MARSHALL SYMPHONY LEAGUE

BYLAWS

 

ARTICLE I.   NAME

            The name of this organization shall be MARSHALL SYMPHONY LEAGUE, INC. (MSL), which is a non-profit corporation organized and incorporated under the laws of the State of Texas.

ARTICLE II.   PURPOSE

            The purpose of this organization shall be to support and promote the interests and growth of the Marshall Symphony Orchestra and to encourage interest among its members and among the citizens of Marshall in civic, cultural, and educational endeavors in the arts. This organization is organized exclusively for the charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purpose within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding Section of any future Federal tax code (hereinafter “Internal Revenue Code”).

ARTICLE III.   MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Classes of Membership

            a.  Active

            Active members are women who have been invited to membership by the Membership Committee following a written recommendation by an Active, Associate or Patron member. They shall have resided in Harrison, Panola or Marion County for six (6) months immediately preceding the membership election committee meeting before they are eligible to become a member. They shall comply with the following requirements to be in good standing: 

                        1)  At the May general meeting, purchase one (1) season ticket for the next Marshall Symphony season, and if married, purchase two (2) season tickets for the next Marshall Symphony season. 

                        2)  Pay dues by the May General meeting for the ensuing fiscal year. 

                        3)  Serve on one (1) Standing committee.

                        4)  Attend at least two (2) Marshall Symphony concerts, (in entirety per concert) or pay $50 (fifty dollars) to substitute for total nonattendance. All members shall be required to sign in with the Ticket Chairman or her designee at the concert.

                        5)  Attend at least three (3) general meetings. All absences must be made up in accordance with Article III Section 1 (a) (6).

                        6)  Attend one (1) additional Marshall Symphony concert or pay $25 (twenty five dollars) to substitute for each missed general meeting. The assessment is to be paid to the League two (2) weeks following the final concert of the Marshall Symphony season. 

                        7)  Work on all fund raising projects and activities undertaken by the League. 

                        8)  Purchase one (1) ticket if single and two (2) if married to the MSL Ball. 

                        9)  To be included as a member of the Marshall Junior Symphony League (MJSL), a young lady/young man must be: the daughter/son, stepdaughter/stepson, or granddaughter/grandson of a MSL member in good standing. The prospective MJSL sponsor should be accepted into the MSL prior to the students seventh (7^th) grade year (must have proof of attendance). The prospective MJSL sponsor MUST be accepted into the MSL prior to the students eighth (8^th) grade year. If accepted in the eighth (8th) grade, there will be a “Late Fee” accessed of all appropriate dues and monies for the previous MSL fiscal year and must be paid in full upon acceptance to the MSL and upon the approval of the MSL Executive Board.

            b.  Associate

            Associate Members are women who have served the MSL for at least twenty (20) years and are at least fifty (50) years of age who do not desire to be active members. They shall comply with the following requirements to be in good standing:

                        1)  By June 1, purchase one (1) season ticket for the next Marshall Symphony season, and if married, purchase two (2) season tickets for the next Marshall Symphony season. 

                        2)  Pay dues by the May general meeting for the ensuing fiscal year. 

                        3)  Financially support fund raising projects and activities as voted on by the MSL.
 

            c.  Patron

            Patron Members are women who are at least sixty (60) years of age who do not desire to be an active member. They shall comply with the following requirements to be in good standing:

            1)  By June 1, purchase one (1) season ticket for the next Marshall Symphony

                        season, and if married, purchase two (2) season tickets for the next Marshall

                        Symphony season. 

            2)  Pay dues by the May general meeting for the ensuing fiscal year. 

            d. Non-resident Members

            Non-resident Members are former members in good standing, who now reside outside of Harrison, Panola or Marion County. They shall comply with the following requirements:

                        1)  By June 1, purchase one (1) season ticket for the next Marshall Symphony season, and if married, purchase two (2) season tickets for the next Marshall Symphony season. 

                        2)  Pay dues by the May general meeting for the ensuing fiscal year. 

