Name 1. The Band shall be registered with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) and known as ‘The Royal Burgh of Stirling Pipe Band’ (hereinafter called “the Band”). Objectives 2. The objectives of the Band shall be the furtherance of piping and drumming in both competitive and social fields, as well as to promote and advance the education of the public in piping and drumming music, particularly young people living in and around Stirling. Membership 3. In determining who shall be admitted membership, the Committee shall not in any way discriminate between applicants by reason of race, nationality, religion, gender, sexuality or disability. 4. All members of the Band are expected to:
a. Respect and abide by the rules of the Constitution b. Promote the Band and its activities in a positive way c. Make their best efforts to attend practice sessions and public performances d. Pay any subscription or fees set by the committee 5. The Pipe Major or Leading Drummer must be informed as early as possible should any playing Member be unable to attend any practice session or public performance. 6. The Committee shall keep a register of all members including the following data: a. Name and address b. Phone number and email address c. Membership type (piper/drummer) d. RSPBA membership number 7. Membership of the Band shall cease: a. On intimation to the Secretary/Pipe Major of a member’s wish to resign b. If a resolution is passed by the Committee to remove a member c. On the death of a member Registration to the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association 8. The Band is a registered member of the Stirlingshire branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (hereafter referred to as the RSPBA) 9. The Band is required to register competing members with the RSPBA in accordance to their rules and constitution. Disciplinary Procedure 10. Where the Pipe Major or Lead Drummer considers that a member has acted in a manner detrimental to the Band, the player may be suspended forthwith and the matter shall be considered fully and determined at the next Committee Meeting. 11. Suspended members should be provided written notice to the reason they have been suspended and invited to the next Committee Meeting where their case can be made. 12. Suspended members may bring along one other member of the Band as witness and support should they be called before the Committee. 13. Once the case has been stated by both parties, the Committee is required to vote by majority on whether the suspension should be revoked or membership terminated. 14. The Committee’s decision on disciplinary matters shall be final. Office Bearers 15. The Band shall be managed by a Committee which consist of the following and elected by the members: a. Chairman b. Secretary c. Treasurer d. Quartermaster e. Pipe Major f. Web and Forum Administration g. Band Assistant h. 3 Ordinary Members (Piper Rep, Drummer Rep and Youth Rep) 16. The Pipe Major is the Musical Director of the Band and is responsible for: a. The playing efficiency and harmony between its playing sections b. The selection and arrangement of all music played by the Band c. Ensuring that the pipe corps meet the required standard of performance d. Determining the composition of the Band at all public performances e. The appearance of all bandsmen when out representing the Band 17. Immediately after being appointed, the Pipe Major shall appoint the Pipe Sergeant and Leading Drummer.  The Pipe Major may change these appointments at any time in the best interests of the Band. a. The Pipe Sergeant carries out such duties as detailed by the Pipe Major and acts as an additional instructor to the pipers.  In the absence of the Pipe Major, the Pipe Sergeant assumes command of the Band and has full powers in that temporary capacity. b. The Leading Drummer is responsible to the Pipe Major for the efficiency of the drum corps, arranging suitable drum scores and ensuring that the drum corps meet the required standard of performance. Committee Meetings 18. The Committee consists of the Office Bearers identified in section 15 and shall meet a minimum of once every quarter. 19. A minimum of 5 Members, including either the Pipe Major or Chairman, are required to form a quorum. 20. The secretary will provide all members no less that 1 weeks notice of meeting. Annual General Meetings 21. The purpose of the Band Annual General Meeting (hereforth referred to as the AGM) is for: a. Considering the previous Meeting minutes for approval b. Receiving the Annual Report from the Office Bearers c. Considering the audited accounts for approval d. The election of Office Bearers and other Committee e. Any other competent business of the Band 22. The AGM shall be held October each year with a minimum of 10 playing members including either the Pipe Major or Chairman needed to form a quorum. 23. The Secretary shall provide not less than 14 days prior notice of all General Meetings and shall keep minutes of each. 24. The Chairman shall preside at all General Meetings, and in the event of a tie in voting will exercise a casting as well as a deliberative vote. 25. Votes shall be cast by hand only, and only playing members in attendance at the General Meeting are entitled to vote. The rights and privileges of a member are personal and shall not be transferable for whatever reason. 26. The Committee may call an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) at any time provided that at least 14 days written notice is given to all members disclosing the nature of the business intended to be discussed at the Meeting. Finance 27. The Treasurer shall record all financial transactions and bank all monies collected on behalf of the Band. The signatures of the Treasurer and one other Office Bearer shall be necessary for all withdrawals and cheques. Fees 28. A monthly subscription fee of £10 per month shall be paid by all playing members of the Band by: a. Standing Order b. Cheque (Made payable to Stirling Pipe Band) c. Cash 29. A reduced monthly subscription fee of £5 per month is applicable to members: a. Aged 16 years and under b. In full time education c. Unemployed 30. In the event of non-payment a. A letter will be issued to the member advising them that their subscription is overdue b. The matter will be discussed at the next Committee meeting and may result in disciplinary action. 31. Where a member is experiencing difficulty paying their subscription fee, they must speak to a committee member immediately. Property 32. All items of inventory issued to any Member remain the sole property of the Band at all times and are loaned to that Member during their membership term.
 33. All Band equipment shall be signed for on receipt by the Member, and shall be returned immediately to the Quartermaster should the membership be terminated. Any loss or damage to uniform or equipment shall be recompensed to the Band. Loss, Damage or Injury 34. The Band does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage to property or injury to Members, which occur during practice sessions or during public performances and other related activities. Protecting Members 35. The Band has sought permission prior to collecting/publishing information on any members under 16 years of age. It is the Band’s policy not to disclose e-mail addresses for member’s under 16 and any information which may indicate where they live. Constitutional Amendments 36. This Constitution, which supersedes all previous constitutions of the Band, may only be amended by a resolution passed by a majority of members present and voting at any AGM or EGM of the Band. Band Constitution Version 2007 (Approved at AGM - October 2007)
 
Royal Burgh of Stirling Pipe Band