OU orchestra and chamber music club
Minutes of the annual general meeting held on Tuesday 8th
November 2011
In attendance: Sue Pearce, Anne Pegg, Toby Hill, Anne Forbes, Brian Crutchley,
Allan Jones, Dennis Pim, Martin Ferns, Tessa Holden (minutes), Margaret
Woodward, Tim Hunt, Steve Potter (treasurer), Laurence Holden (chair)
Apologies: David Massey, Jane Fransella, Heather Fleck, Dave Houtton, Elaine
Moore (secretary)
Minutes of the last AGM
Minutes of the last AGM held 2nd November 2010 – accepted (Tim Hunt/ Toby Hill)
Chair’s report
Laurence reported that the October 2011 concert especially had been eventful, but had
been a great success in the end.
The orchestra performed Meistersingers Prelude and Brahms 2nd Symphony in May
2011 conducted by Hugh.
October 2011’s concert comprised Pirates of the Caribbean and Dvorak Cello
concerto. Particular thanks were due to the young musicians – Bart Lafollette (cello
soloist), Thomas Carroll (conductor of Dvorak cello concerto) and Dennis Pim
(Pirates of the Caribbean). The conductors had stepped in at the last minute due to
Hugh’s indisposition. Thanks were also due to the orchestra, for attending extra
rehearsal time.
The orchestra was as productive as usual - there were several babies due in the near
future and Clari Gosling (clarinet) had just given birth to Frederick.
The orchestra was amazed by Hugh’s seemingly limitless stock of music, and was
very grateful to him for letting the orchestra play it.
Hugh and committee members were currently considering repertoire for 2012. There
could be scope for orchestra members to help in planning music for future concerts.
Music chosen has to be:
1. Short enough to be performed in a hour’s lunchbreak
2. Within the capabilities of the orchestra in the rehearsal time available.
3. Have interest for all sections of a symphony orchestra
4. Be affordable – music within copyright is often outside the OU Orchestra’s
budget.
Laurence thanked all the current committee members for their considerable hard work
during the year. They had kept the orchestra running by organising meetings, booking
rooms, being responsible for music and folders, publicising the concert, organising the
front of house, collecting subscriptions, making sure the orchestra had money for its
activities, creating and maintaining the website and online register. Laurence also
thanked Martin Ferns, who, although not a committee member, produced excellent
posters and programmes.
Laurence also thanked Heather for her continuing to be an inspiring leader of the
orchestra.
He had noticed that at least two senior members of the OU had attended the last
concert. This, and the fact that one of those had helped publicise the concert on the
Intranet News, helped to raise the profile of the orchestra/
Treasurer’s report
Steve presented his accounts which were accepted (Tessa Holden / Tim Hunt). He
mentioned the grant from the OU was similar to last year. Some of last year’s
expenditure (in particular conductor’s fees) had been carried forward to this year –
hence the apparent greater expenditure this year. Although the October concert had
apparently incurred greater expense by having to book Graham Reid for the Friday
rehearsal before the concert, and then Thomas Carroll for the concert, the extra over
what had been budgeted was only about £100. Some of the small reserve had been
used to cover this – and it had also been offset by savings in other areas.
Steve suggested that the fees remain at £15 this year (proposed by Martin Ferns,
seconded by Margaret Woodward).
Steve also presented his budget for the coming year.
Comments on Treasurer’s report
Toby observed that the cost of running the orchestra was tiny compared to the return
it gave to the OU. The turnover is approximately £3000 a year.
The orchestra would like to perform Malcolm Arnold’s 5th symphony next concert,
but the cost of hiring it is prohibitive. Steve will make enquiries about a
supplementary grant to help cover this expense.
MK Music Service still gives considerable help to the orchestra (e.g. percussion and
music hire, advice, publicity for the concert etc). Laurence expressed the orchestra’s
thanks for this assistance.
Election of Chair, Treasurer and Secretary.
Laurence Holden will continue as Chair, Steve Potter as Treasurer and Elaine Moore
as Secretary.
The other committee members are also prepared to continue:
Orchestra manager- Tessa Holden
Room bookings – Allan Jones
Publicity and programmes – Jane Fransella
Membership and subscriptions – David Massey
Librarian – Brian Crutchley
Website and online register – Tim Hunt
Concerts manager – Ian Every
Assistant librarian and other activities – Neil Herrington
Margaret Woodward and Sue Pearce will also join the committee.
The constitution names the conductor and leader as ex officio committee members.
They may choose whether or not to attend committee meetings