Bylaws

BY-LAWS

of

THE SUZUKI ASSOCIATION OF UTAH

Effective January 29, 2022



 

ARTICLE 1- ORGANIZATION

Section 1.1 - Name and Mission Statement

1.1.1 - Name

The name of the organization shall be The Suzuki Association of Utah, hereafter referred to as SAU.

1.1.2 - Mission Statement

Our mission as teachers, parents and individuals is to make quality music education available to children following Dr. Suzuki’s philosophy of “Talent Education.” We provide workshops, training events, and scholarships to encourage teachers’ development through mentoring. The SAU assists families in creating a positive home environment through workshops, musical events, newsletters and student scholarships for the musical development of children.

Section 1.2 - Purpose

The SAU is a professional organization of music teachers founded in 1977 dedicated to providing an environment for growth, for both teachers and students, through educational and performance opportunities, using the philosophy of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.

1.2.1 - SAU Teacher Mission Statement

As Suzuki teachers, we are united in our purpose of nurturing children and families through music and are dedicated to developing beautiful hearts and individual abilities for the enrichment of their world.

1.2.2 - Goals

1.2.2.1 Unite in fellowship those accepted for membership.

1.2.2.2 Provide opportunities for members to give professional assistance to each other.

1.2.2.3 Encourage the continued development and training of all members.

1.2.2.4 Provide educational opportunities for SAU teachers, students and their families.

1.2.2.5 Provide teacher training in the “mother tongue” method of music education in accordance with the program developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.

1.2.2.6 Ensure that SAU Members teach in accordance with the philosophy of the Suzuki Association of America (hereinafter referred to as the SAA) and meet all standards of teaching excellence established by SAU.

1.2.2.7 Support and maintain liaison with the SAA.

1.2.3 - Activities

SAU provides regional instrument specific and combined activities and performances designed to enhance the student’s musical education experience, approved by the SAA. These activities may include, but are not limited to instrument recital programs, graduation concerts, master classes, etc. 

Section 1.3 - Instrument Regions and Regional Subdivisions

1.3.1 - General Organization

The SAU will be divided by Instrument Regions and Regional Subdivisions. The purpose of these groupings is to better serve the needs of its members.

1.3.2 - Instrument Region Organization

1.3.2.1 Classification

There shall be an Instrument Region for the teachers of each instrument, for the purpose of working together to provide activities for their students, parents and teachers. In the case of larger Instrument Regions the region may be according to geographical area.

1.3.2.2 Qualifications

An Instrument Region may petition the Executive Board of the SAU for Instrument Region status when there is at least one Active Member for that Instrument who desires to create and promote activities for that instrument in accordance with SAU standards and requirements. 

1.3.2.3 Current Regions

The current Regions are listed on our website at www.suzukimusicutah.org.

1.3.2.4 Members outside of designated SAU regions

A SAU member residing outside of the designated SAU Instrument Regions and Regional Subdivisions may be designated as a Member at Large. 

 

ARTICLE 2 - MEMBERSHIP

Section 2.1 - Membership

2.1.1 - Membership

Membership in SAU shall be open to all who are interested in the purposes of the Corporation as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation. The Executive Board may establish classes of membership and dues (or exemptions from dues) for each class, at its sole discretion.

2.1.2 - Privileges of Membership

Privileges of membership - Each Instrument Region shall plan its own event(s) and will be sponsored by SAU and will be eligible for budgeted funds from the SAU Treasury to offset expenses each year. Budgeting of funds will be made by the Executive Board and prorated according to membership numbers in the regions. Regions are expected to submit a proposed budget prior to the event, and then a record of actual expenses within 30 days after the event. These events are only open to member teachers and their member families within their studios.

