Dartford Township Choir

Minutes of Annual General Meeting 25th January 2017

Present COMMITTEE MEMBERS Sue Blackie (Chair) John Kingston (Treasurer) Maggie King (Secretary) John Mangold (Web Manager) Liz Paine (Venue booking liaison) Elizabeth Stevens (Newsletter Editor) Deb Stoate (Christchurch and Ken Burton link) Barbara Ring (Lead for communication with Making Music and other publications) All committee members share tasks and carry out varied and miscellaneous tasks

Choir Members Moira Rogers Val Memory

1. Welcome Sue Blackie opened the meeting and welcomed those present.

2. Apologies Carol Young and Carole Ashfield offered their apologies.

3. Minutes from last AGM Agreed

4. Chairs Report Sue gave the Chairs report outlining the projects throughout 2015/2016 and hopes and plans for 2017/2018.

Committee members introduced themselves and briefly outlined their function within the committee.

5. Financial Report John Kingston gave the Treasurers Report, outlining the financial situation and reporting to the AGM that finances are currently in a healthy position. He told the meeting that as we have been able to build up the DTC bank balance we are in a position to take a few risks with projects and to still keep the costs to the choir members low. JK explained to those present about the charitable donations we are able to make after the Sing Soul concert and the recipients of these donations - £1000 to each of three chosen charities – Jessie’s Fund, St Thomas’ Lupus Trust and the Rainbow Trust.

6. Feedback from Committee Members Committee members introduced themselves and briefly outlined their function within the committee.

Sue Blackie proposed that the committee were willing to carry on in their current roles – this was unanimously agreed with those present. 7. DTC – shape of things to come (our views of events for the next few years) SB outlined the plans we are putting in place for 2017 and beyond. Subject to confirmation from MDs we are hoping to run;

 A new Musical Director (to us) Paul Ayres will run a project in June/July covering an eclectic mix of reworked pop, classical and jazz  Michael Park will do a one day workshop for voice development and technique in May  Mike King will also run a one day workshop – this will be aimed at advanced techniques for choir members who are interested in solo parts  Miriam Crozier will do a series of classical workshops in September  Sing Soul with Mike King in November/December has been confirmed  Oxon Hoath is confirmed for September 2018  We will seek dates for Sing Gospel from Ken Burton for 2018 8. Feedback – from the committee and choir members A number of issues were raised by those present

VM explained that some choir members found Monday workshops quite difficult to attend – particularly if these are added at short notice. This has happened from time to time when Musical Directors feel that additional workshops are needed and these can only be accommodated on a Monday. We all agreed that we should make sure that scheduled Monday workshops are notified at the outset and that wherever possible additional workshops (particularly those scheduled for days other than Wednesday) should be avoided.

The issue of Sing Gospel at Christchurch was raised – regarding the lack of staged accommodation for the choir. Those present pointed out that it is almost impossible to see Ken Burton and this makes things very difficult when trying to follow him. It was agreed that the arrangement Mike King had of directing choir members where to sit was much better – this way the height of those taking part can be taken into consideration – making sure the smallest do not end up at the back. It was agreed to speak to Ken about adopting this method for Sing Gospel but also to investigate whether we can organise the seating differently at the church and whether the cameras can be better placed to enable choir members to see Ken on the screen.

There was some discussion about having two concerts after some projects. We have done this once and it was very successful. The committee did point out that this was quite costly and it was doubtful whether we could manage a full second audience – mostly friends and relatives come to concerts and these are easily accommodated at the main concert (we have never needed to turn anyone away). VM and MR suggested we might try for a slot at the Dartford Town Festival in July. This has a community stage for performers and is a free event. It was explained that we would have to secure the services of a Musical Director so there would be a cost associated with this but nevertheless we would have a look at this suggestion and find out details.

VM talked about the ‘flashmob’ she arranged at Bluewater after Sing Soul in 2015 – this was very successful and good fun. Those choir members who attended felt it was good way to have another opportunity to sing some of the numbers they had rehearsed and performed with Mike King. The Southbank also gave choir members an opportunity to do this.

There was some discussion about arranging another recording session with Mike King after the 2017 series of workshops. It was felt this would be very welcome by the Sing Soul choir. Committee members will discuss this with MK.

Those who attended the meeting felt that the mix of events and where they were placed in the year was a good mix and worked well for choir members. With a good mixture choir members could choose to try different things or stick to their favourites. There are also opportunities for voice workshops to improve technique and presentation.

There was some discussion about suitable venues for the Choir. SB explained to those present that we are always on the lookout for alternative venues – in case those we use currently cannot accommodate at any time. MR thought it might be worth us investigation the conference centre and other facilities that have sprung up around the QE2 bridge in Dartford. It was agreed that we would investigate the feasibility of this.

There was a long discussion about the application process for various projects. MR explained that she had been really unlucky about getting her application included for Sing Soul even thought she had posted quickly – it still arrived 6 days later after the list was closed. We talked about the ‘first come first served’ system and that the committee did feel it was the fairest way to deal with this. MR put forward an idea to allow those on the waiting list to go on a priority list for future projects and to be given first choice until they took up a project. The committee explained that would be a lot of extra work but would also disadvantage other choir members – particularly new ones which we positively welcome and hope will increase diversity in the choir membership.

MK pointed out that about 50% of applications are delivered by hand and that each envelope is numbered as it arrives – all this is dealt with in the fairest possible way.

MR also put forward the idea of sending the Newsletter and application form out on a Monday (not Friday or at the week-end) we all felt this was a good idea and would enable choir members to get their applications in the post immediately.

After much discussions we agreed that  Newsletter will go out on a Monday  We will make sure the website informs choir members when the Newsletter and application will go out  We will give choir members at least 6 weeks notice of projects wherever possible

Sue Blackie thanked everyone for attending – the meeting closed at 9.00pm