                        3)  To be included as a member of the Marshall Junior Symphony League (MJSL), a young lady/young man must be: the daughter/son, stepdaughter/stepson, or granddaughter/grandson of a MSL member in good standing. The prospective MJSL sponsor should be accepted into the MSL prior to the students seventh (7^th) grade year (must have proof of attendance). The prospective MJSL sponsor MUST be accepted into the MSL prior to the students eighth (8^th) grade year. If accepted in the eighth (8th) grade, there will be a “Late Fee” accessed of all appropriate dues and monies for the previous MSL fiscal year and must be paid in full upon acceptance to the MSL and upon the approval of the MSL Executive Board.

Section 2. Changes in Membership Status

            Request for change in membership status shall be submitted in writing to the Corresponding Secretary before the May general meeting.

Section 3. Members Point System

All members MUST acquire a total of ten (10) points out of a possible nineteen (19) points.  

Total possible points per year (19) as follows:

            (3) Concerts ……………………………………………………… 3 points

            (5) Meetings ……………………………………………………… 5 points

            (2) Executive Board ……………………………………………… 2 points

            (2) Standing Committee Chair and Co-chairs ……………..…. 2 points

            (1) Attend Presentation Tea ……………………………………. 1 point

            (1) Attend and/or Support in Dixieland on the Square…..…… 1 point

            (1) Attend Tasting Tea ……………………………………..……. 1 point

            (1) Support Golf Tournament …………………………………… 1 point

            (1) Purchase Ball Tickets………………………………………………1 point

            (2) Ball Chairs and Co-chairs …………………………….…….. 2 points

To receive project points all monies must be turned into the MSL treasurer by the specified due date. 

Members are still required to attend three (3) meetings, (2) concerts and purchase Symphony Ball tickets or pay monetary substitution as stated in aforementioned in Article III, Section 1 (a).

            Mothers of seniors must acquire a minimum of four (4) points by January 1 and have paid in full the presentation fee ($600) by September 30 for her designated MJSL member to be eligible for presentation. If said points are not acquired by January 1 of the Presentation year, the MJSL member will not be presented.

            By the end of the girl/boy’s eleventh (11^th) grade year the sponsor must have an acquired fifty (50) points to have their designee presented. This excludes Patron members.  
 

Section 4. Annual Dues

            a.  Amount

            Annual dues for the classes of membership shall be as follows: Active, $35.00; Patron, $45.00; Associate, $75.00; Non-resident, $210.00.

            b.  Payment

            Dues shall be paid by the May general meeting each year. A member whose dues are not paid by then shall be notified by the Treasurer.

Section 5. Resignations/Reinstatements and Removals

            a.  Resignations/Reinstatements

            Any member who is not in arrears in dues and not in default of her performance of League duties may resign in good standing. Resignations must be in writing to the Corresponding Secretary. A member who has resigned in good standing may be reinstated as a member of the MSL upon affirmative vote by written ballot of two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Board of Directors without the submission of a proposal to the Membership Committee. Upon receipt of letter of resignation, all dues and monies, current and past, and for the remainder of the fiscal year must be paid in full before the next general meeting to be removed in “good standing.”  If not received by that time, member will be resigned “not in good standing.” The resignations will be announced at each general meeting. 

            b.  Removals 

                        1)  A member who has not paid dues for the ensuing year and/or not paid for Marshall Symphony season tickets by June 1 or who has not fulfilled all financial commitments for the current year by the May meeting will be removed from membership, subject to discretionary judgment by the MSL Board of Directors.

                        2)  A member who has not fulfilled all point requirements in accordance with Article 3, Section 3 must appear before the MSL Board of Directors. The Board will then vote on allowing the member to remain or be removed from membership.

ARTICLE IV.   ADMISSION OF MEMBERS

Section 1. Communication of Duties

It shall be the responsibility of the Membership Committee to inform potential members of the financial obligations and other requirements of membership in the MSL under the supervision of the President and Treasurer. 

