 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kfeder@hotmail.com
Date: 2006-10-09 20:09
Not a specicifally clarinet related question I know, but it would be helpful if I got some feedback.
Does anyone have a list of rules for an amateur community band that would allow it to function more smoothly and professionally? And, if so, how does your group enforces these rules?
Rules such as showing up on time, not talking between songs, etc., etc.
I organize a community band and we think it may be the time to "lay down the law" before things go out of control.
If you e mail me on this it would be helpful if any info is in the body of the email as I sometimes have problems opening attachments
Many thanks in advance, Ken
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2006-10-09 21:55
The rules for community bands will vary, depending on the number and quality of the musicians volunteering to be in the group.
Obviously, the more potential, top notch, musicians vying to be in the group, the more stringent the rules can be, and the firmer the consequences for "violating" the rules.
If the rules are so stringent that nobody has any fun at rehearsals, then the number of volunteers usually dwindles.
Rules usually cover:
1) Governing body, or person (Who makes final decisions?)
2) Qualifications, for example auditions?
3) Method for determining chair placement (if any)
4) Attendance (and definition of what is an excused absence)
5) Tardiness
6) Responsibilty for, and care of Sheet Music
7) Expectations as to home preparation
8) Expectations for orderly practices, so the group's time isn't wasted.
The choice of exactly which rules should apply to your group are dependent on the groups goals and the pool of volunteers available.
Few musicians will want to attend three rehearsals a week, under Attilla the Hun, to play two Concerts per year at the local Nursing Home.
On the other hand, many will be willing to do whaterver it takes, to play the Annual Gig at Carnegie Hall with John Williams conducting.
Basically your rules have to fit your group.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-10-09 23:50
I believe we had a thread on this, with much good advice-experience, a year or so back. Try a Search with "Community Band", GBK, Help? Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: claclaws
Date: 2006-10-10 02:57
Don Berger is right, we did have that wonderful thread some time ago.
I have the impression the original poster wants some kind of official, written document for the rules, like Constitution & Bylaws. (Maybe I'm wrong). From my experience, amateur groups seem to need such document at some point. It could be obtained by asking the head of an established orchestra. Some editing in accordance with your own group's situation will be necessary, of course.
Lucy Lee Jang
Post Edited (2006-10-10 08:54)
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2006-10-10 04:20
Don't forget about Robert's Rules of Order for other specific ways to organize things. There may be specific issues for one group that another wouldn't have! Robert's is just a general resource book for any organizational board.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2006-10-10 10:37
1. Don't watch the Conductor, it only encourages him.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2006-10-10 12:13
GBK,
I re-read that thread and if it is not in the Keeper Section, it probably should be. There is a lot of very good stuff there (they laughed, they cried...).
HRL
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Author: Tony Beck
Date: 2006-10-10 12:28
Here is a link the bylaws of the band I play with. They have worked well, but that's probably because we don't often need to refer to them.
http://www.charlestoncommunityband.org/wst_page9.html
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2006-10-10 14:09
TKS, Lucy and GBK, et al, it is a "Keeper", and may contain our Tulsa Comm. Band rules. We have a website also, and Jim Strother [head of a musical family] can prob. give you info re: our excellent current rules from our "Board" plus conductors. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Lobo
Date: 2006-10-10 18:34
I believe the only rules you should have are in the form of bylaws outlining how the organization is run; i.e., board elections, finances, etc. As far as behavioral matters, adults need to be treated like adults and not be subjected to a number of petty rules. The conductor or president can set some "expectations" such as being in place and warmed up by a certain time or keeping talking to a minimum and express them to the group. Then a number of "adult" approachs can be taken to help keep things in line, such as speaking to an individual after rehearsal or having the conductor pause and wait silently until everyone gets quiet. Or he/she can make a brief, sober pronouncement or request during rehearsal about the needed change in behavior. Save the detailed rules for a school classroom where you aren't working with volunteers who can walk away at any point.
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Author: Veldeb
Date: 2006-10-10 18:49
Ours are very extensive... we're incorporated in DC so the bylaws are a direct product of that plus our 501(c)(3) status that allows us to apply for grants. We also have a member handbook that covers all the day to day stuff.
handbook:
http://www.dcdd.org/lambda/docs/DCDDHandbook2006.doc
bylaws:
http://www.dcdd.org/lambda/docs/DCDDBylaws12005.doc
Hope these help.
Note, bylaws require a large percentage of the membership to amend, while the handbook is updated annually by the board alone. Each season we commit to the band by signing a form saying we agree to follow these rules and that we have rec'd and read them.
Blake Velde
DCDD.org
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Author: BobD
Date: 2006-10-11 10:07
It figures that DC would be so codified.
Bob Draznik
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