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Bylaws - Constitution - Code of Ethics

Constitution

Article I. NAME 


The name of the 501(c)(3) non-profit association is the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association – Indiana Chapter (hereinafter referred to as IMTA or the Chapter), an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National Association (hereinafter referred to as PMTA and MTNA).

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Article II. PURPOSE AND INTENT


Section 1. The purposes for which this Chapter is organized and operated are exclusively literary and educational, as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended.  The mission of this Chapter shall be the advancement of education in music, and in specific furtherance thereof –

  • To promote the professional growth and development of members by providing programs that encourage and support teaching, performance, composition and research;


  • To provide ongoing performance and educational opportunities for members and students:

  • To promote the study, performance and creation of music endeavors in the community;


  • To promote public awareness of the benefits of lifelong learning in music.

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Section 2. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this document, the organization shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3)  of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.


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Section 3. In the event of the dissolution of this organization, any funds remaining in the treasury after the payment of outstanding debts shall be contributed in equal parts to Indiana University of PA and to the PMTA state organization.

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Article III. MEMBERSHIP


Section 1. Membership classifications and privileges shall be prescribed in the Bylaws.



Section 2. Dues shall be proposed by the Executive Committee and approved by a quorum of the membership.


Section 3. Membership in the Chapter may be terminated as prescribed in the Bylaws.

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Article IV. ELECTED OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 


Section 1. Elected Officers of the Chapter shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.


Section 2. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the elected officers and Past-President; and they shall make recommendations to the membership regarding policy and procedures.


Section 3. The Board of Directors shall be composed of elected officers, the Past-President and Committee Chairs.


Section 4. The President, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, shall appoint the necessary committees and chairs, and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.


Section 5. Special meetings of the Chapter Executive Committee may be called by the President.



Section 6. Special meetings of the Chapter or the Board of Directors may be called by the President or the Executive Committee.



Section 7. One-fourth of the membership shall constitute a quorum.  Only a quorum present at a regular meeting may institute action that affects the chapter.



Section 8. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the Chapter in all cases where they are consistent with the Constitution and Bylaws.

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Article V. AMENDMENTS


Section 1.  The Constitution or Bylaws may be amended upon the recommendation of the Executive Committee by a majority vote of the Committee.  Written notice of the proposed amendment(s) must be submitted to the membership of the Chapter at least thirty (30) days in advance of the voting meeting.



Section 2.  The Chapter membership may approve the amendment(s) by a majority of the members present.

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Article VI. PUBLICATION OF CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS 


Section 1. The Chapter Constitution and Bylaws shall be available to the membership online.

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Bylaws


Article I. MEMBERSHIP AND DUES


Section 1. Active Membership shall be open to all individuals engaged in any field of music activity.  Those persons holding Active Membership shall be entitled to participate in all Chapter activities and programs, all PMTA activities and programs and all MTNA activities and programs. They may vote, hold office and receive the Chapter publications.  Acceptance of membership includes an agreement to abide by the MTNA Code of Ethics and the Constitution and Bylaws of the Chapter.

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Section 2. Prospective members may attend two meetings, after which time they must become a paid member of PMTA/MTNA and the local chapter.

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Section 3. Annual dues are payable upon receipt of MTNA billing.  Dues must be paid by July 1, to be included in the membership list for the upcoming year. 

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Article II. ELECTION OF OFFICERS


Section 1. A Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the President to nominate Chapter officers.  The Vice President shall be the chair of this committee. The Nominating Committee shall prepare a slate of not more than two (2) candidates for each office, to be presented at the Spring meeting.


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Section 2. The members of the Chapter who are present shall elect, by a majority vote, the officers of the chapter at the Spring meeting.  Nominations from the floor shall be allowed, provided the nominee is eligible for election and has consented to be a candidate.  Election by the members must be by secret ballot, but in the event of only one nominee for an office, the President may recommend election by general consent.

