*Note: The constitution is currently being revised.

The Glendon Musical Ensemble (GME) is an open and welcoming group of Glendon students, faculty and alumni who come together to study, rehearse and perform choral and instrumental music, both historical and contemporary, from different musical traditions around the world.

Mission

The first and foremost objective of the Ensemble is to introduce musically inclined Glendon students and other community members to the world's many rich musical traditions and provide these students with a forum for expressing their love of music.

A secondary objective is to both entertain and edify the Glendon community (as well as the Glendon community at large) through periodic performances.

Eligibility

In principle, membership in the Glendon Musical Ensemble is open to all Glendon community members, irrespective of race, ethnicity, sex, language, religion, musical preference or musical ability. All are welcome to attend regular GME meetings and watch and listen to the musicians at work. However, in the interest of maintaining an environment where the musicians can grow and learn from one another and provide quality performances to the Glendon community, only members with a certain minimum level of musical ability will be allowed to play or sing in the choir. The definition of "minimum musical ability" rests with the directors.

Organizational Structure

All decision-making powers within the Ensemble rest essentially with the directors.

Rights and responsibilities of the directors:

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The directors have the final say in:

1. When Ensemble meetings and performances will be held.

2. Which members will sing or play in the Ensemble.

3. What music the Ensemble will sing or play, both at rehearsals and for performances.

4. Whether a person from outside the Glendon community can become a member.

5. How Ensemble money will be spent.

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The directors are required to:

1. Accept any Glendon student as a member (without necessarily allowing them to sing or play in the Ensemble).

2. Be able to function in French and English and conduct all correspondence with members in both languages where necessary.

3. Make music available to the membership.

4. Organize performances and coordinating performance times and stage help with the appropriate persons.

5. Keep all members informed (by email or otherwise) of practice times and other key dates.

6. Prepare an operating budget for the G.C.S.U. in September, prepare submissions for funding under the Pepsi Fund and look after any other financial obligations that may arise.

7. Conduct a membership drive in early September (putting up posters, seeking opportunities to talk about the Ensemble with new students, etc.)

8. Arrange with York University or Glendon Student Housing for a location in which to meet and practice. (The standard meeting spots have been D125 Hilliard residence and Glendon Hall.)

9. Ensure that all property of the Ensemble (folders, sheet music, etc) is returned to the Director of Cultural Affairs at the end of each academic year.

Functioning

The Ensemble meets at least once a week during the academic year from the end of September to the end of March. At practices, music is distributed by the directors, who then conduct the practices as best they know how, depending on the particular skills of the musicians. Practices are conducted in both French and English, although for convenience's sake given the linguistic makeup of the group, one or the other may play a more dominant role.

There is at least one annual recital/concert given by the Ensemble. The exact date of the performance varies from year to year, as does its musical content. Of course, nothing precludes have more than one performance in any given academic year.