PUERTO RICO STATE UNIT

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR JAZZ EDUCATION

Chapter of Puerto Rico

Constitution and By-Laws

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I - Name

Section 1. This organization shall be known as the Puerto Rico State Unit of the International Association for Jazz Education an Associated Organization of the Music Educators National Conference.

ARTICLE II - Purpose

Section 1. To foster and promote the understanding and appreciation of jazz styles and its artistic performance.

Section 2. To lend assistance and guidance in the organization and development of jazz music curricula in schools and colleges, to include courses of study at all levels of instruction, jazz bands, vocal jazz ensembles and ensembles of various sizes and styles.

Section 3. To foster the application of jazz principles to music materials and methods of all levels.

Section 4. To foster and encourage the development and adoption of curricula which will explore contemporary composition, arranging and improvisation.

Section 5. To disseminate educational and professional news of interest to music educators.

Section 6. To assist in the organization of clinics, festivals and symposiums of local, state, and regional levels.

Section 7. To cooperate with all organizations dedicated to the development of musical culture in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

ARTICLE III - Membership

Section 1. Active membership shall be open to all Active-Research, life and present members of the Music Educators National Conference, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and any individual working orresiding in Puerto Rico who will support the purpose of the organization as stated in Article II.

Section 2. Student membership shall be open to all students attending anyschool in Puerto Rico. Student membership shall provide
the privileges of participation in all activities of the association with the exception of voting and holding office.

Section 3. Honorary membership may be conferred by unanimous vote of the Executive Committee. Such membership shall be for individuals in recognition of distinguished service to jazz in music education. Honorary membership shall carry with it all the privileges of active membership except the right to hold office and vote. Honorary membership can be revoked by the Executive Committee.

Section 4. Associate membership shall be open to any person, company, firm or institution. Members will receive all publications and have a permanent listing in the Jazz Educators Journal. Membership does not include the right to hold office or vote.

Section 5. Patron membership shall be open to any person, company, or firm. In case of a company or firm, one person will be designated as a representative. In addition to receiving all IAJE publications in quantity, patron members will receive special recognition in each issue of the Jazz Educators Journal and at such other time that may be specified by the Executive Committee. The patron membership does not include the right to hold office or vote.

ARTICLE IV - Dues

Section 1. Annual dues for active membership shall be designated by the National Office.

Section 2. Annual dues for student membership shall be designated by the National Office.

Section 3. Annual dues for associate and patron memberships shall be designated by the National Office.

ARTICLE V - Executive Committee and Board of Directors

Section 1. The elected officers of this association shall be President, Vice President, President-Elect, Secretary and Treasurer.

Section 2. The President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected by vote of the membership, and said officers shall hold office for two years. In the event of a vacancy in any office other than that of President, the President with the majority consent of the Executive Committee shall appoint an active member in good standing to finish the unexpired term of the last incumbent. Should the office of President become vacant, the President-Elect shall be come acting President to fill the unexpired term. This interim service shall not affect his subsequent tenure as President for the two-year term. The President shall not be eligible for two consecutive terms. He shall automatically become a member of the Executive Committee for the next two-year period. The President-Elect automatically succeeds into the office of President. All officers shall begin their term of office July 1, in the year of the election.

Section 3. The Executive Committee shall consist of the elected officers.

ARTICLE VI - Meetings

Section 1. There will be at least one Annual Meeting of the general membership of the IAJE, Puerto Rico Chapter. Executive Committee will announce the time and place of this meeting at least one month in advance.

Section 2. Executive Committee Meetings will be held at the discretion of thePresident during the school year at times and places which seem to be in the best interest of IAJE. Additional meeting may be called by the President when necessary.

ARTICLE VII - Private Property

Section 1. The private property of individual members of this association shall not be liable for association debts.

ARTICLE VIII - Amendments

Section 1. The articles, with the exception of Article VII, may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the active membership who cast a legal ballot. All revisions must be in writing and mailed to the active membership at least 14 days before the next General Membership meeting. All ballots must be returned to the President before that meeting.

ARTICLE IX - By-Laws

Section 1. By-Laws may be made or revised in accordance with Article VIII.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I - Rules of Order

Section 1. The rules contained in ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER shall govern the meetings in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the By-Laws or the special rules of
this association.

Section 2. The order of business for meetings shall be:
1. Reading of minutes of the previous meeting (and their approval)
2. Treasurer’s Report
3. Reports of Officers and Committee Chairmen.
4. Unfinished business.
5. New Business.

Section 3. The agenda for the meetings will be prepared by the President.

ARTICLE II - Expenditures

Section 1. All expenditures, above $25.00, necessary to the administration of the activities of the association shall be made with the consent of the President. A financial statement shall be presented at each Executive Committee meeting.

Section 2. The Treasurer’s report shall be available to any active member in good standing upon written request.

