Article I
Purpose Statement

We exist as the Mesquite Symphonic Band ("MSB" or the "Band") for the purpose of "enriching the harmony of life."

To enrich musicians so that they enjoy quality music, express their musical talents at performances and enhance their musicianship.

To enrich the community so that the community enjoys family entertainment, the community is exposed to music and musical instruments, and the community is educated and its awareness of music is expanded.

To enrich our organization so that the Mesquite Symphonic Band has a positive atmosphere; strives to be diverse in our ages, talents and professions; and continues to be a caring group of musicians.

To enrich our organization so that the Mesquite Symphonic Band develops, organizes, promotes and participates in projects designed to fund and support our organization's needs. This includes, but is not limited to, music, instruments, programs, materials, supplies, personnel and other items or issues that require funding.

A. The principal office of the Mesquite Symphonic Band shall reside in the State of Texas located in the City of Mesquite, County of Dallas.

The corporation shall have, and continuously maintain in the State of Texas, a registered office, and a registered agent whose office is identical with such registered office, as required by the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act. The registered office may be, but not be, identical with the principal office of the corporation in the State of Texas, and the address of the registered office may be changed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

A. Qualifications

Any individual who is interested in the purpose of the Mesquite Symphonic Band may be considered a candidate for membership provided that:

a. The individual plays an instrument which is considered a part of a concert band.

b. The individual attends Band rehearsals regularly and performs in scheduled performances.

c. The individuals brings the supplied band music to rehearsals and performances.

 Each member shall remain in good standing provided that the member shows a genuine musical appreciation for band music, agrees to the conditions of membership as stated in the Bylaws and accepts the purpose statement.

B. Duties

All members shall take part in all the activities of the Band.

a. Attendance shall be taken at every rehearsal. Band members who are absent excessively may be dropped from the roster, although each case will be reviewed on an individual basis.

b. Rehearsals shall be held on Monday evenings beginning at 7:00 p.m. and ending at 9:00 p.m.

c. Members shall be responsible for their music and practice. They are required to return the music to the Section Leader before any scheduled rehearsal or concert at which they will not be present.

d. Concert dress shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Mesquite Symphonic Band.

e. Annual membership dues of $50.00 for adults / $25 for students and will be collected by the Treasurer during the month of September for the year beginning September 1 and ending August 31. New members joining the Band after February 1 will pay $25 for adults /$12.50 for students per member. However, no Band member will be dropped from the Band if he/she is unable to pay dues.

f. Auditions or challenges for chair positions may be held if all parties involved are in agreement and have the approval of the conductor. The final decision of chair position shall ultimately lie with the conductor.

g. Each section shall have a section leader. The section leader may be the first chair or a member designated by the conductor. The section leader shall be responsible for communication within the section, including attendance, music, schedule and conveying same to conductor.

h. Fund-raising projects involving extensive member participation shall be approved by a majority of the membership.

i. Concerts outside the Mesquite area shall require the approval of the Band membership.

 All members shall participate in assembling their section and disassembling their section: chairs, music stands and instruments.

A. Executive Authority

The executive authority of the Band is vested in a Board of Directors whose duties shall include:

Management of the general affairs of the Band, taking all action which is compatible with the best interests of the Band.

Management of the financial affairs of the Band, establishment of an annual budget and the procurement of additional funds and monies by way of grants, fund-raising and ticket sales.

The appointment and dismissal of the conductor.

The replacement of members of the Board of Directors who are unable to complete their term of office.

The establishment of a schedule of rehearsals and concerts.

The Board of Directors will establish permanent or temporary subcommittees as the need arises.

B. Titles

The Board of Directors shall consist of:

Eight (9) elected members from the Band, four (4) members from the Mesquite Business Community and four (4) from the Mesquite Educational Community. (Sixteen (16) members)

a. President by Appointment

b. Vice President Elect (Vice President becomes President)

c. Secretary

d. Treasurer

e. Program Manager

f. Public Relations Manager

g. Property Manager

h. Librarian

i.  Music in the Park Coordinator

Four (4) appointed members, including:

a. President (former Vice President of the previous year)

b. Past President

c. Historian

d. Conductor

Each member of the Board with the exception of the Conductor shall have one vote.

