Minutes of NBYC AGM meeting held on 7th November in Telford

Apologies received from Joe Knight, Dan Course, Richard Fisher, Dave Moffatt.

Chairman’s report: The chairman was pleased to have Derek Parmenter in attendance and spoke of the closer alliance that had been forged with BABS in recent months. We had a high point at the funded retreat in Lincoln at the start of the year and there was some hope of another such event being run again next year in June or July. BABS Convention show had been a great success, although the start of a new era with Rob leaving and Joe taking over as MD.  Joe was now shaping up to be an excellent director. There had been some problems with entering for chorus competitions as people were reluctant to commit to attending. Andy thanked the committee for all their support during the year. He reported that it had been a great year and thanked everyone who had been part of the team.

Treasurer’s report: Most of the work this past year had been concerned with expenses claims. If we accept funded singouts we must commit to putting the whole chorus out.

Musical Director’s report: We sang at LABBS last October on the Sunday show and must commit to a more professional approach if we are on stage the day after ‘party night’. Some singers had indelible make-up visible from the night before! Thanks to Tony Chapman for organising retreat in Lincoln. Peterborough had been Joe’s first outing as MD and he felt he had learned on the job. The BABS Convention performance had been one of the best we’d done.  The chorus was moving forward with a new vision and many new singers to meet the needs of. Next year Joe intends to concentrate purely on the music and to avoid any committee decisions. He asked for ideas for a new ballad. He proposed a vote of thanks to Rob and suggested that we should get something to show our appreciation.

BABS Vice Chairman: Derek confirmed the plan for NBYC to be on next year’s Convention show on Sunday afternoon. (The same one as Crossroads!) He was pleased to see so many newer guys on the risers. BABS want to support the NBYC and will offer what we feel the need for. They could help with organisational issues-rehearsal venues etc. They don’t want to interfere but to offer their time and experience. NBYC is a representative of the BABS organisation and we need to put out the best chorus that we can. Alan Goldsmith (Ali G) will be our first point of contact in future in his new role of Musical Services Director. Discussions were underway with Zac about Harmony College having a Youth Stream.
Before electing the new committee retiring chairman thanked Shirley (chorus mum) for what she had done during the year.
A.O.B. :

• Duncan Appleby resigned as section leader due to coursework commitments.
• Alessandro McCarthy  asked about keeping links with Rob Barber and asking him to come to rehearsals as a coach. After discussion it was agreed to do so in the future after a break.
• Tom Knight suggested working with a team of coaches at rehearsals but after debate this was ruled to be organisationally difficult. He also asked for clarification on age limits as the chorus was also a group of good friends who wished to meet and sing. After discussion it was agreed that older guys could sing when it was appropriate but noted that some competitions were age-limited. It was also felt important not to lose the expertise that had been built up – older members were good mentors and also took positions of responsibility. It was also important that younger members didn’t feel overwhelmed.
• David Taylor/John(dad): Suggested a more regular schedule of rehearsals to be announced in advance. Suggestions- ask your own chorus if they would host us for a rehearsal and build up a bank of places. Next planned sing: Jan 9/16th Sheffield, courtesy of Andy Allen’s chorus.

Elections were held: