University of California Alumni Chorus, Inc.

Minutes of Annual Membership Meeting

February 5, 2005

The annual meeting of the members of the University of California Alumni Chorus, Inc. (UCAC) was called to order at 3:15 pm on Saturday, February 5, 2005 at Alumni House on the University of California campus by UCAC Manager, Cathy Thompson. A quorum of members (53) attended. Each was provided with a copy of last year's minutes and a copy of bylaws change approved by the board (copies attached). The minutes from last year were approved by unanimous vote. The bylaws change to make the current officer position of Secretary/Treasurer two separate positions was given a unanimous vote of confidence (no approval of members required).

Elections

The report of the nominating committee was given by Doug Raymond. He introduced the following slate:

Board Candidates: John Moreno (past member)

Cricket Evans (incumbent)

Kathy Hardy (incumbent)

Gary Smith (new)

Officers:

Chorus Manager: Cathy Thompson (incumbent)

Treasurer: Eric Miller (incumbent)

Secretary: Cathy Less (new)

Publicity Officer: Susan Bernstein (incumbent)

Concert Officer: Joshua Cairns (incumbent)

Tour Manager Judy Roberts

There were no further nominations from the floor. All candidates were introduced and said a few words. The members then confirmed all non-board officer candidates by unanimous acclamation, each to commence one-year terms on July 1, 2005.

There was discussion about assistance or successors for non-elected positions of Music Librarian (Bari Cornet) and Social Chair (Kristen Nichol). Kate Caldwell volunteered to assist the Social Chair.  

Members proceeded to vote on board candidates by written ballot (copy attached). The chair appointed Karen Moore and Jiun Chyi Yew to count the votes. Later in the meeting the results were announced; Cricket Evans, Kathy Hardy and Gary Smith received the highest number of votes. Each of them were declared elected to the Board of Directors for a two-year term commencing July 1, 2005.

Board Report

Chairwoman Ruth Chang reminded the members of the goals of UCAC; performance, education and support of UCCE. In support of UCCE, the board approved funds to supplement Bill Ganz' salary, to purchase music, and to subsidize students on tour. In return, UCAC gains the use of the facilities, the services of our director and a pool of potential new members (graduates of UCCE).

The Board has initiated 4 new programs to enhance these goals.

1. A pre-professional internship for singers. Interns would be paid a participation stipend and would be exempt from dues.

2. Waiver of dues for all UCAC officers

3. A restricted fund for improvements to CRH

4. A commemoration of Ronnie Gravitz. A committee will meet to determine the appropriate form that would best show our appreciation.  Members who agreed to serve on the committee are:  Jo Lafler, Katie Woodruff, Julie Goldman, Jody Ames, Ed Eng and Ken Wait.

Board member Doug Raymond reinforced the mission of supporting UCCE and extolled the virtues of eScrip and encouraged members to obtain an eScrip VISA card to increase support.

Treasurer's Report

Treasurer Eric Miller was unable to attend. Cathy Thompson presented Eric's report. The chorus is in good financial shape with over $20,000 in the bank.  Generally, expenses were similar to last year while individual donations down over last year.

UCAC has donated, or will donate by year end, approximately $12,000 to UCCE.  Donations are from a combination of dues ($5,000+), UCCE donation for Bill Ganz/other support ($5,000), eScrip ($1,500) and other donations/fund raising ($1,000).  

UCAC continues to operate in a cash positive manner so that there is never a need to rely on credit or incur service charges for operating costs. However, being a not-for-profit dictates that we generally maintain a cash-flow neutral position.

Music Director's Report

Mark indicated that plans are still open for the 2005-2006 season, though he expects to focus on smaller scale works. UCAC continues to strengthen relationships with the UC Music Department, Cal Performances, Berkeley Opera and Berkeley Symphony.  As a result, UCAC has many more options for performance and collaboration.

Mark noted that UCAC will participate as the chorus for Berkeley Opera's production of MacBeth.  He anticipates a core of 30 singers participating in all four performances plus an additional 30 singers who are able to commit to 2 performances each.

Chorus Manager's Report

Cathy reported that UCAC has a current roster of approximately 92 singers. She recognized the efforts of co-concert officers Joshua Cairns, Virginia Lew and Virginia Lew during the past year, made especially challenging without the use of Hertz Hall.  She thanked the current appointed officers for their hard work this year – Librarian Bari Cornet, Historian Laura Graham, and Sections Leaders Karen Moore/Toni Dine, Jo Lafler/Cricket Evans, Monte Meyer and Gary Smith.

Cathy also thanked the clothing committee for all their work in finalizing the new UCAC concert dress approved by the board this year.

Old Business – None

New Business

Tour Manager Judy Roberts discussed preliminary options for a 2006 or 2007 tour (France/Spain, Great Britain, Romania/Bulgaria, Scandinavia or South America).  Members received a summary of these options and a survey to be returned by February 15, 2005 (copies attached).

Meeting Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned by Cathy Thompson at 4:22 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine L. Less, Secretary Elect

For Eric L. Miller, Secretary-Treasurer