Bylaws of the
Northern San Diego County Branch
Music Teachers' Association of California
(revised 12/09 and approved 5/10)

Article 1 - Name

The name of this nonprofit association shall be THE MUSIC TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA, NORTHERN SAN DIEGO COUNTY BRANCH.

Article ll - Purposes

The purposes of this Association shall be the promotion of musical culture and the pursuit of excellence in the field of music education. The Music Teachers’ Association, Northern San Diego Branch, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, shall not discriminate. The Branch will make every effort to accommodate students with special needs in order to make participation in state programs accessible and available to them.

Article lll - Membership

Section 1. The members of this Association shall be qualified persons who have been duly elected by majority vote of the State Board of Directors. Membership shall be divided into seven classes: Active Teacher member, Provisional member, Business Affiliate member, Student member, Collegiate member, Life member, and Honorary Life member.

Section 2. Membership shall be granted only by the State Board of Directors. Application shall be made directly to the State Office.

Section 3. Each application for membership shall be made upon a form prescribed by the State Board of Directors.

Section 4. Active Teacher Membership shall be granted to qualified music teachers who have a Bachelor, Master or Doctorate degree in Music from an accredited institution, or the equivalent thereof, indicating a major or concentration in the instrument they teach, and who are actively engaged in the profession of teaching music with a minimum of two years of music teaching experience

Section 5. Provisional Membership shall be granted to those persons offering satisfactory evidence of the intention and ability to qualify for Active Teacher membership within a three-year period. If more time is needed to fulfill requirements, the Provisional member may apply in writing to the State Membership secretary for a two-year extension and the request will be presented to the State Board of Directors for consideration of approval.

Section 6. Business Affiliate Membership may be approved for nonteaching persons, such as firms and institutions interested in supporting the Purposes of the Association as defined in Article II of this document.

Section 7. Student Membership shall be open to all college students currently pursuing a Bachelor degree in Music or equivalent thereof. Student members shall be entitled to the same privileges as Active Teacher members, but shall not have the right to vote or hold office. Membership in this class shall not exceed a period of eight years.

Section 8. Collegiate Membership shall be open to all college students currently pursuing a Bachelor, Master or Doctorate degree in Music at an accredited California institution with a formally recognized collegiate chapter. Collegiate members shall be entitled to the same privileges as Active Teacher members including voting and holding Collegiate Chapter office, but may not vote in State Level elections or hold State Office. Membership in this class shall not exceed a period of eight years.
Section 9. Life Membership, with all the privileges of Active Teacher membership, shall be granted to each State President upon completion of the term of office.

Section 10. Honorary Life Membership may be conferred by the MTAC Board of Directors.

Section 11. Contributory Membership. An Active Teacher member may become a Contributory member in one other Branch of the Association.

Section 12. Branch Transfers. Any member in good standing may transfer from one Branch to another. Branch transfers must occur between April 16 and August 31 of the same year.

Section 13. Voting, Holding Office. All members of the Association in good standing shall be eligible to participate in the activities of the Association, but only Active Teacher members are eligible to vote and hold office.

Section 14. Resignations shall be submitted in writing to the Northern San Diego County Board of Directors. The Branch Membership Secretary shall notify the State Office and the State Membership Secretary of the membership resignation. For a member to resign in good standing, all current dues and fees owed to the Branch and the State shall be paid.

Section 15. Suspension or Revocation of Membership. The State Board of Directors, by a two-thirds vote, may suspend or revoke the membership of any member violating the Bylaws or acting in a manner harmful to the Association.

Section 16. Good Standing. To be a member in good standing, all monetary fees and dues must be current with both the State and the Branch.

Section 17. Reinstatement. A former Active Teacher member in good standing may apply for reinstatement upon a form prescribed by the State Board of Directors.

Article IV - Offcers

Section 1. Elected Officers. The elected officers of the Northern San Diego County Branch shall be as follows: President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and Membership Secretary.

Section 2. Appointed Officers. The appointed officers of the Northern San Diego County Branch shall be as follows: First Director, Second Director, Third Director and Fourth Director. Said officers are to be appointed by the President-Elect.

Section 3. Nominating Committee. A Nominating Committee of three members shall be chosen by the Board of Directors at the February meeting. It shall be the duty of this committee to nominate a slate of officers to be voted on at the annual meeting in May, at which time additional nominations from the floor shall be permitted.

