THE CONSTITUTION

 

THE ST ANDREWS CHORUS

 

  1. The Name of the Society shall be The St Andrews Chorus, hereinafter referred to as The Society.
  2. The Object of the Society shall be to promote the knowledge and appreciation of choral music by giving regular performances of choral works.
  3. Officers and Committee: The management of the Society shall be in the hands of a Committee consisting of a President, a Vice President, an Hon. Secretary, an Hon. Treasurer, and at least five other members, including at least two students at the University of St Andrews. The Officers and the other Committee members shall be elected by and out of the Society's members at the Annual General Meeting. They shall hold office for one year and shall be eligible for re-election. The Committee shall meet at least twice in each year.
  4. Membership
    1. The members of the Society shall be those who pay the annual subscription at the appropriate rate or rates, and at the appropriate time or times, as shall be determined by the Committee, and (in the case of performing members) who shall provide such evidence of musical ability as the Committee may require. Students at the University of St Andrews and registered unemployed persons shall be entitled to membership at a reduced rate, this rate to be determined by the Committee.
    2. The conductor shall have discretion to determine whether a member whose attendance at rehearsals has been irregular should be permitted to take part in a concert.
    3. Honorary Members may be elected by a two-thirds majority of those present at an Annual General Meeting.
    4. The Societies Officer of the Students' Association shall be an Honorary Member.
  5. Powers: In furtherance of the objects but not otherwise the Committee may exercise the following powers:
    1. power to raise funds and to invite contributions provided that in raising funds the Committee shall not undertake any permanent trading activities and shall conform to any relevant requirements of the law;
    2. power to appoint advisory committees;
    3. power to buy or lease any property necessary for the achievement of the Objects;
    4. power to employ such staff (who shall not be members of the Committee) as are necessary for the proper pursuit of the Objects;
    5. power to cooperate with other charities, voluntary bodies and statutory authorities operating in furtherance of the objects or of similar charitable purposes and to exchange information and advice with them.
  6. Finance
    1. The financial year shall end on 31 August.
    2. A banking account shall be opened in the name of the Society and cheques shall be signed by two Officers of the Society.
    3. The Society may receive donations, grants in aid and financial guarantees. Tickets for all of its concerts and other events shall be offered for sale to the public.
    4. The income of the Society shall be applied solely towards promoting the Objects of the Society, and no portion thereof shall be paid to any member or members of the Society except in payment of legitimate expenses incurred on behalf of the Society.
  7. Dissolution: In the event of the Society being wound up, any assets remaining upon dissolution after the payment of proper debts and liabilities shall be transferred to a charitable institution or institutions having similar objects to those of the Society.
  8. General Meeting: Within six months of the end of each financial year the members shall be summoned to an Annual General Meeting, of which at least fourteen days' notice in writing shall be given.
  9. Audited Accounts: The financial accounts shall be independently examined and submitted to the members of the Annual General Meeting.
  10. Amendments: The constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority of the members present at any Annual or Special General Meeting provided that fourteen days' notice of the proposed amendment has been sent to all members and provided that no amendment shall have the effect of annulling the charitable status of the Society.