Section 3. Upon written request to the Executive Committee, AIJE funds may be granted for approved activities only to active members in good standing. IAJE funds not exceeding $200 could be granted in advance only for activities approved by the Executive Committee. Approved IAJE funds exceeding $200 will be refunded upon the presentation of receipts within 30 days of the completion of those activities approved by the Executive Committee. The Treasurer will not refund more of the specific amount approved by the Executive Committee prior to the activity involving IAJE funds.
Members responsible for the collection of moneys from any and all activities involving IAJE funds shall be responsible for an
accounting on proper forms, within thirty days of the completion of the activity, to the IAJE Treasurer for all moneys collected and expended. All such accountings with the accompanying remittance shall be immediately acknowledged and receipted by
the Treasurer. The Treasurer will report monthly on these moneys disbursed and received.

ARTICLE III - Voting

Section 1. Any active member, as defined in Article II of the Constitution may vote in State Elections or Constitutional changes for which a vote of the membership is required.

ARTICLE IV - Duties of Officers

Section 1. President - The President shall preside at all meetings of the IAJE Executive Committee. He shall exercise the usual functions pertaining to his office, including delegating prescribed duties as: committees, newsletter, correspondence, membership directory and fundraising. He shall act as the liaison with other areas such as educational, arts, news and professional organizations. He shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and shall appoint all committees and their chairpersons. Upon completion of the term, the Past-President shall remain on the Executive Committee of Directors for the next two years. The President, during his term of office, shall serve as the official representative to the Puerto Rico Unit of IAJE.

Section 2. Vice President - The Vice President shall be prepared to assume Presidential duties in case of absence of President and provide IAJE input/leadership in selected committees as assigned from the President. He shall promote communications, disseminate information to schools (i.e. carrier counseling), and promote jazz rehearsal workshops for music education programs. The Vice President should also check monthly rebate forms, contact delinquent members, solicit Associate and Patron members and encourage formation of Student Chapters and school groups.

Section 3. President-Elect - The President-Elect shall assume the duties of the President in case of the disability or absence of the President. He may assume other duties as assigned by the President.

Section 4. Secretary - The Secretary shall be the Secretary to the Executive Committee. That person shall record minutes at general meetings and keep the minutes of all meetings of IAJE and the Executive Committee. The President and the Secretary shall maintain a membership list and have custody of all the official papers other than the Treasurer’s records, and shall keep a special book containing the official Constitution and By-Laws. When an amendment is made he shall immediately enter such changes in the official copy of the Constitution and By-Laws. The Secretary shall conduct the general correspondence of IAJE and distribute Unit Newsletter to all jazz educators in unit area. He shall notify members of their election to office and be a liaison with other organizations .

Section 5. Treasurer - The Treasurer shall collect and have custody of all funds of IAJE. He shall keep an account thereof. He shall audit books annually, keep unit membership and financial records, prepare financial reports for unit members, collect and distribute funds and maintain a checking account in the name of the unit. He shall pay all bills as authorized by the proper official. He shall render a monthly report at each meeting of the Executive Committee, and further render a complete statement covering receipts and expenditures from funds of IAJE at an annual meeting.

ARTICLE V - Election of Officers

Section 1. The election of officers shall be by mail ballot of the activemembership. Ballots will be provided not later than May 1 (of
alternate years since the term of office is for two years), and are to be returned for tabulation by June 1. Ballots are to be counted
under the supervision of the Chairperson of the Nominating Committee.

Section 2. The Nominating Committee shall consist of the President-Elect and 3 (three) members appointed by the President. The Nominating Committee shall submit one candidate for each office. The Nominating Committee shall have secured the consent of each nominee to serve if elected.

Section 3. Active members in good standing shall be privileged to mail suggestions for candidates who are likewise in good standing to the Chairperson of the Nominating Committee.

Section 4. Members desiring to serve as officers, executive committee members and directors may conduct a write in campaign. Current membership list may be provided by the membership chairperson.

Section 5. Plurality - A simple plurality of the votes cast shall constitute an election.

Section 6. In order to qualify for the position of President, President-Elect, and Vice President, the active member should be educationally involved in a higher education program of a Music Institution and possess verifiable experience and knowledge of jazz and jazz pedagogy. A Master or a Doctorate degree in jazz and/or jazz related areas (such as jazz pedagogy, jazz composition etc.) shall also qualify the candidate for vice-presidency who is not presently involved in a higher education music program. A Doctorate degree in jazz (and/or jazz related areas) or a minimum of 5 years experience in a higher education music program and verifiable experience and knowledge of jazz and jazz pedagogy shall also qualify the candidate for Presidency who is not presently involved in a higher education music program.

ARTICLE VI - Committees

Section 1. The following committees may be appointed by the Executive
Committee:
Regional Committees
Instrumental - Region Band Managers
Vocal - State Tryout Chairman
String - Membership
Nominating - Conventions and Workshops

Section 2. Other Committees may be formed by the Executive Committee.