Section 4. Term of Office. The officers shall be elected by voice to serve for a two-year term or until their successors are elected, and their terms of office shall coincide with the fiscal year (August 1-July 31). The officers shall be installed at the June meeting.

Section 5. No member shall hold more than one office at a time. No officer shall be elected to the same term of office for two consecutive terms. Exception may be made for the officer of Treasurer and Membership Secretary, who may be re-elected for one additional term.

Section 6. Any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by the Board of Directors, at any time. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Directors or to the President or

Secretary. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of receipt of such notice or at any later date
specified therein.

Article V - General Duties of Officers

Section 1. President
(a) The President shall be the principal officer of the Association and shall, subject to the control of the State
Board of Directors, have general supervision, direction and control of the business, activities, and officers of
the Branch Association.
(b) The President shall preside at all meetings of the members and at all meetings of the Branch Board.
(c) The President shall have the power to appoint all committees, shall be ex-officio member of all Standing
Committees, except the Nominating Committee, and shall have the general powers and duties usually vested
in the office of president of a corporation together with such other powers and duties as may be prescribed
by the State Board of Directors or the Bylaws.
(d) The President shall represent the Branch in all inter-Branch or inter-Community activities. The President
Elect shall be the first delegate to the annual MTAC convention. Other delegates will be in-coming officers
in order of position on the Board. The Standing Board must approve delegates.
(e) The President is responsible for the overall plan for the Association's activities with the approval of the
Board of Directors.
(f) The President shall have ability to sign checks, along with the Treasurer. One signature is required.
(g) The President shall appoint the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Directors.
(h) The President shall be responsible to keep the branch website updated. The President may appoint someone
to do this who has computer skills. The website also must have an administrator appointed by the President.

Section 2. 1st Vice President
(a) In the absence or disability of the President, the 1st Vice President shall perform all the duties of the President and, when so acting, shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the President.
(b) The 1st Vice President shall have such other powers and perform such duties as from time to time may be
prescribed by the State Board of Directors, or by the Bylaws.
(c) The 1st Vice President will primarily be responsible for establishing public relations and shall act as
the public relations chairperson, subject to the approval of the President and the Board of Directors.
(d) The 1st Vice President will be responsible for all membership communication (primarily e-mail) and work
with Membership Secretary to keep membership list and e-mail addresses current.

Section 3. 2nd Vice President
(a) In the absence of disability of the 1st Vice President, the 2nd Vice President shall perform all
the duties of the 1st Vice President.
(b) The 2nd Vice President shall act as Program Chairperson, subject to approval of the President and the Board of Directors.
(c) The 2nd Vice President shall arrange for the facilities for Branch activities.

Section 4. Treasurer
(a) The Treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct accounts of
the properties and business transactions of the Association, including accounts of its assets, liabilities,
receipts, disbursements, gains and losses.
(b) The Treasurer shall deposit or cause to be deposited all moneys and other valuables in the name and to the
credit of the Association with such depositories as may be designated by the State Board of Directors or
Branch Board and shall render to the Board, whenever said Board shall request, an account of all transactions as Treasurer and the financial condition of the Association.
(c) The Treasurer shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as prescribed by the State Board
of Directors or the Branch Board or Bylaws.
(d) The Treasurer shall perform all duties of the President in the absence of the President and Vice Presidents.

(e) The Treasurer shall receive all moneys and make proper disbursements under the direction of the Board of
Directors.
(f) The Treasurer shall sign all Branch checks. (Or, the Branch President can sign). One signature is
required.
(g) The Treasurer will prepare an annual financial report and submit it to the Auditing Committee by July 10,
with copies to the President and Recording Secretary, and will mail the approved annual financial report to
the State Office on official forms on or before August 15 of each year.

