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Constitution and Bylaws

Proposed Changes to AMCO By-Laws

(Revised) April 10, 2010

Article 1

 

1.02     Amendment of By-Laws: The by-laws of the Corporation may be repealed or amended by by-law enacted by sixty percent (60%) of the directors at a meeting of the Board and sanctioned by an affirmative vote of at least sixty percent (60%) of the members at a meeting duly called for the purpose of considering the said by-law.

 

Changed to

 

1.02          Amendment of By-Laws: The by-laws of the Corporation may be repealed or amended by by-law enacted by sixty percent (60%) of the directors at a meeting of the Board. Notice of a minimum of 60 days must be given to members of the Board before changes in by-laws can be approved.

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Article 3

 

3.01     Number of Directors and Quorum: The affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by its Board.  Until changed in accordance with the Act, the number of directors shall be 17.  The presence of a quorum is required to transact business at any meeting of the Board. A simple majority (51%) shall constitute a quorum.

 

            The Board shall be comprised of:

            a) The Executive Committee (as hereinafter defined);

b) Two Active members (as hereinafter defined) from each member chorus; and

            c) The conductor of each member chorus, or his/her designate.

 

Changed to

 

3.01     Number of Directors and Quorum: The affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by its Board. The presence of a quorum is required to transact business at any meeting of the Board. A simple majority (51%) shall constitute a quorum.

 

            The Board shall be comprised of:

            a) The Executive Committee (as hereinafter defined);

b) Two Active members (as hereinafter defined) from each member chorus; and

            c) The conductor of each member chorus, or his/her designate.

 ..................................................................................................................................................

 3.07     Retiring Director:  A retiring director shall; remain in office until the dissolution of adjournment of the meeting at which his retirement is accepted and his successor is elected. A director shall hold office until the next meeting of members following his election or appointment.

 

Changed to

 

3.07     Retiring Director:   Each member chorus is responsible for appointing its representatives to the Board. (See section 3.19) A chorus will replace any retiring director by appointment.

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 3.14     Roberts Rules of Order:  Meetings of the Board shall be governed by the Roberts Rules of Order Revised.

 

Changed to

 

3.14     Rules of Order:  Meetings of the Board shall be governed by the Roberts Rules of Order Revised when motions are required, or otherwise by consensus, at the discretion of the Board.

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 3.24     Committees: The Board may from time to time appoint such committee or committees, as it deems necessary or appropriate for such purposes and with such powers as it shall see fit.  Members of committees do not need to be members of the Board.  Any such committee may formulate its own rules of procedure, subject to such regulations or directions as the Board may from time to time make.  No committee shall have the power to act for or on behalf of the Corporation or otherwise commit or bind the Corporation to any course of action.  Committees shall only have the power to make recommendations to the Board or to the members, as the Board may, from time to time, direct.  Committee members will serve three year renewable terms, all committee members will have voice and vote, the Chairman of each committee will also be a Board member.  The Board may remove any member of any committee and may set remuneration for any member as it deems appropriate.  The chair of each committee shall submit to the Board such reports as the Board may, from time to time, request, but, in any event, each chair shall submit an annual report to the Board at such time as the Board may, from time to time, determine.

 

Changed to

 

3.24     Committees: The Board may from time to time appoint such committee or committees, as it deems necessary or appropriate for such purposes and with such powers as it shall see fit.  Members of committees do not need to be members of the Board.  Any such committee may formulate its own rules of procedure, subject to such regulations or directions as the Board may from time to time make.  No committee shall have the power to act for or on behalf of the Corporation or otherwise commit or bind the Corporation to any course of action.  Committees shall only have the power to make recommendations to the Board or to the members, as the Board may, from time to time, direct. For standing committees, the term would normally be three years, renewable. For ad hoc committees, the term would usually be for the life of the committee. Committee chairs shall be appointed by the Board. All committee members will have voice and vote, the Chairman of each committee will also be a Board member.  The Board may remove any member of any committee and may authorize remuneration for expenses for any member as it deems appropriate.  The chair of each committee shall submit to the Board such reports as the Board may, from time to time, request, but, in any event, each chair shall submit an annual report to the Board at such time as the Board may, from time to time, determine.

 ..................................................................................................................................................

 3.25    Standing Committees: The following standing committees shall be established and

            chaired by an officer appointed by the Board:

a.         Newsletter;

b.         Music (Common Repertoire, as hereinafter defined, and Review, as hereinafter defined); and 

c.         others as may be determined by the Board.

