The Beacons Orchestra Terms and Conditions of Membership

To be read by all new members on application for membership

Membership

Membership of the orchestra is open to all: there are no age limits although voting rights are restricted to members over the age of 16.

Membership will commence following receipt of a membership application form, approval by the committee and payment of the subscription.

Prospective new members may attend 2 rehearsals without charge after which continued attendance will require membership and payment of the subscription.

Members under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied to rehearsals by a responsible adult. In some instances, it may be possible for under 18s to attend without an adult providing permission has been given by a parent or guardian – please contact the Secretary for further information.    

Current Membership Rates 2025

Adult; £50.00 per term or £12.00 per month                    

Junior and Student: Free

Subscriptions

Subscriptions are charged on a termly or monthly basis, payable in advance and are required to be paid by the due date or the date agreed with the membership secretary.

Failure to pay by the required date may result in termination of membership, however any member experiencing difficulty with payment should contact the membership secretary.

Members may resign at any time by writing to the secretary. Where appropriate, a proportional refund of a termly subscription may be made at the discretion of the committee.

Subscription Payment Details

Subscriptions paid on a per term basis are due by 20th of the first month of the term. Monthly subscriptions are due by the 20th monthly.

Subscriptions may be paid by:

o Cheque – please make cheques payable to” The Beacons Orchestra”

o      Standing Order – please use the provided Standing Order form which should be completed and given to your bank. (** link here)

o      BACs Payment – the Orchestra bank details are:

Name: The Beacons Orchestra

Sort Code: 51-81-27

Account Number 86800132

Rehearsal Attendance

Members are expected to attend as many rehearsals as possible to facilitate effective running of the planned rehearsal schedule for the term.

Concerts and Public Performances

**PLEASE NOTE: In order to maintain correct balance of the orchestra, where there are surplus numbers of players to scored parts, it may not be possible for all players to participate in every piece in the programme, when performing in concerts and other public events.  

Communication

Members email addresses and phone numbers will be held by the orchestra for communication purposes and used in accordance with GDPR.

Safeguarding

Please see the orchestra Safeguarding policy for full details. The Beacons Orchestra has an appointed Welfare Officer, to whom all safeguarding concerns are to be directed.

Health and Safety

Members are expected to take responsibility for their own health and safety during orchestra activities including the use of ear defenders.

It is requested that, where appropriate, any relevant medical conditions are noted on application for membership in order that related issues and emergencies can be effectively dealt with, should need arise. 

Instrument cases, bags and other personal items must be stored safely during practices in order to avoid being a trip hazard. Emergency exits / access routes must be kept clear of obstruction.

The orchestra has a trained first aider to assist with minor medical issues occurring during orchestra activities.

Equal Opportunities

The Beacons Orchestra 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.

Code of Conduct

Members are expected to be polite, courteous and respectful at all times to each other and to the Music Director. Verbal abuse, physical attacks or bullying (ie confrontational or intimidating behaviour) may result in termination of membership. Any concerns are to be raised immediately with the Welfare Officer.

The orchestra membership has a wide range of abilities and previous playing experience and all members are expected to recognise this and to be supportive of one another in music making.

It is also expected that members pay full attention to the Music Director at all times during rehearsals including not talking or playing instruments when sectional / individual practice is taking place or when the Music Director is talking.

Sheet Music

Music on loan to members is to be kept in good condition – any marking of parts is to be made in pencil and music is not to be folded.  A charge may be made for damaged or lost parts.

Property and Premises

Members must follow the local guidelines set out by any premises used for rehearsals and concerts.

Review of Membership Terms and Conditions 

The Membership Terms and Conditions will be reviewed annually or when required.

 Approved by: The Beacons Orchestra Management Team

Dated: 7th September 2025