CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY MUSICAL SOCIETY


A Committee Meeting was held on 29 January, 2010 at 1 pm in the Music School.


Present

Executive Officers: Richard Andrewes (RA), Mark Biggins (MB), Rachel Croft (RC), Chloe Davidson (CD), Caroline Goulder (CG), Maggie Heywood (MH), Nick Shaw (NS), Emma Smith (ES)

Co-opted members: 

John Barber (JB), Simon Fairclough (SF), Paul Nicholson (PN), John Willan (JWi), Jo Whitehead (JWh), Chris Lawrence


Simon Fairclough was in the Chair. Andrew Browning (AB) was in attendance. Jo Whitehead took the minutes.


1. Apologies were received from Stephen Cleobury, Robert Culshaw, Martin Ennis, Angie White, Jennifer Howells


2. Minutes of the last meeting were agreed. 


3. Matters arising: The constitution revision was discussed. The changes made to Schedule D were approved. It was agreed to add the Chorus manager and Orchestra Manager to the constitution. A couple of typos were noted. With these amendments it was approved. JWi presented an update on the situation with Martin Yates, who is yet to come back and comment on our proposals, but will shortly. An update was presented on CUMS II – new string players have joined CUMS II and it has come up with a new plan – to have rehearsals nearer the date of the concert. CL suggested that as many members of the committee as possible should attend the concert on the 10th March. MH suggested that the timing of the concert during the term should be reviewed e.g,. it could be in Week 5. RC suggested that we should also consider the audition process e.g., to admit people from the previous year who have performed well. CL commented that they would then not be going through auditions. JW suggested that a lot of issues were being raised and he would be happy to join a meeting with the conductors and ES to agree a plan for next year. Action: Committee members to attend March 10th concert. ES to set up a meeting with JWi the new convenor (once identified) and current and future conductors.


4. Programming. JWi updated the committee on a recent meeting on programming. An outline programme would be circulated shortly. SF mentioned that there might be some interesting performances at the Cambridge Festival for the chorus and CUMS I and some other interesting opportunities. CG mentioned concerns about the programme. SF asked the chorus to come back with some concrete ideas. Action: CG to implement the chorus planning committee and bring back a proposed programme and associated details.


5. Review of 08/09 accounts: NS gave an update on the accounts. He commented that the society had made a contribution in £19,000 last year. The formal accounts were also presented. SF asked if the accounts could be circulated by email to the committee. The formal accounts will then be sent by email to the membership prior to the AGM. PN commented that perhaps the bequest should be accrued. Action: Formal accounts to be sent to JW to be distributed to the committee and membership.


6. AGM. The date will be 18th February at 9.15pm in St Andrews Baptist Church (at the end of the Chorus rehearsal). Action: CG to ask the chorus not to leave at the end of the rehearsal. SF to ensure that the necessary notices are sent to the membership.


7. Update on meetings with the Music Faculty, Sir Keith Stuart and CUDO. SF gave an update on progress of discussions with the faculty. SF will meet with Sir Keith. CUDO are keen to co-operate in putting on events for alumni and also to help organise fund raising for Cambridge Music.


8. Nominations committee. JWh proposed that we create a small sub-committee to identify candidates. Action: JB and CL volunteered to help SF and JWh.


9.  AOB: 

MH asked if the webmasters had been invited to the committee – Action: CD to invite. 

SF mentioned that the concerns raised about the conducting committee were being addressed. 

CG raised the concern that we are not organising a dinner. AB suggested a garden party. Action: RC and AB to think of a date and format.


The meeting closed at 14.08