Harvard-Radcliffe Chorus

By-Laws

Article I: Name and Location. The name of the organization shall be THE HARVARD-RADCLIFFE CHORUS (hereafter called the Chorus). The principal office of the organization shall be in Harvard Hall on the yard of Harvard University in the City of Cambridge, Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Article II: Purpose. The purpose of the Chorus shall be to provide an opportunity for Harvard students and community members to develop musical and vocal skills, an appreciation, interest, and enjoyment of choral music by singing, learning, and communicating this music according to the highest possible standards.

Article III: General Policy. The Chorus shall not in any way discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, ethnic background, or sexual orientation in choosing its members, making up concert lists, or choosing officers and management. Under no circumstances will such discrimination be tolerated in any arrangements in connection with concerts or any and all other activities of the chorus.

Article IV: Membership.

1. Eligibility. The Chorus is an organization comprised of both students and community members. Degree candidates at Harvard College, the Harvard Extension School, or any of the Harvard Graduate Schools will be considered students for all purposes in the choir. Students of other schools, non-degree candidates, faculty members, alumni, staff, and non-affiliates of the University will be considered community members. Separate dues will apply to students and community members, as heretofore defined, and will be set by the Executive Committee.

2. Auditions. The Conductor of the Chorus will audition candidates for membership in the fall and/or the winter of each year. Membership decisions are the sole responsibility of the Conductor.

3. Tenure. As a member of the Chorus, a year-long commitment is preferred. All Chorus members are expected to work in order to improve their musicianship, vocal skills, and music knowledge. Members who do not comply with this expectation may be asked to re-audition.

Article V: Executive Committee.

1. Composition. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the officers, as prescribed in Article VI, including six representatives-at-large, and the Conductor. The Executive Committee will also appoint any number publicity sub-committee members to work with the Publicity Chairs. The offices of President, Vice President/Secretary, Financial Manager, and Freshman Representative shall be reserved for Harvard College students. Any member of the chorus may be elected to the other positions on the Executive Committee. No person shall have more than one vote on the Executive Committee.

2. Meetings.

   1. By Whom Called. A meeting of the Executive Committee may be called by the President, the Conductor, or by a majority of the Executive Committee. Executive Committee meetings shall be open to the membership, subject to the discretion of the President.

   2. Schedule. The full Executive Committee shall hold official meetings at least twice each semester, and shall confer monthly to assess progress in the execution of its resolutions.

   3. Quorum. A quorum for transaction of business shall be two-thirds the active members of the Executive Committee.

   4. Voting. Unless otherwise provided herein, all matters shall be decided by majority vote of the present elected officers and elected representatives: The President, Vice-President/Secretary, Publicity Managers, Stage Manager, Social Chairs, Financial Manager, Ticket Manager, Webmaster, Freshman Representative, and Representatives-at-large. Neither the Conductor nor members of the publicity sub-committee are eligible to vote.

   5. Powers and Duties. The Executive Committee shall direct the general policy of the Chorus; appoint or approve appointment of the various officers as provided in these by-laws; and call meetings of the membership as provided in these by-laws.

   6. Vacancies. Vacancies shall be filled as provided by Article VI, Section 4.

   7. Removal. Any elected officer of the Chorus may be removed from his/her position by an affirmation vote of two-thirds of the Executive Committee at a properly called meeting. The highest-ranking officer not under consideration for removal shall preside at said meeting. All regular voting members and the Conductor may vote.

Article VI: Executive Committee Officers.

1. Designation. The elected officers with a vote on the Executive Committee shall be President, Vice-President/Secretary, Financial Manager, Ticket Manager, Publicity Managers, Personnel/Stage Managers, Webmaster, and Social Chairs. There shall also be six elected Representatives-at-large and a Freshman Representative, each who also have a vote on the Executive Committee.

2. Elections. The election of new officers and representatives shall take place in the week preceding Spring Break unless rescheduled by the Executive Committee. Election of a Freshman Representative shall take place during the month preceding the fall concert. All active members of HRC are eligible to vote. Officers and representatives shall take office at the start of the following term. The Freshman Representative serves from the date of his or her election until the next Freshman Representative election the following academic year. The Vice-President/Secretary serves as the head election official. Only students of Harvard College may be elected to the President, Vice President/Secretary, or Financial Manager offices. Only a Harvard College first-year student may be elected Freshman Representative.

3. Appointments.At any time, the Executive Committee may appoint members of the Chorus to serve on the Publicity Subcommittee. The Executive Committee may create other committees, as needed, in this way.

