NHBT Diversity Statement


NHBT provides a safe and welcoming space where adults can learn how to play an instrument and make music together – regardless of their nationality, race, creed, or sexual orientation. We recognize and value the contribution of all who walk through our doors and condemn discrimination of any kind. There is power and beauty in the diversity of music just as there is in human diversity.

Code of Conduct


The following information is provided to inform members of their responsibilities at NHBT. This applies to behaviour during large band classes, sectionals or small ensemble rehearsals, concerts social events, or any other gathering of members participating in and/or representing NHBT. If a member behaves in an objectionable manner, creates disharmony with other band members or with instructors during any related NHBT activity, then that member’s membership in NHBT may be revoked. The Board of Directors will review such situations on a case-by-case basis.

Attendance


In fairness to other band members and NHBT’s desire to produce high quality performances, members should make every effort to attend all classes/rehearsals. If a member must take a leave of absence or is otherwise unable to perform, they should make best efforts to inform the instructor(s) of their absence in advance.

Concert Decorum


Members should conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times while at the concert venue. Members are encouraged to assist with set-up before, and clean- up after, a concert. Members should adhere to the concert dress code.

Music Management


Musical parts are made available to registered class members via the NHBT Dropbox online. Members need to download these to their devices or print them and bring them to class. Members may be asked to play any of the pieces that are assigned for any given term at any time during the term. All of the music that NHBT uses is copyrighted so you cannot share your music charts with anyone outside of NHBT.

Dispute resolution


If there is a serious conflict or disagreement between members of NHBT every effort should be made to resolve the matter in a friendly manner to achieve a mutually satisfactory resolution for all parties. If the dispute cannot be settled between the parties then the Board shall discuss and make a decision (by simple majority vote) on the matter having given all aggrieved parties the opportunity to put their side of the issue before the board either in writing or orally.

Infection Control


NHBT Policy for Infection Control


The global COVID pandemic has highlighted the need for a clear approach to infection control at NHBT, especially for respiratory viruses spread by aerosol contamination.

Since most of our members are seniors this puts NHBT membership in the high-risk category for negative outcomes from respiratory infection.

NHBT will follow all of the current government guidelines for infection control and may, at times, require masking, proof of vaccination and evidence of negative tests, depending on what the current guidelines require.

NHBT policy for infection control requires that any member, teacher or visitor who is feeling unwell should not attend any in-person classes or enter the NHBT premises.

Admission to Classes


All classes are open to members who have paid their membership fees subject to the following guidelines.
Instructor permission is required for all classes. More advanced classes require a higher level of musical expertise. If an instructor feels that a member does not have the level of expertise required for the advanced class, they will advise the member to take a more basic class rather than the more advanced class.

Committee Responsibilities


The NHBT Board has created a number of committees with specific responsibilities. All committees report directly to the Board. The following are the current continuing Board committees. The Board, from time to time, also creates ad-hoc short-term committees that have a specific one-time purpose.

Program Committee


The program committee is mandated to examine all aspects of the music program and provide advice to the Board as to best practice going forward. The program committee works closely with the Head of Music Program (if any) and monitors the success of our music program as well as providing input into potential program modification. The President is always a member of this committee as the President serves as the direct conduit between the Board and the instructors. The program committee is mandated to provide the Board with a draft program proposal by February of every year that outlines the proposed program for the following academic year.

Fundraising committee


The mandate of the fundraising committee is to develop fundraising strategies for NHBT and pursue those strategies after Board approval. The fundraising committee is mandated to annually provide the Board with a fundraising strategy for the following year at the September Board meeting.

Copyright


The music charts provided to members for learning and practice are copyright protected. NHBT acts within the confines of the Copyright Act of Canada (2016). This means that charts may not be shared with others or used for any other purpose than teaching and learning under the umbrella of the NHBT organization. Notwithstanding the above, in compliance with the “Fair Dealing” section of the Act, NHBT may share up to 10% of a musical score with others without breaching the copyright agreement. In practice this means that the instructors score (which includes all instruments) may not be shared but an individual chart can be shared provided it does not constitute more than 10% of the entire musical score. Note that NHBT as the copyright licensee can share under the Fair Dealing clause but individual members may not share their charts with anyone outside the NHBT organization. Further information about copyright can be obtained by examining the Copyright Act of Canada (2016) or a document prepared for educational institutions called “Copyright Matters”.