WELCOME TO THE BERKSHIRE LYRIC CHORUS!
This section contains FAQ and guidance for registered members of Berkshire Lyric
Rehearsal Location and Schedule: Regular rehearsals are at the Unitarian Church at 175 Wendell Ave. in Pittsfield on Monday evenings. We start at 7:15 and usually end no later than 9:30. Please be on time as warm-ups and additional music for the evening may be handed out at the beginning of rehearsal.
In order to avoid the need for sectionals and extra rehearsals, please come early and spend time with the music during the week so rehearsals can focus on nuances as opposed to last minute note cramming sessions. Please be aware, however, that there still may be the need for additional rehearsals prior to a performance. When needed, these extra, mandatory rehearsals will be announced as to time and place, and generally take place within two weeks of the actual performance.
Rehearsal Space: We use the facilities of the Unitarian Church under a rental agreement, so we need to treat the space respectfully. We must set up all chairs, the piano and the lights before rehearsal and return them to their original condition and position after rehearsal. Whenever possible pitch in, both before and after rehearsals, rearranging the hall and putting the lights away, emptying the garbage, or vacuuming the carpets.
Membership: Chorus memberships are $75 per semester or $130 per season. For students aged 25 and under, tuition may be covered for you. All fully paid members are entitled to vote at our annual elections held during our annual meeting in May.
Name Tags: Name tags will be available at the first rehearsals. Since we are all relatively new to each other, we ask that you make one for yourself and wear it through the first few rehearsals until we are all familiar with each other.
Music: Music will be provided for each concert and must be returned immediately after the final performance of the work. On occasion, scores will be rented or available for purchase to defray costs to the group. However, failure to return rented scores on a timely basis will result in the chorus member paying for the unreturned score. You may use your own scores for major concert works if they are the same edition being used for the performance.
Attendance: Our season is divided into two semesters – Fall, which runs from September through December; and Spring, which runs from January through May. Singers are expected to attend all rehearsals, but we understand that not all may be able to do this. Dress rehearsals are mandatory. Please sign in on the attendance board! More than three unexcused absences in any semester may jeopardize whether you may sing in the concert and will require the artistic director’s approval for concert participation.
Please note that if a rehearsal is canceled (for example in a snowstorm), the information will be sent via email. Whenever there is inclement weather, please put your own safety first. Do not venture out if you don’t feel safe to do so.
Email: Most communications between Artistic Director or board members to the chorus members will be via email. If you are not receiving emails concerning Berkshire Lyric business, please speak with the board president.
Schedule Changes: If, owing to weather or other insurmountable issues, there are changes to the rehearsal or performance schedule, the information will be sent via email to the choir members. Each member should make the safest decision for themselves whether to attend when the question arises from inclement weather.
Concert Dress
NO perfume, cologne or aftershave lotion. A good idea for regular rehearsals but mandatory for performances.
Formal Concert Dress (Holiday and Oratorio concerts):
Tenor and Bass Singers: Tuxedos or a black suit are required with white shirt, black bow tie, black dress shoes and socks.
Soprano and Alto Singers: A black, long-sleeved blouse with a floor length black skirt OR the standard Berkshire Lyric two-piece black dress is required for all women along with black shoes and hose. A single strand of pearls and single pearl earrings. No pants.
“Casual” Concert Dress:
On occasion, particularly for our Kick the Winter Blues program in March, concert dress may vary in line with the program content. Any variation from the formal concert dress will be discussed at rehearsal at the beginning of the semester so members can prepare accordingly.
Member Support
In addition to your membership fees, Berkshire Lyric depends on three different revenue streams throughout the season to stay alive: Program Advertising, Ticket Sales, and Donations. As chorus members, we need to support our organization whenever possible through our circles of work, friends, and family to ensure our fiscal viability while increasing the visibility of Berkshire Lyric within the community.
Program Advertising: The cost of programs for each concert is defrayed by the income of the advertisements placed for the season. If every member of the chorus could get one contact – a restaurant or shop they frequent, a doctor or dentist they know, a business they work for or know – to advertise, the program would not only show the support of the community, but also pay for itself. Businesses and individuals can choose to advertise in a variety of sizes for the entire season. Detailed sheets will be provided to the members to share with their community for sales.