C. Election of the Board of Directors

On or before April 1 of each year, the Band-at-large shall elect a three (3)-member nominating committee (the Past President shall chair the nominating committee) for the purpose of preparing a slate of candidates.

The nominating committee shall present its report at the first rehearsal in May. Additional nominations from the floor shall be permitted at this time. However, the consent of each candidate must be obtained before his/her name is placed in nomination. The Board members shall be elected by ballot; however, if there is only one candidate for any position, the election may be by vote.

Candidates will be recommended for nomination by current Board members. In addition to any candidates recommended by the current Board members, sixty (60) calendar days prior to the annual meeting of the general membership, a mailing must be sent to all members of the Board requesting candidates for membership to the Board of Directors.

After the Board of Directors has received any additional recommendations from the Band, the Board shall contact the nominated individuals to ascertain their interest and qualifications for serving on the Board. The Board shall then eliminate any candidates that are not interested or do not qualify for election to the Board. A complete list of candidates, their qualifications for selection and a brief statement by each candidate of their reasons for serving will be available to the general membership with voting privileges.

Each elected and appointed member of the Board of Directors shall serve a one (1)-year term, beginning September 1, following election to office.

D. Duties and Responsibilities of the Board of Directors

Description of duties of each office will be:

a. The President shall oversee the planning and administration of the Band. The President shall preside at all Board meetings and shall break the tie when opposing votes are even. The President shall work closely in establishing an open communication network between the conductor, Board members and the Band-at-large. The President shall also remain in contact with the Mesquite Arts Council, Mesquite Arts Council Board and the Managing Director of the Mesquite Arts Program. The President, with the assistance of the Treasurer, shall be responsible for preparing and submitting grant proposals each year to the Mesquite Cultural Grants Program in order to receive matching funds from the State of Texas. The President shall have served at least one (1) year as a Board member.

b. The Vice President shall work closely with the President, assisting where needed. The Vice President shall also become familiar with the overall administration of the Band, conduct meeting in the absence of the President and perform such duties as the President assigns. The Vice President shall enlist volunteers from Band members to fulfill the programs and projects of the organization, ensuring that all Board members are aware of and fulfilling their job responsibilities as required.

c. The Past President shall work closely with the President and the Board to ensure a smooth transition from the prior year to the current administration. The Past President shall chair the nominating committee. The Past President shall coordinate group social functions throughout the calendar year, and shall assist the President and Vice President in enlisting volunteers and administration of the organization.

d. The Secretary shall keep records of all meetings and permanent records as deemed necessary. The Secretary shall maintain an up-to-date membership list of the Band, a list of new or prospective members and an accurate weekly record of attendance. The Secretary shall send out correspondence welcoming new members and to members who have missed three (3) consecutive rehearsals. The Secretary shall mail out notices to the general membership at least ten (10) calendar days prior to quarterly meetings or called meetings and shall notify and mail notices of Board meetings to all Board members at least ten (10) calendar days prior to scheduled meetings.

e. The Treasurer shall collect and disburse all monies, as approved by the Board of Directors, for payment of bills, services received, new music, rental of facilities, etc. The Treasurer will maintain the financial books and records preparing appropriate financial reports as required and shall assist the President in submitting the grant proposals each year to the Mesquite Cultural Grants Program in order to receive matching funds from the State of Texas. The Treasurer shall make biannual reports to the Board of Directors. These reports shall coincide with the conclusion of each grant project.

f. The Public Relations Manager shall promote and publicize all activities of the Band. The Manager shall also make appropriate contact with the local media and radio/TV stations to publicize Band concerts and special events. The Manager shall provide copies to the Historian. The Manager shall seek sponsors from the Mesquite Business Community to financially support and advertise the Band.

