Twin Cities Show Chorus, Sweet Adelines Int'l - Standing Rules, Sect 1

copied from Standing Rules

Twin Cities Show Chorus - Content Update This Section: 3/08

Chapter Membership Requirements	Eligibility Acceptance Dues Options Membership Options - Full Membership - Associate Membership - Leave of Absence - Dual Membership - Chapter-at-Large Membership - Member-at-Large Membership - Lifetime Membership Attendance Requirements	Member Responsibilities - Good Standing - Costumes and Makeup - Music and Visuals - Administrative - Chorus Projects - Public Performances - Quartets & Audition Requirements - Other - Hall Rules - Incoming Mbr Responsib - Chorus Responsib. to Dirs - Reg'l & Int'l Competition Reqmts	Termination of Mbrshp Resignation of Mbrshp Transfer to Another Chap Forfeiture of Mbrshp Removal of a Member Reinstatement of Mbrshp Transfer From Another Chap Retirement Option/Member Emeritus

(from Section I Standing Rules)

ELIGIBILILTY
1. Membership is open to all women.
2. All prospective members must be auditioned (or re-auditioned) by the Director and/or Director designate.
3. A prospective member must attend four (4) rehearsals in a six (6) week period before the standard form "Application for Membership" is extended to her.
4. On her third visit she will be provided with a copy of a song from the current repertoire for preparation of her audition on her fourth or later visit.
ACCEPTANCE
1. Membership is dependent upon passing an audition. Once audition is passed, application for membership and the results of the audition are reviewed by the chapter board of directors and then will be voted on by the general membership. The standing rules are given to the prospective member when she receives the Application for Membership. When the prospective member signs the application there is a statement in the application that “I have reviewed the bylaws and standing rules of the chapter and agree to be bound by all things contained therein, and to faithfully observe the provisions thereof.”
2. Applicants are accepted by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the membership present and in good standing at a regular meeting of the membership or a special meeting called for that purpose (special meeting requires at least 10 days advance notice). Voting may be by show of hands or secret ballot. If your total membership is 94 and 75 are present you would require 2/3 x 75 = 50 votes.
3. The Membership chair will notify the applicant by letter of chapter acceptance or rejection within one (1) week of the membership vote. She will also receive, at a later date, a letter from International Headquarters, notifying her of her acceptance into Sweet Adelines International.
4. Included in the acceptance letter to the new member will be the Chapter Bylaws and Standing Rules and the names of the following people for her to see for information:
  1. New Member Liaison
  2. Treasurer
  3. Music Librarian
  4. Costume Chair
  5. Makeup Chair
  6. Visual Chair
5. Dual members must meet the audition requirements as outlined in step 1.

DUES OPTIONS

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES	FULL MEMBERSHIP	YOUTH up to age 25	ASSOCIATE (non-perf)
International per capita*	$80.00	$40.00	$80.00
Region Six** assessment fee	$35.00	$17.50	$35.00
Chapter dues	$120.00	$60.00	$15.00
TOTAL Annual Amount	$240.00	$117.50	$130.00
Dual Member** monthly TCSC participation Chapter Dues	$10.00

The International and Region Six Assessments must be paid within 15 days of acceptance of a new member by the chapter.
Members must submit the TOTAL Annual Amount per the schedule above by her anniversary date, or in quarterly payments to be held in an escrow account for membership renewal. (see #3)
Dues may be paid quarterly in advance or in any amount at any time to the Treasurer. Said dues will be held in a special escrow account for membership renewal. If a member resigns (in writing) or transfers before her anniversary date, a refund will be made of those pre-paid dues upon return of all chorus properties (music, costumes, etc).
Any member in default in payment of dues in full by her anniversary date is suspended from all privileges of membership and if, after written notice, default is not remedied within 60 days, her chapter membership automatically terminates.

* Note 1: For more information about additional membership options available from Sweet Adelines International (eg. lifetime and multi-year discount options) contact the Membership Department at International headquarters or check the website: http://www.sweetadelinesintl.org/.
** Note 2: Dual members are only required to pay the International per-capita fee once and the Regional Assessments for any Regions the Chapters are associated with. This may vary per Region. TCSC is in Region Six.

