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PURPOSE
The
purpose of the McDonough Choral Society is to
nurture and cultivate classical choral music and its inspirational
appeal for participants and audience, and to instill in its members a
desire to excel in performance capabilities. Literature to be performed
will include, but not be limited to, choral works of the following
composers: Bach, Handel, Mozart, Brahms, Schubert, Stainer and others.
McDonough
Choral Society
PO Box 101
Macomb, IL 61455
Telephone: 309-833-1203
E-mail: shoe@logonix.net
CONDUCTOR
The musical leadership of the McDonough
Choral Society is under the baton of Susan Shoemaker. Mrs. Shoemaker
received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Knox College and a
Master of Music degree from Northwestern University. She taught choral
music for eighteen years in public schools in Morrison and Mundelein,
Illinois, Music Appreciation at Spoon River College in Macomb,
Illinois, and also teaches private voice. Her vocal studies were with
Creston Klingman at Knox College, E. Clifford Toren at Northwestern
University, and Sonia Sharnova at the Chicago Conservatory of Music.
She
was soprano soloist at the Church of the Holy
Spirit in Lake Forest, IL for eleven years and performed extensively in
the northern suburbs of Chicago, appearing as Mother in Hansel
and Gretel by Humperdinck, Mother in Amahl and the
Night Visitors by Menotti, and Mrs. Gobineau in The
Medium by Menotti. She has sung the soprano solo part in many
choral works as well.
As
head of the Choral Music Section at Lyon and
Healy Music in Chicago, and later as manager of Roger Dean Publishing
Company, Mrs. Shoemaker became intimately acquainted with the workings
of the music publishing industry. She also served as Vice-President of
Jomlee Corporation in Macomb.
Mrs.
Shoemaker is currently choir director at
Trinity Lutheran Church in Macomb, Illinois.
ACTIVITY
Primary
activity of the McDonough Choral Society is
to present two concerts each year, one in the fall and one in the
spring. Concerts include at least one major choral work and that
composition might call for soloists. Each concert is preceded by
approximately ten rehearsals and one dress rehearsal.
Follow
us on Facebook for upcoming rehearsals and performances.
UPCOMING
CONCERTS
Spring and Fall Concerts 2020 Cancelled
Our Spring and Fall concerts for 2020 have been cancelled due to
COVID19. Please check here or on the McDonough Choral Society
Facebook page for updates on future performances. We look forward
to bringing fine choral music to our community again very soon.
PERFORMANCE
HISTORY
December 9, 2019 Magnificat by
Kim André Arnesen
April 29, 2019 Five Mystical Songs by
Ralph Vaughan Williams
December 10, 2018 Sainte
Cecile Messe Solennelle
by Charles Gounod
April 9, 2018 Requiem
by John Rutter
December 11, 2017 Christmas
Oratorio, Part 1 by J. S. Bach
April 3, 2017 Missa
Brevis K.192
by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
December 5, 2016 Messa di
Gloria
by Giacomo Puccini
April 4, 2016 Requiem in D Minor
by Anton Bruckner
December 7, 2015 Messiah
by G. F. Handel
April 13, 2015 Requiem
by Gabriel Fauré, Selections from Frostiana
by Randall Thompson
December 8, 2014 Mass of
the Children by John Rutter; Seasonal Songs and Carols
April 7, 2014 Psalm 95
op. 46 by Felix Mendelssohn; Short
Festival Te Deum by Gustav Holst; Te Deum by Karl
Jenkins
December 9, 2013 Gloria by
Antonio Vivaldi; Fantasia
on Christmas Carols by Ralph Vaughan Williams; Seasonal Songs
and
Carols
April 8,
2013 Requiem in C
by Charles Gounod; American Folk Songs
December
3, 2012 Messiah
by G. F. Handel
April 16,
2012 Songs of
Freedom, Hope, and Destiny by Randall Faust (premier); Folk
Songs
December 5, 2011 Magnificat by
John Rutter; Other music of the season
April 11, 2011 Mass in D Major
by
Antonin Dvorak; American Songs and Spirituals
December 6, 2010 St. Nicholas Mass
by Josef Haydn; Seasonal Songs and Carols
April 12, 2010 Psalms and Broadway Songs
December 7, 2009 Messiah
by G. F.
Handel
April 20, 2009 Mass in B Flat
by
Johann Hummel; A Tribute to Abraham Lincoln
December 8, 2008 Hodie by
Stroop; Choruses from Messiah by G. F.
Handel; Christmas Carols
March 31, 2008 Requiem by Luigi
Cherubini; Aaron Copland--early American songs
December 3, 2007 Magnificat by
Antonio Vivaldi; Magnificat
by Franz Schubert; Christmas Carols
April 16, 2007: Coronation Mass
by W. A.
