Center for Nonprofit Management;

RECOGNITION/SOCIAL

• Annual Awards event scheduled for January 13 at Pie in the Sky Pizza in Cool Spring;
• Bruce Cokeroft named 2010 Member of the Year;
• Bryan Patrick named 2010 Rookie of the Year;

STRATEGIC PLANNING

• First draft of 2020 Strategic Plan created;

February

ALLIANCES/PARTNERSHIPS

• Call for 2012 Advisory Board member candidates distributed to many Middle Tennessee executives

COMMUNICATION

• 1618 electronic newsletters distributed over five issues;
  

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

• Performance at Men of Harmony Chorus Valentines Dinner in Goodlettsville, TN on February 15
• National Anthem performance for Belmont University Ladies Basketball Game vs ETSU

GOVERNANCE

• 501(C)3 status approved by the IRS on February 22
  
• Board meeting held on February 7

MARKETING

• Facebook ad impressions this month: 305,793
• Facebook generated website visits this month: 82
• Updated performance locations on website;
• Updated members locations on members only page of website;
  

MEETINGS

• February 10 rehearsal canceled due to icy road conditions;
• Meetings held this month: 3

MEMBERSHIP

• 16th Member Joins (Rodney Turner)

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• Print advertising published in the Nashville Scene promoting Free Singing Lessons Program

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Executive Director attends Metro Nashville Arts Commission Grant Workshop on February 3

March

COMMUNICATION

• 1220 electronic newsletters distributed over four issues;
  

DATA GATHERING/ANALYSIS

• Executive Director updated guest survey form;

ALLIANCES/PARTNERSHIPS

• Executive Director interviews three potential advisory board members;
• Executive Director contacts leaders of 35 other NPOs to discuss partnering on events and/or programs;
• Executive Director begins process of organizing an advisory board for 2012;

EVENT PLANNING/PRODUCTION

• Director of Music created music plan for fall concert

FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT

• Solicitations Permit received from the State of Tennessee;
  
• Profiles created on Guidestar and GivingMatters;
• 2010 annual report published;
  

GOVERNANCE

• Board meeting held on March 7'
• Executive Director drafts several policies for board consideration and approval;
  
• Executive Director updates 2011 budget to include board-approved line item for a reserve/contingency fund;
  

GRANTS

• Executive Director interviewed two more potential grant writers

PERFORMANCE

• Performance at Walter Hill First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro on March 20.
  
• Performance at FiftyForward in Madison, hosted by Channel 5's Leland Statum and attended by Nashville Mayor Karl Dean on March 29

PHILANTHROPY

• Executive Director creates Music Makes a Difference grant program;
  

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Executive Director attends a "Meet the Media" event at the Center for Nonprofit Management;
  

MARKETING

• Print advertising published in the Nashville Scene and the City Paper promoting Free Singing Lessons Program

MEETINGS

• Meetings held this month: 4

MEMBERSHIP

• New guests attending meetings this month: 7
  
• Membership inquiries received this month: 6

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• New Songs Introduced: I Love You Truly and America the Beautiful
• Updated Free Singing Lesson page of website;
  
• Grace Thomson, Sloan Yarborough, and Todd Wilson conduct Free Singing Lesson program. The program attracted nine participants from seven cities in Davidson, Cheatham, Robertson, and Williamson Counties in Tennessee, and one gentleman who traveled 300 miles round-trip from his home in Arab, Alabama.

VOLUNTEERISM

• Executive Director interviews begins process of securing a college intern, interviews one candidate;

April

ALLIANCES/PARTNERSHIPS

• To explore opportunities to partnership on events, projects, or programs, Executive Director Todd Wilson meets with Don Schlosser, MD of Nashville in Harmony, Margaret Campbelle-Holman, XD of Choral Arts Link, Executive Director, Benjamin Smith of Youth Speaks Nashville, Board President, Jeff Ockerman of the Nashville Jazz Orchestra, Kim Hayes, Executive Director of NCAT, Ms. Robinson Regen with the Arts Council of Williamson County;
• Executive Director attended CEO mixer event to discuss partnering on events and/or programs;
• Executive Director attended CNM breakfast for new Executive Directors;
• Executive Director met with Lee and Vanessa Lentz to discuss Personalized greeting card program for 2012;

COMMUNICATION

• 2783 electronic newsletters distributed over four issues;
  

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

• Recording session schedule at Ocean Way Studios for FiftyForward compilation CD project - April 30
  
• National Anthem performance scheduled at Lipscomb University Baseball game versus Belmont University - April 30

FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT

• Executive Director met with Aaron McGee about fundraising event at Buffalo Wild Wings;
• Executive Director attended a "Meet the Funders" event at the Center for Nonprofit Management;
• Facebook Cause page launched, generating $73 in donations on the first day;
  

GOVERNANCE

• Board meeting held on April 4 led to approval of Reserve Fund Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy, Document Destruction & Retention Policy, Whistleblower Policy, and Job Descriptions for Executive Director, President/Board Chair, and Vice Chair;
  

