Mhfb membership handbook rev2012b

MHFB Membership Handbook I.

Overview (Who we are)

II.

Statement of Purpose

III.

History

IV.

LGBA (Parent org. – include annual conference, etc.)

V.

Ensembles a. Concert Band b. Marching Band c. Swing Band

VI.

Membership a. Active/Non-Active b. Band aides c. General membership meeting d. Attendance e. Membership roster f. Termination

VII.

Dues

VIII.

Publicity & Communication a. Being filmed, recorded, etc. b. Sources of social media

IX.

Concerts a. Wardrobe (Performance attire you are expected to have) i. Concert ii. Marching iii. Swing b. Dress rehearsals c. Performance day d. Dress

X.

Volunteering/contributions of time

XI.

Leadership a. Artistic Director(s) b. Business Manager c. Section Leaders d. Board Members

XII.

Rehearsals a. Time b. Location c. Supplies d. Etiquette e. Sectionals

XIII.

Acknowledgement Form

Welcome to the Mile High Freedom Band!

This handbook will introduce you to the band, its policies, procedures, and culture. If you have any questions after reading the handbook, please talk with any band member.

We hope you will enjoy your time with the Mile High Freedom Band.

Everyone comes to the band with a different level of proficiency. We strive to keep a relaxed and open environment to make you comfortable no matter your playing ability.

Being a member of the band involves attending weekly rehearsals, occasionally scheduled sectionals, and performances. There are also two mandatory membership meetings annually. An important portion of the band’s budget comes from member dues.

We are happy and excited to have you as a member of this organization!

Statement of Purpose As the preeminent LGBT instrumental music organization of the Rocky Mountain region, the Mile High Freedom Band performs musical events that engage, excite, educate, and entertain audiences and develops performers of all abilities. The Mile High Freedom Band is committed to making a positive contribution to the LGBT and other communities through its performances and activities.

History In April 1984, a small group of instrumentalist came together to create the Denver Gay and Lesbian Community Band, founded by Bob Brown.

Bob's original goal was to provide a forum for men and women, of all backgrounds, to create music together, educate the community, and meet new friends. A few months later, the band’s name was changed to the Mile High Freedom Band.

The Mile High Freedom Band’s inaugural performance was at the Denver Gay Rodeo of that year and we had 10 performances during our

first year of existence. The big public debut was in the 1985 Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Although the band made no explicit attempt to hide the sexual orientation of its members, it came as a bit of a surprise to the parade organizers and garnered a fair amount of media attention.

These were the early days of AIDS, and public scrutiny of LGBT organizations was far from accepting. In subsequent years, the parade organizers attempted to dissuade the band from performing by placing it as the last unit in the parade. The band was not discouraged, and continued to participate in the parade each year, along with supporters including parents and partners.

Times have thankfully changed, and the band continues to march proudly each March in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The crowds are enthusiastic and appreciative of the band’s contributions and the organizing committee now places the band early in the lineup.

LGBA

The Mile High Freedom Band is a member of the Lesbian and Gay Band Association; a non-profit organization consisting of all the local gay and lesbian bands around the world.

By joining the Mile High Freedom Band you are also a member of LGBA. LGBA offers annual conferences with performance opportunities and significant networking and professional development opportunities for all of us.

To find out more about LGBA visit http://www.gaybands.org ENSEMBLES Concert Band The concert band performs a number of times a year with a repertoire that includes traditional concert band music, contemporary pops literature, and collaborative performances. Performances include a winter concert, a spring concert, and Spooktacular! Spooktacular! in the fall.

Marching Band The Mile High Freedom Band marches in support of Denver Pride each year as well as in the Denver St. Patrick's Day parade, a tradition going back to the 1980s. Members of the band sometimes also support other GLBT pride festivals in the region, including Colorado Springs Pride and Albuquerque Pride.

Swing Band Established in early 2011, Freedom Swing is an 18-piece swing band playing a mix of swing and big band favorites. The band hosts dances and performs at events throughout the community.

MEMBERSHIP Active/Non-Active Active band members must be supportive of the band’s Statement of Purpose. Performing members must remain current of their dues and fulfill rehearsal attendance requirements. Support members (bandaides) should be available to actively support the band.

