Our Objectives & How We Operate

OBJECTIVES

To provide a friendly and relaxed environment for singers of differing abilities to come together and participate in the joy of singing.
To rehearse and perform choral music for the benefit of the community including people in care.
To assist not-for-profit organisations by performing at their fund-raising events.

MEMBERSHIP

Guests are invited to attend their first two rehearsals without charge, but by the third visit will be required to become a financial member.
As per the Model Rules of Consumer Affairs Victoria, membership is at the discretion of the committee.
Those wishing to join, or to nominate a prospective choir member, should contact a committee member. Numbers may have to be limited for practical reasons such as maintaining a balance between voices, or to avoid disruption in the run-up to a performance. It may be necessary to decline or defer an application.
The annual fee for calendar year 2024 is $100. Fees should be paid promptly by EFT to Western Port Singers Inc., Bendigo Bank, BSB 633-000, Ac. 211 295 423.

MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

Duties of the Management Committee: (All positions are voluntary)

To assist in maintaining an atmosphere of caring and supportive fellowship amongst choir members.
To provide leadership and recommend changes to existing procedures as required.
To resolve membership problems, such as non-payment of fees, or other behaviour not acceptable to the membership.
In consultation with the Musical Director, to establish rehearsal schedules and venues.
To make policies on the recruitment and acceptance of new members.
To manage the use and storage of choir assets.
To approve expenditure, and recommend annual membership fees for approval at the Annual General Meeting.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS

Choir members should regard themselves as members of a team and, as far as possible, be available for rehearsals and performances. . Early advice of planned absences should be marked on the rehearsal attendance roll.
For insurance purposes, members and guests must register attendance at each rehearsal and performance by signing in.
Our performance uniform is black shirt and slacks or skirt. A cerise scarf is provided for the women, and a cerise bow tie for the men. Scarves and ties remain the property of the choir.
Existing, and new members joining in the first half of the year must pay the full annual membership fee irrespective of the number of rehearsals attended. New members joining in the second half of the choir year will pay a membership fee on a pro-rata basis.
A Membership List containing contact details (name, phone number and email) that you agree to share, will be issued periodically. To comply with privacy laws, members are expected to use the contact details for choir purposes only.

CARE & OWNERSHIP OF MUSIC

The music is managed by our Librarian, and we currently own multiple copies of a broad range of choral music.
Music distributed at rehearsals may be taken home once you become a financial member.
Once a song is no longer part of the current repertoire, it must be returned to the Librarian.
Personal annotations may be made with 2B pencil that can be erased before return of music.
At times, music will be transmitted electronically to members for their personal use only, and should not be forwarded to others.
Music Folders. Members will need to provide their own black folder, for rehearsals and performances. Those who have been away and missed the issue of some music should contact the Librarian before the next rehearsal.