CONSTITUTION

In the following document, the “Orchestra” refers to the Amati Orchestra Limited

1. Mission Statement

1.1 The Amati Orchestra aims to become one of the finest non-professional symphony orchestras in the country

2. Legal Status and Liability

2.1 The Orchestra is a Private Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England and Wales at Companies House, Number 07630663. The Orchestra is a standalone, independent legal entity, and is not part of a Group.

2.2 The Orchestra is Not-for-profit. There is no share capital

2.3 The Orchestra has one Company Director and one legal “Company Member”, the founder/conductor Leo Patsalides

2.4 The Company Director/Member is solely legally financially liable in the event of the Orchestra being wound-up. No other Committee Member and no other person in the Orchestra has any financial liability in the event of the Company being wound-up

2.5 The Orchestra has adopted Companies House “Model” Articles of Association (regulations). These are available at the Companies House website

3. Management

3.1 The Company Director is in overall charge of the Orchestra. He must, however, work in full consultation with the Committee within their remit

3.2 Under Companies House Articles of Association, the Company Director can devolve powers to the Orchestra Committee

3.3 The Company Director is a full Committee Member

3.4 Roles necessary in running the Orchestra are: Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Leader, Webmaster, Concert Manager, Rehearsal Manager, Recruitment, Marketing, Librarian, Instrument Fixing, Player Liaison Officer, and Sponsorship. Some of these can be ex officio. Some of these Roles will work in liaison with the Company Director. Detailed information sheets are available for those who undertake these duties

4. Membership

4.1 All members are required to abide by the Constitution

4.2 Members must be adults. Strings should be about Grade 7+ standard or equivalent. Woodwinds and brass must be Grade 8+. There is no audition

4.3 Membership will be granted after a two-rehearsal probationary period, after the Conductor and Leader (or section leader) are satisfied as to the applicant’s suitability

4.4 Members should be punctual and attend regularly. If unable to attend, the Player Liaison Officer and Fixer (woodwinds, brass and percussion only) should be emailed so that a replacement can be organised. The Committee is empowered to control the number of players in any one concert

4.5 Strings who miss 3 rehearsals or more in any one term may continue rehearsing, but might be required by the Committee to sit-out the concert that term. Participation at the concert is at the discretion of the Committee and will be handled on a case-by-case basis in liaison with the player. Committee decision is final. Subs will not be refunded.

4.6 Woodwinds and Brass who miss 3 rehearsals or more in any one term may be required to sit out the remainder of term and the concert so that their deputy can prepare with the orchestra. This is at the discretion of the Committee and will be handled on a case-by-case basis in liaison with the player. Committee decision is final. Subs will not be refunded.

4.7 If a member wishes to leave, they must do so by email. Refunds will not be given.

4.8 The Committee reserves the right to appoint and dismiss players. In the case of dismissal there is a Right of Appeal, whereby the member, with a friend, can put their point of view in a face-to-face meeting with the Committee. The Committee’s decision following the Appeal is Final. The member will not be refunded.

4.9 Members shall be responsible for the safe return of parts taken away for practice or borrowed during rehearsal. All orchestra-owned borrowed parts must be signed for, whether used in rehearsal or taken home

5. Membership Fees

5.1 The Company Director, advised by the Committee if necessary, will set the level of fees

5.2 Fees are paid per term and are due in full by the second week of each term. There will be an email reminder at 3 weeks. If fees are not paid by then, the member can be asked to leave

5.3 Brand new members who reserve a place after the start of a term pay from when they have a place reserved

5.4 Probation rehearsal fees will not be refunded under any circumstances

5.5 Membership Fees will be not refunded under any circumstances

5.6 Students, Interns, and the Unemployed pay at a reduced rate, as stipulated on the website. Deputies at rehearsals are not charged

6. Communication with members

6.1 The Amati website will provide the rehearsal schedule and up to date news. The Webmaster will do his utmost to ensure the website is always 100% up to date and accurate. The date and page reference of the last update is at the bottom left of the homepage

6.2 It is the responsibility of each member to regularly check the website, which should be the first port of call for players seeking information. Only information of very short notice will be sent by email.

6.3 The Data Protection Act 1998 is observed on email addresses