The Beacons Orchestra Constitution
1. Name
The name of the organisation shall be The Beacons Orchestra (referred to below as TBO).
2. Aims and Objectives
The aims and objectives of TBO are:
· To provide opportunities for amateur musicians to play music together both orchestrally and in chamber music ensembles and so enhance their enjoyment
of music
· To support learning and development at whatever stage members have reached in their musical journey
· To contribute to the musical life of the local community through presenting public concerts and outreach events
· To encourage everyone, especially children and young people, to love music and develop their talents
· To organize such activities that support the above objectives
3. Membership
Membership is open to anyone who supports the aims and objectives of TBO, subject to the approval of the committee.
Membership of TBO will commence on receipt of a completed membership form, payment of the relevant subscription or first standing order payment and approval by the committee.
Members aged over 16 are entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and other General Meetings.
Members shall comply with the current version of the Terms and Conditions of The Beacons Orchestra.
Termination of Membership:
· Members may resign at any time by writing to the Secretary .
· Failure to pay the subscription may result in cancellation of membership, however any member experiencing difficulty with payment should contact the v
Secretary.
· The Committee may, by unanimous vote and by good reason, terminate the membership of any individual, provided that the individual concerned shall have the right to be heard by the Committee, accompanied by a representative, before a final decision is made.
The Membership Secretary shall maintain the list of current members.
4. Equal Opportunities
TBO will not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, religious or political beliefs.
Any member behaving in an offensive way or contravening the equal opportunities policy may have their membership terminated.
5. Safeguarding
The organisation is committed to keeping children and adults at risk safe from harm when involved in any activity arranged by TBO. The Safeguarding Policy sets out how risks are managed and details procedures to be followed. A Named Welfare Officer shall be appointed.
6. Membership Subscriptions and Charges
Membership subscription rates shall be proposed by the Management Committee and agreed by a motion passed at the AGM or at a Special General Meeting.
For the first year, subscription rates shall be agreed at the Inaugural Meeting when the constitution is adopted.
Members may need to pay additional charges for attending workshops and other events.
Different categories of membership may be proposed.
7. Management and Officers
The Beacons Orchestra shall be managed by a Management Committee, consisting of four officers: Chairperson, Secretary, Membership Secretary and Treasurer and up to five other members.
The Management Committee shall be elected at the Inaugural Meeting (IM). All officers and members shall serve a term of one year, with election / re-election taking place at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Committee may co-opt up to three members during the year.
The officer’s roles shall be as follows:
Chairperson, who shall chair both general and committee meetings.
Secretary, who shall be responsible for correspondence, the taking of minutes and the distribution of all papers.
Membership Secretary, who shall be responsible for keeping records of members.
Treasurer who shall be responsible for maintaining accounts.
In the event of an officer standing down during the year a replacement will be elected by the next General Meeting of members.
Any of the officers’ roles may be shared by more than one person.
8. Musical Director
One or more Musical Directors shall be appointed by the Management Committee.
Remuneration for this role and the term of appointment shall be decided by the Management Committee.
9. Meetings
Committee Meetings shall be held regularly at a frequency to maintain the effective running of the organisation.
The Committee will be quorate if five or more members attend.
Decisions will be made by a consensus view wherever possible. Votes may be made at a committee meeting with the Chairperson having an additional casting vote if there is a tied vote.
An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held approximately every twelve months with 21 days written notice to members, who are all invited to attend.
The business of the AGM shall include:
· Officers’ Reports and Accounts for the previous year.
· The election / re-election of Committee members and Officers for the forthcoming year.
· Review of Subscription rates and other charges and approval of any increases.
Agenda items for inclusion must be submitted to the Secretary a minimum of 14 days prior to the date of the AGM.
An Extraordinary / Special General Meeting (EGM/SGM) can be held at any time at the request of 3 Committee members or at least 5 of the general members giving a written request to the Chair or Secretary stating the reason for their request. Members shall be given 21 days written notice of the meeting.
The AGM, EGM and SGM shall be quorate if 15% of the membership attend.
Written notice includes e-mail communications.
10. Finances
TBO shall operate on a not-for-profit basis. All funds shall be used to support the aims and objectives of TBO.
A bank account in the name of TBO will be maintained at a bank agreed by the committee.
Transactions will be via cheque or BACS transfer or by debit card if necessary for urgent matters.
Outgoing payments will require authorisation by two committee members and are required to be supported by an invoice or receipt.
The Treasurer is responsible for maintaining financial records and preparing the annual accounts to be presented and approved at the AGM.
11.Amendment to Constitution
This constitution may be altered or amended only at an Annual or Extraordinary General Meeting and any change will require the support of at least two thirds of those members present.
12.Dissolution
A resolution to dissolve TBO may be passed at a general meeting provided that the resolution is supported by at least two thirds of those present who are entitled to vote.
Should TBO be dissolved, any remaining assets will be distributed to not-for-profit organisations that support music making in the local area.
This constitution was agreed and adopted at the Inaugural Meeting held on September 23rd 2025, Kensington Church, Brecon