Constitution
1.0 NAME
“Hereford Chamber Choir” – Short title: “HCC”
2.0 OBJECTIVES
The objectives of HCC include:
- to learn and perform a broad spectrum of choral music to the highest possible standard
- to enjoy singing together
- to promote the singing abilities of young people by granting choral scholarships
- to support a variety of local charities and contribute to local culture
3.0 MEMBERSHIP
The membership of HCC will not exceed thirty six singers. Membership shall be by audition. Type timing and frequency of audition will be as proposed by the Music Director, in agreement with the Committee
The Committee will seek always to have within the membership a small number of choral scholars. The Music Director will especially support their development and may invite ordinary members to act as their mentors. Choral scholars are exempt from subscriptions and will be lent the scores which ordinary members may be expected to possess.
The Committee may terminate membership:
- on registration
- on a recommendation by the Music Director
- on failure to pay subscription
4.0 COMMITTEE
The Committee shall comprise: Chairman, Secretary, Membership
Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian, Publicity Officer and two other Choir
members. Five members will constitute a quorum. If a vote
is necessary, the Chairman shall, if required, have a casting
vote. Meetings will be held as proposed by the Chairman, or when
requested by three members.
The Music Director will attend ex officio.
The Committee shall be elected at the AGM for a term of one
year. Members of the out-going committee will be eligible for
re-election. Candidates will be identified at the AGM and, if
necessary, a ballot will be held.
The Committee May co-opt additional members for a specific purpose or
to fill a vacancy. The Committee may nominate one of its members
to conduct the relationship with sponsors, in consultation with the
Treasurer.
5.0 MUSIC DIRECTOR
When a vacancy arises in the office of Music Director, a new Music Director will, on recommendation of the Committee, be appointed by the whole Choir for the period to the next AGM. The method of selection and the Music Director’s conditions of service will be determined by the Committee, and will normally include the candidate(s) conducting a rehearsal.
6.0 REPERTOIRE AND PROGRAMMING
Repertoire, programming and arranging of concerts are the responsibility of the Committee, acting with the advice of the Music Director. Account will be taken of the objectives and traditions of the HCC. Opportunities for new initiatives will also, always, be examined.
7.0 FINANCE
The financial year will end on 31 July.
The Treasurer will report as necessary to the Committee; in particular, the Committee will decide on any changes in the termly subscription and any exemptions. He or she will present to the AGM the accounts for the past year and financial projection for the current year. Audit of the accounts will be arranged as necessary by the Committee.
Sponsorship receipts will be separately accounted for.
8.0 GENERAL MEETINGS
The Annual General Meeting is held in the Autumn Term. An Extraordinary General Meeting may be called at any time if the Committee so decide or one third of ordinary members ask the Chairman to do so in writing for a specified purpose. The quorum will be two thirds of ordinary members. Any vote or ballot will be by show of hands. If necessary, the Chairman shall have the casting vote.
The AGM will hear reports from officers of the outgoing Committee and (re)elect the Music Director and Committee for the current year.
9.0 AMENDMENTS
The Constitution may be amended only by a General Meeting, on a proposal by the Committee or one third of members, sent in writing to members at least one month in advance.
Updated November 2003