Operating Policies of the

Carolinas Wind Orchestra (CWO)

Policy on Membership

Article 1. Membership 

Any person may be considered a candidate for membership in the CWO, provided that:  

  1. The candidate meets the musical competence and qualifications as determined by and at the discretion of the Music Director.
  2. A vacancy exists.
  3. The candidate pays membership dues or fees in full and by the designated due date when dues or fees are assessed. Students performing with the CWO shall be exempt from paying dues.

(as stated in the By-Laws of the Carolinas Wind Orchestra dated 4/15/2019)

Article 2.  Membership Responsibilities 

An individual member’s responsibilities begin with a timely response to correspondence from the Board of Directors, Music Director, Personnel Manager, and Section Representative(s). Additional members’ duties and responsibilities shall consist of the following:  

  1. It is expected that all members will attend all rehearsals and concerts as circumstances will permit. A member shall notify the Personnel Manager and/or section representative about an expected absence, late arrival, or early departure from a rehearsal. 
  2. Each member is expected to invest whatever time is necessary between rehearsals to prepare the music for performance at an acceptable level of proficiency.  
  3. Adherence to the concert dress requirements as described in the Policy on Formal and Non-Formal Dress. 
  4. Active participation in fundraising activities, if applicable. 
  5. Active participation in the activities and duties of a committee, if the member is selected for and accepts the obligations inherent with a position on a committee. 
  6. Payment of the membership dues and fees in full by the due date when dues or fees are assessed by the Board of Directors. Students performing with the CWO shall be exempt from paying dues.

Article 3.  Membership Duration 

A member of the CWO shall remain a member in good standing and entitled to participate in CWO’s rehearsals, performances and activities for as long as the member adheres to the qualifications, musical proficiency, standards, and duties specified in this document. 

Article 4.  Substitutions 

A balanced instrumentation is desirable. Should a member be excused from a concert, the Music Director(s), in consultation with the Personnel Manager, may secure a substitute for that concert. Substitutes will receive careful consideration for permanent positions if interested and if they meet the Membership Qualifications outlined in Article 1.

Article 5. Removal of a CWO Member

Any CWO member who fails to adhere to the qualifications, musical proficiency standards, and duties prescribed within this Membership Policy may be dismissed from the CWO by the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Personnel Manager and/or the Music Director. 

A majority vote of the Board of Directors is required to dismiss a CWO member from membership. A majority consists of 50% of the Board of Directors present, plus one. The member will have the opportunity to meet with the Board of Directors before the vote is taken. Any CWO member recommended for dismissal from the CWO must receive, at a minimum, fifteen days’ notice of the Board of Directors’ meeting at which the member’s dismissal will be discussed. The member will have the opportunity to be heard orally and/or in writing by the Board of Directors prior to voting on the member’s dismissal. If a CWO member is dismissed, dues already paid will be forfeited. 

Upon the recommendation of the Personnel Manager, the Board of Directors may remove CWO members who no longer perform with the CWO or who have resigned their positions. If in good standing at the time of removal, members seeking to again perform with the CWO may request reinstatement of their membership if they meet the Membership Qualifications outlined in Article 1. Such requests will be reviewed by the Personnel Manager and the Music Director. 

Date of Adoption/Revision:  9/9/2019