Section 2. Process of Admission

            1)  A candidate for membership shall be proposed in writing by one (1) member and seconded by two (2) members in good standing with the MSL. A recommendation for membership shall be delivered to the President or Chairman of the Membership Committee prior to the start of the March general meeting of the year she is to be admitted. 

            2)  No member shall propose more than one (1) nor second more than two (2) candidates for membership during the same year.

            3)  After March of each year and prior to the May general meeting, the Membership Committee shall consider all recommendations for membership. An affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of this committee (and not merely two-thirds (2/3) of a quorum present at the meeting) shall be required for election to membership in the MSL.

            4)  The chairman of the Membership Committee or such other person as may be designated by the President shall immediately notify each newly elected member of her election.

            5)  Dues of newly elected members shall be payable at the May general meeting next following her election.

            6)  A woman who moves to Harrison, Marion or Panola counties and who is a member in good standing of an existing symphony league may upon her written request to the chairman of the Membership Committee, transfer membership to the MSL.
 

ARTICLE V. OFFICERS

Section 1. Personnel  

            The officers of the MSL shall be the President, President-Elect, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer elected by the members and a Parliamentarian who shall be appointed by the President and who shall serve during the term of the President by whom she is appointed.

Section 2. Nomination

            The Nominating Committee shall present a slate of candidates, one for each office to be filled, to be presented at the March general meeting. The consent of each nominee must have been previously obtained. 

Section 3. Election

            Officers shall be elected at the March general meeting for a term of one (1) year and shall not be eligible to serve more than two (2) full consecutive terms in the same office except for President and President-Elect, who shall not serve full consecutive terms in the same office, nor will the outgoing President be eligible for the office of President-Elect for the ensuing year. 

Section 4. Duties

            Each officer shall, at the close of her term in office, transfer to her successor a detailed job description and any records and recommendations that she may have for improvements for the following year.

The powers and duties of the officers shall be as follows:

            a.  President

            The President is the executive officer of MSL and shall preside at all meetings of the League, Board of Directors and Executive Committee; she shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee; she shall appoint all committee chairmen not otherwise provided for; she shall prepare a newsletter prior to each general meeting; and she shall co-sign, with the Treasurer, all checks over $200 (two hundred) for the organization. In addition, she shall, with the approval of the Board of Directors, create such special committees as are deemed necessary, assign their duties, and appoint their members, such as Historian. In addition to the other duties of the President set forth herein, the President shall reserve and otherwise secure a suitable location/venue for the annual Symphony League Ball which shall be held during the two (2) consecutive years immediately following the term of the current President.

            b.  President- Elect

            The President-Elect shall assist the President in her absence, assuming all the duties of that office and shall host all board meetings. She shall also be responsible for keeping a record of all points for members point system. Following her term as President-Elect, she will assume the office of President for the ensuing year. 

            c.  First Vice President

            The First Vice-President shall serve as Program Chairman and shall plan such programs as needed. She shall also coordinate with the Hospitality Chairman all physical arrangements thereof. 

            d.  Second Vice- President

            The Second Vice-President shall serve as chairman of the Ticket Committee, supervise the sale of Marshall Symphony season tickets to the League members and is responsible for the recording of concert attendance. She shall serve as liaison to the Marshall Symphony Society. 

            e.  Recording Secretary

            The Recording Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the MSL, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee. She shall keep a record of all members of the organization and shall transfer such records at the close of the term of her office. 
 

            f.  Corresponding Secretary

            The Corresponding Secretary shall conduct the general correspondence of the MSL and shall maintain such reports and perform such other duties as may be assigned to her by the President. She shall serve as chairman of the Correspondence Committee.

            g.  Treasurer

            The Treasurer shall be custodian of the funds of the MSL, and shall receive all monies, collect all dues, and notify all members who may be delinquent. She shall make payments in accordance with the budget or upon order of the Board of Directors. She shall keep accurate accounts, present financial reports at meetings of the League and of the Board of Directors. She shall sign all checks for the organization and with the President if over $200 (two hundred). She shall have an audit conducted of the League books at the end of each fiscal year and file the audit with the Recording Secretary. The Treasurer shall serve as chairman of the Finance Committee.

            h.  Assistant Treasurer

            The Assistant Treasurer shall collect all dues and assessments under the direction of the Treasurer and shall perform such other duties as requested by the Treasurer. She shall be Treasurer-Elect and shall serve as Treasurer during the next eligible term.