 

Changed to

 

3.25     Standing Committees: Standing committees may be established by the Board, and shall be chaired by an officer appointed by the Board: Such committees will be charged with the on-going organizational work of the Board.

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3.26.1    Ad Hoc Committees: Ad hoc committees may be appointed by the President at his discretion for specific purposes.

 

Changed to

 

3.26          Ad Hoc Committees: Ad hoc committees may be appointed by the President at his discretion with Board approval  

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Article 4

 

4.03    Nominating Committee: A "Nominating Committee" with a minimum of two Active members shall be appointed by the President a year prior to the annual fall election. The Immediate Past President may be appointed chair of the committee.

 

Changed to

 

4.04     Nominating Committee: A "Nominating Committee" with a minimum of two  members of the Board shall be appointed by the Board. The Immediate Past President may be appointed chair of the committee.

 ..................................................................................................................................................

 4.04    Election of Officers: From time to time, the Board shall elect a President, who shall be a

            director and shall elect a Secretary.  The other elected officers of the Corporation shall be

            Active members and shall consist of:

1. First Vice President (as hereinafter defined);

2. Second Vice President (as hereinafter defined); and

3. Treasurer.

 

4.05     Appointment of Appointive Officers: From time to time, the Board may appoint the following (appointive) officers:

 

1. Publicity and Promotion (as hereinafter defined);

2. Newsletter Editor (as hereinafter defined);

3. Historian (as hereinafter defined);

4. Music (as hereinafter defined); and

5. others at the discretion of the Board;

           

(collectively "Appointive Officers").  Such other (Appointive) officers shall perform the duties as may from time to time be determined by the Board.  The appointive officers so appointed may but need not be directors and any person may hold more than one office, save that the President may not hold the offices of secretary or treasurer.  Appointive Officers are not entitled to a vote unless such entitlement is in another capacity.

 

Changed to

 

4.05     Election of Officers: From time to time, the Board shall elect a President, who shall be a director.  The other elected officers of the Corporation shall consist of:

1. First Vice President (as hereinafter defined);

2. Second Vice President (as hereinafter defined); and

3. Treasurer.

4. Secretary

 

4.06     Appointment of Appointive Officers: From time to time, the Board may appoint additional officers as needed. These appointive officers shall perform the duties as may from time to time be determined by the Board.  The appointive officers so appointed may but need not be directors and any person may hold more than one office, save that the President may not hold the offices of secretary or treasurer.  Appointive Officers are not entitled to a vote unless such entitlement is in another capacity.

..................................................................................................................................................

 4.10     First Vice President:

 

a.         He shall assume the duties of the President during his absence and shall perform such other duties as the President may assign to him.

b.         He shall act as a consultant and liaison to the Workshop and Big Sing committees.

 

4.11     Second Vice-President:

 

He shall administer the Associated Male Chorus of Ontario Inc. Scholarship Fund in accordance with the policy approved by the Board.

 

Changed to

 

4.11     First Vice President:

 

He shall assume the duties of the President during his absence and shall perform such other duties as the President may assign to him. He may assume the role of President at the conclusion of the President’s term of office with the approval of the Board

 

4.12     Second Vice-President:

 

He may assume the duties of the First Vice-President during his absence and shall perform such other duties as the President may assign to him. He may assume the role of First Vice-President at the conclusion of the First Vice-President’s term of office with the approval of the Board .

 

Add to 4.14 Treasurer

 

c.         He shall be responsible for sending out dues notices to all choruses and Affiliate members (as hereinafter defined) notifying each to forward payment to the Treasurer.

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Article 6

 

6.01     Members: The membership of the Corporation shall consist of the applicants for incorporation of the Corporation and such other persons and corporations, partnerships and other legal entities as are admitted to the membership in the Corporation by resolution of the Board.  Membership may be conditional upon the payment of a fee, assessment or other charge.  Each member shall promptly be informed by the Secretary of his or its admission as a member of the Corporation.

 

Changed to

 

6.01     Members: The membership of the Corporation shall consist of the applicants for incorporation of the Corporation and such other persons and corporations, partnerships and other legal entities as are admitted to the membership in the Corporation by resolution of the Board.  Membership may be conditional upon the payment of a fee, assessment or other charge.  Each member shall promptly be informed by the Treasurer of admission as a member of the Corporation.

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 6.02    Classes of Membership: There shall be two classes of membership in the Corporation,

            namely, chorus membership and individual membership:

 

A.        Chorus Membership

 

1.         A "member chorus" shall consist of any male chorus in Ontario , whose members:

a)         subscribe to the aims and ideals of the Corporation; and

b)         has been duly elected in accordance with the by-laws appended.

