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President's Message

TonyWelcome to the Niagara Men's Chorus. On behalf of the chorus I am pleased that you are considering joining our organization.
Below you will find information regarding requirements and expectatioons for membership.

If you have any further questions feel free to email or call me, Tony Jamestee at:
Email tonyjamestee@cogeco.ca
Phone (905) 354-5523

GUIDELINES FOR MEMBERSHIP  (revised January 2010)

The Niagara Men's Chorus was established in January 1988 and is directed by Bert Warkentin and accompanied by Mrs. Fran Spoar.

BertBert is a retired elementary school principal and is also director of the Orchard Park Bible Church choir in Niagara-on-the-Lake a position he has held since 1971.

FranFran, formerly the accompanist with the Gentlemen Songsters for 13 years, resides in Ft. Erie. She is a retired elementary teacher with the District School Board of Niagara.

Our main purpose is to sing in four-part harmony a wide variety of songs including inspirational, Broadway style, and contemporary, for the entertainment of audiences throughout the Niagara Peninsula and for the enjoyment of the members of the Chorus, and through this, the promotion of fellowship and good will.

Very few of our members actually read music. Most of us learn by rote. If you enjoy singing and performing then you will probably enjoy being part of the Niagara Men's Chorus which is a diverse group, including young men and retirees, from all walks of life.

Performances of the Niagara Men's Chorus generally include a Fall Show, as well as many charity and benefit concerts.

As members of A.M.C.O. we usually participate in a District Sing entitled “Ontario Sings” at least once a year. (There are a number other choruses in Ontario that belong to A.M.C.O.) The Niagara Men’s Chorus withdrew its membership from the Associated Male Choruses of America in 2003.

CONDITIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP

  1. Members are assessed annual dues to defray operating expenses such as the cost of the uniform, music and other equipment. The amount is set by the executive and approved by a majority vote of the membership. It is currently $50 per year.
  2. It is expected that individual members will commit all assigned music to memory. However, prospective members may set a very reasonable goal for themselves in terms of the length of time required to memorize music. Performances will be given without the aid of sheet music. All music is the property of the Chorus and must be returned to the librarian when no longer needed.
  3. Members are expected to make a concerted effort to attend ALL rehearsals and performances.
  4. Rehearsals will start promptly at 7:30 p.m. Members should be in their places and ready to sing at that time.
  5. Prospective members are required to attend 12 rehearsals, before making a decision to join the chorus.

UNIFORM POLICY
Once the decision has been made to join the chorus, further details regarding the group’s uniform policy will be outlined to the prospective member by the President or his designate.

Any questions regarding the above information may be directed to the President, Vice President, or Secretary before or following rehearsal or by telephone or e-mail contact.

CONSTITUTION OF THE NIAGARA MEN'S CHORUS

NAME: The name of the chorus shall be the Niagara Men's Chorus.

PURPOSE: To promote, develop and maintain a male voice chorus in the Niagara Peninsula and to provide musical entertainment for audiences and self-satisfaction for individual participants.

EXECUTIVE STRUCTURE

The executive shall consist of:

  1. President
  2. Vice President
  3. Secretary
  4. Treasurer
  5. Past President
  6. Director (an Exofficio member)

ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Officers will be elected by the general membership by a simple majority vote at the Annual General Meeting.

TERMS OF OFFICE

  1. Each officer will serve a one year term but may stand for re-election if he wishes to do so.
  2. If an executive officer is unable to complete a term of office, then the general membership will hold an election within 30 days of the vacancy to elect a replacement.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

  1. The nominating committee will consist of past presidents. In the event that 3 past presidents are not available, the executive will appoint the required number from the membership considering such individuals do not wish to stand for an executive office.
  2. The proposed slate of officers shall be presented to the membership 2 weeks prior to elections.
  3. Further nominations for all elective offices shall be accepted at the A.G.M.

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The date for the AGM is to be selected at the discretion of the executive but shall not be later than the end of February without the approval of the membership.

DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

He shall preside at all executive and/or membership meetings. He shall abstain from voting on all matters except in the event of a deadlock, at which time he may cast the deciding vote.

VICE PRESIDENT

He shall perform the duties of the president in the event of his absence. He shall maintain a membership roll of both active and past members. He shall maintain a record of bookings and act as a booking agent for the chorus.

TREASURER

He shall maintain a proper ledger of receipts and expenses and conduct all financial transactions for the chorus. He shall deposit all receipts in an account in the name of the chorus at a bank, trust company or credit union of his choice. (all cheques to require the signature of the president and the treasurer.)

He shall prepare:

  1. an annual budget and budget statement for each major project undertaken by the chorus.
  2. an annual financial statement duly audited for presentation at the A.G.M.

The Treasurer shall also act as Ticket Chairman.

SECRETARY

He shall attend to all correspondence for the chorus. He shall record and publish minutes of all executive and membership meetings and maintain a proper record of same. He shall distribute copies of such minutes to the membership as early as possible following such meetings.

PAST PRESIDENT

He shall assist the executive in its decision making role by adding his expertise and knowledge of the organization and its members. He shall act as chairman of the Nominating Committee. He shall also be responsible for dealing with matters which pertain to the constitution.

DIRECTOR

The director is a non-voting member of the executive. The director shall advise the executive in the acceptance of new members. He/she will oversee the preparation of all productions subject to the approval of the executive. Choice of music will be the responsibility of the director.

DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE BODY

  1. Create committees as required and appoint individuals to serve on such committees and provide the necessary direction of same.
  2. Arbitrate disputes.
  3. Control all financial matters.
  4. Terminate membership if necessary providing appropriate reasons to both individual concerned and to the general membership.
  5. Send representatives to the executive meetings of the Associated male choruses of Ontario. (max. 3)

EXPENDITURE LIMITATION

The limit of expenditures by the executive without reference to the whole group shall be $500.00. In the event of an emergency or need of immediate funds beyond $500.00, the executive shall have the prerogative to make the expenditure and advise the group within the earliest possible time available.

MEMBERSHIP AND CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP

Prospective members must serve a three month probationary period during which time the prospective member may assess his desire to join the chorus. Final acceptance of new members will be at the discretion of the director and executive based on ability and compatibility. Members will be assessed dues as directed by the executive by a majority vote of the membership.

TERMINATION OF THE NIAGARA MEN'S CHORUS

Should the Niagara Men's Chorus cease to exist as a viable chorus as outlined in the Constitution, then the following procedures will be adhered to in determining the dispersion of any funds that might be in the Treasury at the time of termination.

  1. A meeting will be called of all members who are in good standing at the time when the decision was made to terminate the chorus. (A three week notice will given to all members.)
  2. After all outstanding debts have been paid the remaining assets will be given to (an) appropriate charity(ies) as decided by the organization.
  3. Any uniforms that have been purchased with the assistance of a grant from The Ministry of Culture and Communications will be disposed of in accordance with the terms of the grant.