WAIHEKE CHORAL SOCIETY

MINUTES OF AGM - 7pm, March 11, 2025 at Waiheke Musical Museum

APOLOGIES (2)

Soona Brown, Taliai Fetu

PRESENT (19 + 3 via Teams)

Anne Willmann, Willi Willmann, Sandra Alley, Dee Austring, Mary Batten, Mark Yandall, Trevor Hynds, Hiromi Stewart, Carolyn Smart, Gavin Smart, Joan Kirk, Gerda Gorgner, Jane Scarles, Sylvia Hubbard, Adrienne Wigmore, Mary Elsmore, Norma Cross, Vicki Jayne, Nicolas Herren, plus Maya Spence, Andy Spence, and Mark James via Teams.

Minutes of Last AGM 2024 had been circulated by email (and is now on the website, see link). Accepted as read and as a true and accurate record.

President’s Report 2025 by Sylvia had been circulated by email (and is now on the website, see link). Taken as read, moved by Terry that it be accepted, carried. The report created much discussion:

Willi asked what Sylvia meant in her report by (choir remains) “static”? She replied that is her personal opinion, that the choir should branch out and try other styles, professional training, etc.

Nicolas said we need to reach out to all ages to attract new members, and appreciates the mix of song types Anne puts together.

Anne said choir attendance is irregular which does limit what the choir can achieve, but accepts that’s a function of our member demographic in our community choir. Top priority is for members to have fun and enjoy singing together.

Gerda said compulsory attendance is not possible, and that we are not the only choir struggling to attract new members.

Vicki said she finds the choir amazing.

Mark Yandall said he loves singing in this choir, we can’t expect just the committee to be responsible for attracting new members, it’s the whole choir’s responsibility and it’s up to everyone to ask people to join.

Etc

Etc

Etc.

Musical Director’s Report 2025 by Anne had been circulated by email (and is now on the website, see link). Taken as read, moved by Carolyn that it be accepted, carried.

Members applauded Anne as a way of saying thanks.

Dee thanked Anne for the way she puts music together for us and to please continue.

Mary Batten said she enjoys and gets a buzz from each practice.

Treasurer’s Report by Mark and Reviewer’s Report had been circulated by email (and are now on the website, see links). Taken as read, moved by Dee that it be accepted, carried.

Choir membership fees recommended to stay at $30/person or $50/family.

Nicolas noted income from subscriptions has been going down year by year, and that all members should pay, with encouragement to pay more if they can.

Willi asked if reminders can be sent out to those who haven’t paid as sometimes people, including himself, can’t remember if they have paid or not.

Reminder notice to include amount due, due-by date, and payment methods.

But don’t kick anyone out of choir for non-payment.

Election of Officers:

Music Director: Anne Willmann agreed to continue,

President: Sylvia stepping down, Willi nominated Adrienne Wigmore, seconded by Sylvia, Adrienne agreed, carried. Carolyn moved vote of thanks to Sylvia for her work as president over the past year.

Treasurer: Mark wishes to step down but happy to continue for this year if need be, volunteers asked for as Assistant Treasurer meantime, Sylvia offered to do. Dee moved that Mark be made a life-time member of WCS in recognition of his 20 years of service to the choir as treasurer and committee member, carried.

Secretary: Gavin ok to continue,

Other Committee members:

- Joan Kirk, happy to continue

- Sandra Alley, happy to continue

Pianist: Carolyn is willing to continue as choir pianist.

General Business: None.

Meeting closed 7.40pm and the choir got on with rehearsing for our next Potpourri concert under the able leadership of Anne Willmann.