 

2.         Member choruses shall be entitled to voting power as outlined in the by-laws.

 

3.         Each member chorus shall have the advantage of all services of the Corporation, its officers and offices outlined in the by‑laws.

 

4.         The Executive Committee shall examine all applications for membership and present with recommendations to the Board for confirmation or rejection.

 

5.         A member chorus shall be deemed in good standing when all Corporation dues have been paid in full prior to December 31st.  In the event a new member's application is approved after March 1st, the per capita dues shall be one half of the annual per capita.

 

6.         Provision is hereby made for the assessment of a temporary annual chorus levy, if the Board decides it necessary, in addition to and not in lieu of the per capita dues. This will be based on need, included in the proposed budget and set at the annual fall budget meeting.

 

7.         The Board, at its discretion, shall have the power to drop a member chorus from membership for any action inconsistent with the by-laws. In the event such action contemplated, notice to the chorus shall be given in writing, with opportunity to be heard on the question before final action is taken.

8.         Reinstatement of former member choruses shall be decided by the Board.

 

            B.        Individual Memberships

 

1.         "Non Active" membership, is all types of individual membership [other than Active] as otherwise defined and outlined in the by-laws.

 

2.         "Active" membership, is defined as dues paying members in a member chorus that has paid their current corporation dues. They shall receive the Corporation's  newsletter and all benefits of membership as outlined in these by-laws.

 

3.         "Affiliate" membership, may be obtained by any individual or group who wishes to support the aims and ideals the Corporation and who is judged acceptable by the Board or its designate. They shall receive the Corporation's newsletter and copies of meeting minutes.

 

4.         "Life" membership, may be obtained by any individual or group wishing to support the aims and ideals of the Corporation and who is judged acceptable by the Board or its designate.  They shall receive the Corporation's newsletter and copies of meeting minutes.

 

5.         "Honorary Life" membership, may be bestowed upon a person or group in recognition of distinguished service rendered in the cause of male chorus music. Honorary members may be elected by a unanimous vote at any meeting of the Board. They shall receive the newsletter and copies of meeting minutes.

 

6.03     Term of Membership: The interest of a member in the Corporation lapses and ceases to exist upon:

 

(a)        failure to pay the dues for membership, if any, within a reasonable time after which such dues are due as the Board may prescribe from time to time;

 

(b)        death;

 

(c)        a member resigning; and

 

(d)       otherwise ceasing to be a member in accordance with the by-laws of the Corporation.

 

Changed to

 

6.02     Classes of Membership: There shall be two classes of membership in the Corporation, namely, chorus membership and individual membership:

 

A.        Member Chorus

 

1.         A "member chorus" shall consist of any male chorus in Ontario that

a)         subscribes to the aims and ideals of the Corporation; and

b)         has been duly elected in accordance with the by-laws appended.

 

2.         Member choruses shall be entitled to voting power as outlined in the by-laws.

 

3.         Each member chorus shall have the advantage of all services of the Corporation, its officers and offices outlined in the by‑laws.

 

4.         The Executive Committee shall examine all applications for membership and present with recommendations to the Board for confirmation or rejection.

 

5.         A member chorus shall be deemed in good standing when all Corporation dues have been paid in full prior to December 31st.  In the event a new member's application is approved after March 1st, the per capita dues shall be one half of the annual per capita.

 

6.         Provision is hereby made for the assessment of a temporary annual chorus levy, if the Board decides it necessary, in addition to and not in lieu of the per capita dues. This will be based on need, included in the proposed budget and set at the annual fall budget meeting.

 

7.         The Board, at its discretion, shall have the power to drop a member chorus from membership for any action inconsistent with the by-laws. For example, chorus membership ceases to exist upon failure to pay dues for chorus membership or other dues as the Board may prescribe from time to time, within a reasonable time. In the event such action is contemplated, notice to the chorus shall be given in writing, with opportunity to be heard on the question before final action is taken.

 

8.         Reinstatement of former member choruses shall be decided by the Board.

   

            B.        Individual Memberships

 

1.         "Non Active" membership, is all types of individual membership [other than Active] as otherwise defined and outlined in the by-laws.

 

2.         "Active" membership, is defined as dues paying members in a member chorus with current corporation dues paid. They shall receive the Corporation's  newsletter and all benefits of membership as outlined in these by-laws.

 

3.         "Affiliate" membership, may be obtained by any individual or group who wishes to support the aims and ideals the Corporation and who is judged acceptable by the Board or its designate. They shall receive the Corporation's newsletter and copies of meeting minutes.

