Minutes of Annual General Meeting for Derby Concert Orchestra
Held at 12 Regency Close, Littleover, Derby. Monday 14th December 2015
PresentChairman Vicki Newall and 15 other members
1.Apologies –Linda Benson, Jill Smith, Helen Hitchcock, Judy Harrison, Imogen Rex
2.Minutes of AGM 8th December 2014 wereapproved and signed.
3.Matters Arising:
VNVicki began by welcoming everyone, pointing out that this is the orchestra’s 66th year.
A £100 donation was given to the Cathedral’s refurbishment fund; the orchestra received a card of thanks.
Alison was given a box of chocolates as an expression of our thanks and gratitude for organising the refreshments.
We are now using cups that are recyclable; thanks to Alison and Elizabeth Jackson for their research into this. Refreshments are now 30p/cup.
Anne Allcock organises the programme planning and will continue to do so; grateful thanks to her for taking on this role.
Our first children’s concert will be on Sunday 24th January 2016; grateful thanks to Elizabeth Jack and Helen Homes for organising this.
Associate conductor-to be discussed later in the AGM under a separate item.
Clair Stanley has agreed to lead the orchestra through this 66th season. We would like to invite her to lead the 2016-17 season; JT to ask. Action JT
4.Report from the chair
VNThis has been a straightforward year, musically, for the orchestra.
Gordon’s leaving left a huge hole in the running of the orchestra; Vicki expressed heartfelt thanks to all who had prevented the orchestra from falling apart by stepping up to the podium and dividing up the many roles Gordon did. There were a few teething problems, but the systems are improving.
Sadly, Roy Harrison passed away earlier in the year. Roy was a founder member of the DCO; a piece in the May 2015 concert was dedicated to his memory. Louise has done a fantastic job of leading & organising the flutes since Roy retired from DCO.
Section leaders still need to be informed if members are unable to make a concert/ rehearsal.
Joy G is doing an excellent job of organising the violin sections.
Vicki ended by thanking the section leaders, the committee and orchestra members for their support and encouragement, and for the many willing ears, and specifically:
- Elizabeth Jack for programmes, printing, hosting the AGM, programme covers and liaising with the printers.
- Steve Eley for great and informative programme notes.
- Margaret and the front of house team for their professional and efficient work.
- Jeremy and Alison for refreshments.
- Ian S for timp removal.
- Nick Heath for updating the website
- Elizabeth Jackson for posters, brochures, programme covers
- Bob Garner for transporting the lights
- Joy for positioning the violins effectively
- Clair for bowing the string parts
- Jane Bower for emailing the orchestra.
Thanks also to the committee whose jobs are too many to list, & to Paul for his support.
Matthew resigned as treasurer in July; Isabel Price was co-opted to take over in September. Vicki wished to thank Matthew for all his hard work and wished him, Catherine and Edward all the very best.
5.Conductors report
JTMy intention with this report has been to be brief and succinct and to conclude with where we are at now and a look at the future. Although I of course comment on our performances in rehearsal, it’s good at this point to reflect on our achievements. Also there may be newer members who would perhaps be interested a round up of the year.
March in the Cathedral saw us immersed in some wonderful repertoire beginning intrepidly with an exploration of Webern’s Passacaglia. As you all know I feel very passionately that we explore for the want of a better term newer music, though it’s worth remembering that this piece is 108 years old !
This was for most of us a different musical language, but the orchestra rose to the challenge well. I was really pleased that Ian Stokoe championed the Manfred Symphony which doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It was just right too for our long rehearsal period and I thought the orchestra really did justice to this long and complex work. We’ve worked with many fine soloists but I think Sophie Rosa in the Brahms Violin Concerto set a new standard. This concerto is very special and as many of you knew I really wanted to get someone of this calibre. The RNCM did us proud in finding Sophie. You have to be so on top of this piece both technically and musically and Sophie was exactly that. The performance was stunning and I remember Clair our leader saying ‘I shall never forget that’. Having someone so inspiring has an enormous effect on our orchestra and it accompanied beautifully.
In Wirksworth in May we presented a very popular programme, the main works being the Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet and Sibelius 2. Sometimes really popular works suffer because of their popularity and one hears terms like’pot boilers’. The Tchaikovsky is an absolute masterpiece, strong , powerful and really well constructed. It received a committed and passionate performance and I know many loved playing it. From one masterpiece to another. The Sibelius was really well played and the magnificent end came off just right.