Ticket Sales: Please direct family and friends to our website to purchase advance tickets! This is an especially good idea to promote prior to our KTWB concerts which have been known to sell out!
Donations: Berkshire Lyric is a non-profit, federally tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, any contribution made to Berkshire Lyric is tax deductible. If you can donate, or know someone who is, we ask that you support us however you can. Also, remember that some companies will match non-profit donations which will increase your giving power to an organization you believe in.
Fund Drive: You have connections! Please help by sending a letter from the board president to your friends, family, acquaintances. There are many people in our community who graciously help support the arts in our community. Letters can be mailed individually, or handed in at rehearsal for mailing.
Participate: Talk to a board member about your areas of expertise and let us know how you can help!
BY-LAWS OF BERKSHIRE LYRIC THEATRE, INC.
ARTICLE I. NAME AND LOCATION
Section 1. The name of this corporation is BERKSHIRE LYRIC THEATRE, INC.
Section 2. The principal office of the corporation shall be located at Post Office Box 347, Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts
ARTICLE II. CORPORATE PURPOSES
Corporate Powers & Purposes: The purposes of this corporation shall be to foster and cultivate interest in musical stage and choral music; to provide training, practice and performance opportunities for the development of talent; to encourage composers of music and the performance thereof; to establish scholarships for deserving students of music; to instill in the general public an appreciation of music of all types.
ARTICLE III. EXCLUDED ACTIVITIES
In any other provisions of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) or (b) by a corporation contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Any person interested in the purposes of the corporation as set forth in Article II hereof my, upon approval of the Board of Directors and upon payment of such dues as prescribed by the Board of Directors, become a member of Berkshire Lyric Theatre, Inc. For participation in the annual meeting and other business meetings of the corporation, individuals will be considered as members if they have paid dues for the current membership year.
Section 2. Membership classifications and contributions shall be established by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Each person who is a member in good standing shall be entitled to participate in and vote at all meetings of members.
Section 4. The membership year of the corporation shall commence with the first day of September and end with the thirty-first day of August
ARTICLE V. OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND ELECTIONS
Section 1. The officers of the corporation shall consist of a President, one or more Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, and a Clerk. A minimum of eight up to a maximum of twelve Directors, including such other officers as may from time to time be elected by the members, shall with the elected officers serve as the Board of Directors. The officers and Directors shall be chosen from among the members of the corporation. One person may hold more than one office.
Section 2. The President, Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, and Clerk shall be elected annually by ballot at the annual meeting of the members of record. Every such officer shall hold office until the next annual meeting and until a successor is elected.
Section 3. The Directors shall be elected as follows: Directors will be elected each year by the members at their annual meeting. Each Director shall serve for two years, and is eligible for re-election to additional two-year terms. Each Director shall hold office until the end of the term as described above and/or until a successor is elected and qualified.
Section 4. It shall be the duty of the President to nominate a slate of officers at the annual meeting and to conduct said election. Additional nominates for any office may be offered by any member of record at the annual meeting.
Section 5. All vacancies in the positions of officers or Directors shall be filled by the Directors until the next annual meeting and then filled by the meeting of the members.
Section 6. The President shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the members and of the Directors, and shall have the power to call meetings of the members, Directors, or any committee, upon proper notice as hereinafter provided. The President shall have general supervision of the affairs of the corporation, subject always to direction by vote of the members or of the Board of Directors.
Section 7. The First Vice-President shall perform the duties and exercise the power of the President in the absence of the President. The Second Vice-President shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President in the absence of both the President and the Vice-President.
Section 8. The Treasurer shall have charge of all funds of the corporation and of their disbursement, and shall deposit such funds in the name of the corporation in such bank or banking institution as the Directors may approve. All checks, drafts, notes, and orders for payment of money shall be signed by the Treasurer and, if the Directors shall so require, countersigned by the President of one of the two Vice-Presidents. The Treasurer shall submit a complete report of the operations and financial condition of the corporation within thirty days after the corporation’s tax filing date and at such other meetings as the members or Directors may request.
