CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY MUSICAL SOCIETY

A Committee Meeting was held on 12 May 2006 at 6.30pm. in Lecture Room 3, in the Music School, West Road.

Executive Officers: Mark Austin (MA) Stephen Cleobury (SC), Mary Flook (MF) Chris Ford (CF) Daniel Grace (DG) Jacob Head (JH) Maggie Heywood (MH), Christine Schmalz (CS) Daniel Trambaiolo (DT)

Co-opted members: Richard Andrewes (RA) Simon Fairclough (SF) Claire Pike (CP), Michael Sharp (MS) Jo Whitehead (JW)

John Barber (JB), Fiona Jacques (FJ) Jamie McVinnie (JM) Max Pappenheim (MP), Robert Nimmo (RN) Alex Selby (AS)

3. Matters arising: (6) SF reported that he had a meeting with George Brown and raised the subject of the Zephyrs losing their rehearsal room at short notice, sometimes for unsatisfactory reasons. (9) JH, SF and GB will discuss the Instrument Manager's document further.

JW introduced the paper previously circulated recommending the appointment of Christine Schmalz to the position of Secretary, following the interview held on May 6^th. He invited comments. JH raised concerns that the income from instrument hires would not be sufficient to maintain the instrument collection as well as underpin a lot of the society's expenses. A lengthy debate ensued with a variety of suggestions for improving the society's funds in the long term. It was agreed that we should look for savings wherever possible, but it was also agreed that Christine Schmalz be appointed for one year to begin with, to give the Society time to find other sources of funds to secure the position for the future.

There still one or two gaps in the programme, but these will be completed before the next meeting. MH is to ask Simon Standage if he would like to coach and lead the orchestra for a Handel oratorio in the Lent Term. The May Week programme is to be decided. CUMS I needs an opening piece for Dec 2^nd. (JS) Should we consider giving two performances of a concert next year? SC reported that he could produce a group of soloists for `The Apostles' relatively cheaply for Michaelmas 2007.

CF explained that in order for money from the CUMS Fund to be released, an awards committee needed to be set up, which had to include two members under 23. The following were proposed: CF, SF, DG, JH & CP.

SF introduced his document: CUMS must see itself at the centre of the University, not in its own little bubble. We're going to have to tap into the University so we must address issues within Cambridge music, not just our own. We think there's a gap at the top, providing really high-quality musical experiences. We need to raise the game and provide a world-class experience for people of the highest calibre. (Full doc was circulated to all members in advance)

Comments/discussion: MF - in seeking to provide really high-quality musical experiences, will you be seeking to cut out people like me, with 9-5 day in Vet School, but I come to CUMS II for the pleasure of it. SF: there must be opportunities for enjoyment as well as the highest aspiration for CUMS I. The Zephyrs could also be developed into a more exciting and dynamic group.

DG: a good singer will end up in a college choir. There's nothing comparable for orchestral musicians - could we offer orchestral scholarships? People like Benjamin Britten used to conduct CUMS.

SC: If it wants to lever itself into a higher position, CUCO & CUMS I need to talk to each other. The Faculty is buying a set of Baroque instruments….

SF: doesn't accept the idea that people are too busy. We should engender from now on a more committed approach.

Next steps: (SF) We're trying to get CUMS into the University's 800^th Campaign, so we have a maximum of six months to clarify our strategy. We should continue to develop a network of support within the University and specifically bring together a group of professionals to encourage greater artistic and educational vision. Alongside this medium term plan we need a clearer idea of what the long-term vision is about and the administrative implications need to be considered.

SC: we need to move at two speeds - one to get an aspirational, plausible plan to put to the University, so gathering a small group of advisers is really good. At the same time the medium term plan needs to be developed. Can SF produce a draft document by 12 June? Action SF

It was also agreed that JW will contact the whole society to let them know that we're preparing a submission to the University to help us raise funds and we're planning a five-year artistic strategy. If anyone has anything to contribute they should be in touch. Action JW

7. Funding: MS is going to set up a 50-50 club, with the adult members of the society in mind. They will be invited to donate an extra £50 per year to CUMS in exchange for certain privileges. It was agreed that next year the subscriptions for adults should be increased from £50 to £60 and from £25 to £30.

MH welcomed Christine Schmalz as the new secretary of CUMS and said how delighted she was that Christine would be taking over from her. Christine thanked the committee for giving her this exciting opportunity. She is looking forward to it very much and says that it is a huge privilege to be following in MH's footsteps. (applause!)