GRANTS

• Executive Director interviews a potential grant writer;
• Executive Director applies for a $5000 grant from the National Society of Collegiate Scholars on April 30;

MEETINGS

• Meetings held this month: 3

MEMBERSHIP

• New guests attending meetings this month: 4
  
• Membership inquiries received this month: 3

PHILANTHROPY

• Custom newsletter sent to 110 MNPS principals and assistant principals to encourage applications for grant;

May

ALLIANCES/PARTNERSHIPS

• 2012 Advisory Board of 14 members finalized;
• Executive Director represents Nashville Singers in a focus group gathering data for NCAT;

COMMUNICATION

• 1950 electronic newsletters distributed over five issues;
  

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

• Nashville Singers hosts a free "Meet & Greet" event on May 12 for The SUNTONES, the 1961 International Quartet Champion of the Barbershop Harmony Society. The event drew attendees from Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina. The chorus performed new songs Tonight, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, Satin Doll, Man in the Mirror, as well as Happy Together. The finale featured The SUNTONES and Nashville Singers performing Danny Boy together, with Bruce and Gene Cokeroft alternating on the verses.

FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT

• Advisory Board added to GivingMatters profile;
• Board approves Board Giving Policy and Pledge Form,

GOVERNANCE

• Board meeting held on May 2 led to approval of 2012 Advisory Board Candidates, Name Tag Replacement Fee Policy, Music Folio Replacement Fee Policy, Booking the Chorus Policy, Leaving the Chorus Policy, Use of Chorus Name Policy, Leave of Absence Policy, Media Release Agreement Policy, Use of Drugs & Alcohol Policy, Confidentiality of Roster Policy, Copyright/Use of Learning Media Policy, Suspension of Membership Policy, Audition/Re-Evaluation Policy, Conflict Resolution Policy,  Attendance Policies, 2011 Concert Budget & Ticket Pricing, Approval of Guest acts on the concert,  Sponsorship Giving Levels, Annual Giving Levels,
  

GRANTS

• Executive Director applies for Google Grant for free advertising;

MARKETING

• Advertising promoting Free Singing Lessons placed in the Nashville Scene and City Paper
  
• Press release on Free Singing Lessons program distributed to media;

MEETINGS

• Meetings held this month: 3

MEMBERSHIP

• New guests attending meetings this month: 3
  
• 17th Member Joins (Brandon McCaddin)
• 18th Member Joins (Sandy Derrick)

OPERATIONS

• The chorus receives sales tax exemption certificate;
• Draft of 2012 budget created;

PHILANTHROPY

• Board approves John Overton High School as first recipient of Music Makes a Difference Grant;

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Executive Director attends all-day Bridge to Excellence event presented by the Center for Nonprofit Management, takes classes in board and financial development;

RECORDING

• Director of Music updated CD recording plan;

SOCIAL

• Golfapalooza event held at McCabe Country Club, representatives from three local choruses participate;

VOLUNTEERISM

• Executive Director conducts two training sessions with college intern;

June

ALLIANCES/PARTNERSHIPS

• Executive Director meets with Renee Grant Williams, director of the Music City Community Chorus, to explore partnership opportunities;
• Executive Director attends two networking events at Center for Nonprofit Management

COMMUNICATION

• 1909 electronic newsletters distributed over two issues;
  

FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT

• Friendraiser/Fundraiser event held at Buffalo Wild Wings

GRANTS

• Executive Director interviews a grant writer;

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• Four new songs introduced: Coventry Carol, Angels We Have Heard on High, Christmas Stays the Same, It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year;

MARKETING

• Nashville Singers sponsors the business luncheon at First Baptist Church, promotes our programs and events to 300 people present;

MEETINGS

• Meetings held this month: 3

MEMBERSHIP

• New guests attending meetings this month: 2

PERFORMANCE

• Performance at Morningside of Belmont;
• Director of Music drafts music plan for July 25 and September 10 performances;
  

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Executive Director participates in leadership development training at Center for Nonprofit Management (Developing a Dynamic Board);
• Executive Director participates in Guidestar-sponsored webinar about how to maintain compliance with IRS rules to protect non-profit status;
  

SPONSORSHIPS

• Nashville Singers interviews Ambassador Formal Wear as an In-Kind Sponsor;

VOLUNTEERISM

• Executive Director conducts training session with college intern;
  

July

ALLIANCES/PARTNERSHIPS

• Executive Director meets with Stephen Shaeffer, Academy Coach at John Overton High School to discuss awarding of grant and partnership plans for the back half of the year;
• Todd Wilson and Grace Thomson meet with Margaret Campbell-Holman, Stephanie Blocker, and Karen Mueller with the MET Singers to plan fall concert and preparation;
  

COMMUNICATION

• 4191 electronic newsletters distributed over seven issues;
  

EVENT PLANNING/PRODUCTION

• Website updated to include concert, advertising, and silent auction page;
• Terri Williams creates collateral materials promoting concert;

