1. Name
The name of the organisation is “Maldon Youth Orchestra”
2. Administration
Subject to the matters set out below the Maldon Youth Orchestra shall be administered and managed in accordance with this constitution by members of the Management Committee as constituted by Clause 7 of this constitution
3. Objects
The objects of this Maldon Youth Orchestra are:
- To give young people the opportunity to play music together.
- To support young musicians and ensure that when they reach a suitable age and ability they may be eligible to join our affiliated organisations.
4. Powers
In furtherance of the objects the Management Committee may exercise the following powers:
- Power to raise funds and to invite voluntary contributions
- Power to buy or lease and to maintain any equipment of materials necessary for the achievement of the objectives
- Power to sell, lease or dispose of all or any part of the property of the Maldon Youth Orchestra
- Power to borrow money and to charge all or any part of the property of the Maldon Youth Orchestra with repayment of the money so borrowed
- Power to publish books, periodicals, pamphlets, music and other materials in printed, recorded or electronic format and to hold intellectual property rights in any such material
- Power to organise concerts, musical workshops, seminars and any other special events in pursuance of the objectives
- Power to provide indemnity insurance for the Maldon Youth Orchestra out of the funds of the Maldon Youth Orchestra
- Power to do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the objectives
5. Membership
Ordinary Membership shall be open to all young people who are able to play a musical instrument and who are under 18 years of age.
Preference shall be given to those applicants who are resident in Maldon and its surrounding rural areas.
There will be no discrimination to ordinary membership on any grounds of race, gender, religion, political leanings or disabilities.
Members who attain the age of 18 will be invited to join our affiliated organisations but will be welcome to remain as helpers during rehearsals of Maldon Youth Orchestra.
The Management Committee may by unanimous vote and for good reason terminate the membership of any member, provided that the member shall have the right to be heard, accompanied by a friend, before a final decision is made.
The membership secretary shall be responsible for ensuring membership records are kept and passing any subscription income to the treasurer.
6. Honorary Officers
At the Annual General Meeting the members shall elect the following Honorary Officers, who shall hold office from the conclusion of that meeting.
- Chair
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Musical Director
The Honorary Officers will not be subject to any age restriction as in ordinary members.
7. Meetings and proceedings of Committee
The Management Committee shall consist of:
The honorary members specified in the previous clause;
Not less than one and not more than 3 Ordinary member representatives elected at an AGM.
A parent/ guardian of an ordinary member may represent the Ordinary member.
8. Sub Committees
The Management Committee may appoint such sub committees as it thinks fit for supervising or performing any activity or service, defining the terms of reference and determine each sub committees composition and duration of its activities. All acts and proceedings of each sub committee shall be reported as soon as possible to the Management Committee.
9. Receipt and expenditure
The funds of Maldon Youth Orchestra, including all donations, contributions and bequests, shall be paid into an account operated by the Management Committee in the name of Maldon Youth Orchestra at such bank or other financial institution as the Management Committee shall from time to time decide. Funds belonging to Maldon Youth Orchestra shall only be used in furthering its objectives.
10. Accounts
The treasurer shall present an up to date statement of accounts to each ordinary meeting of the Management Committee.
The treasurer shall prepare annual statement of accounts which after being examined by an independent person shall be presented to the Annual General Meeting.
11. Indemnity
No member of the Management Committee shall be liable:
- For any loss to the property of Maldon Youth Orchestra by reason of any improper investment made in good faith.
- For the negligence or fraud of any agent or by any member of the Management Committee or Maldon Youth Orchestra other than by wilful and individual fraud.
12. General Meetings
AGM
There shall be an Annual General Meeting of the Maldon Youth Orchestra which shall be held in April of each year or as soon as is practicable thereafter. The Management Committee shall call the AGM. The Secretary shall give 14 days notice of the Annual General Meeting to all members of the Maldon Youth Orchestra who shall be entitled to attend and vote at the meeting.
AGM Business
- To receive the Annual report of the Management Committee
- To receive the accounts for the preceding financial year
- To elect Honorary Officers
- To appoint auditors
- To vote on changes to the Constitution
- To consider any other previously notified business
13. Alterations to the Constitution
This Constitution may be altered by a resolution passed by a not less than two-thirds majority of members attending a general meeting.
14. Dissolution
If the Management Committee decides that it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Maldon Youth Orchestra it shall call a General Meeting of all members or the Maldon Youth Orchestra of which no less than 21 days notice shall be given. If the proposal is confirmed by a two-thirds majority of those present the Management Committee shall have the power to realize any assets held by or on behalf of the Maldon Youth Orchestra. Any assets remaining after satisfaction of any proper debts and liabilities shall be transferred to such other organizations that have similar aims and objectives as the Maldon Youth Orchestra or as the general meeting shall determine.
