Incorporating amendments adopted June 3, 2003

A. NAME/ADDRESS

  1. Name: Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra
  2. Address: P.O. Box 6116 Minneapolis, MN 55406
  3. Contacts: Voicemail: (612) 362-4344 http://www.mnphil.org

B. ORGANIZATION TYPE:

  1. The Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is a non-profit corporation organized under section 501 (C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.
  2. State of domicile: Minnesota
  3. Corporate seal: none
  4. Fiscal year: August 1 – July 31
  5. Deposits: All funds of the MPO shall be deposited to its credits in the accounts such as bank, trust companies, or other depositories which the board of directors may select.

B. PURPOSE/MISSION STATEMENT:

The MPO is an all volunteer symphony orchestra organized to serve the musical needs of both its audience and members. Membership is open to gay men, lesbians, bisexual, and transgendered people, and GLBIT-sensitive individuals. Membership is open and inclusive and is permitted according to a policy of complete non-discrimination. The MPO’s primary objectives are:

  1. Education – to strengthen the playing abilities of its members and to increase the musical knowledge of its audiences.
  2. Entertainment – to provide high quality arts entertainment for Twin Cities and out-state Minnesota residents.
  3. Fellowship – to provide a forum for exchange of musical and other information among its members and supporters.
  4. Affirmation – to provide a positive statement to the public at large concerning the talents and capabilities within the GLBT community.

C. MEMBERSHIP

  1. Membership is open to all interested and qualified musicians.
  2. All members are subject to audition, which may be required at the discretion of the music director.
  3. Dues: Members are required to pay semi-annual dues or provide equivalent volunteer work on behalf of the organization. Amount of dues is determined annually by the Board of Directors.
  4. Timely payment of dues or fulfillment of a work equivalency constitutes membership in good standing.
  5. Voting Rights: Membership in good standing is required for a member to vote on any proposal presented to the orchestra at large.
  6. Behavior: The MPO strives to provide a fun and relaxed rehearsal experience but also maintain an environment free from distraction or harassment. The MPO Orchestra Handbook details specifics of this policy.
  7. Scholarships, or waiver of dues, are available, subject to review and approval of the Board or Directors.

D. MUSIC DIRECTOR DETERMINATION:

  1. The Music Directorship is open to all qualified individuals.
  2. Recruitment of a music director is accomplished through a Music Director Search
    Committee.
  3. MSC reviews all resumes, referring applicants deemed to be qualified to
    the general membership for audition.
  4. At the completion of auditions, the membership will vote for a music director.

    5. If no applicants are selected by the membership for the current vacancy, then the search is re-opened.

  5. Recruitment of associate or apprentice conductors is carried out in identical fashion, except that the music director must be a member of those search committees.
  6. MSC will communicate results/decisions to applicants in writing.

E. BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

  1. The MPO operates under a Board of Directors (v. Membership) structure.
  2. The Board consists of: President, President-Elect, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Music director ex-officio, and at least four members at large to include at least two orchestra musicians. The concertmaster and Past-President may or may not sit on the board per choice.
  3. Nominations and elections are held annually in May; posts are effective on the following August 1.
  4. Term: one year, except for the President, which shall be for two years.
  5. Compensation to Board members: none.
  6. Meetings: monthly, with Special Meetings held as needed.
  7. Voting: each member shall be entitled to one vote per office held.
  8. Vacancies: Presidency—assumed by Vice President. All other by appointment of the President, for completion of the office’s current term.
  9. Quorum: a two-thirds attendance of dues-paying members shall constitute a quorum.
  10. Policies: Specific policies adopted by the Board shall be communicated to the membership in writing via a yearly MPO Orchestra Handbook to be published and distributed before the start of each season in the fall.

F. COMMITTEES:

Committees are created by the Board of Directors, as required, to facilitate the fulfillment of the purposes of the organization.

G. TERMINATION:

Termination of an individual’s membership must occur for cause and may only occur per majority vote of the Board of Directors.

H. AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS:

Amendments to the bylaws of the MPO must be presented to the orchestra members at least one rehearsal date prior to the intended voting date.

Respectfully submitted,

Evan Page, President
June 22, 2003

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