Section 2.2 - Classes of Membership

2.2.1 - Active Members

2.2.1.1 Requirements

2.2.1.1.1 Minimum training:  Every Child Can and SAA Unit 1

2.2.1.1.2 Receive at least 15 hours of Suzuki training every two years. The following types of training fulfill this requirement:

2.2.1.1.2.1 SAU Annual Parent/Teacher Convention

2.2.1.1.2.2 Long-term teacher training with an SAA trainer

2.2.1.1.2.3 Short-term teacher training such as provided at SAA approved institutes

2.2.1.1.2.4 Observation of the teaching of any Advanced Active SAU teacher - proof of observation is required

2.2.1.1.2.5 SAA Suzuki enrichment courses

2.2.1.1.2.6 SAA Conventions

2.2.1.1.2.7 SAU Student Workshops

2.2.1.1.2.8 Suzuki Principles in Action course (SPA)

2.2.1.1.3 SAU Active Teachers must participate in at least one SAU sponsored activity per year. 

2.2.1.1.4 All of the student families in their studio must be registered as SAU Family Affiliate Members. 

2.2.1.1.5 Present students in performance at least once a year

2.2.1.1.6 Be a member of SAA

2.2.1.2 Benefits

2.2.1.2.1 May attend all SAU meetings

2.2.1.2.2 May serve on committees

2.2.1.2.3 May vote and hold office

2.2.1.2.4 May participate in all activities of the SAU

2.2.1.2.5 May enter students in SAU-sponsored master classes and the SAU graduation program, provided the teacher has received the same level of training as the performance piece of the student; exceptions may be decided with audition tapes.

2.2.1.2.6 May enter students in recitals and other SAU-sponsored activities

2.2.1.2.7 Shall be listed as “Active” in the SAU online directory

2.2.1.2.8 May receive reduced rates to specified activities and workshops sponsored by the SAU

2.2.2 - Advanced Active Members

2.2.2.1 Requirements

2.2.2.1.1 Fulfill all Active Member requirements

2.2.2.1.2 Complete Suzuki training through the following levels:

2.2.2.1.2.1 Cello - Book 4                                

2.2.2.1.2.2 Flute - Book 6

2.2.2.1.2.3 Guitar - Book 4                               

2.2.2.1.2.4 Harp - Book 3

2.2.2.1.2.5 Piano - Book 4 (Each Kataoka Basics Workshops will count as one book, provided the repertoire is memorized through Book 4)

2.2.2.1.2.6 String Bass - Book 1                         

2.2.2.1.2.7 Viola- Book 4

2.2.2.1.2.8 Violin - Book 6                               

2.2.2.1.2.9 Voice - all of the provisional books

2.2.2.1.2.10 Trumpet - Book 1

2.2.2.1.3 Complete a minimum of one SAA short-term course every two years until all of the books on the respective instrument books are completed, or enroll in an SAA long-term teacher training course. Exceptions may be approved by the SAU Executive Board or person/committee designated to grant approval.

2.2.2.1.4 Share in the planning and execution of the annual SAU Parent/Teacher Convention. It is recommended that Advanced Active Teachers volunteer to teach breakout sessions at this convention.

2.2.2.1.5 Complete at least five years of Suzuki teaching on the instrument of Advanced Active status.

2.2.2.1.6 Maintain a Suzuki studio of at least ten student students

2.2.2.2 Benefits

2.2.2.2.1 Shall receive all of the benefits accorded Active Members

2.2.2.2.2 Shall be listed as Advanced Active in the SAU teacher directory

2.2.2.2.3 Shall receive a Certificate signifying the Advanced Active status in the SAU

2.2.3 - SAU Partner Members

2.2.3.1 Classification

Educational Institutions such as schools and academies, music stores, or private donors may apply for and/or be given Partnership status in the SAU.

