Mission & Bylaws

FCO violin section in rehearsal
March 2023, photo Miranda Deblauwe

Mission Statement

  • To provide an avenue for the extension of musical studies and lifetime enrichment for instrumentalists of all ages and expertise.
  • To study and prepare orchestral repertoire through regular rehearsals and free performances for the general public.
  • To supply musical accompaniment for special events to benefit both the musicians and the audience.

Principles

  • The FCO exists as an outlet for the players. The players’ needs will drive policy decisions, before the concerns of the audience or the music director.
  • There will be a board for legal purposes and for the purpose of (1) managing the Music Director and concertmaster (including hiring, firing, and pay), (2) enacting changes to the by-laws via majority vote, and (3) for decisions regarding the day-to-day operations of the FCO, with the help of additional volunteers.
  • The Board shall maintain a Players’ Handbook that defines all FCO policies not covered by the Principles and By-Laws. The Handbook may be modified by a majority vote of the Board.
  • The organization will be run as inexpensively as possible, playing primarily music available for free, and for which performance fees are not required.
  • Since the FCO exists for the players, the players bear the following responsibilities:
    • Funding: The FCO shall be funded through membership contributions, and occasional payments for services. Full orchestra members are requested to contribute $50 per concert cycle, to the extent they feel they can (tax deductible).
    • Music: Members will print their own parts from IMSLP and will bring them each week.
    • Stands: The FCO owns minimal equipment, so members will bring their own stands.
    • Setting up: FCO has no stage manager, so members are expected to help set up their chairs and return the room to its original state before they leave.
  • Section organization: The only named principal player will be the concertmaster. The concertmaster will be selected by agreement between the Music Director and the Board. Each section shall be self-organizing according to the principles outlined in the Players Handbook. The intent is to provide opportunities for players that they may not be able to find anywhere else. We encourage all sections to rotate parts for a single piece or concert, in order to create maximum inclusiveness. Any player in any section, who is qualified, should have the opportunity to play 1st chair, and that position should be freely rotated.

Bylaws

Flatirons Community Orchestra
December 26, 2011 – updated August 2, 2023

ARTICLE I – Name.

The name of this organization shall be “Flatirons Community Orchestra” hereinafter referred to as the “FCO.”

ARTICLE II – Membership.

Any person who plays a string, brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument may request to be a member of FCO. Auditions are not required for any members except for the concertmaster. Wind positions will be filled as needed via an informal trial period wherein the player sits in with the section for several rehearsals and is accepted for membership upon agreement of the Music Director and other section members.

ARTICLE III – Purpose.

The purpose of the organization shall be twofold: (1) to provide an opportunity for those members of the community who have an interest in instrumental music to participate in an organization with others during their leisure time, and (2) to provide music for public occasions such as benefits for charitable or civic organizations and public gatherings.

ARTICLE IV – Limits.

The FCO shall not engage in any activities not consistent with maintaining an organization exempt from Federal income tax under the Internal Revenue Code nor shall it engage in any activities prohibited by law. Even though the FCO will participate in a variety of civic functions, it will not align with any political, religious or ethnic causes.

ARTICLE V – Meetings.

  • Annual meeting. The FCO shall hold a membership meeting each year. The President shall call the meeting and shall designate the time and place of such meeting. The members present shall constitute a quorum. 
  • Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the President as needed. 
  • Votes. Each member of the FCO in attendance shall have one vote. 
  • Board of Directors Meetings. The Board will meet regularly, and the meetings shall be open to all FCO members.

ARTICLE VI – Board.

  • Positions. The Board shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and other members willing to take on leadership responsibilities. The Board shall consist of an odd number of members. The majority of the Board membership shall be filled by active members of the FCO. A minority of Board positions may be filled by interested community members who are willing to be active participants in the work of the FCO.
  • Election. The Board shall be elected by the orchestra members at the annual meeting.
  • Positions. The Board shall vote on its officer positions after each annual election. 

ARTICLE VII – Music Director.

The Music Director of the FCO will be filled at the discretion of the Board.

Article VII – Changes to the Bylaws

Changes to the Bylaws shall be accomplished by a simple majority of the Board. Voting may be performed in person, by phone, or by email.