You are considered an active band member whether or not you play in every event. However, if you plan to leave the band for an extended period of time and would like to be considered inactive, you must provide notice of becoming inactive and still be supportive of the Statement of Purpose. Payment of dues is not required, but voting privileges are suspended if you do not pay dues.

Band-Aides The band aides are the support group for the band. They perform a wide range of support services to the band that benefit all of our activities. Such services include: passing out programs and greeting concert goers, helping with event production, carrying flags in parades, assisting at fundraisers, etc.

General Membership Meeting A regular meeting of the band membership will be held twice annually.

Attendance is mandatory for active members.

Attendance Rehearsal is an important part of the music experience for all members.

All members must make every effort to attend rehearsals. If a member has excessive absences the artistic director will discuss participation in upcoming events.

Membership Roster The band maintains a roster of contact information of all members. The roster is only accessible to members. We do not distribute this information to outside parties.

Termination Members may be suspended or expelled for cause after an appropriate hearing.

DUES The Mile High Freedom Band is an all-volunteer non-profit organization.

As part of our annual budget, dues are collected from each member to assist with music and equipment purchases, and to help produce all of our events for the season.

Dues are $20 each month based on a 10 month year, with discounts available for annual payment in advance. Some events require specific apparel at an additional cost.

Options are available for those who would have difficulty paying dues or other costs.

PUBLICITY & COMMUNICATION From time to time the band may be filmed, televised, or photographed for publicity releases that may be featured in documentaries or news stories. Members will be notified beforehand and are given the choice to participate or not. Those who do participate are considered to have given their permission for such use.

Sources of Social Media Performances may be filmed and/or photographed and posted on various social media sites. Some examples of social media sites used by the band are YouTube, Facebook, Flickr, Yahoo! Groups, and our website.

CONCERTS Wardrobe (Performance attire you are expected to have) Events may require specific apparel that is determined by the conductor(s).

Concert – Usually standard formal concert attire, either all black or black and white.

Marching – Usually khaki pants/shorts and a uniform shirt.

Swing – Usually standard formal concert attire, either all black or black and white.

Dress Rehearsals Dress rehearsals are announced prior to the event. Everyone is required to attend.

Performance Day You will be given a schedule of the day’s activities.

Dress There is not always time to get dressed at the venue before the call time. The conductor will normally advise. You can also review the performance day schedule to see if there is enough time to change.

VOLUNTEERING/CONTRIBUTIONS OF TIME Being a part of the Mile High Freedom Band means more than just playing. There are numerous opportunities to contribute your time and talents to the organization. You can serve on a committee, assist with fundraising, help sell tickets and market events to name a few. In order for this organization to succeed we need everyone to volunteer.

LEADERSHIP The board of directors oversees all operations of the Mile High Freedom Band. The board consists of seven members elected by the band, and other appointed members such as artistic director, business manager and other staff.

President – president@mhfb.org Vice President – vicepresident@mhfb.org Secretary – secretary@mhfb.org Treasurer – treasurer@mhfb.org The artistic director oversees the artistic vision for the organization as a whole. Each ensemble is led by its own conductor.

Artistic Director – director@mhfb.org Concert Band Conductor – concert@mhfb.org Swing Band Conductor – swing@mhfb.org Marching Band Conductor – marching@mhfb.org Section leaders serve an important leadership role. They act as liaisons between the board and the band and provide ongoing assistance and support to band members.

REHEARSALS Everyone should make every effort to be at rehearsal on time. The conductor will decide if rehearsals are missed whether or not you can perform in an event.

Concert Band – Thursday night at 7PM Swing Band – Tuesday night at 7:30PM Location Historic Grant Avenue 216 South Grant Street Denver, CO 80209

Supplies Instrument(s) Music Folder Pencil Reeds Valve/Slide Oil(s) Mutes Etiquette While we are not professional musicians, we strive to make the best use of our time together as possible. Band members are expected to use common sense and good judgment when conducting themselves during rehearsals and other band functions. Please be considerate of others and limit disruptions.

Pay attention to the conductor at all times. Remember that chatting may be very distracting to a neighbor struggling to learn the music.