ARTICLE VI.   BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Number and Term

            The Board of Directors shall consist of the officers and the chairmen of all Standing Committees. The term of office from both officers and chairmen of Standing Committees shall be for one (1) year, beginning in May and for not more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same office, except for President and President-Elect who shall not serve consecutive terms in the same office. The outgoing President shall not be eligible for the office of President-Elect for the ensuing year. 

Section 2. Duties

            The Board of Directors shall have general charge and control of the affairs, funds and property of the MSL. Its decisions on questions of interpretation of the bylaws shall be final.

Section 3. Vacancies

            a.  A vacancy occurring in the office of the President will first be filled by the President-Elect. The office of President-Elect or any other office of MSL shall be filled by vote of the Board of Directors from a slate submitted by the Nominating Committee. Persons so elected shall serve until the expiration of the original term. 

            b.  In case of a vacancy in an appointed position on the Board, the President shall appoint a successor to fill the unexpired term.

Section 4. Meetings

            The Board of Directors shall hold a minimum of five (5) meetings called annually by the President. Any special meetings may be called by the President, and shall be called upon written request of five (5) members of the Board. 

Section 5. Executive Committee

            The Executive Committee shall be composed of the officers of the League and shall meet as needed at the discretion of the President.

Section 6. Quorum

            A majority of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum.

Section 7. Removal

            Any officer not fulfilling her stated duties of office may be removed from office and/or membership by the majority vote of the Board of Directors.
 

ARTICLE VII.   TIME AND PLACE OF MEETINGS

Section 1. General Meetings

            General meetings of the members shall be held at a designated location in Marshall, Texas at a designated time on the first Thursday or Friday of each September, November, February, March and May of each year or at such time during the first week of the above mentioned months as approved by the Executive Committee. Special general meetings may be called by the Board of Directors or upon written request of twenty five percent (25%) of the membership. 

Section 2. Board of Directors Meetings

            Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at a designated location in Marshall, Texas at a designated time prior to the five (5) general meetings as determined by the President. 

Section 3. Quorum

            A quorum of the MSL at general meetings shall consist of a majority of members of the League present at the time of such meetings.

ARTICLE VIII.   COMMITTEES

Section 1. Standing Committees

            The following standing committees shall carry out the continuing activities of the MSL.

            a.  Advisory Planning Committee

            The Advisory Planning Committee shall make an objective over-all study of the MSL programs to insure high standards, provide long range planning, and further the objective of the League. This committee shall consist of the President, the two (2) immediate past presidents, any members selected by the President, and any charter members who wish to participate.

            b.  Ball Committee

            The Ball Committee shall plan and carry out all responsibilities with respect to the MSL Ball.

            c.  Bylaws Committee

            The Bylaws Committee shall study and make recommendations to any amendments to the bylaws and standing rules. The Parliamentarian shall serve as chairman of this committee.

            d.  Civic Development Committee

            The Civic Development Committee shall investigate and study the needs of the community and present recommendations to the Board of Directors as to the means by which the MSL can fulfill such needs. 

            e.  Concert Committee

            The Concert Committee shall plan and be in charge of all arrangements necessary for the opening night of the Marshall Symphony season and other designated performances of the Symphony.

            f.  Correspondence Committee

            The Correspondence Committee shall keep an attendance record for each general meeting of the members, send cards to members who are sick and maintain a current list of members of the MSL. This committee shall, after each meeting, submit to the chairman a list of all members who were absent. The Corresponding Secretary shall serve as chairman of this committee and shall notify the Board of Directors of excessive absences of any active member. 

            g.  Finance Committee

            The Finance Committee shall consist of the Outgoing Treasurer, Incoming Treasurer, Treasurer-Elect, Outgoing President, Incoming President and President-Elect.