Section 9. The Clerk shall be sworn to the faithful and impartial discharge of the duties of the office and shall keep a detailed record of all votes and proceedings at meetings of the members and of the Directors. The Clerk shall notify all members and Directors of all meetings in the manner prescribed by Section 4 of Article VI or by Section 1 of Article VII of the By-Laws.
Section 10. The officers shall at all times be subject to the direction of the members and of the Board of Directors; and shall perform such other duties and exercise such other powers, in addition to those hereinabove prescribed, as may from time to time be required by law or prescribed by the members or by the Board of Directors.
Section 11. The Board of Directors shall have the general direction, control, and management of the affairs of the corporation, in addition to all other powers and duties set forth in these By-Laws. They may from time to time appoint, remove and prescribe the duties of such committees as they may deem necessary to accomplish the purposes of the corporation.
Section 12. The Board of Directors may elect board members from outside the organization if it is deemed by board vote that their addition would be substantially beneficial to the corporate purpose prescribed by Article II.
ARTICLES VI. MEETINGS
Section 1. Each year an annual meeting of the members shall be held at a location accessible to the public within the confines of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, as agreed upon by the Board of Directors. It will be held in the month of May at a date and time as befits the needs of the Berkshire Lyric Theatre.
Section 2. Other regular or special meetings may be provided for by the members for themselves or by the Directors for themselves or by any committee for itself. Any special meeting may also be called at any time by the President of the Board of Directors or on written request of three or more members, stating the object of the meeting.
Section 3. At any meeting of the members, twenty (20) percent in number thereof shall constitute a quorum; and at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee, a majority thereof shall constitute a quorum. For the purposes of calculating a quorum of the members, the definition of member shall include anyone who has paid their membership contribution or more within the current membership year of the corporation. A quorum, as defined above, may transact business and decide all questions by majority vote of those present and acting at any meeting of the members, or at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof. A majority of those present may make reasonable adjournments of any such meeting to a specified time and place.
Section 4. No notice of a meeting shall be required to any person who shall waive such notice in writing or shall be present and acting at a previous meeting at which the next meeting is scheduled. Notices of special meetings shall contain the purpose of such meeting and no business shall be transacted other than that for which the meeting shall have been called.
Section 5. No vote may be cast by proxy at any meeting of the members, Directors, or any committee. Written ballots may be used for the election of officers, provided that they are included with the notice described in Article VI, Section 4 above. Written ballots may also be used for voting on amendments to the By-Laws, provided that they are included with the notice described in Article VII below. All written ballots must be delivered to the principal office of the corporation no later than the date before the scheduled meeting of the members or submitted in person at the meeting of the members.
ARTICLE VII. FISCAL YEAR
Section 1. The fiscal year of the corporation shall commence with the first day of July and end with the thirtieth of June.
ARTICLE VII. CHANGES OF THE BY-LAWS
Section 1. The By-Laws may be altered, amended, or repealed only by a majority vote of all members of record at annual meeting or special meeting duly called for that purpose.
ARTICLE IX. PURPOSE
Section 1. This corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the mailing of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
ARTICLE X. LIMITATIONS OF ACTIVITIES
Section 1. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article IX hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not take any action to participate in or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United State Internal Revenue Law).
ARTICLE XI. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY
Section 1. This corporation is committed to the principles of affirmative actions, non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity. To fulfill this commitment, equal opportunity will be provided to all present and prospective members, employees, and contractors regardless of race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual preference, handicap, or Vietnam era veteran status. This affirmative action policy applies to all personnel decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting of members and recruiting, hiring, and firing of employees and contractors, and to all programs of this corporation.
ARTICLE XII. DISSOLUTION
Section 1. Upon a vote of the Board of Directors to dissolve the corporation, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the corporation, dispose of all the assets of the corporation exclusively for the purposes of the corporation in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Board of Trustees shall determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purpose or to such organization or organizations, as such Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
Approved by a majority of the total membership at the annual meeting May 23rd 2022
OFFICERS
Vladimir Zeleny, President
Lois Hobbs, Vice President