2.2.3.2 Benefits

2.2.3.2.1 The SAU Partner Institution or Individual shall be included on the SAU Family mailing list. 

2.2.3.2.2 SAU Partner teachers are encouraged to attend SAU Teacher and Parent workshops and conventions. 

2.2.3.2.3 Students who are taught at or through SAU Partner members may participate in SAU activities. Student participation at SAU Graduation concerts and other formal concerts may require an audio or video submission from the Partner teacher. These submissions must be approved by the Graduation or Concert committee in order to maintain the SAU standards.

2.2.3.2.4 SAU Partner teachers are required to help with SAU activities at which their students are attending. 

2.2.3.3 Requirements

2.2.3.3.1 SAU Partner Members must have a history of at least five years of consecutive service to the SAU to receive Partner Member status. The Executive Board may determine the in-kind value of said service. 

2.2.3.3.2 Each family of a Partner Member teacher will pay dues annually. The partnership agreement between the SAU and the Partner Organization will determine the rate of membership dues if any adjustments are deemed necessary.

2.2.3.3.3 All dues for SAU Partner Member Families will be submitted by the SAU Partner Representatives of the SAU Partner Member. 

2.2.3.3.4 The SAU Partner Member representatives will coordinate the participation of their students with the appropriate region. It is the responsibility of the partner member organization to contact the SAU Region and Representatives in charge of the activity.

2.2.4 - SAU Family Affiliate Members

2.2.4.1 Classification

SAU Active teacher members must enroll their students’ families as Family Affiliate Members of the SAU. This registration shall require the payment of an annual family registration fee determined by the Executive Board and payable through the student’s SAU teacher.

2.2.4.2 Benefits

2.2.4.2.1 Shall be included on the SAU family mailing list

2.2.4.2.2 May participate in parent conventions and workshops

2.2.4.2.3 May participate in the SAU student events, such as Super Activities, Graduation Concerts, recitals, workshops, and master classes

2.2.4.2.4 May serve on committees

2.2.4.2.5 Shall receive other privileges as determined by the officers of the SAU

 

ARTICLE 3 - MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

Section 3.1 - Annual Membership Meeting

The Annual Membership Meeting shall be held each year at a place and time determined by the Board of Directors. This meeting is traditionally scheduled in the Winter or Spring during the lunch hour at the annual SAU Parent/Teacher Convention. The purpose of this meeting will be the presentation and sustaining of elected and appointed officers, reports of the past year, and plans for the coming year. A majority vote of those present at this meeting will be valid for all SAU business. Twenty members shall constitute a quorum for this meeting.

Section 3.2 - SAU Annual Parent-Teacher Convention

The SAU Annual Parent-Teacher Convention will unite the parents and teachers of the SAU at a place and time determined by the Executive Board. The purpose of the Parent-Teacher Convention is to educate and inspire all members of the SAU.

Section 3.3 - Special Meetings

Special meetings can be called by the President with two or more members of the Executive Board to make changes in the bylaws or the annual dues, or discuss and plan upcoming events. Policy changes except for dues, must be voted in by the Executive Board before being presented at the Annual meeting of the SAU for approval.

 

ARTICLE 4 - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 4.1 - Directors

The Association shall be governed by a Board of Directors composed of an Administrative Board, an Executive Board, and a General Board.

Section 4.2 - Organization of the Board of Directors

4.2.1 - Administrative Board 

4.2.1.1 The Administrative Board shall consist of a President, President-elect or Vice President, Executive Secretary, Membership Secretary, Admin, and Treasurer.

4.2.1.2 Three officers shall constitute a quorum for this board.

4.2.1.3 This board is responsible for details involving the membership and the budget.

4.2.2 - Executive Board

4.2.2.1 The Executive Board is composed of all members of the Administrative Board, the Instrument Vice Presidents, the Newsletter Editor, and the immediate past president, by invitation only. It may also include the Librarian, Publicity Chairman, and Fundraising Chairman. 

4.2.2.2 Three officers shall constitute a quorum for this board.

4.2.2.3 This board is responsible for setting policies, communication with the membership, and administrating activities.