Mozart. Soloists: Nancy Colvin, soprano; Amy Loving, mezzo-soprano;
Larry Rawlins, tenor; Don Norton, baritone
Choruses from Great Operas (sung in English). Soloists: Mari Loehrlein,
mezzo-soprano; Bruce Gardner, narrator
December 4, 2006: Messiah by G. F.
Handel.
Soloists: Kitty Karn, soprano; Lori Griswold, mezzo-soprano; Bruce
Gardner, tenor; Don Norton, baritone
April 3, 2006: King David by
Artur Honegger.
Soloists: Shirley Salazar, soprano; Lori Griswold, mezzo-soprano; Terry
Chasteen, tenor; Sue Ellen Pensinger, The Witch of Endor; Bruce
Gardner, narrator
December 5, 2005: Laud to the Nativity
by
Ottorino Respighi. Soloists: Sangeetha Rayapati, soprano; Kathleen
Randles, mezzo-soprano; Bruce Gardner, tenor
April 4, 2005: Liebeslieder Waltzes by
Johannes Brahms. Soloists: Kitty Karn, soprano; Tom Booth, tenor; Nancy
Colvin, duet soprano; Connie Workman, duet alto; Larry Rawlins, duet
tenor; Kevin Loop, duet bass-baritone; Messa Solenne by
Giuseppe Verdi. Soloists: Kitty Karn, soprano; Tom
Booth, tenor; Terry Chasteen, tenor; Don Norton, baritone
December 6, 2004: Messiah by G. F.
Handel.
Soloists: Sangeetha Rayapati, soprano; Kathleen Randles, mezzo-soprano;
Bruce Gardner, tenor; Don Norton, baritone
March 29, 2004: Missa Brevis, K 192
by W. A.
Mozart. Soloists: Shirley Salazar, soprano; Marietta Dean, contralto;
Terry Chasteen, tenor; Matt Bean, baritone; Requiem by
Gabriel Faurè. Soloists: Shirley Salazar, soprano; Don
Norton, baritone
December 8, 2003: Gloria by
Antonio Vivaldi
and Ceremony of
Carols by Benjamin Britten. Soloists: Michelle Vaught,
soprano; Kathleen Randles, mezzo-soprano; Melanie Morgan, harp
March 31, 2003: Mass in G by
Franz Schubert.
Soloists: Emily Shenk, soprano; Larry Rawlins, tenor; Matt Bean,
baritone; Requiem
by Sir John Rutter. Soloist: Kay Norton, soprano.
December 9, 2002: Messiah by G. F.
Handel.
Soloists: Eileen Leland, soprano; Raisin Horn, contralto; Bruce
Gardner, tenor; Don Norton, baritone
PARTICIPATION
It is
anticipated the organization will be comprised of sixty to seventy-five
men and women from all walks of life who are interested in the
performance of classical choral literature and reside primarily in
McDonough County, but also be open to interested persons from
surrounding areas. Capable students from high schools and institutions
of higher learning will be invited to join, as will members of all
church choirs within the county and surrounding areas.
Concert
Attire
Women:
White, long-sleeve blouse, floor-length black skirt or pants, and black
shoes.
No perfume, or large jewelry (small earrings are acceptable).
Men:
White, long-sleeve shirt, black pants, black shoes, black socks, black
four-in-hand tie. No aftershave or cologne.
SPONSORSHIP
Donations
for the support of the McDonough County
Choral Society:
Underwriter $2,500
Benefactor $1,250
Patron $800
Sponsor $300
Friend $150
Supporter $75
Student $25
Your contribution is tax deductible - the Society is a 501c3
organization.
ORGANIZATION
The
McDonough Choral Society is an Illinois
Corporation.
The
McDonough Choral Society has been awarded the
Federal 501c3 (tax free) status.
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
John
R. Shoemaker, President Emeritus (in memoriam)
Bill Davenport, President
Lynn Johanson, Vice President
Judi Dallinger, Treasurer
Ken Harp
Susan
Shoemaker, Music Director and Conductor
Honorary
Board Members
Michael
Inman, Mayor, Macomb, Illinois
Norine Hammond, State Representative 94th
District
PHOTOS
|
L-R are:
Lew Dove, John R. Shoemaker, Susan Shoemaker, Don Mainzer |
|
The
McDonough Choral Society Spring 2003 |
BYLAWS OF THE MCDONOUGH CHORAL SOCIETY
(Adopted
October 5, 2009; Amended September 25, 2017; Amended June 7, 2020)
I. PURPOSE and PRINCIPLES
A. The purpose of the McDonough Choral Society (Society) is to provide
the residents of McDonough County, Illinois, and surrounding
communities an opportunity to perform and promote quality choral music
for the benefit of the community and region within the meaning of
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or the relevant
provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law.