 

4.         "Life" membership, may be obtained by any individual or group wishing to support the aims and ideals of the Corporation and who is judged acceptable by the Board or its designate.  They shall receive the Corporation's newsletter and copies of meeting minutes.

 

5.         "Honorary Life" membership, may be bestowed upon a person or group in recognition of distinguished service rendered in the cause of male chorus music. Honorary members may be elected by a unanimous vote, or by consensus, at any meeting of the Board. They shall receive the newsletter and copies of meeting minutes.

 

6.03     Resignation: whereupon a member ceases to be a member of his chorus, that member will also be deemed to no longer be a member of the Corporation.

.................................................................................................................................................. 

6.05     Removal: The Board may pass a resolution authorizing the removal of a member for cause from the register of members of the Corporation.  No such resolution shall be put before the Board until after the member in question has been notified in writing of the cause and afforded an opportunity for a hearing before the Board.  The Board shall notify any such member of the act which, in their opinion, is improper or detrimental to the Corporation and of the time and place of the meeting of the Board at which the member in question will be heard.  Such notice shall be given at least one week prior to such meeting.

 

Changed to

   

6.04     Removal: The Board may pass a resolution authorizing the removal of an active, affiliate, life or honorary life member for cause from the register of members of the Corporation.  No such resolution shall be put before the Board until after the member in question has been notified in writing of the cause and afforded an opportunity for a hearing before the Board.  The Board shall notify any such member of the act which, in their opinion, is improper or detrimental to the Corporation and of the time and place of the meeting of the Board at which the member in question will be heard.  Such notice shall be given at least one week prior to such meeting.

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Article 7

 

7.09     Quorum: A quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of members shall be two (2) or more members who represent fifty-one percent (51%) of the members, including themselves and members by whom they have been duly appointed as a proxy.

 

7.10     Decision Making: In conducting the business of the Corporation, members will preferably  follow a procedure for consensus, "consensus" being understood as a situation in which no  participant desires to prevent an action from going forward.  In the event that consensus is not achieved, the matter shall be tabled until a further meeting of the members.  All members shall be given notice of such further meeting and the unresolved issue to be discussed, thirty (30) days in advance.  If consensus is not reached at the second meeting, the matter may be submitted to a vote.

 

7.11     Right to Vote: Each member chorus in good standing shall be entitled to three votes at all member meetings and shall appoint three representatives to the Board to exercise such votes, either by personal representation or by written proxy. One of the representatives should be the conductor or his/her designate.

 

7.12     Proxies: At any meeting of members a proxy duly and sufficiently appointed by a member shall be entitled to exercise, subject to any restrictions expressed in the instrument appointing him, the same voting rights that the member appointing him would be entitled to exercise if present at the meeting.  A proxy must be a member.  An instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing and shall be acted on only if, prior to the time of voting, it is deposited with the Secretary of the Corporation or the Secretary of the meeting or as may be directed in the notice calling the meeting.  No member shall be entitled either in person or by proxy to vote at meetings of the Corporation unless he has paid all dues or fees, if any, then payable by him.

 

A proxy may be in the following form:

"The undersigned member of [name of Corporation] hereby appoints _______ or failing the person appointed above, ______________ as the proxy of the undersigned to attend and act at the [general or special] [pick one] meeting of the members of the said corporation to be held on ______, 20__, and at any adjournment or adjournments thereof in the same manner, to the same extent and with the same power as if the undersigned were present at the said meeting or such adjournment or adjournments thereof.

 

DATED __________, 20__

 

__[signature]_______________________

Name:                               "

 

Changed to

 

7.09     Quorum: A quorum for the transaction of business at any general meeting of members shall be thirty  (30) members with each chorus represented by at least three active members.

 

7.10     Decision Making: General meetings shall be governed by the Roberts Rules of Order Revised.

 

7.11     Right to Vote: Each member of choruses in good standing shall be entitled to vote at all member meetings.

 

7.12     Proxies: At any meeting of members a proxy duly and sufficiently appointed by an active member shall be entitled to exercise, subject to any restrictions expressed in the instrument appointing him, the same voting rights that the member appointing him would be entitled to exercise if present at the meeting.  A proxy must be an active member.  An instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing and shall be acted on only if, prior to the time of voting, it is deposited with the Secretary of the Corporation or the Secretary of the meeting or as may be directed in the notice calling the meeting.  No member shall be entitled either in person or by proxy to vote at meetings of the Corporation unless he has paid all dues or fees, if any, then payable by him.