4.2.2.4 Simultaneous positions

It is acceptable for an executive board member to hold two positions simultaneously. For example, at the time of this revision, the office of Executive Secretary and Librarian are being held by one person, and the office of Admin and Cello Vice-President are being held by one person.

4.2.3 - General Board

4.2.3.1 The General Board consists of the Administrative Board, Executive Board and Regional Leaders.

4.2.3.2 This board is responsible for executing the activities of the organization.

4.2.4 - Past-Presidents Advisory Board

Includes all past presidents of the SAU

Section 4.3 -  Regular Meetings

The Administrative and Executive Boards meet monthly, traditionally on the first Friday of each month. 

Section 4.4 - Special Meetings

Special meetings of the Administrative and Executive Boards can be called as needed. The General Board meets with the Executive Board by invitation. The Executive Board may organize an SAU Leadership Retreat for members of the General Board. This retreat is traditionally held in May.

 

ARTICLE 5 - OFFICERS

Section 5.1 - Officers

Each branch of the SAU Board of Directors has specific officers. Please see Section 4.2. Typically, the SAU waives the annual SAU dues for everyone serving on the General Board.

5.1.1 - Selection of Officers

Officers will be selected from a pool of applicants by a committee made up of current board members. The current officer may solicit help in finding a suitable replacement by encouraging qualified members to apply for his or her position. Then the Board will vote on those appointments.

5.1.2 - Term of Office

A term of office is two years, except for the President and Past-President who serve three and one year/s respectively. An officer may serve multiple terms, and may also serve at a later time in the same or in a different capacity.

5.1.3 - Outgoing and Incoming Officers

Outgoing officers should make known their intentions to finish their term no later than  January 1 of the outgoing year. Outgoing officers will train the new officers, unless a more formal training program is implemented.

5.1.4 - Installation

Term of office will commence June 1.

5.1.5 - Resignation and Removal

At the end of their term, officers will serve from June 1- August 1 as an assistant to the new officer, the only exception is the Past-President who serves as an assistant to the President until June 1 of the year following the end of their term. 

5.1.5.1 Resignation of Officers

An officer may resign, before the end of their term of office, by sending a signed letter of resignation to the President. The President may resign by sending a letter of resignation to the Executive Board. 

5.1.5.2 Removal of Officers

An officer may be removed by the Executive Board. Notice of removal along with an explanation must be sent to the officer by the Executive Board.

5.1.5.3 Replacement of Officers

The President can appoint a replacement officer to complete a term in the event of a resignation or removal. If the President resigns or is removed, the Executive Board has the right to approve a replacement to complete the term of office.

5.1.6 - President

The President acts as a coordinator for the organization and is responsible for executing the mission, purpose, and goals of the organization.

5.1.7 - Past-President

The Past-President is responsible for the training of the new President, and may also act as an advisor to the board. The Past-President may serve on committees or do SAU work as desired.

5.1.8 - President-Elect (Vice-President)

The President-Elect is an assistant to the President, and may serve on committees or do SAU work as desired.

5.1.9 - Instrument Vice-Presidents

5.1.9.1 There will be one Vice-President in charge of each of the Instrument Regions. See the SAU website for the current list of Regions. 

5.1.9.2 Instrument Vice-Presidents are responsible for serving on the Executive Board, coordinating activities, writing newsletter articles, and communicating with their instrument regions.

5.1.9.3 The Instrument Vice-Presidents of the SAU shall program and coordinate activities throughout the year for teachers, parents and students. 

5.1.9.4 All activities should be presented at the monthly Board meetings. All activities should be posted on the SAU Website and advertised in the SAU Newsletters and through emails to the membership of that region. 

5.1.10 - Instrument Regional Coordinators

Instrumental Regional Coordinators serve in large regions to help divide the large instrument groups into more localized areas.  Regional Coordinators are responsible for planning and holding graduation concerts, recitals, workshops, and super activities within their regions.

