Constitution and Bylaws

Constitution and Bylaws of The Ann Arbor Area Piano Teachers Guild

Article I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be The Ann Arbor Area Piano Teachers Guild (abbreviated as AAAPTG).

Article II – PURPOSE

The purposes of this organization are:

1. The promotion and advancement of education in the field of music, specifically the piano.

2. The improvement of members’ piano teaching skills through lectures, studies, and exchange of ideas at AAAPTG meetings.

3. The opportunity for musical growth and performance of both members and students.

4. The promotion of musical studies through the use of scholarships and awards to students.

Said organization is organized as a business league, as that term is defined in section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, or any corresponding section of any future federal tax code, is not organized for profit, and no part of the net earnings of the organization will inure to the benefit of any private individual, whether a member, a trustee, an officer, or otherwise. The organization is authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes of the organization. Notwithstanding any other provision of this document, the organization shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization qualified under section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, or any corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

Article III – MEMBERSHIP

Prospective members will complete an application form listing educational and teaching background and submit it to the Membership Chair; the Board will vote on the application. When approved, new members must simultaneously join AAAPTG, Michigan Music Teachers Association (MMTA), and Music Teachers National Association (MTNA).

Full Membership is open to any piano teacher with teaching experience and a college degree or its equivalent in music, including a major or minor in applied piano. If the applicant has equivalent educational experience, but does not have a college level degree in music with a major or minor in applied piano, that application will be evaluated by the Membership Committee and presented to the Executive Board for approval. Equivalency may include, but not be restricted to, Suzuki, Yamaha or comparable training, “all-but-degree” at college level, foreign university degree, and professional certification. Full Members may attend all meetings, are accorded voting privileges, may hold an elected office, may serve on committees, may present students in AAAPTG-sponsored activities, may receive the newsletter and yearbook.

If a former Member wishes to be reinstated as a current Member, he/she should contact the current Membership Chair for the appropriate procedure.

Senior Membership is open to any piano teacher 65 years of age or older who has held Membership in AAAPTG for at least 5 consecutive years immediately preceding application submission. Senior Members of AAAPTG will automatically be assessed one-half the dues for AAAPTG (and dues as assessed by MMTA and MTNA).

Honorary Membership (Emeritus) may be awarded by the Board to Full Members who have given outstanding service to AAAPTG and who have retired from teaching or moved away from the area or may no longer be able to participate regularly in AAAPTG activities. Honorary members may attend all meetings, may receive the newsletter and yearbook, and will not be assessed local dues or have voting privileges.

Friends of the Ann Arbor Area Piano Teachers Guild are not members but may attend General meetings. The Board will determine appropriate fees and possible mailings. Friend status shall not be allowed for any individual who meets the eligibility requirements for Membership in AAAPTG and who is currently teaching piano and living in the greater Ann Arbor area. (revised April, 2013)

Visitors may attend meetings and may be requested to pay a small fee, as determined by the Board.

Conduct: The Ann Arbor Area Piano Teachers Guild supports and subscribes to the Code of Ethics published by the Michigan Music Teachers Association. In cases of consistent, unethical behavior by a member of the Guild, the Board will take the following steps to intervene only if the conflict cannot be resolved by those with complaints about a members’ behavior and the member in question:

a. A board member will be appointed to seek resolution to the situation.

b. Failing such resolution, the offending member will be asked to meet and discuss the situation with the Executive Board.

c. If the matter cannot be satisfactorily resolved in Executive session, then it will go to the full Board for discussion. If deemed necessary at this point, the member may be expelled from the organization by two-thirds vote of the Board.

Article IV – OFFICERS

The Officers are President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Officers are elected for a one-year term which begins immediately after the General Meeting in May. A second term is allowed, with a limit of two consecutive years in the same office. The term of office for Treasurer may be extended; renomination must be approved by the Board.

Article V – OFFICER’S DUTIES

President – will preside at all meetings of the organization, appoint all committee chairs, be ex officio member of each committee except the Nominating Committee, and have general oversight of all plans and work of the organization.

Vice-President – will plan the yearly programs, perform all duties pertaining to the office, and preside at meetings in the absence of the President.