 

A proxy may be in the following form:

"The undersigned member of [name of Chorus] hereby appoints _______ or failing the person appointed above, ______________ as the proxy of the undersigned to attend and act at the [general or special] [pick one] meeting of the members of the said corporation to be held on ______, 20__, and at any adjournment or adjournments thereof in the same manner, to the same extent and with the same power as if the undersigned were present at the said meeting or such adjournment or adjournments thereof.

 

DATED __________, 20__

 

__[signature]_______________________

Name:                               "

.................................................................................................................................................. 

 

Article 10

 

10.01      Appointment and Remuneration: Unless eligible for an exemption under the Act, an auditor shall be appointed by the Board at the annual general meeting or at a special general meeting called for that specific purpose.  The auditor shall hold office until the next annual meeting, provided that the directors may fill any casual vacancy in the office of the auditor of the Corporation.  The remuneration of the auditor of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board.  The auditor shall be responsible for reviewing and reporting on the financial affairs of the Corporation. The auditor does not have to be a chartered accountant.

 

Changed to

 

10.01   Appointment and Remuneration: Unless eligible for an exemption under the Act, an auditor, nominated by the treasurer and approved by the Board shall be appointed annually in accordance with the fiscal year end. The auditor shall hold office until the next annual meeting, provided that the directors may fill any casual vacancy in the office of the auditor of the Corporation.  The remuneration of the auditor of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board.  The auditor shall be responsible for reviewing and reporting on the financial affairs of the Corporation. The auditor does not have to be a chartered accountant.

.................................................................................................................................................. 

 

Article 13

 

13.02   The host chorus is responsible for all financial obligations with respect to the Ontario Sing and is expected to plan the finances in such a manner that a profit is realized. In recognition of the choruses' participation, the host chorus shall be obligated to submit to the Corporation ten percent (10%) of the concert net profit or two hundred dollars ($200.00) whichever is the greater. A budget statement and cheque for this amount shall be forwarded to the Treasurer within sixty (60) days of the Sing date.

 

Changed to

 

13.02   The host chorus is responsible for all financial obligations with respect to the Ontario Sing and is expected to plan the finances in such a manner that a profit is realized. In recognition of the choruses' participation, the host chorus shall be obligated to submit to the Corporation ten percent (10%) of the concert net. An Ontario Sings financial statement and a cheque for the appropriate amount shall be forwarded to the Treasurer within sixty (60) days of the Sing date.

.................................................................................................................................................. 

13.03   The massed selections for the Ontario Sings shall be chosen from both the Common Repertoire and the preceding Choral Workshop (as hereinafter defined).

 

Changed to

 

13.03   The massed selections for the Ontario Sings shall be chosen from the Common Repertoire and/or the preceding Choral Workshop (as hereinafter defined).

_________________________________________________________________________

 

ASSOCIATED MALE CHORUSES OF ONTARIO
Revised: Jan.17, 2004, Sept. 28, 2004.
CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS

PDF file Available
 

Preamble    Purpose    Membership    Management    Affiliation    Amendments


Preamble
 

Recognizing the power of music, not only to entertain and instruct, but also to uplift the spirit, arouse the finest instincts and develop the soul of man, certain male choruses hereby associate themselves.
 

Article I
 

This association shall be known as the Associated Male Choruses of Ontario Inc., hereafter referred to as the AMCO.

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Article II
Purpose
 

The objectives of the AMCO are the extension of male chorus singing in Ontario and through this the promotion of good will and fellowship. The AMCO seeks to present and improve the standard of the unique, rich sound of male choral music presented to the public, both in massed and individual chorus performances.
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Article III
Membership
 

The membership shall be of two classes:

A. Chorus Membership

 

1.   A member chorus shall consist of any male chorus in Ontario, whose members a) subscribe to the aims and ideals of the AMCO and, b) has been duly elected in accordance with the By-Laws appended.


2.   Member choruses shall be entitled to voting power as outlined in the By-Laws.


3.   Each member chorus shall have the advantage of all services of the AMCO, its officers and offices, as outlined in the By-Laws.


