Constitution of the Guild

NOTE: in the following regulations, the pronoun 'he' shall, unless the context dictates to the contrary, be read as including 'she'.

The name of the Society shall be the “THE OXFORD GUILD OF MUSICIANS” hereafter referred to as the Guild.

The Guild shall actively promote and encourage excellence in all fields of musical study, notably in the research, composition and performance of music.

The Guild shall encourage the association of musicians through its membership and the achievement of professional recognition through its examinations.

The membership of the Guild shall comprise:

(a) FELLOWS (by examination, honoris causa, or jure dignitatis), LICENTIATES, ASSOCIATES and CERTIFICATE holders by examination who have subscribed the appropriate and current fee.

(b) SUBSCRIBING MEMBERS, who shall be in sympathy with the aims of the Guild;

(c) CORPORATE MEMBERS, who shall subscribe to the Guild as determined by Council.

(d) HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS, who shall be primarily non-musicians who have made a significant contribution to the Guild as determined by Council.

All of the above members are eligible to vote at the Annual General Meeting.

Anyone having reached the age of sixteen years and supporting the aims of the Guild may apply for membership. Such applications will be submitted to Council where they will be subject to discussion and a vote. Election to membership is by a simple majority in Council.

 Subscribing Members shall pay such annual subscription as Council shall determine from time to time, in exchange for which they shall be entitled to receive such publications and other mailings of the Society as Council sees fit, and to attend the Annual General Meeting. A Member who has fallen into arrears in payment of subscription shall cease to hold that status.

All Certificate, Diploma and Honorary Life Members may use the post-nominal designations as listed below and wear the Guild's academicals.

Fellow – FOGM; Licentiate – LOGM; Associate – AOGM; Certificate – CertOGM; Honorary Life Member – HonOGM.

A Subscribing Member may apply to take the Guild’s examinations. Such applications shall be made in the first instance to the Registrar and then referred to the Chief Examiner for approval. Any subscribing member may apply to take the Certificate or Associate examination. Applications for entry to the Licentiate and Fellowship examinations can be made only upon successful completion of the Associateship diploma.

The Guild may admit, subject to prior consideration by Council, to Fellowship honoris causa any person who has made an outstanding contribution to any area falling within the aims and objectives of the Guild.

Management of the Guild shall be by a Council, elected annually by the Fellowship. The body shall comprise the Warden, the four Officers and seven other Fellows. The following officers (Provost, Registrar, Chief Examiner, Treasurer, Publications and Publicity Officer) shall be elected from the members of the Council. The Provost and Officers shall constitute the Standing Committee which shall oversee the day to day running of the Guild. Other posts may be created as need arises which shall be filled by co-option.

In the event of a member resigning from Council, the post may be filled by co-option, but the person so co-opted shall be subject to election by the Fellowship at the next General Meeting.

In the case of the election to Council of a person who is not a Fellow at the time, he shall be created a Fellow de jure.

Council shall have executive discretionary power over all matters relating to the Guild.

The duties of the several Officers shall be as follows:

(a) Provost: shall chair all Standing Committee, Council Meetings and other ordinary and extra-ordinary meetings of the Guild; shall be concerned with the promotion and well-being of the Guild; and shall admit new Fellows honoris causa and jure dignitatis and present diploma or certificate awards to successful candidates;

(b) Registrar: shall act as secretary to meetings of the Standing Committee, Council and other meetings of the Guild as required; he shall be responsible for the keeping and maintaining of the Roll of Members, including details of work submitted and accepted for awards; he shall present new Fellows honoris causa or de jure to the Provost for admission (and successful candidates for awards by examination); he shall receive and process applications for membership; shall ensure that all Regulations are met and with the Treasurer, ensure that all subscriptions are paid up to date and all examination fees paid; shall oversee ceremonial events;

(c) Chief Examiner: shall oversee the conduct of written and practical examinations and all works submitted for diploma and certificate examinations; shall advise on the format and content of examinations and regulations; shall be responsible to the Registrar for the keeping of a record of work submitted and accepted for examination;

(d) Treasurer: shall have responsibility for the Guild's finances; shall set up and maintain a bank account, and shall present each year properly audited accounts to the Annual General Meeting;

(f) Publications and Publicity Officer: shall promote awareness and encourage membership of the Guild through such publicity and advertising as approved by the Standing Committee or Council; shall act as Press Officer; shall oversee the maintenance of the website; shall edit any occasional publications, including the newsletter, of the Guild;

The PROVOST shall be elected by the Fellows. He shall be elected for a period of FIVE years, and may be re-elected for subsequent terms.

 One or more PATRONS may be elected by the Fellows if so desired. If not already a Fellow, he shall be created a Fellow jure dignitatis.

Meetings shall be held from time to time, at which papers shall be presented for discussion. The public may be admitted. There shall be at least one General Meeting every year. This General Meeting shall be the Sovereign Body of the Guild. Other meetings may be held as decided by Council.

The Guild may, subject to approval by Council, affiliate itself to other organizations which promote the study of Music.

This Constitution, having been once ratified at a General Meeting of the Guild, may only be altered by a further General Meeting called for that purpose following prior notification of any changes.

Any member whose conduct is deemed to cause the Guild to be brought into disrepute shall be subject to investigation and such disciplinary action as Council shall deem fit. In serious cases this may lead to removal from the Roll of Members and/or deprivation of any diploma award. In all such cases the member in question shall have the right of presenting a defence to Council, however, Council’s decision having been reached by a vote and securing a two-thirds majority, shall be final.

On ceremonial occasion Officers shall wear such robes as shall be determined by Council.

20th August, 2006.