Cell phones should be turned off during rehearsals or put on vibrate prior to rehearsal.

Please return promptly from breaks.

At the end of rehearsal, please be sure to clean up after yourself. Please put your trash in the trashcans and make sure that you have all personal property before leaving. Members are encouraged to assist putting stands and chairs away.

Smoking The Band maintains a smoke-free environment for its band members and members must refrain from smoking in all buildings that it uses. Members may smoke outside on the community center premises.

Sexual Harassment The Band strongly opposes sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual conduct during band functions. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual

favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's musical experience while in the band or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. All band members are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times. Inappropriate sexual conduct that could lead to a claim of sexual harassment is expressly prohibited by this policy. Such conduct could include written form, verbal form, or physical gestures and other nonverbal behavior.

The Board of Directors expects band members to make a timely complaint to enable the board to promptly investigate and correct any behavior which may be in violation of the policy. If you believe there has been a violation of this policy, including harassment based on age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, please report the incident to a board member who will alert the board who will promptly investigate the matter and take appropriate corrective action. Your complaint will be kept as confidential as practicable.

If the board determines that a band members' behavior is in violation of this policy, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the offending band member, up to and including termination of membership.

Sectionals The director will occasionally use rehearsal time for sectionals.

Sections are also encouraged to hold sectionals outside of rehearsal.

Appendix A President The president shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the band and its official representative. The president shall both chair and preside at board meetings and regular membership meetings, but will not preside over elections.

Vice President The vice president shall assume the responsibilities of president, in the event of absence or incapacity. Areas of responsibility shall include, but not be limited by the following: a) Actively recruit new membership. b) Membership information and communication. c) Plan and organize band social functions. d) Membership administration. e) Membership policies and regulations. f) Maintenance and distribution of official band roster.

Secretary The secretary shall document and maintain all records pertaining to and resulting from official business of the band. Areas of responsibility shall include, but not be limited by the following: a) Minutes of board and regular membership meetings. b) Maintain all correspondence. c) Collect and maintain items of historical interest relating to the band.

Treasurer The treasurer shall be the Chief Financial Officer of the band. The treasurer shall perform all duties normally associated with the office.

Areas of responsibility shall include, but not be limited by the following: a) Maintain accurate and systematic financial records for assets and liabilities of the band. b) Prepare financial reports and statements, making them available at all board and general membership meetings. c) Collect, deposit and disburse all band funds.

d) File annual taxes and other legal financial and insurance documents. e) Manage all budgets.

Members-At-Large The members-at-large represent the interests of the band and conduct projects and accept duties as assigned by the board.

Artistic Director The artistic director shall be the musical leader of the band and shall be responsible for its artistic development. The artistic director shall make recommendations to the board on proposed concerts, and shall make final decisions on repertoire and concert programs. The artistic director may, with approval of the board, arrange for guest conductors and artists. The artistic director shall, in cooperation with the president, serve as an official spokesperson in the community.

Business Manager The business manager shall be the business leader of the band and shall be responsible for business activities as directed by the board.

Development Director The director’s primary responsibility is the strategic execution and management of a comprehensive annual giving program; including the coordination and oversight of supporting initiatives in the areas of donor appeals, prospect research and donor/gift acknowledgment. The director oversees all non-major gift revenue for the organization.

Contact Information Please provide the information requested below. As noted earlier in the handbook this information is only used for internal purposes and does not go outside the band.

Name ________________________________________________ Email _______________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________ City _________________________________________________ State ______ Zip ________________ Mobile Phone # ________________________________________ Secondary Phone # _____________________________________ Instrument(s) You Play __________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Occupation (Optional) __________________________________ Birthday Month ___________ Day _____

Mile High Freedom Band Handbook Acknowledgement Form In becoming a member of the Mile High Freedom Band, I agree to do my personal best to carry on the tradition of excellence and success both musically and personally. I realize that conscientious attendance and preparation for rehearsals and performances are essential for the Mile High Freedom Band to operate successfully. I fully understand the conditions set forth in this handbook, and agree to abide by them.

_______________________________________________ Signature Date

_______________________________ Name (Please print) This agreement must be signed and turned in upon becoming a member of the Mile High Freedom Band.