As submitted to TVNATS membership for vote for Fall 2022
A Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing Serving the Western/South Central Idaho Region
Article 1 – Name
As chartered in 1998 by the Executive Committee of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc., hereafter called NATS, and subject to its Bylaws, the name of this organization is Treasure Valley Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc.
Article II – Purposes and Code of Ethics
The Treasure Valley Chapter adopts fully the stated mission of NATS. “The mission of NATS is to encourage the highest standards of the vocal art and of ethical principles in the teaching of singing; and to promote vocal education and research at all levels, both for the enrichment of the general public and for the professional advancement of the talented.” TV NATS also subscribes without reservation to the NATS Code of Ethics.
Code of Ethics
These ethical guidelines are established by the National Association to outline Members’ ethical duties and obligations to students, colleagues and the general public, and to promote professional cooperation and productive relationships among its Members.
I. Personal Ethical Standards
The Association expects its Members to behave professionally and ethically in the representation of their abilities and in their promotional materials and outreach, and to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the Association.
Members shall present themselves honestly, in a dignified and professional manner, and with documented qualifications. These may include appropriate academic degrees, awards, professional affiliations, and teaching and performing experience.
Members shall strive to teach with competence by demonstrating knowledge of voice pedagogy, musicianship, familiarity with a variety of vocal repertoire, as well as performance skills.
Members should strive for continued growth in professional competencies. Members shall faithfully support the Association and are encouraged to participate in and contribute to its activities and mission.
Members should abide by copyright laws and guard against encouraging or allowing infringement thereof.
Members shall exhibit responsible and ethical behavior when using print, digital and social media associated with the profession and the studio.
Members should be artistic resources for their communities.
II. Ethical Standards Relating to Students
The Association is committed to Member/Student relationships which foster excellence and learning in a dignified and professional environment, and which do not involve discrimination, sexuality, innuendo, or favoritism.
Members should avoid all types of discriminatory practices. Appropriate guidelines are set forth in statutes such as Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Members should maintain appropriate boundaries in psychological, emotional, and personal contact with students, including insinuations that could be construed as sexual advances, even when a student may encourage or request such interaction.
Members should respect the privacy and personal integrity of students, not disclosing confidential information except to the extent that a particular legal or academic system requires disclosure.
Members should clearly communicate and comply with their studio policies and expectations in a timely and concrete manner.
The relationship between teacher and student shall be established, maintained and terminated in a respectful, professional manner.
Members should respect a student’s prerogative to obtain instruction from any teacher(s) of their choice, including concurrent study with another teacher(s).
Transparency should be maintained among all parties.
Members should offer their best instruction and career advice to every student under their supervision, and should treat each student in a respectful and impartial manner while taking into account individual differences in ability, learning styles and motivation.
Members should refrain from making exaggerated claims or misleading statements concerning a student’s prospects for a professional career in music. They should not guarantee performances, professional positions or favorable contacts unless they can fulfill those promises.
III. Ethical Standards Relating to Colleagues
The Association encourages a mutually supportive atmosphere among its Members, and in their interactions with other related professionals.
Members shall refrain from making defamatory or untrue negative public statements or judgments about colleagues or their students, either verbally or in writing.
Members shall render honest and unbiased adjudication at auditions and com petitions. If they are unable to do so, then they should recuse themselves.
In cases where a Member determines that involving other professionals in a student’s instruction may be of benefit (for medical, technical, artistic, musical, pedagogical, or other reasons), Members shall strive to work collegially with these professionals.
Rules and regulations of accredited academic institutions may at times take precedence over the Association’s Code of Ethics, should there be a conflict. Should ethical conflicts arise between Members and/or a NATS Entity, direct communication should be used to resolve problems among the involved parties. If the conflict cannot be resolved, the Association has a specific, detailed process for dealing with concerns.
This version of the Code of Ethics approved by the NATS Board of Directors in June 2018.
Article III – Membership
All teachers of singing who have been accepted by the National Association into full, affiliate, associate or emeritus membership, and who reside in or near the geographical area in which the Treasure Valley Chapter has been chartered or otherwise encouraged to serve, are immediately eligible for membership in the chapter. Chapters shall accept and allow as chapter members only members of the Association. No such member shall be refused membership in the Treasure Valley Chapter; however, such national member is not obligated to be a chapter member. Chapter membership will be terminated when a member resigns, or is dropped from membership in the national organization (see also Article VII).