In July we honoured Bob Garner’s 25 year wait for Martinu’s 4th Symphony. Why did we wait SO long ? This was a question that many people in the audience asked me. That was of course our first and only performance, but to be able to make SUCH an impression on an audience is a great testament to the skills of our players. It makes me think just how much good music there is that rarely gets played. The secret is of course to programme ‘lesser known’ pieces with really popular repertoire which we did with Brahms 1 which I think is the best Brahms we’ve done.
In October it was good to share our ‘classical programme’ with Andrew and to see and hear the results of moving the strings around. It’s very good for the orchestra to experience that and to hear Andrew’s views on the performance style of this repertoire. I’m by no means against this format in music of this period. It’s just that I have spent decades in the conventional format and I would need to really immerse myself in that to get properly used to it. As you will have noticed when I conducted some of the Beethoven in the new layout, there were several misdirected cues ! As you know Beethoven 7 is one of my all time favourite pieces, and would definitely be there on my desert island. I’m very fortunate to have done quite a few performances of this but I shall remember that one for it being VERY tight and charged with that very special unique energy that Beethoven demands.
Before I talk about Saturday I would like to mention a couple of things that have made an enormous contribution to DCO this year. We asked Joy if she would take on the job of looking after our violins, including having new people sit next to her for an informal audition. Keeping string sections happy and working well together can be a complex business. Joy has done a fantastic job in organising seating plans and making sure that everyone is happy. A nice touch has included emails to individuals welcoming them and so on. Sometimes this job isn’t easy and Joy often says to me’ I’m glad I’m a therapist’
I would like to pay an enormous tribute to our wonderful leader Clair. She works so hard for us and puts in an astonishing amount of work bowing the parts. The standard of her playing and leading is awesome, and it is a real joy to have her on board. We should consider ourselves very fortunate to have found someone of this calibre and who really enjoys the job. When she came off on Saturday she said to me ‘I just love it’.
And so to Saturday. That was a really special concert and a bit of a milestone In DCO history. The programme I think was just right, and so much better for not having a theme. I have heard that some people are not happy playing lots of short pieces. Every orchestra that does popular concerts aimed at a wide age range does this. The three Russian pieces surely were challenging enough, showcase pieces really. I think we had just the right amount of demanding material to keep us busy. It surely should be part of our remit to give such concerts. The rest of the season is spent exploring predominantly l large works. I think one of the wonders of the symphony orchestra is the range of repertoire and its flexibility
Think of the reaction. The audience were really on board and I think were just so impressed with the orchestra. As the concert progressed so did the excitement. The singing was absolutely the best ever and what a great crowd they were. I loved how they gradually took to the floor and Alex is to be credited with starting it all off. What a star! It’s great to connect with an audience in this way. The nature of course of most orchestral concerts is not interactive.( Heloise quote) This has given me lots of ideas. One of which is to try and find some really good Abba arrangements and do Thank You for the Music, and it would be amazing to do Dancing Queen. They could precede the Can Can.
I have explained that we are going to appoint an Assistant Conductor. If we can find the right one I think this should be a very exciting development for the orchestra. Thanks to Helen Homes for all her hard work in setting this process up.
I’d like to thank our committee for their tireless work in running the orchestra and Vicki for her energetic chairmanship. Also thanks to Nick for putting information on to our website and to Matthew Barks for running our social media. Of course we are as ever hugely grateful for Helen’s wonderful librarian services. Not a job that everyone wants to do. And Alison, thank you for your tea and coffee services. We really appreciate that and I know of some organisations where there are no refreshments at rehearsals.
The orchestra is currently in a very good place. We seem to be attracting new players and it’s great to have established a large cello section and of course having 3 in house basses is brilliant. Only this morning I was contacted by yet another one wanting to join us ! We have a wonderful season of music making ahead which I’m really looking forward to.
Jonathan
As an addition: JT wished to personally thank the front of house team.
JT feels the children’s concert is a bit short so wondered whether we could play part of the Hodgson to demonstrate that not all composers are dead.
6.Treasurers report
MWThe figures cover the DCO’s financial year from 1st September 2014 – August 2015.
It has once again been a profitable year.
There have been good numbers at the Cathedral concerts, although Groupon deals do not allow for a large profit as these tickets are sold at a discounted price. Grateful thanks to VN for negotiating a better profit for these ticket sales. However, with these sales, a profit was made on the Cathedral concerts.
Many extra players and music hire fees for the July concert means it made a small loss.
At present there is £2450.30 profit in the concert account.
We benefit hugely from the low room hire fee for St Benedict’s.
The aim is to keep the profit from concerts actually running the orchestra rather than having to increase subscriptions; this way everyone can play, irrespective of their financial position.