GOVERNANCE

• First board retreat held in Cadiz, KY, and hosted by Ed Luke; the board approved a member policy on ad/ticket sales, and several board policies, including: Strategic Planning, Governing Purpose, Governing Style, Board Member's Code of Conduct, Board Committee Principles, Cost of Governance, and Executive Limitations policies including: Executive Constraint, Treatment of Members, Treatment of Staff, Financial Planning and Budgeting, Financial Conditions and Activities, Emergency CEO Succession, Asset Protect, Compensation and Benefits, Communication and Support to the Board, Ends Focus of Grants and Contracts, and Several Board-CEO Linkage Policies, including: Global Board-CEO Linkage, Unity of Control, Accountability of CEO, Delegation to the CEO, Monitoring CEO Performance; Several documents were also approved, including: board (as a whole) job descriptions, board member job descriptions,board member commitment, board orientation, board meeting guidelines, board operations questionnaire, capturing/distribution of board minutes, single and multiple board meeting evaluation tools, a board recruitment - expertise rating document a board recruitment profile, and a document that includes board effectiveness factors;

MERCHANDISING

• Nashville Singers CD sold at at the International Convention of the Barbershop Harmony Society in Kansas City;

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS

• Nine hours of rehearsals held this month over three meetings;

PERFORMANCE

• Performance at Rutland Place in Mount Juliet;
• Todd and Harlan Wilson conduct a site visit in preparation for September 10 concert event;

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Executive Director attends classes on how to conduct an effective Live/Silent Auction, and Strategic Planning at the Center for Nonprofit Management;
• Executive Director attends a class on how to leverage the power of LinkedIn;
  
  

August

ALLIANCES/PARTNERSHIPS

• Executive Director met with Dan Hays of the International Bluegrass Music Association to explore partnership opportunities;
• Executive Director met with Lois Moreno, President of the Lost Boys Foundation to explore partnership opportunities and potential silent auction donations;
• Executive Director met with Ramon Cisneros of the La Campana Newspaper to explore partnership and in-kind sponsorship opportunities;
• Executive Director met with Nancy Denning Martin and Danny Ray Martin of the East Nashville School of Music, to explore partnership opportunities;
• Executive Director met with Nancy Palus of the Metro Nashville Chorus (by phone) to explore partnership opportunities;

COMMUNICATION

• 4451 electronic newsletters distributed over five issues;

EVENT PLANNING/PRODUCTION

• Website updated to present audio samples in flash instead of downloads, contact page updated to include feeds from Facebook and Twitter;
• Season of Harmony posters printed printed at First Baptist Church Donelson;
• Concert Program Advertising Prospectus created;
  

FUNDRAISING

• Executive Director met with Todd met with Beverly Scott to finalize grant contract;
• Silent auction donations include two rounds of golf, and free membership in a wellness program;
• Executive Director met with Hal Partlow from the Tennessee Arts Commission to explore grant opportunities available;
• Profile for Nashville Singers created on www.idealist.org
  

GOVERNANCE

• Due to new demands at work, Paul Gentry asked to step down as Treasurer. Board Secretary Ed Luke agreed to add the treasurer duties to his plate.
  
•  Board approved the following policies: Budget Preparation Policy, Late Fee Policy for members delinquent on their dues; Policy change: Student (under 25) dues category to read Youth Membership (under 22); grandfathering the 3 existing members in the Student category until they turn 25;
• Conflict of Interest forms signed by all board members;
  

LEADERSHIP

• Sandy Derrick takes on responsibility as Sunshine Chairman;
• Taylor Wilson and Brandon McCaddin are appointed to the Visual Performance Team;
  

MEMBERSHIP

• New guests visiting this month: 1

MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

• 12 hours of rehearsals held this month over four meetings;
• Meeting with Grace Thomson, and Margaret Campbell-Holman and a few of her staff members to finalize plan for Singing in the City event and the MET Singers participation in our November 19 concert;

PERFORMANCE

• NSI performances scheduled October 6 at First Baptist Church, October 12 at Whitworth Memorial Baptist Church, and December 10, at Lifepoint Church in Smyrna;
• Quartet consisting of Sandy Derrick, Bruce Cokeroft, Mike Casper, and Rodney Turner performed at Walter Hill First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, raising $468 for Nashville Singers;

PHILANTHROPY

• Testimonials received from MNPS school officials thanking Nashville Singers for funding the Music Makes a Difference Grant presented to Overton High School; Overton's choral director Kiera Crite, and MNPS' Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator Carol Crittenden have agreed to be on hand on September 10 for the presentation of the check;
  

PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Nashville Singers profiled on One Nashville to Support Metro Schools website as a supporter of Music Education in Davidson County;

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Executive Director attended a Young Nonprofit Professionals – Personalities and Leadership class at the Center for Nonprofit Management;

SPONSORSHIPS

• In-kind sponsor partnerships finalized with Collins Imagery, La Campana Newspaper and Ambassador Formal Wear;
• Fox 17 agrees to be a media sponsor for our Season of Harmony Concert;

If you would like to make some history with Nashville Singers, send an email to membership@nashvillesingers.org