4. Quorum. The quorum for the election of officers shall be two-thirds of the active members of the chorus.

5. Vacancies. In the event of a vacancy among the elected officers, the Executive Committee shall call a special meeting within one week, or as soon thereafter as a quorum can be met, for the purpose of nominating and electing an individual to fill said vacancy. The remaining officers are eligible to run for the vacant office, and if one of them is elected, the Executive Committee will promptly call another meeting to fill the resulting vacancy. Alternatively, with the general approval of the Chorus membership the President or the Conductor may appoint a volunteer from among the choir membership to fill said vacancy. This appointment is subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.

6. Duties of Officers. Extended descriptions may be found on the Executive Committee webpage.

   1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the membership and the Executive Committee, unless otherwise specified by the By-laws; lead the Executive Committee in establishing and maintaining a close rapport among all active members of the Chorus; represent the Chorus at all official and public functions; appoint all necessary committees, with the counsel of the Executive Committee; and give notice of all meetings of the Executive Committee.

   2. The Vice-President/Secretary shall assist the President in the performance of his/her duties and perform them in his/her absence; record the minutes of all Executive Committee meetings; conduct the election of the Executive Committee student officers; and oversee the section leaders and the administration of the attendance policy. Refer to the Attendance Policy webpage.

   3. The Financial Manager shall serve as treasurer of the Chorus and is authorized to expend funds of the Chorus with the approval of the General Manager, the Conductor, or vote of the EC. In consultation with the President, Conductor, and General Manager, he/she shall oversee the budget of the choir, calculate the annual revenues and expenses, prepare a budget report and projected budget for submission to the Dean of Student Affairs in November and to the Choral Endowment Committee in March, collect member dues with the General Manager, and in the absence of the President, attend the meeting of the choral endowment.

   4. The Ticket Manager will oversee consignment and general ticket sales, and make all necessary arrangements with the Harvard Box Office. He/she will serve as house manager for all performances.

   5. The Publicity Managers (2) organize and execute, with the help of a student committee, the publicity for the two annual HRC concerts. The Publicity Managers design and disperse posters, teasers, and table tents on the Harvard Campus and within the community. They also work with the conductor to advertise concerts in local media such as, newspapers, radio, and Public Access television.

   6. The Stage Managers (2) shall coordinate rehearsal seating arrangements, work with the section leaders to document rehearsal attendance, report to the conductor on violations of the attendance policy, and work with the General Manager and Conductor to set up the stage for the orchestra and soloists.

   7. The Webmaster shall update and maintain the HRC website at http://www.hcs.harvard.edu/~hrc, and assist the Conductor in updating and maintaining the calendar, roster, by-laws, and general announcements.

   8. The Social Chairs (2) shall organize and purchase refreshments for concert receptions; collect fun-facts and oversee other rehearsal activities; with the EC, organize at least one outing per year; and each week before rehearsal shall host the undergraduate dinner in one of the Houses.

   9. In addition to his or her other role on the committee, the Treasurer(s) will in consultation with the President, Conductor, Financial Manager, and General Manager, oversee the budget of the choir, calculate the annual revenues and expenses, prepare a budget report and budget projection for submission to the Dean of Student Activities, and in the absence of the President, attend the meeting of the choral endowment.

   10. The Representatives-at-Large (6) represent the interests and view of the choir membership, shall oversee the organization of community social gatherings before and after rehearsal, assist in concert publicity, encourage and develop corporate and private donations to HRC, write letters of acknowledgement and gratitude to HRC sponsors, organize concert flowers and gifts as appropriate and assist with the general work of the choir.

   11. The Freshman Representative shall represent the new Harvard College first-year members of the Chorus. This person will work with the President to integrate the Harvard College first-year members into the choir and to publicize HRC concerts to the Harvard Yard community. The following academic fall, the Freshman Representative shall work with the President to welcome new first-years to the choir. The Vice President shall take volunteers or nominations for the office, and will hold an election in the event of more than one volunteer or nominee.

Article VII: General Manager.

1. Term of Office. The term of office shall begin at the start of the fall semester and expire at the end of the spring semester.

2. Duties. The General Manager shall direct and coordinate the entire operation of the management; arrange the schedule, coordinating all concerts with the approval of the Conductor; and shall assist the Conductor in preparation for rehearsals and concerts. The General Manager is a salaried position funded by the Dean of Students office.

Article VIII: Resolutions. Resolutions to carry out the purposes of the Chorus may be made, amended, and revoked by a majority of the entire membership at a meeting, or by a mail ballot, or by the Executive Committee (subject to the disapproval of the membership).

Article IX: Amendments. These by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of all the current members of the Executive Committee. Voting may be open or by ballot as determined by the sitting Executive Committee.

Last Revision: November 6, 2003