            h.  Hospitality Committee

            The Hospitality Committee shall be responsible for providing refreshments for all general meetings and shall coordinate all physical arrangements of the meetings with the First Vice-President.

            i.  Membership Committee

            The Membership Committee shall process all recommendations for membership in the MSL. The committee shall be composed of six (6) members, including the President, President-Elect, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President and two (2) elective members who hold no appointive or elective office. These elective members shall be nominated and voted upon at the March general meeting. The President shall appoint one (1) of the elected to serve as chairman of this committee. A vacancy of an elective member shall be filled, during any fiscal year, by the nominee receiving the greatest number of votes not already then serving upon such committee. This committee shall be responsible for the orientation of new members, informing them of the obligations and responsibilities of membership prior to the May meeting. 

            j.  Nominating Committee

            The Nominating Committee shall consist of three (3) members who shall be nominated and voted upon at the March general meeting. The President shall appoint one (1) of the elected to serve as chairman of the committee. This Nominating Committee shall submit the nominations of at least one (1) for each elective office at the next year’s March general meeting. The Chairman of this committee shall be responsible for the planning and arranging of the installation of those new officers. 

            k.  Placement Committee

            The Placement Committee shall review all active members once a year for the purpose of offering them a choice of available committee assignments and shall maintain records concerning the activities of members.

            l.  Projects Committee

            The Projects Committee shall plan and carry out projects to be undertaken by the MSL to accomplish its objectives. 

            m.  Publicity Committee

            The Publicity Committee shall arrange all types of communication media for the MSL and shall endeavor to build good relations by informing the public of MSL activities to obtain community understanding, interest and support. 

            n.  Scholarship Committee

            The Scholarship Committee shall receive and review all applications for the annual scholarship. It shall choose the best qualified candidate, based on given guidelines. The immediate Past President shall chair this committee, made up of four (4) other past presidents and/or members of the Advisory Planning Committee.

            o.  Communication Committee

            The Communication Committee shall notify members of the Board of Directors or the entire membership upon request of the President or Board of Directors. 

            p.  Ticket Committee

            The Ticket Committee shall be responsible for the sale of season tickets for the Marshall Symphony season to MSL members, for Dixieland on the Square and for the recording of concert attendance. The Second Vice-President shall serve as chairman of this committee.

            q.  Yearbook Committee

            The Yearbook Committee shall compile information for the MSL and shall be responsible for the printing and the continued update of the yearbook.

            r.  Concert Rehearsal Committee

            The Concert Rehearsal Committee shall be responsible for providing refreshments at all Marshall Symphony rehearsals. 

Section 2. Appointment of Chairman

            Except where it is otherwise provided, the chairman of each committee shall be appointed by the President. The Chairman of each committee shall be selected by the incoming President prior to the May general meeting and the names shall be announced at such meetings.

Section 3. Other Committees

            The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall be authorized to appoint such other committees as she in her discretion may deem advisable. The chairmen of these committees shall not have a vote on the Board. 
 

ARTICLE IX.   FISCAL POLICIES

Section 1. Fiscal Year

            The fiscal year of the MSL shall be May 1 through April 30.

Section 2. Monies Disbursement

            All monies of the MSL, excluding those of the operating budget, shall be disbursed

            in the following manner:

            70% to the Marshall Symphony Orchestra

            15% to the youth-oriented programs

            15% to the civic and cultural endeavors

Section 3. Scholarship

            A scholarship shall be presented each year to a deserving student. The priorities for the awarding of this scholarship shall be: 1) a local high school senior who has participated in the strings program with the Marshall Symphony, 2) a high school senior who has excelled in musical involvement, 3) a college student, graduated from a local high school, whose studies included a musical curriculum. Financial need and academic merit shall also be considered. The amount of this scholarship shall be determined by the MSL and shall be funded through the youth-oriented program.