Article IV – Officers and Duties
Chapter Officers shall consist of a Past President, President, Vice President/President Elect, Secretary, Webmaster, and Treasurer. Officers shall be elected annually according to vacancies, and may serve for more than one two-year term. Chapters will be responsible to annually report the name and full address of each Chapter President to the Regional and District Governors and the Executive Office.
The President shall preside at all meetings of the Chapter and present such matters as may properly come before the meeting. This office shall be responsible for reporting information to the Regional Governor. Shall be empowered to appoint any and all committees, chairs, and special officers with the approval of a quorum of the Chapter Officers.
The Vice President/President Elect shall assist the President in his/her duties and preside at meetings when the President is absent. Shall be in charge of membership development unless a special officer is appointed. Shall prepare the annual fall letter to be sent during September to all members.
The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings and conduct necessary correspondence. This includes correspondence which the President or Vice President shall refer to this office. The secretary shall have a current list of members to which correspondence shall be sent. Minutes of each general/board meeting will be sent to the members within two weeks of the meeting.
The Treasurer shall keep an accurate account of all finances of the chapter, and pay all approved bills of the chapter. A written statement of the chapter’s finances shall be presented once a year or upon request of the Chapter Officers.
The Past President shall consult with currently elected officers of the Chapter and serve at their own personal discretion.
Special officers, committees, or chairpersons may be appointed by the President to serve in such temporary capacities as occasion may demand such as workshops, master classes, student auditions and recitals as well as general meetings of the chapter members for education and advancement of the profession. Others may be enlisted to assist with membership recruitment, website management, program development, publicity, social events or other purposes for the benefit and advancement of the chapter members.
Chapter Officers comprise a Board and shall outline programs, direct policies to encourage activity and growth of the Chapter, secure speakers and other talent for the meetings, and promote membership in the Chapter in accordance with the membership requirements established by NATS.
Any administrative officer, whether elected or appointed, shall cease to hold office upon termination of his/her membership in the National Association. Any elected officer may be removed from office by two-thirds vote of the Chapter Membership.
Article V – Meetings
There shall be at least two meetings of the chapter each year. Announcements of meetings with proposed agenda and program shall be emailed to the members at least 21 days prior to the meeting. Chapter meetings shall be held at times and places, most convenient to the largest number of members. Meetings may be called by the President or by any responsible segment of the membership, provided in the latter instance that chapter officers and the remainder of the membership are notified at least 21 days in advance of such meeting.
Article VI – Elections and Quorum
At a spring/summer meeting of the chapter, elections shall be held. The nominating committee will provide a slate of nominees for the offices named above. The agenda and slate of nominees including a space for write-in votes will be emailed to the chapter members at least 21 days prior to the chapter meeting. Those unable to attend the spring meeting may vote by email, assuring the emailed ballot arrives at least one day before the meeting. Late ballots will not be counted.
Officers elected from the slate of nominees or from the floor shall take office at once, serving until the spring meeting two years hence.
A quorum will consist of one-third of the active membership. At any regular meeting, each full, associate, and emeritus member in good standing shall be entitled to vote in person or by written proxy upon any motion or question properly brought before the Chapter. Affiliate members may not vote.
Article VII – Dues and Assessments
TV Nats Chapter dues are payable annually at the same time National dues are collected , in such an amount as may be suggested by the Board. If dues are not paid in a timely manner, chapter membership shall automatically cease. New members shall be assessed the full amount of the dues at the time they join the local chapter. Assessments over and above the annual dues may be made for special events necessitating unusual expenditures with approval by the Chapter Officers.
Article VII – Program and Procedures
The program of the Chapter properly may include social, promotional, professional and educational activities at the discretion of its officers and members, so long as such activities are consistent with the purposes and code of ethics, as stated in Article II.
Article IX – Amendment
With the exception of Articles I, II & III, which may not be amended or revoked, the By-Laws of the chapter may be repealed or amended, or new By-Laws adopted, by a majority of the chapter membership voting in person, by written proxy, or by email, provided that such amendments have been announced 21 days in advance.