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
1. FULL MEMBERSHIP - Full membership in Sweet Adelines International entitles the member to all educational, performance and competition benefits provided by the organization. A full member of Sweet Adelines International is a member of a chorus and a region, as well as the international organization. There are approximately 30,000 members in chapters in most of the 50 states, and other countries worldwide. From the international organization, members receive a membership card, a subscription to The Pitch Pipe, mailings from international, member rates for international convention registrations and educational events, and discounts on purchases from International Sales. Members learn vocal production, music, choreography, stage production, costuming, makeup and much more in the exciting entertainment field.
2. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP - (Not applicable to new applicants.) The chapter allows Associate Membership as outlined in the Policy Book, Section III, Div. C, 8. Associate Membership was created primarily for members with physical disabilities or time constraints which make it difficult to meet rehearsal requirements and the associated rigors of performing and competing .
  1. Any member who does not wish to participate in competition, performances and the annual show, or wishes to indefinitely extend an approved leave of absence may request this status in writing from the Board of Directors.
  2. An associate member holds all other privileges of active membership except she is prohibited from performing or competing. She may attend rehearsals, participate in social activities, fund raising projects, and educational classes of the Chapter, and may, at her own expense, attend Regional or International classes and conventions.
  3. An Associate Member may not serve on the Board of Directors.
  4. If an Associate member wishes to return to active membership she must follow the same auditioning procedure established for prospective members.
  5. Associate members pay the full International per capita fee and regional assessments
  6. Associate members may belong to, perform with, and compete in quartets.
3. DUAL MEMBERSHIP - Dual membership allows members to join more than one chorus in the same region, or different regions. This allows members the flexibility to continue year-round Sweet Adelines activities, even if they move seasonally to a different location. Dual members are counted in all choruses of which they are paying members for chartering and rechartering purposes. Dual members may compete with all choruses of which they are a member.
  1. A dual member must pass the same audition requirements as a FULL member of TCSC and is allowed all privileges of a full performing member with the same performance, costume, and attendance requirements and responsibilities as a full performing member -- for the months they are "participating" members of the Twin Cities Show Chorus.
  2. For the months they are not "participating" members, they will be kept informed of Chapter activities via bulletins or periodic mailings the same as Associated Members.
  3. Voting privileges are only available if they are currently active and informed.
  4. Dual members are not eligible to be on the Board of Directors unless they are "participating" at least 10 months of the year.
  5. Dual members should notify the Director and Board/Treasurer of the months they plan to be full participating/absent members.
4. CHAPTER-AT-LARGE (CAL) - This option is also available to members who do not wish to be associated with a chapter or region, but still wish to get information from Sweet Adelines International. The main difference between the two options: CAL allows the member to perform and compete in a quartet.
5. MEMBER-AT-LARGE (MAL) - Member-at-large members are affiliated with, and pay dues to, the International organization. Member-at-large members are not affiliated with a chapter or region and are not required to pay regional assessments, and may not compete or perform, but get information and education. For full information about this option, contact the Membership Department at Sweet Adelines International or check the website: http://www.sweetadelinesintl.org. From the International organization, member-at-large members receive a membership card, a subscription to the Pitch Pipe, mailings from International headquarters, member rates for International convention registration and educational events and discounts on purchases from International Sales. This new membership category is effective on May 1, 2005.
6. LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP - This is an option for members to pay their per capita fees in one lump sum. The one-time fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable. After payment of the fee the member is never required to pay an additional international per capita fee. Even if the lifetime member allows her chapter membership to lapse, she will not have to pay another international per capita fee if she decides to rejoin. This membership option is valid for the life of the individual, regardless of whether she is a member of a chartered chapter or chapter-at-large. Any increases in the international per capita fee do not affect this option. Lifetime members who are also Chapter-at Large members do not pay the additional chapter-at-large potion of annual Chapter-at-Large dues. Lifetime memberships are available to all members of Sweet Adelines International.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXTENDED ABSENCES - If a member is going to be absent for more than 2 weeks, they are requested to notify the Director or Board in writing so we may plan accordingly.