Section 5. Recording Secretary
(a) The Recording Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, a Book of Minutes of all meetings of directors and
members.
(b) The Recording Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the members and of the
Board of Directors and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by
the State Board of Directors, Branch Board or Bylaws.
(c) The Recording Secretary shall perform all duties of the President in the absence of the President, Vice
Presidents, and the Treasurer.
(d) The Recording Secretary shall keep accurate records of all meetings and keep attendance records.
(e) The Recording Secretary shall keep on file all official reports, including reports by the Treasurer and
Chairpersons. Said reports are to be maintained for a period of three years.
(f) The Recording Secretary shall attend to all business correspondence under the direction of the President.
(g) The Recording Secretary shall notify each member of the Board of Directors of the time and place of each
Board Meeting.

Section 6. Membership Secretary
(a) The Membership Secretary is responsible for the supervision of the Membership Program of the MTAC.
(b) The Membership Secretary shall encourage new memberships and induction into Active Membership status.
(c) The Membership Secretary shall keep "forever" all membership records and verifications of membership
acceptance.
(d) The Membership Secretary will keep an accurate record of current paid memberships and status on hand at
all times. (This is necessary for determining teacher-student eligibility for Branch activities).
(e) The Membership Secretary shall be responsible to keep the membership address and e-mail address list
current and accurate.

Section 7. Directors
(a) Directors shall attend all Board meetings or give notice of absence to the presiding officers.
(b) Directors shall act in advisory capacity to the officers.
(c) First Director (Past President) shall act as an advisor to the President.
(d) Second, Third, and Fourth Director shall do specific duties as requested by the President and/or Board.

Section 8. Retiring officers shall transfer to the new officers all records, books, funds, and other materials pertaining to their respective officers by July 31 of each year.

Article VI - Board of Directors

Section 1. The Board of Directors of the North San Diego County Branch shall consist of the elected and appointed officers.

Section 2. The Board of Directors shall have the power to make and devise measures for conducting the business of the Branch, subject to the approval of the Branch Membership.

Section 3. The Board of Directors shall meet upon request of the President or the request of two members of the Board with at least 5 days notice.

Section 4. A quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of six officers.

Section 5. Vacancies on the Board of Directors shall be filled by a vote of the Board within thirty days of the vacancy.

Section 6. The Board of Directors shall authorize all expenditures made by the Branch.

Section 7. The Board of Directors must submit all expenditures in excess of $2,500.00 to the Branch Membership for authorization.

Section 8. The Board of Directors shall appoint a financial auditor or a three-person Auditing Committee one month prior to the final meeting of the year (in May). This financial report is to be mailed by the Treasurer to the State office on or before August 15.

Section 9. The Board of Directors shall appoint a three-person Nominating Committee in February. Their report shall be presented to the Board prior to (or at) the April Board meeting.

Section 10. At least four Board Meetings will be held during the year at a site designated by the President. The first meeting will be held in September or October (prior to the first General Meeting); the second in January (prior to CM); the third after CM; and the fourth in late April or early May.

Section 11. Any director may resign effective upon giving written notice to the President, the Secretary or the Board of Directors, unless the notice specifies a later time for the effectiveness of such resignation. Directors may be removed without cause by a majority of the Directors then in office.

Section 12. The Branch Board of Directors shall receive no remuneration for the performance of their duties, except for reasonable reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of regular duties approved by the Board. Directors may receive reasonable compensation, however, if they service the Branch in any capacity other than Directors, upon the proper disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest, and upon approval by the Board.

Article VII – Committees

Section 1. The special Committees shall be the Nominating Committee and the Auditing Committee.

Section 2. An Auditing Committee (or appointed financial auditor) shall be appointed by the Board of Directors with the approved financial report sent to the State Office on or before August 15 of each year.

Section 3. A three-person Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the Board of Directors in February. Their report shall be made to the Board prior to the April meeting.

Section 4. The President shall fill vacancies on a committee with the approval of the Board. A person elected to fill a vacancy as provided by this Section shall hold office until the next annual election of the Board of Directors or until his or her death, resignation, or removal from office.

Section 5. Any committee member may be removed, either with or without cause, by the Board of Directors, at any time. Any committee member may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Directors or to the President or Secretary. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of receipt of such notice or at any later date specified therein.

Article VIII - Duties of Members

Section 1. Every member of the Branch is expected to attend a minimum of two meetings during the current year.

Section 2. Every member is expected to contribute time and labor to the duties of the Association in order to maintain a high standard of productivity and to assure the Association's continued contribution to the community.