We have made a profit this year of just over £1,000.
We need to keep a close eye on the finances having weathered a bad period a few years ago.
Looking at the balance sheet, the orchestra has £18,000 with about £11,000 in the bank. £6000 is on loan to the DCO Bass Garner Trust fund; it is expected that this will be a permanent loan and is included in the £18,000.
MW wished Isabel well in her new role as co-opted treasurer.
BC raised some queries which MW explained effectively.
EJackson questioned how we get sponsorship; DMD explained how we apply for sponsorship from such as Rolls Royce, the Mansfield Building Society, Bell & Co, EMA, Nigel Moore. Frank Innes was suggested as a future sponsor.
VNThanked Matthew for producing the accounts and for all he has done.
7.Report for The Concert Orchestra Bass Garner Trust
As secretary to the trust, Anne Allcock gave the report:
AAThank you to DCO for their continuing loanof £6,000 which enables Derbyshire students of all ages and abilities to continue with instrumental lessons.
The trust is now in its 28th year. Applications are made by people who have a Derbyshire address, whose financial constraints could prevent them fromdeveloping their musical talent. This year, the fund has assisted with applications from those needing support with exam fees, post-graduate studies etc; there was a successful application from a child with additional needs.
Both David Walker and David Sturgess are no longer trustees; sadly, both David Walker and David Sturgess passed away this year. Anne stated that the trust owes a debt of gratitude to these 2 musicians who helped establish the fund.
Ian Stokoe is now treasurer, having shadowed David Walker for a brief time.
Helen Homes and Andrew Hubbard have been co-opted as trustees; Peter Bilson is due for re-election.
7a: Election of trustees:
AA asked for the AGM to ratify the appointment of HH and AH and to re-elect PB for another 3 years;
VN proposed and DMD seconded. There was unanimous agreement and support
8.Election of Officers 2015/16
Anne Allcock propsed that all committee members be re-elected; this was seconded by Bryan Clarke.
VN proposed Isabel Price as treasurer and Matthew Barks as publicity secretary; and Bryan Clarke seconded the proposal
All other officers agreed to continue in their current roles which are:
- Concert Manager, Booking secretary: Sarah Hodgkinson
- Secretary – Helen Homes
- Librarian – Helen Nash
- Programme co-ordinator – Elizabeth Jack
- Membership secretary, responsible for Charity Status and Sponsorship – Duncan MacDougall.
- The position of orchestra conductoris appointed by the Committee; Jonathan is to be asked if he would like to continue next year.
9.Assistant conductor:
Several meetings have taken place, and there is now a role description that has been emailed to various local universities, the RNCM and Birmingham Conservatoire.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 5th February.
It was raised that local musicians might want a chance to occasionally conduct the orchestra, but it was felt inappropriate for the orchestra; however a study day was considered. This was not felt to be appropriate for the moment.
VN raised concern about Andrew Hubbard’s role once an assistant conductor is appointed. It was agreed that Andrew would continue to be Jonathan’s deputy conductor, and he would be asked to conduct half of a concert every 2 years, as well as cover for Jonathan when he is absent.
VNVN read an email from Andrew expressing concerns. It was agreed that his role should continue as deputy conductor, and that VN would email Andrew. Action VN
Those present recognised that Andrew’s conducting style differs from Jonathan’s, but they complement each other.
Those present expressed their thanks to Andrew for leading rehearsals, sectionals and conducting works in concerts.
10. AOB:
- VN felt some people were not supportive of the personal effort required on her part to promote the orchestra through Groupon. Groupon sales brought in £1189 for the most recent concert. It promotes the orchestra to a wider audience. However, this time there were issues regarding segregation of seating; the Groupon website stated that seats were in the side aisles; the printed documents did not state this. In future, specific restrictions need to be on the ticket and therefore this needs raising with Groupon. Action VN
VN read a letter from Jill Smith questioning the effectiveness of using Groupon, especially for the Christmas concert. The overall feeling was that it was an ideal time, as the programme tended to be lighter and therefore more accessible to classical music novices. Also, it was wonderful to play to a full Cathedral.
There were problems with some people being asked to sit in the retro choir stalls when there was sufficient space in the main body of the Cathedral. Action for next year; put cards with the suggested number of people/row at the head of each pew.
Those present wished to thank Vicki for all the time and effort she and her family give in order to promote via Groupon. There was a unanimous agreement that VN is doing a tremendous job, as Groupon has transformed the audience figures.Those present at the AGM agreed that we need to continue to promote via Groupon