5.1.11 - Other Regional Officers

These individuals may be appointed by the President, or Instrumental Vice Presidents, or the Regional Coordinators. They include the following:

5.1.11.1 Activity Chairpersons to assist in workshops, recitals, and/or super activities.

5.1.11.2 Graduation Chairpersons to coordinate activities for student graduation recitals.

5.1.11.3 Celebration Chairpersons to plan large scale SAU Celebration Concerts, either for a specific Instrument Region or combined Instrument Regions.

5.1.12 - Newsletter Editor

A Newsletter Editor shall prepare newsletters for the membership of the SAU to be sent during specified months of the year. This is a paid position and may be paid out of the newsletter budget expenses. The SAU print newsletter shall be mailed out quarterly and correspond to spring, summer, fall and winter seasons. The electronic newsletter shall go out monthly.

5.1.13 - Treasurer

A Treasurer shall deposit dues and fees, pay bills, maintain membership financial records, official files, and the financial history of the SAU. The treasurer shall furnish monthly reports to the Executive Board and an Annual Report to the Membership at the Annual Meeting. This is a paid, non-voting position.

5.1.14 - Executive Secretary

The Executive Secretary attends all board meetings, records minutes and sends notifications for meetings. The Executive Secretary will assist the President with any work associated with running the SAU and oversee the SAU Calendar.

5.1.15 - Membership Secretary 

The Membership Secretary will maintain the current Membership Records for the SAU on the SAU website, including collecting duesand will forward SAA and SAU membership information to the SAA and pay SAA member dues to the SAA according to SAA policy.  The Membership Secretary also coordinates the yearly Membership Drive in August and September. The Membership Secretrary reaches out to potential members of SAU and works with Instrumental Vice Presidents to build their regional membership. The Membership Secretary also answers questions from members and potential members regarding joining the SAU, and gives a report on the organization’s membership at the annual convention. This is a paid position.

5.1.16 - Admin 

The SAU Website, located at www.suzukimusicutah.org, shall be maintained by an individual hereby known as the Admin. This person may be part of the company hired to create the website, or a capable member of SAU, or a capable friend of SAU. The Admin will interface directly with the Administrative Board and with the website/hosting companies. The Admin will also maintain the executive board email addresses and work with SAU members on technical issues as required. This is a paid position.

5.1.17 - Publicity and Social Media Chairman

The Publicity and Social Media Chairman shall be responsible for specific publicity for SAU-sponsored events, i.e. conventions, institutes, recitals, workshops, concerts, etc. This includes managing the SAU Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts.

5.1.18 - Librarian

A Librarian shall maintain and operate a lending library of books, records, tapes, etc. The Librarian will update the inventory catalog annually, or more frequently as necessary, and make it visible and usable from the SAU Website.

5.1.19 - Fundraising Chairperson

The State Fundraising Chairperson will act under the direction of the Executive Board to solicit funds for the SAU. This includes writing and submitting grants to potential donors and working with Board members to determine where the SAU has the greatest financial needs, and keeping track of other non-grant donations. The Fundraising Chairperson makes sure all donors to the SAU are recognized online and/or in print. This is a paid position.

5.1.20 - Suzuki Institutes in Utah

5.1.20.1  The Intermountain Suzuki String Institute (ISSI) and the Utah Suzuki Harp Institute are independent of SAU. 

5.1.21 - Other Specialists and Assistants

Other specialists and assistants may be appointed for specific purposes when necessary.

 

ARTICLE  6 - COMMITTEES

Section 6.1 - Formation

Committees will be appointed by the Executive Board as needed.

Section 6.2 - Financial Committee

A Financial Committee may be appointed by the President for the purpose of reviewing applications and making recommendations for funds to be awarded to teachers and students to be used towards Suzuki classes and training. Service to the Association shall be one of the criteria upon which funds are awarded. The SAU Executive Board shall have the responsibility of approving the grants. The SAU may, and traditionally has, offered a $300 grant annually in the name of Dr. Suzuki to a qualified teacher who desires additional teacher training. 

