Procedures for VMC Ensembles & Sponsored Groups [9/14/2012]
Including but not limited to:
We regard the range and diversity of ensembles sponsored & partnered with the VMC/RMI as one of our great strengths, and we profoundly appreciate the energy, artistry, and effort which members and leadership bring to their projects. The following guidelines are primarily intended to clarify and standardize communications and procedures across all groups, and seek to address both university regulations and VMC “best practices.”
(1) The VMC’s primary mission is teaching, across a wide range of contexts, methods, genres, and target groups. All situations, performances, organizational decisions, and procedures should always seek to prioritize and respect the teaching mission.
(2) It is TTU policy that no un-enrolled students should participate in classes—including ensembles. Therefore, if an ensemble uses "essential guest artists to fill necessary musical roles not fillable by enrolled students", it is essential to frame their participation in precisely that way. Ensemble leaders are asked to exercise discretion in permitting and in describing such “guest artists.”
(3) Because the VMC’s primary constituency and source of personnel is students, it is essential that TTU policies should be followed. Ensemble leaders and members should familiarize themselves with all Ops, especially those pertaining to safety, money, and alcohol.
(4) It is important to observe university policies regarding trademark, especially the tight restrictions on use of the terms “Texas Tech,” “Tech,” “Red Raiders,” “Raider Red,” and so on. Be careful about where and whether you employ these terms, or depict them on artwork or merchandise.
(5) It is not permitted to accept fees as reimbursement for student “work”—including performances. The university has strict policies about this. “Donations” in recognition of “contributed performances” may be made directly to the ensemble’s or the VMC’s existing FOP account, through the Music Business office—which money can then be used by the ensembles on whose behalf donations were made. This is the only legal process by which money can “change hands.”
(6) NO purchases on behalf of VMC ensembles or projects can be made in advance or absence of required Music Business Office paperwork. Do NOT under any circumstances use donated money unless or until it has been processed through MBO.
(7) It is essential in all circumstances to distinguish between VMC Ensembles and any spin-off or related groups.
(8) All Ensembles or sponsored groups should have a faculty member as director or advisor; and if the latter, that faculty advisor should take responsibility for the group’s adherence to the above-stated policies.
(9) All Ensembles or sponsored groups should have a named Leader whose responsibility it is to maintain communications between members, faculty, and the general public, and to guarantee compliance with these policies to the supervising faculty member.
Your attendance to the above policies is much appreciated and an essential part of the VMC’s continued success. Your artistic contributions are irreplaceable and invaluable. Thank you!
cjs
- Celtic Ensemble, World Music Ensembles, Early Music Ensemble, Americana Ensemble, Balkan Ensemble, Mbira Group
- Caprock English Country Dancers, Tech Irish Set Dancers, Caprock Morris, Caprock Ceili Band
We regard the range and diversity of ensembles sponsored & partnered with the VMC/RMI as one of our great strengths, and we profoundly appreciate the energy, artistry, and effort which members and leadership bring to their projects. The following guidelines are primarily intended to clarify and standardize communications and procedures across all groups, and seek to address both university regulations and VMC “best practices.”
(1) The VMC’s primary mission is teaching, across a wide range of contexts, methods, genres, and target groups. All situations, performances, organizational decisions, and procedures should always seek to prioritize and respect the teaching mission.
(2) It is TTU policy that no un-enrolled students should participate in classes—including ensembles. Therefore, if an ensemble uses "essential guest artists to fill necessary musical roles not fillable by enrolled students", it is essential to frame their participation in precisely that way. Ensemble leaders are asked to exercise discretion in permitting and in describing such “guest artists.”
(3) Because the VMC’s primary constituency and source of personnel is students, it is essential that TTU policies should be followed. Ensemble leaders and members should familiarize themselves with all Ops, especially those pertaining to safety, money, and alcohol.
(4) It is important to observe university policies regarding trademark, especially the tight restrictions on use of the terms “Texas Tech,” “Tech,” “Red Raiders,” “Raider Red,” and so on. Be careful about where and whether you employ these terms, or depict them on artwork or merchandise.
(5) It is not permitted to accept fees as reimbursement for student “work”—including performances. The university has strict policies about this. “Donations” in recognition of “contributed performances” may be made directly to the ensemble’s or the VMC’s existing FOP account, through the Music Business office—which money can then be used by the ensembles on whose behalf donations were made. This is the only legal process by which money can “change hands.”
(6) NO purchases on behalf of VMC ensembles or projects can be made in advance or absence of required Music Business Office paperwork. Do NOT under any circumstances use donated money unless or until it has been processed through MBO.
(7) It is essential in all circumstances to distinguish between VMC Ensembles and any spin-off or related groups.
(8) All Ensembles or sponsored groups should have a faculty member as director or advisor; and if the latter, that faculty advisor should take responsibility for the group’s adherence to the above-stated policies.
(9) All Ensembles or sponsored groups should have a named Leader whose responsibility it is to maintain communications between members, faculty, and the general public, and to guarantee compliance with these policies to the supervising faculty member.
Your attendance to the above policies is much appreciated and an essential part of the VMC’s continued success. Your artistic contributions are irreplaceable and invaluable. Thank you!
cjs
