VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY CRUSADER BAND CONSTITUTION
RELEASED SEPTEMBER 1996
REVISED APRIL 2005
REVISED AUGUST 2010
The Crusader Pep Band is responsible for promoting enthusiasm and support for Valparaiso University Athletics at home football, men’s and women’s basketball, and women’s volleyball games. Through music, the band contributes to the spirit of the school and creates a very exciting atmosphere.
Article 1: THE EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF THE CRUSADER BAND
Section A: The Student Director of the Crusader Band
Clause 1: Qualifications
The Director shall be a full time student of Valparaiso University. He/she shall also have served as a member of the Crusader band for at least one year before being elected into the position; preferrably having experience as the assistant director.
Clause 2: Duties
a) The Director shall direct and lead the band at all home football, men and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball games and any other requested musical engagements.
b) The Director shall organize rehearsal times and places
c) The Director shall organize and maintain the music folders as well as purchase new music
d) The Director shall perform or appoint a band member the following administrative tasks or assist the Staff Director: budgeting, organizing a directory of current members, and sending messages to members.
e) The Director shall perform the following recruitment functions: speaking at the fall music interest meeting for new students, posting signs and other information regarding the band’s mission, and organizing a list of prospective members.
Clause 3: Expectations
a) The Director will have a working relationship with the Assistant Director, ARC staff, and Music Faculty.
b) The Director will conduct himself/ herself in a professional manner at all times, especially when relating to the public.
Section B: The Assistant Director of the Crusader Band
Clause 1 Qualifications
The Assistant Director shall be a full time student of Valparaiso University. He/she shall also have served as a member of the Crusader band for at least one year before being elected into the position and shown active involvment in the band during the year previous to being elected.
Clause 2: Duties
The Assistant Director of the Crusader Pep Band shall have the same duties as the Student Director, these two individuals shall work together with the Staff Director and Faculty Advisor to split the responsibilities in the best manner.
Clause 3: Expectations
See Director’s Expectations
Section C: Impeachment
If it is determined by the members of the Crusader Band that the Director or Assistant Director are delinquent in performing their duties and responsibilities, then he or she may be removed from the office by a ¾ majority vote of all Voting Crusader Band Members.
Section D: Vacancies
a) A vacancy in the office of Director will be filled by the Assistant Director.
b) A vacancy in the office of Assistant Director will be filled by a Crusader Band member appointed by the Staff and Student Director.
c) Vacancies in both offices (Director and Assistant Director) will require an immediate election of new officers specified in Article III.
Section E: Section Leaders
Section Leaders will be appointed by the Staff and Student Directors. Section Leaders should be strong musicians and will be responsible for leading sectionals throughout the year. Section leaders will also be responsible for contacting members of the section for reminders of upcoming events including games and special events. If the section is too large for one person, two or more section leaders can be appointed.
Article II: VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY CRUSADER BAND MEMBERSHIP
Section A: Composition
Members must be current students of Valparaiso University.
Section B: Attendance
All students are strongly encouraged to attend all events. We sound better and have more fun when more people attend. If you are going to miss an event, you must contact the Staff Director 24 hours in advance with stated reason. For all emergency situations, exceptions will be made on a case by case basis.
Section C: Qualifications
Members must have a general knowledge of music performance. Members will consist of all those who earn half of the available points as designated by the point system.
1) Points System:
Football = 4 points
Women’s Basketball = 2 points
Volleyball = 2 points
Men’s Basketball = 1 point
Extra Events = 4 points
2) Points vary each year
Section D: Duties
Members shall maintain an unquenchable desire to perform to the fullest and most musical of their abilities, and inspire athletic spirit among athletes and the fans at the games where they play. This will be done through music, spirit, and most importantly, the soul. Members will execute directives given by Directing Staff completely.
Section E: Priviledges
The Crusader Band members have the priviledges to add, alter or amend this constitution per Article V. They will also be invited to participate in the Spring Break basketball tournaments as well as have voting privileges.
Section F: Representation
Members must have good sportsmanship during games and must be a positive representation of the university. Cursing loudly, intentionally throwing items, threatening others or any other negative actions will not be tolerated. Members are also expected to wear proper attire.
Article III: ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Interested persons are encouraged to meet with the Directors and Advisor prior to elections as well as give a speech and answer questions at elections. Election of Directors is to be done by a majority vote of all current members. The members shall nominate worthy candidates for the offices of Director and Assistant Director. Elections for these positions for the following year are to be held during the spring semester. The elected positions will become effective at the end of the spring semester.
Article IV: FACULTY/STAFF DIRECTOR AND ADVISOR
A faculty/staff person from the Music Department will be responsible for aiding the Crusader Band Student directors with funding and other organizational needs. Staff Director will be held accountable to the University for the overall perception of the organization. Staff Director will be also held accountable to the members of the Crusader Band in terms of musical development, positive direction, prompt communication, and enthusiastic encouragement.
Article V: AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
A two-thirds majority vote of all voting members is required to pass an amendment to the Constitution. Voting may be done by voice, hand motion, or e-mail response. The Student Director and Assistant Director are voting members.
Article VI: ADOPTION
The constitution shall become operative upon a 2/3 majority vote of voting a members.
Article VII: REVISION
The Constitution will be reviewed at the end of each year by the Staff and Student Directors and Section Leaders. All suggested revisions should be brought to the attention of the above listed people. All revisions will be voted on by voting members.