Section 6.3 - Teacher Training Committee

The Teacher Training Committee will consist of members of the SAU listed on the Teacher Trainer Registry of the SAA. These individuals may form a committee in order to organize teacher development activities for the SAU.

Section 6.4 - Celebration Concert Committee

The Celebration Concert Committee may be appointed by the Executive Board once every five years no later than September 1 of the year preceding the Celebration concert, or two years preceding for a large instrument group. This committee may be headed by a Celebration Concert Chairperson and may be made up of representatives from each instrument. This committee is responsible for planning, organizing and executing the Celebration Concert(s).

 

ARTICLE 7 - FISCAL YEAR

Section 7.1 - Budget

The Budget governs the expenditures. A projected budget will be created and voted on at the October Board Meeting by the Executive Board. Amounts exceeding the budget must be approved by the Administrative Board. The annual budget is presented to the entire SAU membership at the Annual Meeting.

Section 7.2 - Annual Dues

7.2.1 - Annual Dues 

Annual Dues for teachers and families will be set by the Executive Board. Changes to these rates may be made by the Administrative Board and approved by a vote of the Executive Board, when deemed appropriate by the Executive Board.

7.2.2 - Payment

Annual dues will be paid during the Annual Membership Drive. See Section 5.1.15. Annual dues for Active and Advanced Active members will also include the SAA Membership dues.

7.2.3 - Membership Period

The SAU Membership year will begin September 1 and end on Aug 31. The SAA Membership, if paid through SAU, begins on November 1 and expires on October 31.

Section 7.3 - National Association Dues

The SAU will pay dues to be a Chapter Affiliate of The SAA.

Section 7.4 - Dissolution of Assets

Upon the dissolution of this corporation, its assets remaining after payment, or provision for payment, of all debts and liabilities of this corporation shall be distributed to the SAA within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

ARTICLE 8 - AWARDS AND CERTIFICATES

Section 8.1 - Distinguished Service Awards

At the Annual Membership Meeting, the SAU President, with approval from the Executive Board, may choose to give a Distinguished Service Award to an individual or several people either on the Board, or in an advisory position to the Board who has given exceptional service to the teachers and families of the SAU.

 

ARTICLE 9 - INSURANCE

Section 9.1 Insurance Information

The SAU has funded an insurance policy to cover the liability exposure on SAU-sponsored events. If a facility requires proof of insurance, contact the agent by phone, fax, email or through regular postal mail.

9.1.1 - Proof of insurance certificates 

9.1.1.1 Will be issued through the office of:

Monson Insurance

Linda Molyneux, Agent

Phone:  801-269-1999

Fax:  801-269-1004

E-mail:  linda@monson-insurance.com

Address:  635 West 5300 South, Suite 201, Murray, UT 84123

9.1.1.2 Required Information

The following information is needed for proof of insurance certificate: date of the event, location with mailing address of the event, information requested by the venue, contact person at the venue.

9.1.1.3 SAU President Approval

Upon receipt of a request for proof of insurance for a SAU sponsored event, Monson Insurance is required to obtain approval for the event from the SAU President. An insurance certificate cannot be issued without this go-ahead from the President.

9.1.2 - Insurance Exclusivity

9.1.4.1 The insurance policy funded by the SAU is to be used exclusively for SAU sponsored events.

9.1.4.2 An SAU event must be organized and executed by members of the General Board. Past Board members may not use the insurance for personal events. SAU member Teacher Trainers may not use the insurance for SAA teacher training unless the majority of participants are SAU members.

9.1.4.3 An SAU event is usually a Super Activity, a Graduation Concert, a Celebration Concert, or a Combined Instrument Recital.

9.1.4.4  An SAU event serves the needs of the teachers, students and families of the SAU.