This charter was originally adopted in 2015 and revised in June 2021.
I. Name: Improvisation Section
II. Statement of Purpose:
2.1 The Improvisation Section brings together Society for Ethnomusicology (SEM) members engaged in improvisation (broadly defined) as scholars, artists, and listeners, for the purpose of advancing the development of new perspectives in research and practice of improvisational phenomena, primarily through the sponsorship and promotion of discussions, events, and publications related to improvisation. This group provides a forum for scholars and practitioners to consider issues arising from improvisational practices, processes, and traditions, as well as an organizational basis to plan and host events that focus on improvisation.
III. Goals and Aims:
3.1 To provide a forum for scholars to consider issues arising from improvisational practices, processes, and traditions.
3.2 To sponsor and promote discussions, events, and publications related to improvisation at SEM meetings and events, chapter conferences, scholarly and performance settings, and in online contexts.
IV. Membership:
4.1 All members of SEM are eligible for membership in the Improvisation Section.
V. Meetings:
5.1 The Improvisation Section meets annually at the SEM Annual Meeting. The Section’s annual business meeting occurs either at the SEM meeting, or in a virtual online setting before or after the SEM meeting. The Section also may meet for events virtually at various times throughout the year.
VI. Structure
6.1 Role: Chair
Responsibilities:
Organize and chair annual meeting
Help coordinate other Section events
Help coordinate Section online presence
Assume role of co-chair for one year following term
Selection Process: Co-chair assumes role of chair one year after election.
Term: 2 years
6.2 Role: Co-chair
Responsibilities:
Assume role of chair one year after election
Help coordinate annual meeting
Help coordinate other Section events
Help coordinate Section online presence
Assume chair’s duties in the event that the chair is unable to fulfill their term
Selection Process: Selection process changes in alternate years of a two-year cycle. In year one, co-chair is elected at the Section's annual business meeting (every second year, one year into the chair’s two-year term). In year two, the outgoing chair assumes the role of co-chair (every second year to coincide with the first year of the term of the new, incoming chair).
Term: 1 year
6.3 Role: External Liaison
Responsibilities:
Work with local improvised music communities at SEM conference sites to organize Section events
Help coordinate annual meeting
Help coordinate other Section events
Help coordinate Section online presence
Selection Process: Local Scene Liaison is elected at the Section's annual meeting every second year, one year into the chair’s two-year term.
Term: 2 years
6.4 Role: Secretary
Responsibilities:
Coordinate the Section website (https://sites.google.com/site/semimprov/)
Communicate announcements to the Section membership
Take minutes at the annual meeting
Help coordinate annual meeting
Help coordinate other Section events
Selection Process: Secretary is elected at the Section's annual meeting at the SEM International Conference every second year, one year into the chair’s two-year term.
Term: 2 years
6.5 Role: Treasurer
Responsibilities:
Oversee the collection of dues
Manage section finances, budgets, and accounts
Help coordinate annual meeting
Help coordinate other Section events
Selection Process: Treasurer is elected at the Section's annual meeting every second year, at the same time as the chair’s election.
6.6 Officer roles and duties are subject to revision depending on the needs of the Section, as determined collectively by the officers. This ensures that if an officer needs to step down, or if other unforeseen circumstances arise, the Section leadership may continue to fulfill core operations.
VII. Amendment Protocol:
7.1 Amendments to the charter can be proposed by any Section member at the annual meeting (which may be held online or in person) or by contacting Section officers. Proposed amendments will be incorporated subject to a majority vote by the members through a secure online voting system.