Top Shelf Vocal: Magna Carta
Top Shelf Vocal is a semi-professional collective of vocal artists dedicated to growth and collaboration between musicians and media, based in Los Angeles.
TEAM
Music Director
Non-voting member and board adviser responsible for overseeing musical decisions of the group including, but not limited to: repertoire, rehearsal, performance opportunities, and auditions.
Board of Directors
Assistant Music Director: Organizes repertoire, leads rehearsal in Music Director’s absence, assists in overseeing musical decisions as needed.
Business Manager: Organizes group performances by chiefly contacting clients, communicating with members, and negotiating group payment.
Publicity Manager: Oversees all efforts made on behalf of the group to create an established brand and following through the use of digital, social, and traditional media.
Secretary: Enforces bylaws set in the Magna Carta, records attendance and discussions in order to communicate all relevant information to group members.
Treasurer: Collects and records monies from group members and clients, in addition to reconciling finances owed to any outside party and/or purchases.
Associate: Position for one member seeking more involvement and influence among the governing body—also referred to as a “floater” or “member at large” in some contexts. (Optional)
Members of the Board receive a 50% discount on dues, in exchange for the additional time and resources invested in work for the group throughout the season. This applies to the five roles mentioned in this section.
OTHER ROLES
Committees: If needed, Music Director and Board members will establish a committee assigned to a specific goal when needs are not met solely by previously stated entities.
Admissions
Auditions are held semi-annually, or whenever deemed necessary. The audition process is to be facilitated Music Director with group input, if requested. Auditions happen in two phases:
Solo Dynamic: Scales, Solo Singing, and Range
Group Dynamic: Ensemble Singing, Preparation, and Memorization Individuals who have passed the initial audition will be invited to callback auditions.
Individuals who have passed the initial audition will be invited to callback auditions. Newly-admitted members will have a trial membership period from one (callback) to three rehearsals.
Preparation
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are 3 hours in length and held weekly: Tuesday at 7:00 pm. Rehearsals, unless otherwise communicated are to be held at the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles.
Two members each week are responsible for providing snack for the group. Rehearsal agendas for upcoming rehearsals are to be distributed by the end of the previous week. Once warmups begin, any member arriving after is considered tardy to a rehearsal.
Conflicts causing a member to miss a rehearsal must be communicated to the Secretary three weeks prior. Missing four rehearsals in one season will result in potential removal.
Repertoire
Repertoire is chosen by group members and programmed by the Assistant Music Director.
Solos
All members are eligible to audition for solos. Audio files of chosen segment must be sent to Music Director. Music Director chooses soloist and back-up soloist for each solo.
Performances
Gigs
Fees attained from gigs are used to supplement member dues and cover additional operational costs.
Members will be responsible for costs to cover wardrobe options if required attire is not originally owned.
Availability and interest in gigs is requested from each member by Business Manager prior to booking.
If a member confirms their availability and interest in a gig with the Business Manager, once the gig confirmation memo is issued, the member is committed. Failing to follow through on two committed gigs may lead to member's removal (see Removal section for more details).
In addition to covering the operating costs of the group, if a gig for hire requires music learning and rehearsals outside of regular show repertoire and rehearsal, members cast for these gigs will be offered and compensated with a fee (generally $100/singer minimum), subject to the approval of the Board. Members who commit to a paid gig must provide a W-9 form to the Business Manager or Treasurer at their request.
For paid gigs, a fee for the Top Shelf Vocal organization, Business Manager, gig lead(s), arrangers for custom songs, and creative directors (Music Director, staging) will be accounted for in the quote to the client at designated rates, subject to the approval of the Board.
When a member is on a Top Shelf gig, we share an understanding that professional behavior and preparedness are top priorities. As representatives of Top Shelf, we agree to adhere to the gig etiquette guidelines set forth by the Music Director and gig/music lead(s) of the day.
If the particular gig requests fewer singers than the number of singers available and interested, the Music Director will choose gig personnel at their discretion, taking into account the gig/client’s needs, fit, voice parts, and gig history/availability.
Concerts
Concerts are planned either on or before the start of a given season. Conflicts for concerts must be declared to the Business Manager within two weeks of the concert date being announced or as soon as possible.
Sustaining Membership
Dues
Dues cover standard operating costs of the group and special full-group activities. Member may pay the Treasurer via cash, check, or online transfer. Dues must be paid in full within 30 days of a season's first rehearsal.
Dues for the Fall/Winter 2023 Season will be $175 and are non-refundable.
Inclusion
Top Shelf Vocal has, since inception, remained a social and musical organization intended for all people, regardless of gender identity, race, sexual orientation, or social class. Along with the group's commitment to inclusion, we expect the same of our members.
If a member were to ever experience something otherwise or negative in any way, those issues may be brought to the Social Chair or any Board Member with which the member is comfortable speaking.
Leave
Members may choose to take one season away from the group, called “leave.”
Notice of leave must be communicated to Music Director no more than 10 days after a season's final concert.
After notifying stated parties of a member's intent to leave, said member may choose to re-audition or put forth a $50 deposit to be used in lieu of an audition (credited toward member's next-season membership dues). This deposit is due by the dues deadline of the current season (while the member is on leave).
REMOVAL
In the event a member is not able or willing to adhere to the Magna Carta as stated, or behaves in a way that is in clear contrary to the spirit or well-being of the group, such matters will be reviewed by the Board acting as a governing body, and action may result in, but is not limited to:
A) First strike- Written warning from a Board member or Musical Director
B) Second strike- Written warning from a Board member or Musical Director o Removal from a gig or performance o Revocation of solo privilege
C) Third strike- Final written warning to improve the previously stated behavior
Not accepting the terms of the final warning may result in being asked to leave the group, and the member in question may or may not be allowed to re-audition in the future.
If the member in question believes the consequences are unfair, they may request an appeal to the board, requesting either a re-vote by the board or a vote by the full group. Such requests may be approved or denied by a vote from the board (absolute majority vote), by all members present in a physical rehearsal (two-thirds simple majority vote), or online if time constraints do not allow for a physical meeting.
COVID-19 PROTOCOL
In the event a member tests positive or is known to be in contact with someone testing positive of COVID-19, it is the responsibility of the member to contact the Board ASAP. Said member will have to provide a negative test result to return to rehearsal and/or sit out for a minimum of 2 weeks and return with a negative test.