Hello,
 
We are reaching out to you on behalf of the board of directors of The Galveston Community Band. We thought that you or another musician you know may want to join us in a fun and exciting endeavor. The GCB has been invited to play a July 4th patriotic concert on the grounds of Galveston’s historical Hotel Galvez.  This is a singular event and all we ask is that you attend a “pre-concert” rehearsal Wednesday morning July 4 at 10:00am. The music is posted online and the link will be sent once you confirm participation, so you may download your parts and look them over. Of course, if you or your friend feel a need for additional rehearsals, you are welcome to attend our regular Thursday night rehearsals at The First Baptist Church at 23rd & Sealy in Galveston.
 
Please understand that we are not asking for your services. As a musician, we believe in musicians getting paid for their services, but in this case, we are merely offering you an opportunity to celebrate the 4th of July through recreational music with fellow musicians (When was the last time you played The Stars and Stripes Forever?)
 
For those who do not feel they could be a musical contribution to the band, please understand that they will not be called upon to improve a particular musical passage. Instead, we ask that when one experiences a passage that may be beyond their abilities, they simply sit out that section and reenter when comfortable. We will understand if anyone skips a particular passage and appreciate the “abstinence”. This leaves everyone free to relax and enjoy being part of the band.
 
We hope you accept and join us, but of course, feel free to decline with our blessing. From this point on, we will communicate solely through our Facebook page (Galveston Community Band). There, you will find details, times, dates, and any other information you may need. GCB has a few, but not many instruments available, so if you do not have or cannot find one, ask and we will try to find you a loaner. For planning purposes, please accept or decline at the following link: https://bit.ly/2w2XkLa
 
Please do not hesitate to call, text, or email me personally if you have questions or concerns.

Doyle T. Neuwiller                                                    
Director of Music,  Galveston Community Band                                    
DNeuwiller@yahoo.com

India T. Allen
President, Galveston Community Band
galvestoncommunityband@gmail.com

The GCB will be holding its first General Membership Meeting during rehearsal on Thursday, May 24, 2018. The Executive Officers of the Board of Directors will be elected for the first time by the membership of the GCB during this meeting. Since dues were not required to be a member this year, anyone who has performed with us and is on our attendance roll will be eligible to vote. One third of our membership must be present to establish a quorum.

If any current member would like to be considered for executive office or for one of the NEW appointed director positions, self-nominations will be accepted via email to the Election Committee [gcbnotes@gmail.com] up through May 10, 2018. (Members will be getting an email from the Election Committee with instructions on how to self-nominate.) See below for a list of the possible positions and their descriptions. Note: Director positions may or may not be filled by the 2018-2019 Executive Committee, depending on the needs of the 2018-2019 season as ascertained by the Executive Committee. Only the Executive Officers are elected by the membership. For even more details than you see below, see the GCB Bylaws and Policies & Procedures documents found on our Links page (coming soon!)

GCB Policies & Procedures
II. LEADERSHIP POSITIONS & DUTIES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Elected Positions
President: The President is the chief executive officer of the Band and shall supervise and control all of the business affairs of the Band.  The president shall:

• Preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee.
• With the Secretary or any other proper officer of the Band corporation authorized by the board, sign any deed, mortgage, bond, contract, or other instrument which the board has authorized to be executed, unless the signing and execution has been delegated by the board, by these bylaws, or by statute to some other officer or agent of the Band corporation.
• Make all appointments of standing and special committees, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.
• Call business meetings to coincide with the normal rehearsal schedule if needed. Special business meetings may be called when deemed necessary.
• In conjunction with the treasurer, music director, and business manager, prepare the annual budget to be approved by the Board.
• Be an ex officio member of all committees.

 
Vice President: The Vice President is an executive officer of the Band and shall:

• In the absence of the President, preside at meetings and perform all other functions of the President requiring immediate action.
• Have such other duties as are conferred upon them by the Board of Directors from time to time.

 Secretary: The Secretary is an executive officer of the Band and shall:

• Keep the minutes of the membership and board meetings.
• Give all notices required by law or by these bylaws.
• Handle such correspondence as may be required, and shall keep records of all such correspondence.
• Be custodian of the corporate records of the Band.
• In the absence of a Membership Coordinator, keep the Membership Roll and liaison with the Election Committee.
• Perform any duty incident to the office of secretary and any other duty assigned by the president or the Board.

 
Treasurer: The Treasurer is an executive officer of the Band and shall:

• Collect, manage, disburse and be accountable for all funds of the corporation.
• Co-sign all checks and drafts on the account of the corporation with the person or persons designated by the Board of Directors.

• Keep records of the financial situation of the band current and accurate and present the current financial status of the Band at the Annual Membership Meeting and as requested by the Board.

 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Appointed Positions
 
Music Director: The Music Director is an executive officer of the Band and shall:

• Be appointed by the Board of Directors and shall not be subject to a term limit.
• Be the Chief Musician in the band.
• Direct the band in all rehearsals and performances, except when he delegates that authority to another.
• Select the music and, in the absence of a Librarian, maintain a musical library.
• With the President and Business Manager, effectively supervise all the various Band activities including the scheduling of performances.
• Engage performance guests.
• Advise the Band regarding potential musical opportunities.
• Be circumspect in the exercise of his authority, but he shall consider that the confidence which is reposed in his office is sufficiently broad to enable him to act for the Band in all matters which require prompt or summary action.
• Keep the Board of Directors informed of those actions he takes.
• Be an ex officio member of all committees.