Section 4. Dissolution

            The MSL may be dissolved and the assets of the MSL shall be used and distributed as follows:

            a.  Dissolution may occur at any regular or special meeting of the active members of the MSL upon the affirmative vote of not less that three-fourths (3/4) of the active members present and voting, provided that written notice of time, date, place and purpose of such meeting is given to all active members not less than thirty (30) days prior to the date of such meeting. 

            b.  If dissolution is adopted and approved, the assets of the MSL shall first be used for discharge of all debts and obligations. 

            c.  All remaining assets (if any) shall be paid and distributed to the Marshall Symphony Society for the Marshall Symphony Orchestra or its successor, provided that such successor shall then be exempt from the payment of income taxes as provided in the I.R.C. Code Section 501 (c) (3). Provided there is no existing successor, such remaining assets shall be paid and distributed to such organization(s) selected by the affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the members of the Board of Directors. Such organization(s) shall have purposes and objectives that are substantially the same as the MSL. If more than one (1) organization is selected, the assets may be distributed in either equal or disproportionate shares as the Board of Directors shall determine. 

            d.  All action taken by the Board of Directors shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all interested persons.

            e.  None of the officers or directors participating in the foregoing activities shall have any liability or responsibility whatsoever to any person or organization in connection therewith. 

ARTICLE X.   AMENDMENTS AND RULES OF ORDER

Section 1. Amendments

            The bylaws may be amended at any general meeting, provided the correct procedure is followed:

            1)  The proposed amendment must be submitted in writing to the members at a general meeting for discussion or by written notice five (5) prior to the date of such meeting.

            2)  The proposed amendment can then be voted on at the following general meeting.

            3)  A two-thirds (2/3) vote by those present at the general meeting is necessary to pass the proposed amendment. 

Section 2. Authority to Adopt Standing Rules

            The Board of Directors shall have the power and authority to adopt any standing rules that are not inconsistent with the Articles of Incorporation or these bylaws.

Section 3. Parliamentary Authority

            Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by the bylaws or by specific rules adopted by the MSL.

 

STANDING RULES

 

1. Projects

The Marshall Symphony League shall, with a quorum of the Executive Board of Directors, undertake any fund raising project or activity for the betterment of the MSL.

2. Leave of Absence

Upon written request by a member to the Corresponding Secretary, who shall present such request to the Board of Directors, the said Board may grant a leave of absence to an active member in good standing for a good cause. At any time during the fiscal year a leave is requested, it shall be effective for the remainder of that fiscal year from the date of the request and shall not be granted again during the next consecutive fiscal year. Leave of absences may not be taken during the first fiscal year of active membership or during the active member’s sponsorship of a Junior Symphony League member. Active members on leave of absence shall still be required to pay annual dues and purchase Symphony tickets according to the Bylaws.

3. Publicity

No member shall give out any press or news release or give any statement to the news media concerning any project, activity, or function of the Symphony League except the President or the Publicity Chairman.

4. Guests

A member may bring a guest to a meeting of the members only after first obtaining permission from the president. 

5. Aid and Support

The projects committee shall have the power to call upon all members for aid and support without regard to the standing committee upon which the individual member may at the time be serving. Each member shall be required to contribute her time and efforts to the success of this committee with due regard to her class of membership.

6. Junior Symphony League

The Board of Directors will draft, revise and amend as needed the Guidelines and Requirements of the Junior Symphony League.

7. Jewel Ball Guidelines

The Jewel Ball representative must be a past Marshall Symphony League Ball debutante and meet the following requirements:

            1) She must be a sophomore, junior or senior in an accredited college or university.

            2) She must be unmarried. 

            3) Her sponsor must be an active member at the time of selection and at the time of participation. 

Interest and desire to participate must be submitted in writing to the Chairman of the Advisory Committee by December 1^st prior to the Jewel Ball Presentation. The cost over and above the amount supplied by the MSL will be contributed by the participant’s sponsor.

We further suggest that a past Honor Guard member be selected, utilizing the equivalent criteria, to act as her Escort and the same established amount each year be made available for this purpose. If no past Honor Guard is selected, the Jewel Ball representative will be responsible for providing and financing her own escort.