- The organisation shall be called the Wootton Bassett Orchestra. This is a non-profit making organisation supported by membership subscription.
- The object of the Society shall be to promote, improve and maintain public education in and appreciation of the art and science of orchestral music in all its aspects, by the presentation of public orchestral concerts; and for the purposes of such charitable bodies or for such other purposes as shall be exclusively charitable as the committee may from time to time decide.
- Membership of the orchestra shall be open to musicians of any age who feel they can make a suitable contribution. A current list of members shall be drawn up by the committee, attached to the constitution and updated at termly intervals. A member shall be deemed to be any person who attends rehearsals voluntarily. Subscriptions should be paid termly or annually and are not refundable. All members shall pay their subscriptions before the end of the current term in order to be entitled to vote. Subscriptions shall be determined termly by the committee and members advised in advance. Members shall be divided into two groups:
a) adults over 18 to pay full membership
b) under 18s and full-time students to pay 50% of full membership
Other musicians may be engaged for individual performances but shall not be considered members of the orchestra.
- The committee of the orchestra shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall consist of a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Publicity Officer and up to two other members (one from each of the wind and string sections), plus the Musical Director and Leader as ex officio members. The AGM shall be held by the 30th March each year and all current members shall be notified at least 14 days beforehand and given a copy of the agenda and details of any proposed changes to the rules. For voting purposes, a committee quorum shall compose of the Chair and at least half of the committee members; and a quorum at an AGM shall compose of the Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and at least half the members of the orchestra.
- The committee shall have the power to fill any casual vacancy which may occur during the year of office by inviting a member of the orchestra to assist. The said person shall be entitled to vote. In the absence of the Chairperson, a member of the committee will be elected to act as Chair.
- The committee shall meet together at such times and regulate its own proceedings in such a manner as it shall think fit.
- A bank account in the name of the orchestra shall be opened and maintained. All payments by cheque must bear the signature of two of the following: Chair, Secretary or Treasurer.
- The Treasurer shall be responsible for keeping an account of the funds of the orchestra and producing a statement audited by an independent person to the AGM.
- The income and property of the Society, whencesoever derived shall be applied solely towards promoting the objects of the Society as set forth above and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred either directly or indirectly to any member or members of the Society except in payment of legitimate expenses incurred on behalf of the Society. Ex gratia payments may be made at the discretion of the committee.
- Members of the orchestra incurring expenses in connection with the running of the orchestra shall submit their claims for expenses to the Treasurer in writing.
- The Society may be dissolved only by a majority vote at a General Meeting of the orchestra at which there is a quorum of members. In the event of the Society being wound up, any assets remaining upon dissolution after any payment of proper debts and liabilities shall be transferred to a charitable institution or institutions having similar objects to those of the Society.
- Rehearsals shall normally be held on Thursdays in term time from 7.30 pm until 9.30 pm with a short break. Members shall be given adequate notice of cancellation or changes to rehearsal arrangements.
- Members shall provide their own instruments unless an instrument owned by the orchestra is available. A signature must be given for any instrument belonging to the orchestra being used by a member, who shall be responsible for the safekeeping and care of the said instrument.
- Members may borrow music for private practice. The music must be returned in time for the next rehearsal or concert.
- Members’ instruments should be covered by their own insurance.
- Members who cannot attend an engagement must give the Conductor or Leader adequate notice unless unable to do so by reason of illness.
- These rules shall not be altered or amended in any way except by a properly constituted General Meeting.