B. Individual Memberships


1.   Active. Any dues paying member belonging to a chorus that has paid their current AMCO dues.


2.   Non Active. All other types of individual membership as defined and outlined in the By-Laws.

 

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Article IV
Management 

A. Elective Officers
The elective officers of the AMCO shall be Active Members and shall consist of:

1.   President
2.   First Vice President
3.   Second Vice President
4.   Secretary
5.   Treasurer

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B. Appointive Officers
There shall be officers appointed by the Board of Directors consisting of:


     1.   Publicity and Promotion
     2.   Newsletter Editor
     3.   Historian
     4.   Music
     5.   Scholarship Co Chair
     6.   Others at the discretion of the Board of Directors

 

C. Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall consist of all elected officers and the Immediate Past President. They shall act for the AMCO in the interim between regular meetings.

 

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D. Board of Directors


1.   There shall be a Board of Directors consisting of:
           a)   The Executive Committee.
           b)   Two Active Members delegates from each member chorus.
           c)   The Conductor of each member chorus, or his/her delegate.


2.   The Board of Directors shall conduct all necessary business at the meetings of the AMCO. It is expected they will express the thought and feeling of their choruses concerning the affairs of the AMCO at all meetings.


3.   Whenever any vacancy shall exist in the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors at their discretion have the option of having the remaining members of the Executive function as the full Executive Committee for the remainder of the current term; or they may elect with a simple majority (51%) an Active Member to fill out the remainder of the current term of office.

 

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Article V
Affiliation
 

The AMCO may become affiliated with any other group or organization whose purpose and objectives are similar to those of the AMCO.
 

Article VI

Amendments
 

The Constitution may be amended by a sixty (60) percent vote of the AMCO Board of Directors present by attendance, or written proxy, at a regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting, provided notice in writing of such amendment(s) has been given to all Board members not less than thirty (30) days prior to such meeting.


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By-Laws

Articles

 

Chorus   Individual   Voting Power   Fiscal Year   Dues   Meetings   Elections

Duties of Officers   Vacancies   Big Sings   Choral Workshops   Committees

Amendments   Termination

Membership


1. Chorus


1.1   The Executive Committee shall examine all applications for membership and present with recommendations to the Board of Directors for confirmation or rejection.


1.2   A member chorus shall be deemed in good standing when all AMCO dues have been paid in full and prior to December 31st. In the event a new member's application is approved after March 1st, the per capita dues shall be one half of the annual per capita.


1.3   Provision is hereby made for the assessment of a temporary annual chorus levy, if the Board of Directors decides it necessary, in addition to and not in lieu of the per capita tax. This will be based on need, included in the proposed budget and set at the annual fall budget meeting.


1.4   The Board of Directors, at its discretion, shall have the power to drop a member chorus from membership for any action inconsistent with the Constitution and By-Laws. In the event such action is contemplated, notice to the chorus shall be given in writing, with opportunity to be heard on the question before final action is taken.


1.5   Reinstatement of former member choruses shall be decided by the Board of Directors.

 

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2. Individual


2.1   Active. Defined as dues paying members in a member chorus. They shall receive the AMCO newsletter and all benefits of membership as outlined in these By-Laws.


2.2   Affiliate. May be obtained by any individual or group who wishes to support the aims and ideals of the AMCO and who is judged acceptable by the AMCO Board of Directors or its designate. They shall receive the AMCO newsletter and copies of meeting minutes.


2.3   Life. may be obtained by any individual or group wishing to support the aims and ideals of the AMCO and who is judged acceptable by the AMCO board of directors or its designate. they shall receive the AMCO newsletter and copies of meeting minutes.


2.4   Honourary Life. May be bestowed upon a person or group in recognition of distinguished service rendered in the cause of male chorus music. Honorary members may be elected by a unanimous vote at any meeting of the Board of Directors. They shall receive the AMCO newsletter and copies of meeting minutes. 

o

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3. Voting Power


3.1   Each member chorus in good standing shall be entitled to three votes at all AMCO business meetings and shall appoint three representatives to the Board of Directors to exercise such votes, either by personal representation or by written proxy. One of the representatives should be the Conductor or his/her designate.


3.2   Elected members of the Board are entitled to one vote with the President only voting to break a tie.


3.3   Appointive Officers are not entitled to a vote unless such entitlement is in another capacity.
 

4. Fiscal Year


The fiscal year of the AMCO shall end on August 31st of each year.

 

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5. Dues


5.1   All dues will be determined by a sixty (60) percent affirmative vote of the total members of the Board of Directors declared at any regular or special meeting called for such purpose, providing written notice of such intention is given thirty (30) days in advance of such meeting to all member choruses.


5.2   Active members shall pay annual per capita dues for the AMCO year. Payment shall be made through their chorus treasurer.