B. The Society is dedicated to the following principles:
1. Nurturing choral
music and its inspirational
appeal
2. Cultivating public interest in choral music
3. Instilling in its members a spirit of dedication and a desire to
excel.
II. MEMBERSHIP
A. The Society shall be open to all residents of McDonough County and
the surrounding region who subscribe to the purpose and principles of
the organization.
B. To be a member in good standing, members will:
1. be punctual for
all rehearsals
2. be absent for no more than three rehearsals per term unless excused
by the director
3. be present for each dress rehearsal and at least two of the three
rehearsals immediately preceding a dress rehearsal unless excused by
the director
4. wear required concert attire
5. perform in scheduled concerts unless excused by the director
III. FISCAL YEAR AND CORPORATE STATUS
The Fiscal Year of the Society shall be July 1 to June 30. The
Society is a not-for-profit corporation. Upon the liquidation or
dissolution of the organization, whether voluntary or involuntary, or
whether by operation of law, all of the assets of the organization
shall be transferred to an organization exempt from tax under Section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. None of the property of
the organization or any proceeds thereof shall be distributed or
divided among any of the members of the Society.
IV. CONCERT SEASON
Two performances are anticipated each concert season – one in the fall
and one in the spring. Performance and rehearsal schedules shall
be established to conform to the respective fall and spring academic
semesters of Western Illinois University, which define the two terms of
the concert season.
V. DUES
A. Insofar as it remains practicable for operational expenses to be
covered by monetary gifts and subscriptions, no dues shall be assessed
for membership.
B. If it becomes necessary to provide revenues beyond monetary gifts
and subscriptions, the Board of Directors (Board) may establish a fair
and equitable dues schedule payable by members at the beginning of each
term of the concert season.
C. No prospective member shall be denied membership because of
financial hardship. The Board of Directors shall provide
appropriate means to cover the dues of any prospective member who is
unable to pay dues.
VI. MUSIC DIRECTOR
The Music Director shall have the following responsibilities:
A. Selection of music for each performance in consultation with the
Board
B. Interpretation of the music
C. Scheduling and logistics of rehearsals and performances
D. Selection and engagement of accompanist(s)
E. Selection and engagement of soloist(s)
F. Selection and engagement of orchestral musicians as needed for each
concert
G. Final determination of the performing membership for each concert
(See II.B.2/3/5.)
H. Serve as a non-voting, ex officio member of and advisor to the Board
of Directors.
I. Consult with and meet with the Board as needed to meet fiscal and
logistic goals throughout the concert season.
J. Susan Shoemaker, as Founding Music Director of the Society, shall
retain the position of voting Director in the Board, which privilege
shall not follow to any succeeding Music Director.
VII. REHEARSAL ACCOMPANIST
A. The Rehearsal Accompanist shall be retained by the Music Director,
with the approval of the Board of Directors, and shall be supervised by
the Music Director.
B. If the Rehearsal Accompanist performs with the Society in concert,
he/she shall be compensated at the same rate as orchestra members for
said performance unless otherwise contracted upon hiring.
VIII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. Personnel
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer
5. Three Directors at large
6. Music Director (non-voting, ex officio, except for Susan Shoemaker,
who, as Founding Music Director, shall be a voting Director on the
Board until she is no longer the Music Director)
7. Honorary Member(s) (non-voting)
8. The Board shall consist of seven Directors, and vacancies shall be
filled as soon as practicable (see IX.)
B. Responsibilities and Duties of Officers
1. President
a. Provide written
and/or electronic agendas for and preside at Board meetings.
b. Serve as ex officio member of all committees
c. Engage legal advice and assistance as necessary in order to oversee
compliance with the State of Illinois and Internal Revenue Service
requirements concerning non-profit corporation status, tax-exempt
status, solicitation of contributions, and offering paid positions.
d. File or direct the filing of all state and federal documents and
payments pertinent to tax exempt status of the Society.
e. Oversee a biannual review of the Bylaws (see VIII.C.5.)
(1). Newly approved
Bylaws shall not be retroactive unless so directed by a majority vote
of the Board.
(2). Board members shall operate under the Bylaws concurrent with the
commencement of their official Board duties until such time that the
Bylaws are changed or as directed by a majority vote of the Board.
f. Vote on Board matters to break tie votes.
2. Vice President
a. Fulfill the
responsibilities of the President in his/her absence or as appointed by
the President
b. Oversee marketing, advertising, and other fund raising activities in
cooperation with the Chairperson of the Marketing Committee
c. Oversee the writing and submission of grant proposals.
3. Secretary
a. Record and
maintain minutes of Board and membership meetings.
b. Assist the President and Music Director with correspondence.
c. Retain and train as necessary a substitute scribe for any Board
meeting that the Secretary must miss.
d. Work with the Chair of the Marketing Committee and the Vice
President to collect and maintain records.
e. Oversee collection and storage of archival materials.