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Section 3. The Vice-President, upon completion of the term of office, shall become President of the Chapter.  Should the elected Vice-President be unable to assume the presidency, a President shall be elected for that term only, in the same manner as the other officers.

Section 4. Each officer shall be elected for a term of two (2) years, but may, upon re-nomination, be re-elected for consecutive terms.

Section 5. A vacancy in any office, except that of president, shall be filled by the President in consultation with the Executive Committee. A Vice-President selected in this manner cannot assume the office of President without being elected to that office.

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Article III. DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. The President shall plan and preside at all meetings, shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee, shall appoint all committees, perform all other duties pertaining to the office and shall be responsible for overseeing the content of the monthly newsletter.

Section 2. The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in the absence or inability of that officer to act, shall assist the President when called upon, and shall serve as Publicity Chair.

Section 3. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the Chapter and the Executive Committee and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned.


Section 4. The Treasurer shall be responsible for overseeing, in cooperation with the President, all financial affairs of the Chapter.  The duties of the Treasurer are: to keep a record of receipts and expenditures; to be prepared to present a statement of financial condition of the Chapter; to serve as liaison to the Membership Chair; and to have a list of paid members. available upon request.

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Article IV. STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS 

Section 1. The president shall appoint Standing Committees and Chairs as necessary for the operation of  programs and events consistent with the purpose and intent of the Chapter as outlined in Article II, Section 1, of the constitution. Suggested Committees are as follows:
 

  • Membership: the Chair shall be responsible for keeping accurate records of membership, shall act as the primary correspondent for new or prospective members, and shall report records to state and national membership.

  • Program: the Chair shall be responsible for initiating Chapter-sponsored events, such as performances, workshops, festivals, and including any future philanthropy such as student/teacher composition contests, scholarships, et. al.

  • Publicity: the Chair shall be responsible for publicity as needed for Chapter-sponsored events.

  • Archives: the Chair shall be responsible for any library materials available for loan to members; and shall preserve all mementos and newspaper clippings pertaining to the activities of the Chapter or its members.

  • Finance: the Chair shall be responsible for overseeing the Development, Audit, Budget and Investments Committees.

  • Other: as needed

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Code of Ethics (MTNA)

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VISION AND VALUES. The mission of MTNA is to advance the value of music study and music making in society and to support the professionalism of music teachers. The mission is accomplished by members who teach with competence, act with integrity, volunteer services to MTNA programs, provide professional support for colleagues and communities, and comply with all laws and regulations that impact the music teaching profession.

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CODE OF ETHICS. The mission calls for an ethical commitment to students, colleagues, and to society.

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COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS. The teacher shall conduct the relationship with students and families in a professional manner.

  • The teacher shall respect the personal integrity and privacy of students unless the law requires disclosure.

  • The teacher shall clearly communicate the expectations of the studio.

  • The teacher shall encourage, guide and develop the musical potential of each student.

  • The teacher shall treat each student with dignity and respect, without discrimination of any kind.

  • The teacher shall respect the student’s right to obtain instruction from the teacher of his/her choice.
     

COMMITMENT TO COLLEAGUES. The teacher shall maintain a professional attitude and shall act with integrity in regard to colleagues in the profession.

  • The teacher shall respect the reputation of colleagues and shall refrain from making false or malicious statements about colleagues.

  • The teacher shall refrain from disclosing sensitive information about colleagues obtained in the course of professional service unless disclosure served a compelling professional purpose or is required by law.

  • The teacher shall participate in the student’s change of teachers with as much communication as possible between parties, while being sensitive to the privacy rights of the student and families.
     

COMMITMENT TO SOCIETY. The teacher shall maintain the highest standard of professional conduct and personal integrity.

  • The teacher shall accurately represent his/her professional qualifications.

  • The teacher shall strive for continued growth in professional competencies.

  • The teacher is encouraged to be a resource in the community.

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STATE AND NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP WEBSITES.

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Revised: Sept. 2016

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