5.3   Affiliate members shall pay an annual per capita dues donation for the AMCO year as set by the Board of Directors.


5.4   Life membership is a one time assessment of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00)


5.5   Honorary Life Members shall be exempt from dues.


5.6   The Secretary shall forward statements to each member chorus in early September each year requesting payment of the per capita be made to the AMCO Treasurer.


5.7   The Treasurer shall collect per capita dues from each member chorus and remit a receipt for payment to the chorus treasurer.


5.8   Per capita is due by November 1st of each year. If not paid by December 31st of the current year, said member chorus shall not be in good standing.


5.9   Affiliate members shall be notified by the Secretary and dues directed to be paid to the Treasurer. Dates of notification and payment shall be as for member choruses.

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 6. Meetings


6.1   Regular Business Meetings:

The Board of Directors shall hold business meetings in the fall and spring of each year with meeting dates set in advance. Additional meetings of the Board or the Executive Committee may be called at the President's discretion provided adequate notice is given to those involved.


6.2   Annual General Meeting:

The AMCO shall hold an Annual General Meeting not later than eighteen months after its incorporation and subsequently not more than fifteen months after the holding of the last preceding Annual General Meeting. The Annual General Meeting will be held within ninety days of the August 31st fiscal year-end.


6.3   Special General Meeting:

This may be called at any time by the President or the Executive Committee. It can also be requested by five Active Members, whose signatures appear on a letter to the President stating its purpose clearly.


6.4   Presence of a quorum is required to transact business at any meeting of the Board of Directors. A simple majority (51%) shall constitute a quorum.


6.5   Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be governed by the Roberts Rules of Order Revised.

 

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7. Elections


7.1   All officers shall be elected for a term of two years.


7.2   Elections shall take place at the fall annual meeting, with those elected taking office immediately following the election.


7.3   Only Active Members in good standing are eligible to hold an elective office.


7.4   The officers shall be elected by a simple majority vote (51%) of the Board of Directors present and/or their proxies. The slate of proposed officers shall be presented for Board approval at the business meeting prior to the annual fall meeting at which the elections will take place.


7.5   A Nominating Committee with a minimum of two Active Members shall be appointed by the President a year prior to the annual fall election. The Immediate Past President may be appointed Chair of the committee.

 

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8. Duties of Officers


8.1     President.

 

a.       He shall preside at all AMCO meetings. He may call special meetings of the Executive or Board of Directors.

b.      He has the power and authority to appoint committees and select chairmen for those committees in consultation with the Board of Directors.

c.       He shall represent the Board of Directors at as many Association and chorus functions as possible. d. He shall address the members and audience at Big Sings.


8.2     Immediate Past President

 

a.       He shall provide consultation and continuity to the Board through his experience and expertise.

b.      He shall assist the Executive Committee in ways to be determined by the President.

c.       He may be called upon to chair the Nominating Committee.

 

8.3     First Vice President.

 

a.       He shall assume the duties of the President during his absence and shall perform such other duties as the President may assign to him.

b.      He shall act as a consultant and liaison to the Workshop and Big Sing committees.


8.4     Second Vice President.


He shall administer the Scholarship Fund in accordance with the Policy approved by the Board of Directors.

 

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8.5     Secretary.

 

a.       He shall attend and keep minutes of all meetings of the Executive and the Board of Directors and send out meeting notices/agendas at least three weeks in advance of the meeting date.

b.      He shall be responsible for sending out per capita notices to all choruses and Affiliate members notifying each to forward payment to the Treasurer.

c.       He shall maintain AMCO records including: i) a list of Affiliates, ii) a list of Life and Honorary Life Members, iii) correspondence, d) a roster of officers' and contacts' email and mailing addresses. If required a "privacy disclaimer" will be obtained requesting permission to publish information for the purposes stated.

d.      He shall perform such other appropriate duties as may be assigned.


8.6     Treasurer.

 

a.       He shall deposit all general fund monies of the AMCO in a depository account approved by the Board of Directors, shall pay all bills contracted by the AMCO.

b.      He shall deposit all scholarship fund moneys of the AMCO in an account established for that purpose and identified as "The Associated Male Choruses of Ontario, Inc. Scholarship Fund".

c.       He shall perform such other duties as are incidental to his office.

d.      He shall maintain the AMCO accounting records and furnish the Board of Directors with a cash balance statement at each regularly scheduled meeting.

e.       He shall prepare a budget for the following fiscal year and present it to the Board at the regularly scheduled spring meeting.

f.       The AMCO account shall have an alternate signee approved by the Board of Directors, such signee should be prepared to temporarily take over the duties of the Treasurer should the Treasurer become incapacitated.

g.      He shall present the AMCO accounts for audit at intervals to be determined by the Board of Directors.

h.      An auditor shall be appointed by the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting called for that specific purpose. The auditor shall be responsible for reviewing and reporting on the financial affairs of the Associated. The auditor does not have to be a chartered accountant.