Also see DUAL MEMBERSHIP #1
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHAPTER MEMBER
1. GOOD STANDING
  1. FINANCIAL: Remain current in the payment of dues and other financial obligations to the Chapter.
  2. ATTENDANCE: Attend weekly rehearsals or notify the Director and Board in writing if you will be absent from more than 2 consecutive rehearsals so the chorus may plan accordingly. (also see DUAL MEMBERSHIP OPTION #1)
  3. COSTUMES AND MAKEUP
    1. Each member provides the standard costume (and purchase of accessories i.e. shoes) and maintains them in good condition.
    2. All members will be required to observe deadline dates set by the Costume Committee for completion of new, or alterations of existing, costumes.
    3. A member's costumes and makeup shall conform to standards set by the Costume and Makeup Committees.
    4. A member may not receive material for a new costume or accessory if she is delinquent in any financial obligation to the Chapter.
    5. The Performance Coordinator and Costume Chair will determine the costume for public Performances. No member will be permitted to perform with the chorus in other than the selected costume and designated makeup except quartets who may, with prior approval of the Chairs, wear their quartet costume.
    6. Costumes and accessories purchased by the Chapter are Chapter property and must be returned when Chapter membership terminates.
    7. When a membership is terminated, the Chapter will have the option to purchase any costume for which the member has paid.
    8. Costumes or parts thereof shall only be worn for Chapter functions, unless approved by the Costume Chair.
    9. New members are required to obtain the minimum current performance costume as soon as they have passed their performance repertoire requirements.
  4. MUSIC AND VISUALS
    1. A member's music is considered ON LOAN while she belongs to the chapter unless she has purchased her own music from International Headquarters. Music is for rehearsal purposes only and must be returned when her membership terminates.
    2. Each member shall be responsible for memorizing all music and learning all visuals within the time frames established by the Director.
    3. Each member shall be responsible for keeping her music and visuals current, including any changes made by the Director or Visuals Team.
    4. All members are subject to periodic review of music and visuals as designated by Committee Chairs.
    5. Musical arrangements used by the chorus may not be used by any performing groups without the permission of the Director and/or Arranger.
      Note: Also see Standing Rules Section 8 - Competition Requirements as members must be accepted 3 months prior to competition to be eligible.
  5. ADMINISTRATIVE - Each member shall be responsible for participating in the discussion of and decision making for those issues which require a membership vote. Subjects requiring a membership vote are:
    1. Chorus Membership Applications
    2. Standing Rules Changes
    3. Elections to Chapter, Regional and International Boards of Directors
    4. Whether the chorus will compete or have an annual show
    5. Chorus functions outside of the routine which require members to participate.
    6. Unbudgeted expenses exceeding $500.00
  6. CHORUS PROJECTS: Each member should make every effort to support chorus projects to the best of her ability, time and energy.
  7. PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
    1. Each member in good standing should make every effort to attend each performance given by the chorus.
    2. All requests for performances are subject to approval before acceptance by both the Director and a 2/3 affirmative majority vote by those members present in good standing.
    3. All members are requested to designate a Yes, No or Maybe on the sign-up sheet. If, after designating "Yes" a member is unable to attend a performance, she must contact the Director or Performance Coordinator as soon as possible.
    4. Any member unable to participate in the annual show or annual convention must notify the Chapter President and the Director in writing as soon as possible.
  8. QUARTETS
    1. Quartets, octets and other small groups representing Sweet Adelines International must audition before the Music Committee and perform before the Chapter annually prior to performing in public.
    2. If a Quartet, octet or small group changes personnel, they must re-audition before the Music Committee and perform before the chorus prior to performing in a public performance.
    3. OTHERS - Special event groups who wish to perform at a specific event must audition prior to that event.
  9. OTHER (Hall Rules)
    1. Smoking is not permitted in the rehearsal hall during rehearsals.
    2. Children are not permitted at Chapter rehearsals or other Sweet Adeline functions except as members of the audience at public performances
    3. Beverages are not allowed on or near the risers unless strapped to your person, to ensure the safety of others.
    4. The use of such items such as alcohol, perfume, or scented lotion or hairspray should be avoided on rehearsal nights and at performances as a courtesy to others.