Section 3. Every member is expected to serve as a board member, director, festival chair or co-chair, festival assistant, CM chair, or any other position of responsibility in the branch. Member must be willing to consider serving in these positions at some point during their membership in this branch and be willing to learn the requirements of these jobs.

Article IX - Meetings

Section 1. A minimum number of three regular meetings shall be held at designated times and places. The first regular meeting will be held in September or October; a second in January or February (prior to CM); the third meeting, known as the Annual Meeting, shall be held in late May or early June. Special meetings may be called by the President or by the written request of five Active Teacher Members provided at least five days notice are given to all members.

Section 2. A quorum of members of this Branch shall consist of twenty members. (In lieu of a quorum of the membership, major decisions may be made by a quorum of the Board of Directors.)

Section 3. The Annual Meeting shall be held for the purpose of presenting the elected officers, receiving reports of officers and committees, and for any other business that may arise.

Article X - Fees and Dues

Section 1. Application Fees. Each new applicant shall pay a nonrefundable State Association fee. Student Members are exempt until they apply for Active Membership.

Section 2. Dues.
(a) The State Board of Directors shall set the amount of dues to be paid for all categories of membership and the amount of all other fees.
(b) Each member shall pay both State Association and Branch dues annually to the State Office.
(c) An Active Teacher member, upon reaching the age of 70 and upon a one-time application to the State Board
of Directors, may thereafter be allowed to pay half the normal State Association dues, maintaining all rights
of Active Teacher membership.
(d) Dues will be waived for a member who has reached age 80, and has been an Active member in good standing for at least ten years.
(e) Dues advanced by an applicant for membership shall be returned immediately if the application is denied.

Section 3. Delinquencies. Annual dues are due upon receipt of invoice and must be postmarked no later than July 31, in order to have membership listed in the State Directory. Membership dues not postmarked by July 31st result in forfeiture of membership.

Section 4. Reinstatement. Application for membership from a person who was a previous member of the Association shall be handled as follows: membership may be restored upon payment of a reinstatement fee and all dues for the current year to the branch where membership terminated. The applicant must contact the State Office Membership Coordinator to receive the prescribed form for reinstatement.

Article XI - Relationship with the State Association

Section 1. The Northern San Diego County Branch shall be represented at the Annual Meeting of the Association by the official delegates, one delegate for each 25 (or fraction thereof) Active Teacher members whose current dues are paid. Voting at the business meeting shall be by Delegate vote only. Any other Active Teacher member may have a voice in the discussions of the Association.

Section 2. These bylaws and amendments of these bylaws shall be in conformity with the State Bylaws and must be submitted to the State Board of Directors for approval before they may become operative. When a State Bylaw amendment or revision affects Branch Bylaws, or produces a lack of conformity with the Branch Bylaws, the Branch Bylaws shall be revised as needed and submitted to the State Board of Directors for approval.

Section 3. The Northern San Diego County Branch has no authority to incur any indebtedness or contract any obligations which might be construed or could be considered a liability to the State Association.

Section 4. The Northern San Diego County Branch shall have the same fiscal year as the State Association, from August l through July 31, and shall send financial reports to the MTAC State Office on official forms on or before August 15 of each year.

Section 5. The Northern San Diego County Branch shall defend and indemnify the Music Teachers' Association of California and its officers, directors, agents and employees and save them harmless from and against any and all liability, damages, costs, or expenses, including attorney's fees, arising from any act, omission or negligence by the Branch, or its officers, directors, employees or agents, arising from any claim of any nature whatsoever.

Section 6. The branch Board of Directors shall allocate an appropriate sum from the branch treasury whenever possible to assist the authorized branch delegates in their expenses for attending official State meetings.

Section 7. Permissions
(a) Branches may use the name of the Music Teachers’ Association of California on their stationery or promotional literature as long as they designate the branch name also and do not hold the branch out as an agent or representative of the entire State organization.
(b) The Branch or State Membership mailing list, in any form, may only be used for music-related purposes.

Article XII- Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern this Branch in all cases where they apply and where they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws and any special rules of order that the State Association may adopt.

Article XIII - Amendment of Bylaws

These Bylaws may be amended by a 2/3 vote at a regular meeting, provided that there is a quorum and the amendment has been submitted in writing to all Active Teacher members by mail at least two weeks prior to the meeting.