Charter Music
MOUNT VERNON UNITARIAN CHURCCharter of the Music Committee
1. Purpose
This committee’s purpose is to serve as the primary volunteer resource to further the development and administration of a music program at MVUC which will enhance religious services and special events, stimulating as well as reflecting the overall tastes and wishes of the congregation, so that the music program at MVUC serves as a source of spiritual nourishment and inspiration to the congregation.
2. Type of Committee and Program Area
The Music Committee is a standing committee in the Worship Program Area.
3. Membership
The Music Committee consists of a committee chair appointed by the chair of the Board of Trustees, the Program Council Worship Coordinator, and committee members either elected by constituent bodies such as the choir, RE program, or youth program, or appointed by the members of the committee, such members preferably to include both choir members and non-choir members.. The Director of Music, the minister, and the chair of the Board of Trustees are advisory, non-voting members.
4. Chairperson
The chair shall serve for a term of two years, with renewal subject to approval by the Board chair. Prior to expiration of the chair's term of office, the committee shall submit to the Board chair the name of a recommended successor.
5. Activities, Duties, and Responsibilities
.To fulfill its primary function, the Music Committee will undertake the following responsibilities:
1.Provide guidance and administrative support to the Minister and the Director of Music in the selection and delivery of music to be presented at worship services
2.Enhance participation in the music program, as well as build community within the church, by offering opportunities in the music program for personal growth, musical growth, education, and fellowship.
3.Serve as a liaison to and between the Board, the Program Council, the Director of Music, the Sunday Services Committee, the minister(s), the choirs, guest speakers and performers, other committees and bodies as necessary, and the congregation in matters involving the music program at MVUC.
4.Work with and serve as a resource for the Personnel Committee on personnel matters affecting the music program, to include:
a)Analyzing MVUC's needs for professional music staff and, as needed, initiate the creation or redefinition of specific employee positions.
b)Developing and maintaining current job descriptions for the Director of Music and any other music staff.
c)Recommending to the Board terms and conditions for the employment of music staff.
d)Providing input for the annual performance reviews of the Director of Music and all other music staff.
e)Advising the Board of Trustees regarding staffing and salary decisions for the music program based on employee performance and UUMN guidelines.
5.Assistthe Director of Music in preparation of a recommended budget for MVUC's music program, including specific recommendations for allocation of expenditures, and present its recommendations in time for the Board’s consideration as they prepare the annual church budget.
6.Maintain, or assist the Director of Music to maintain, MVUC's music library and musical instruments.
7.Perform other duties specifically requested by the Board of Trustees, the Director of Music, and/or the parish minister to enrich the musical aspects of the spiritual and social life of MVUC.
6a. Authority Delegated to the Music Committee
1. Authority to monitor expenditures approved by the Music Director in accord with budget
allocations and within the amounts authorized by the Board.
2. Authority to request Board approval for special fundraisers relating to the music program.
6b. Authority Retained by the Board of Trustees
1. Authority to set annual budget allocations and to approve expenditures of the committee in
excess of its budget allotments.
2. Approval of any fundraising activity requested by the committee.
3. Approval of any contracts recommended by the committee.
7.Annual Assessment
The Committee will 1) assess its activities on an annual basis and 2) review this charter annually to reassess its adequacy and recommend any proposed changes to the BOT. This Charter has been coordinated with the Director of Music.
Primary author of the charter: Betsy Yarrison, Chair
Date this charter was reviewed and approved by the BOT:___________