Secretary – will record and keep the minutes of all Board and General Meetings and handle all correspondence.

Treasurer – will keep the financial records of the organization.

Article VI – EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Executive Board Officers are President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and immediate Past President.

Article VII – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors (Board) will consist of the Executive Board, the AAAPTG Foundation Liaison and Chairs from each Standing Committee. The Board will handle routine business of the organization; major decisions will be made at General Meetings.

Article VIII – ELECTIONS

A Nominating Committee, consisting of a chair and two members appointed by the President, will present nominations to the Board. The election of Executive Officers will occur annually at the General Meeting in April. At least one week prior to any election, members will receive written notification of the candidates. Members may nominate from the floor. If a vacancy occurs during the year, the Nominating Committee or the President may appoint a replacement, with election taking place at the next General meeting.

Article IX – STANDING COMMITTEES

All Committee Chairs are appointed by the President and serve one year terms, with reappointments allowed, for a recommended maximum of four consecutive years. The Standing Committees will be Certification, Community Outreach and Education, Membership, Newsletter, Publicity/Historian, Recitals, Repertoire Group, SATD, Seminar, Social, Telephone, and Yearbook.

Certification – will promote certification and assist teachers in the certification process. Chairperson shall hold current state certification.

Community Outreach and Education – will focus efforts on informing the public at large, school officials, and governmental officials concerning the value of music education, including school credit or recognition for private music instruction.

Membership – record attendance and collect visitors’ fees at each meeting; receive applications for AAAPTG membership, present applications to the Board, and communicate with applicants.

Newsletter – will prepare and distribute the monthly newsletter.

Publicity/Historian – will handle all publicity and advertising for AAAPTG and keep the AAAPTG memorabilia.

Recitals (Student, Adult, Other) – will arrange for dates, places, and programs for recitals presented by students of AAAPTG members.

Repertoire Group – will arrange for dates, places, and programs for Repertoire group meetings and for concerts presented by performing members of AAAPTG.

SATD – Coordinator will serve as chairperson for Student Achievement Testing Day.

Seminar – will arrange for dates, places, and programs for Seminar group meetings.

Social – will arrange for places, hostesses, and refreshments for General Meetings.

Telephone – will have the AAAPTG telephone installed in the house, and collect and give out information concerning AAAPTG and its members to interested callers.

Yearbook – will publish and distribute a yearbook/directory, containing the calendar of events, list of members, and the Constitution and Bylaws.

Article X – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Parliamentarian – The President may appoint a parliamentarian to provide parliamentary opinion during meetings of the Board and the annual General business meeting of the Guild.

Parliamentary Authority – The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Guild’s meetings in all cases in which they are applicable, allowing for any special rules of order the Guild may adopt.

Article XI – MEETINGS

General Meetings will be held monthly, September through May. Twenty-five percent of the members holding Full Membership, including at least three Board members, will constitute a quorum at General meetings.

Board meetings will be scheduled monthly, with a minimum of six meetings being held during a twelvemonth period; the Executive Officers will determine the meeting schedule. One-third of the Board of Directors, including at least two Executive Officers, will constitute a quorum at Board meetings. A Special Board Meeting may be called by the President, or by three other Board members, with 3 days’ advance notice; only the business specified in the call of that meeting may be transacted. Board meetings will be open to the membership.

With Board approval, small groups (such as Repertoire group, Seminar group) may hold informal monthly meetings as scheduled by the group.

Robert’s Rules of Order will be the authority for all questions of procedure not covered by these bylaws.

Article XII – RECITALS & ACTIVITIES

In addition to meetings, AAAPTG may sponsor recitals each year in which members’ students perform. The Repertoire Group may present concerts each season. Students of MMTA members may participate in the MMTA-sponsored Student Achievement Testing Day; teachers of registered students must help with the event. Other events may include Music Explorer Day, special workshops/seminars for teachers and/or students, master classes, scholarship auditions, etc.

Article XIII – AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws can be amended at any General Meeting by a two-thirds vote, provided that a quorum is present and that at least 7 days’ advance notice has been given to all members. (revised May, 2008)