 
Business Manager: The Business Manager shall:

• Promote the Band to the community and potential members.
• Find occasions and venues for the Band to rehearse and perform.
• Be in charge of all publicity and public relations for the band.
• Be empowered to expend funds for these purposes within limits imposed by the Board of Directors.
• In the absence of a Fundraising Chairman, coordinate communication with and proposals to all appropriate arts funding agencies.

 
Fundraising Chairman: The Fundraising Chairman shall

• Coordinate communication with and proposals to all appropriate arts funding agencies.
• Oversee the Fundraising Committee.
• Ensure that all fundraising activities comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Present fundraising plans to the Board for approval.
• Oversee fundraising activities.

 
Equipment Manager: The Equipment Manager shall:

• Be in charge of the physical property of the band.
• Coordinate, supervise, and effect the movement of instruments and accessories necessary for rehearsals or performances.

 
Band Librarian: The Librarian shall:

• Maintain the band library.
• Be in charge of music folders at all rehearsals and performances.
• Maintain computer listings of all music in alphabetical order by title.
  
  

Membership Coordinator: The Membership Coordinator shall:

• Keep the membership roll updated.
• Keep a record of attendance at rehearsals and performances as reported by section leaders or in the absence of section leader/s, take roll at rehearsals and performances.
• In the absence of section leader/s, contact section members that are absent and actively encourage regular participation in all rehearsals and performances.
• Provide and maintain an event sign-up to determine member availability for performances and events.
• Liaison with the Nominating Committee and provide a roll of Active Members in Good Standing who are eligible to vote.

 
Information Officer: The Information Officer shall:

• Maintain social media and promote performances and activities.
• Maintain the website.
• Answer questions and find answers for people looking for information.

 
Section Leader/s:

• Assist the Music Director as described below under the Section Leaders heading.
• May be removed from their position and replaced at any time by the Music Director.

 
 Historian:​

• Keep a record of the band's accomplishments and activities for the year.
• Collect items such as pictures, programs, and news clippings about the band and its members.
• Keep material produced by the band throughout the year such as concert programs, flyers, and posters.
• Organize a scrapbook to tell the band's story for the year.
• Provide historical information to members as needed.
  ​

Youth Representative: In an effort to provide an opportunity for community youth to participate in the administration of a music program and community outreach, a youth member of the band may hold the office of Youth Director with the same voting privileges as any other appointed office. A youth director shall not be a signee on any deed, mortgage, bond, contract, or other instrument which the board has authorized to be executed.
 
Director At Large: In the event that the number of directors is even a Director at Large shall be appointed by the president and approved by the Board of Directors, shall attend all board meetings, and shall have all the voting privileges of any appointed officer.
 
 
SECTION LEADERS
 
Appointment
Section Leaders are an integral part of the operation and overall success of the Band and are appointed at the start of each concert season by the Music Director. Section Leaders may be removed from their position and replaced at any time by the Music Director.
 
General Responsibilities
Section Leaders must fulfill the role of a “servant leader” to all members of the section by being available as a resource to each section member both during scheduled rehearsal and sectional times as well via telephone or email during the week. The Section Leader should maintain close communication with all section members to ensure that the members’ musical needs are met. Section Leaders should:

• Exhibit sufficient technical skills on instrument and have an adequate knowledge of musical interpretation.
• Exhibit effective leadership skills in dealing with peers and fellow section members to encourage section camaraderie and support of each other’s musical development, communicating any unresolved issues or concerns to the attention of the Music Director or Board member as appropriate.
• Promote individual musicianship within the section, allowing section members to grow musically.
• Evaluate all incoming section members for recommendation of placement within section.
• Monitor progress of section members and make necessary changes in parts and/or seating assignments based solely on the needs of the section.
• In consultation with the Music Director, assign solos within parts if Principal is unable to perform and be prepared to play any solos in the absence of the designated soloist.
• Support instructions given by the Music Director for the section and monitor their implementation for performances.
• Be knowledgeable of and ensure compliance with all approved Band policies and procedures.

WHEREAS the City of Galveston recognizes that music unites a community by bringing together people from all walks of life and across all ages and backgrounds, and music enriches the city by bringing joy to the players and all those who hear it; and
WHEREAS the creation of the Galveston Community Band by life-long music educators, Doyle T. Neuwiller and Jack Sheaffer, and all the players who have come together to form this unique group, are committed to performing regularly as a gift of talent to the city of Galveston.
THEREFORE, we the Mayor and City Council of the City of Galveston do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 10, 2016 as:
“Galveston Community Band Day”
In Galveston and encourage the Island’s residents and visitors to attend the first concert of the Galveston Community Band to celebrate Veterans Day at The Meridian from 7:00-8:00pm.
In testimony whereof, witness my hand and the Seal of the City of Galveston, this 13th day of October, 2016
​
http://www.galvestontx.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/10132016-1686?html=true