      Note: Also see Competition Requirements.
2. CHANGES TO MEMBERSHIP
  1. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
    1. RESIGNATION
      1. Any member who wishes to resign from the Chapter should do so in writing and submit it to the Board of Directors.
      2. The Board of Directors will inform the Chapter membership of the resignation and see that a copy of the resignation from the member is sent to International Headquarters.
    2. TRANSFER TO ANOTHER CHAPTER. If a member wishes, she may apply, in writing to the Board of Directors for transfer of membership to Chapter-at-Large or to another chapter.
    3. FORFEITURE
      1. Membership is automatically suspended if a member is default in payment of dues. Membership is terminated if default is not remedied within sixty (60) days of written notice.
      2. The Treasurer follows the procedures for forfeiture/termination of membership as stated in these Standing Rules
    4. REMOVAL. Only the International Board of Directors may remove a member from membership in Sweet Adelines International.
  2. REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP - Former members who have allowed their membership to terminate must meet the eligibility requirements and be accepted by the membership as stated in these standing rules.
  3. TRANSFER FROM ANOTHER CHAPTER - A transferring member is one who transfers from one chapter to another. The transferring member retains continuous affiliation with the international organization. Members have the option of a 60-day transition period when transferring from one chapter to another. The transition period begins upon receipt of the "Request for Transition Membership Status" form at international headquarters. This may be submitted by either the chapter or the member. A member in transition relinquishes all chorus privileges, but she may compete in a quartet, serve on her Regional Management Team or on the International Board of Directors, hold Regional or International office, or serve in a committee position. The chapter accepting a transferring member must submit a Certification of Membership form to international headquarters along with the membership card of the transferring member.
  4. RETIREMENT OPTION
    1. Eligibility: Any member who has been in the Twin Cities Chorus for at least 10 consecutive years and has been an active participant in the chorus activities and attendance may apply for Retirement Option
    2. A member may request this status by submitting in writing, her request to apply for this option. The written request should include pertinent reasons for requesting this status, and the proposed effective retirement date.
    3. The Board of Directors shall upon receipt of such a request, review the request and communicate their decision to the member in writing.
    4. A Retired Member of the Twin Cities Chorus:
      1. shall always be considered a VIP of the Twin Cities Chorus
      2. should provide updated address and contact information to the chorus if she wishes to participate or be notified of chorus activities, shows, and events
      3. shall be welcomed to be our audience at any rehearsal of the chorus
      4. shall be able to buy chorus show tickets at per member price
      5. shall be welcome to participate or help in any chorus parties, celebrations, fun raisers, or other social events, at the per member cost
      6. at her discretion, and at her own expense, may continue her membership with the Twin Cities Chorus as an Associate Member or with Sweet Adelines International through Chapter at Large or Member-at-Large membership options. For more information, contact Sweet Adelines International Membership Department or the website: http://www.sweetadelinesintl.org/.

D. CHORUS RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE DIRECTOR (from Section 7 Standing Rules)

Learn all music and visuals in a specified time.
Attend rehearsals and performances.
Provide all costumes and shoes for the Director.

Regional and/or International Chorus Competition (from Section 8 Standing Rules)

In order to be eligible to compete with the Chorus, new members must be accepted into the chorus three months prior to the Regional/International Chorus competition or at the discretion of the Director.
The Board shall decide what expenses shall be absorbed by the Chapter at competition, depending upon Chapter finances.
Every Chorus member planning to compete will be tested and passed for music at least six weeks before competition. If she does not pass she may be tested again up to 4 weeks prior to competition. If she does not pass at that time, participation in competition will be at the discretion of the Director.
Every Chorus member planning to compete will be observed for visuals before competition. If she does need assistance she will be offered special review sessions.
All Chorus members must attend at least one (1) rehearsal a week during the five (5) week period immediately prior to competition in order to compete. Illness or unavoidable absences are excused. In these cases, the President or Director must be notified prior to rehearsal.

TOP