Constitution of the Richmond Music Study Club
Article I – Name
This organization shall be known as the Richmond Music Study Club, and shall be affiliated as a component part of the Virginia Federation of Music Clubs and the National Federation of Music Clubs
Article II – Object
The object of this organization is to bring into working relations with one another, music clubs and other musical organizations and individuals directly or indirectly associated with musical activity or the purpose of developing and maintaining high musical standards; and aiding and encouraging musical education; and the promotion of American music and American artists throughout America and other countries; and to cooperate with the National Federation of Music Clubs in the specific plans for the advancement of music.
Article III – Non-profit Status
- Section 1. This organization shall not carry on any activities not permitted while exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or while contributions received are deductible under Section 179(c)(2) of the federal tax code. No substantial part of the activities of this organization shall involve attempting to influence legislation, or participation in, or intervention in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. The net earnings of this organization shall not benefit or be distributed to its members, trustees, officers or other private persons, except as reasonable compensation for services rendered and as payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article II.
- Section 2. In the event of the dissolution of this organization, any funds remaining in the treasury after payment of any outstanding debts shall be contributed to the Virginia Federation of Music Clubs if it is 501(c)(3) exempt, or to the National Federation of Music Clubs, or to another 501(c) (3) organization with similar objectives and goals.
Article IV – Membership
The membership of the Club shall be composed of persons interested in the promotion of serious music.
Article V – Officers
The officers of the Club shall be elective and appointive and the officers, both elective and appointive, shall constitute the Executive Board of the Club.
Article VI – Meetings
Regular meetings of the Club shall be periodically held during the year to carry on the work of the club and to present programs in furtherance of the purpose of the Club.
Article VII – Affiliations
The Club shall be affiliated with the Virginia Federation of Music Clubs and with the National Federation of Music Clubs.
Article VIII – Amendments
This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Club by a two-thirds vote, provided that the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing at the previous regular meeting. An amendment shall be effective upon adoption unless a different effective date is specified.
Bylaws of the Richmond Music Study Club
Article I – Membership
- Section 1. A person shall be eligible to become a member when that person expresses an interest in the Club, a willingness for active participation, and payment of dues.
- Section 2. Active members must: (1) Pay dues by July 1st of the upcoming year, (2) If members are unable to attend a minimum of 3 of the 5 regularly scheduled meetings, they must be willing to accept other Club responsibilities such as hold an office or serve on any assigned committee.
- Section 3. Honorary Membership may be conferred upon any person who has rendered particular service to the Club. Upon nomination by the executive board, a person may be elected to honorary membership in the Club by unanimous vote of the membership.
Article II – Meetings
- Section 1. The regular meetings of the Club shall be held during the months of October, December, February, May and June.
- Section 2. The elective officers shall be elected at every other annual meeting of the Club for a term of two years. No person shall hold more than one office at a time.
- Section 3. The June meeting will be the annual meeting.
- Section 4. Twenty-five percent of the total membership present in person shall constitute a quorum.
Article III – Officers
- Section 1. The elective officers of the Club shall be a President, a Vice- President, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, and a Treasurer.
- Section 2. The appointive officer of the Club shall be an Historian, to be appointed by the President.
- Section 3. The terms of all officers, elected and appointed, shall commence at the close of the regular annual meeting at which the elective officers were elected.
- Section 4. Each elective officer shall retain a written annual report in her file.
Article IV – Duties of Officers
- Section 1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Club and of the Executive Board; shall appoint the Historian and the Chairman of all Committees except the Program Chairman (Vice-President); shall be an Ex-officio member of each committee; shall appoint a nomination committee every other year to select candidates for each elective office; and shall attend all District and State meetings of the Virginia Federation of Music Clubs, or have a duly appointed substitute.
- Section 2. The Vice-President, in the absence of the President, shall perform the duties of the President. In the event the office of President becomes vacant, the Vice-President shall succeed to the office for the balance of the unexpired term. The Vice-President shall serve as Chairman of the Program Committee.
- Section 3. The Recording Secretary shall keep minutes of the proceedings of all meetings of the Club and of the Executive Board; and shall keep an accurate roster of members.
- Section 4. The Corresponding Secretary shall conduct all correspondence of the Club that does not fall under the duties of another officer or committee; and shall keep the minutes of meetings in the absence of the Recording Secretary.
- Section 5. The treasurer shall collect all dues and receive all monies of the Club; shall deposit all funds in such bank as is designated by the Executive Board; shall make disbursements authorized by the President or by the Executive Board; and shall send notices to all members when the Club dues are payable or past due. The fiscal year of the Club is to end in May. Dues for the following year are payable in May, with a deadline of July 1st. The roll for the yearbook shall be completed before September.
- Section 6. The Historian shall preserve and collect all items which reflect the activities of the Club.
Article V – Executive Board
- Section 1. The officers shall constitute the executive board.
- Section 2. The executive board shall have the authority to decide any question arising between the regular meetings of the Club.
- Section 3. The executive board shall meet as needed.
Article VI – Committees
- Section 1. There shall be the following standing committees: Program, Publicity, Achievement Record Book, Ways and Means, Yearbook, Federation (Jr. Festival), Membership, Telephone, Scholarship and Hymn of the Month.
- Section 2. Such other committees shall be formed by the President, as the President, shall from time to time, deem necessary or desirable to carry on the work of the Club.
- Section 3. The Chairman of a committee shall appoint the members of that committee.
Article VII – Dues
- Section 1. Annual dues shall be payable in May of each year, with a deadline of July 1st.
- Section 2. Dues shall be in such amount as is fixed from time to time, by the Executive Board.
- Section 3. A member, whose dues are six months in arrears may be dropped from the roll of members, and the member shall be notified of the action taken.
- Section 4. Reinstatement of a member shall be by action of the Executive Board.
Article VIII – Programs
Programs shall be based upon the guide published by the National Federation of Music Clubs.
Article IX – Rules
The rules contained in the latest editions of “Roberts Rules of Order” shall govern the Club in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Club.
Article X – Amendments
The bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the Club by a majority vote, provided that the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing to the membership prior to that meeting. An amendment shall be effective upon adoption unless a different effective date is specified.