 

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8.7     Publicity and Promotion.

 

a.       He shall attempt to expand our AMCO membership through contact with existing male choruses and individuals interested in forming a male chorus.

b.      He shall be responsible for the maintenance and display of AMCO promotional materials and the production and distribution of a recruitment package for potential choruses.


8.8     Newsletter Editor.

 

a.       He shall be responsible for gathering and compiling information regarding the AMCO, its members and other related materials and disseminating same in the newsletter in a manner directed by the Board of Directors.

b.      He shall establish a network of member chorus field editors and encourage full and regular participation through submission of articles of general interest relating to each chorus.

 

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8.9     Historian.

 

a.       He shall be responsible for gathering and maintaining all pertinent historical data relating to the AMCO and its members in an appropriate and secure manner.

b.      He shall encourage through regular contact, the submission of items of interest including concert programs and recordings.

c.       He shall regularly submit a column for publication in the newsletter on items of historical significance.


8.10   Music.

 

a.       He/she shall chair a committee responsible for:
i)  The Common Repertoire list,
ii)  Music Reviews

b.      Provision is made for the formation of a Music Composition Contest which, if established, would be within the auspices of this committee.

c.       Membership in this committee shall be determined by the policy statements governing each area of responsibility and approved by the Board of Directors.

 

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9.   Vacancies


Should a vacancy occur in any of the elected or appointive offices, replacement(s) may be made by a simple majority (51%) vote of the Executive Committee to fill the remainder of the term. At the Executive Committee's discretion the Board may continue to the end of the term without filling said vacancy.

10. Big Sings


10.1  A Big Sing shall be defined as a joint concert to which all AMCO member choruses in good standing are eligible to participate. Guest choruses may be invited by the host chorus with approval from the Board of Directors. Approval to hold a Big Sing must be obtained from the Board far enough in advance to allow for proper planning and notice.
A member chorus concert shall not be scheduled in conflict with an AMCO Big Sing. 


10.2  The host chorus is responsible for all financial obligations with respect to the Big Sing and is expected to plan the finances in such a manner that a profit is realized. In recognition of the district choruses' participation, the host chorus shall be obligated to submit to AMCO ten percent (10%) of the concert net profit. A budget statement and cheque for this amount shall be forwarded to the AMCO Treasurer within sixty (60) days of the Sing date.


10.3  The massed selections for the Big Sing shall be chosen from both the Common Repertoire and the preceding Choral Workshop.

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11. Choral Workshops

11.1  A Choral Workshop may be held preceding a District Big Sing. The function of the workshop, in part, shall be to add new selections from the number presented to our Common Repertoire for use at the next Big Sing.


11.2  The workshop shall include activities planned to improve performance standards and may include reading sessions, clinician(s), sharing sessions, publisher presentations, etc. at the suggestion of the host chorus with approval from the Board of Directors. All planning including costs should be presented to the Board for their approval at the Board meeting prior to the workshop date and an attempt should be made to run said workshop at zero cost to the AMCO treasury. The Board shall include in its budget an amount to subsidize the workshop should it be required.


11.3  It is expected that the host chorus of the District Big Sing will give serious consideration to assuming the responsibility for organizing and running the Choral Workshop.

 

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12. Committees.


12.1  The following standing committees shall be established and chaired by an officer appointed by the Board of Directors:

a.       Newsletter

b.      Music (Common Repertoire, Reviews)

c.       Others as may be determined by the Board.


12.2  Ad Hoc committees may be appointed by the President at his discretion for specific purposes.


12.3  Scholarship

a.       There shall be a Scholarship Committee administered by the Second Vice President and not less than five trustees, one appointed by the Board of Directors from each member chorus.

b.      The Fund shall be governed in accordance with the Scholarship Policy approved by the Board of Directors.

c.       The AMCO Treasurer shall act as treasurer of the Fund as outlined in By-Laws Article 8.6 (b).

 

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13. Amendments


These By-Laws may be amended by a sixty percent (60%) vote of the Board of Directors in person or by proxy at any regularly scheduled or special meeting of the AMCO provided notice has been given to the members at least thirty days (30) in advance of such meeting.
 

14. Termination


Upon dissolution of the AMCO, any residue funds left in the treasury shall be divided equally amongst the existing member choruses.

 

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