Name

The name of the Society shall be the Royal Free Music Society hereinafter referred to as the society.

Objects

The object of the society shall be to promote participation in and application of choral and orchestral music in all its aspects including the presentation of public concerts.

Membership

Membership of the society shall be open to any person interested in furthering the objects of the society, and who has paid the annual subscription at the appropriate rate (£45 April 06-07) as shall be determined by the committee, all subscriptions payable in advance.
Every member shall have one vote.
Members are required to sing from original copies of music. Sharing of music is not acceptable because this is unfair to other members. Members are required to pay for personal music & contribute to gifts at concerts.
Members are expected to attend 80% of rehearsals & must attend the dress rehearsal. If rehearsals are missed it is the member’s responsibility to practice the sections missed.
In order to allow the musical directors to plan rehearsals members are required to send apologies in advance to the secretary if not able to attend.
Guest performers at concerts are welcome but this must be discussed with the musical directors and the members of the relevant section. They must attend at least the whole dress rehearsal & preferably one other rehearsal.

Officers and Committee

The management of the society shall be in the hands of the committee consisting of the following officers and members:

*Chairperson
*Treasurer
*Secretary
Membership secretary
Publicity and advertising officer
Fundraising officer
Music Librarian
Orchestra administrator
Music director/s
Events organiser

The officers and committee members shall be elected by and out of the Society’s members at the Annual general meeting. They shall hold office until the next AGM and be eligible for re-election.
*these three posts must be held by different persons as they are signatories for the society.

Management

The arrangements for the concerts and other events and the control of finance shall be in the hands of the committee who will

1. Review constitution yearly and confirm at AGM
2. Maintain the membership of the choir including recruitment & records
3. Plan a yearly agenda for the choir each January including dates & themes of concerts
4. Maintain up to date accounts
5. Organise concerts and events including
• Advertising
• Venue & licence
• Content
• Fund-raising
• Orchestra/accompaniment
• Soloists
• Front of house
6. Meet at least quarterly and maintain up to date minutes which are available for inspection
7. Where appropriate seek feedback and participation of the RFMS

Finances

The financial year shall end on 31st December each year.
A bank account shall be opened in the name of the society & cheques shall be signed by the treasurer and either the chairperson or secretary.
The society shall receive donations, grants in aid and financial guarantees. Tickets (or their equivalent) for any or all of its concerts and other events shall be offered for sale to the public.
For concerts performed at St Mark’s Church Regents Park a donation will be made to the Parish in recognition that they provide a concert venue free of charge.
The income and property of the society shall be applied solely towards promoting the objects of the society and no portion paid directly or indirectly to any member of the Society except in payment of legitimate expenses incurred on behalf of the society.
External audit of the accounts is not required as the annual turnover is less than £10,000.

Annual General meeting

The AGM will be held in January of each year.
The committee shall present the report and accounts of the society.
Nominations for the committee must be made using ballot papers provided as instructed by the secretary.
Alterations to the constitution may be made by a two thirds majority of the members present and voting at any AGM, provided that 14 days notice of the proposed alteration has been sent to all members.

Dissolution

In the event of the Society being wound up any assets will be transferred to St Mark’s (Regents Park) Parish Church Fund.

Version 2- Adopted by the members at the AGM held on 2nd February 2006