g. The Property Manager shall be responsible for securing chairs, stands and other equipment as needed for all rehearsals and concerts. If chairs and/or stands are unavailable for particular events, the Property Manager shall make sure all Band members are aware of providing their own. The Manager shall be responsible for Band setup to include banner setup and other equipment as needed for rehearsals and concerts. (Each Band member is responsible to help set up their section.)

h. The Program Manager shall be responsible for creating programs, flyers, brochures, tickets, etc. for concerts and special events that the Band is participating in. The Manager shall enlist assistance from Band members.

i. The Librarian shall be responsible for inventory of music, distribution, filing and appropriation of new music under the instruction of the conductor.

j. The Historian shall maintain records of past Band concerts, events and special activities both in written and pictorial formats. Mention of the Band in local media pieces shall be retained permanently in the historical records. The Historian shall also prepare a yearly scrapbook, including photographs, for display at rehearsals, meetings and concerts.

k.  The Music in the Park Coordinator will work in committee to organize the June concert series, including focusing on cooperation with other groups to secure donations and prizes,  staffing and running the snack tables, and working with the Public Relations Manager to publicize the concerts.

The Conductor shall be responsible to the Board of Directors. Duties shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Assume responsibility for rehearsing and conducting the Band.

B. Assume responsibility for the artistic operation of the Band.

C. Work closely with the President and Treasurer in planning and coordinating the artistic aspects of the concert season within the scope of available budget. The proposed concert season shall be submitted for the Board of Directors' approval.

D. Be responsible for selecting principal players and arranging seating for the Band, and other matters relating to the Band personnel.

E. Work closely with the Board of Directors in developing Symphonic and community relations.

F. Serve on the Board of Directors in a non-voting advisory capacity.

G. Perform any other duties as may be deemed necessary by the President of the Board of Directors.

A. The Board of Directors may authorize any officer(s), agent or agents of the Band, in addition to the officers so authorized by these Bylaws, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Band. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

B. All checks, drafts or orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidence of indebtedness issued in the name of the Mesquite Symphonic Band shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the Band and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors. In the absence of such determination by the Board of Directors, such instruments shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the President or other officer designated by the Board of Directors.

C. All funds of the Band shall be deposited to the credit of the Band, for the general purposes or for any special purpose of the Band.

"The Mesquite Symphonic Band Society"

A. The Board of Directors of the Mesquite Symphonic Band shall have the sole right to authorize any and all groups to act on behalf of the Band, or in the name of the Mesquite Symphonic Band, for any official or unofficial purpose.

B. The purpose of such organization shall be to support the purpose as outline in Article I of the Mesquite Symphonic Band Bylaws.

C. The policies and Bylaws of such organization shall be in harmony with the policies and Bylaws of the Mesquite Symphonic Band for approval.

D. Bylaws of support organization must be submitted to the Board of Directors of the Mesquite Symphonic Band approval.

E. All activities that include contact with the public, outside of regular organization meetings, must be approved by the Board of Directors of the Mesquite Symphonic Band.

F. Each support organization shall select a representative to serve on the Mesquite Symphonic Band Board of Directors.

A. The Board of Directors shall meet quarterly with the President retaining the right to call additional meetings as needed. Any three (3) Board members shall have the right to call a specific meeting of the Board of Directors, allowing sufficient time for all Board members to be contacted and notified of the meeting time, place and purpose.

B. A quorum of the Board of Directors shall constitute twelve (12) members.

A. Previous notice of a proposed amendment of these Bylaws, along with a copy of the proposed amendment, must be presented a duly constituted meeting of the Mesquite Symphonic Band at least 30 or three (3) full rehearsals prior to voting. However, in case of an emergency, an amendment may be brought before the Band for approval without prior notice.

B. A two-thirds (b) vote of those present and voting shall be necessary for its adoption.

C. Email is recognized as an official means of contacting band membership regarding band business.

D.  The position of Music in the Park coordinator, formerly a committee chair position, is now an official board position.

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