4. Treasurer
a. Manage all
financial records
b. Oversee bank deposits
c. Write checks as directed by the President of the Board or as
directed by a vote of the Board.
d. Provide written and/or electronic financial reports for all
scheduled Board meetings and as requested by the President.
e. Provide leadership in meetings where salaries and other
compensations are discussed and voted upon.
C. General Responsibilities and Duties of the Board of Directors
1. The Board of
Directors shall be responsible for the management and operation of the
Society.
2. Attend regularly scheduled and special meetings of the Board.
3. Promote the wellbeing of and act as goodwill ambassadors for the
Society.
4. Make and enforce rules and policies in accordance with these Bylaws.
5. Review the Bylaws bi-annually, recommend changes, and vote either to
enact the amended Bylaws or to reinstate them as they stand.
6. Establish and/or confirm salaries and other compensation for Music
Director, Accompanist(s), and orchestra members.
7. Each Board member shall perform his/her duties in good faith, with
the care with which an ordinarily prudent person would exercise under
similar circumstances, and in a manner he/she reasonably believes to be
in the best interests of the organization.
8. Advertise the position of Music Director whenever such a vacancy
occurs. Interview applicants and make contractual and hiring
decisions.
D. Quorum
A simple majority of voting Board members constitutes a quorum.
Any meeting conducted without a quorum will not be an official meeting
and the proceedings thereof will be considered to have been
“discussion.”
E. Frequency of meetings
1. The Music Director
and/or the President shall schedule regular meetings of the Board at
least once per term as deemed necessary.
2. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President as
needed.
3. At the request of at least two Board members a special meeting shall
be called by the President.
4. Special meetings may be held by telephone, computer, or other
current and applicable communications methods in addition to
face-to-face.
IX. BOARD ELECTIONS
A. A Membership Meeting for the purpose of Board nominations must be
held during or immediately after a rehearsal. The President of
the Board or her/his designee shall preside. If nominations and
elections to the Board are needed at a time when rehearsals are not
being held, the Board may conduct those nominations and elections
virtually.
B. Any group of five Society members can request a Membership Meeting,
or the President of the Board can call one.
C. During a Membership Meeting Society members shall nominate one or
more members from their number to fill any Board vacancy or vacancies.
D. Nominees may address the Membership at the Membership Meeting
(IX.C.), and if there are more nominees than vacancies, nominees are
voted upon by secret ballot at a Membership Meeting after the
following week’s rehearsal, i.e. 9:00 P.M. If there are no more
nominees than vacancies, then the nominees may be immediately elected
to the Board by a majority of those voting, without need for a secret
ballot.
E. Nominees must agree to perform the duties of a Board member before
being voted upon.
F. Officers of the Board are chosen by and from among the seated Board
of Directors.
1. The elected
President shall have been a member of the Board for at least one year
prior to her/his election. The Board may waive this requirement
by majority vote.
2. Terms of office for all Directors shall be three years, and
Directors may succeed themselves for one consecutive term. Former
two-term Directors are eligible for reelection after being out of
office for one year.
3. Directors in office when these Bylaws are ratified shall be held
over in office. In order to have a staggered succession of
Directors, hold-over Directors shall be phased out of office over three
years at the rate of two per year, beginning with the longest serving
Directors, except Susan Shoemaker while she is Music Director, in the
year following the adoption of these Bylaws and continuing each year in
seniority order.
4. All terms of office shall begin on July 1 of the year of election to
coincide with the Society’s fiscal year. If the fiscal year is
changed, the term shall begin in the month to which the beginning of
the fiscal year has changed. Vacancies filled during a concert
season shall begin immediately upon election to finish the vacated term
of office of the Director he/she is replacing.
5. Interested community members who are not Society singers are
eligible to serve on the Board and in committees.
6. Officers of the Board are subject to election/reelection yearly.
X. FINANCE
A. Checks may be signed by the President or the Treasurer. The Music
Director may sign checks in documented consultation with the President
or Treasurer.
B. Checks in excess of $999.99 shall require the signatures of the
Treasurer and the President.
C. Any expenditure shall be reported to the Board of Directors at the
first Board meeting following the expenditure.
XI. COMMITTEES
A. The only standing committee is the Marketing Committee, which
may be a committee of one or more persons. The President shall
appoint the Chairperson of the Marketing Committee, who will report to
the Vice President.
B. The President may appoint committees as needed for the orderly
operation of the Society. The President shall appoint the
Chairperson of any committee so established.
C. Interested community members who are not Society singers are
eligible to serve in committees and as Directors on the Board.
X. AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS
Bylaws can be amended by a vote of five Directors.
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