PART I

INTERNATIONAL BIG SING POLICY

A. PRE- SING PLANNING AND PROCEDURES

1. Time Table - Bids for International Big Sings should be awarded no less than five (5) years prior to the event, or at a time to be determined by the Board of Directors of the Association. At such time the President shall appoint a Supervisory Committee to consist of not less than three (3) members, only one of whom is a representative of the host chorus, to supervise the planning on behalf of the Association.
   
   
2. The host chorus is required to have a knowledgeable representative at each and every AMCA Board ,meeting from the date that the "bid" is presented until all business related to the Sing is concluded.
   
   
3. The host chorus may select for the massed numbers of an International Big Sing any selection that has appeared on the Common Repertoire List during that period from the year their bid was accepted to the year of the Big Sing performance.
   
   
4. It is recommended that concert facilities should be contracted three (3) years in advance of the Big Sing, when possible.
   
   
5. Motel, hotel and housing facility lists should be provided not less than two (2) years prior to the Big Sing. It is not the responsibility of the host chorus to make the arrangements for individuals or choruses.
   
   
6. Host choruses shall provide individuals and choruses with approximate prices for such events as concerts, meals, registration fees, afterglows, etc. at the Annual Fall Meeting prior to the Sing.
   
   
7. A host guide should be provided each visiting chorus for the duration of their stay at the Big Sing.
   
   
8. One year prior to the Sing, the host chorus shall inform each district as to the number of solos they are entitled to, based on the following formula: (number of solo spots) times the fraction created by dividing the (number of each district's choruses attending) divided by the (total number of choruses attending) with rounding off to be determined equitably by the host chorus. A chorus shall have no more than one solo number. Bids by choruses for solo numbers must be submitted to the Supervisory Con- committee, in writing, prior to the Spring Meeting one (1) year before the Sing. These bids should be routed to the Supervisory Committee through the District Boards of Directors and sanctioned by that District. Any special requests pertaining to around, staging, lighting, props, etc., should be included.
   
   
9. The assignment of massed numbers is to be made equitably to the attending districts and announced by the host chorus one year prior to the Sing. It is the responsibility of each district to make the decision as to which of their conductors will conduct their allotment of massed numbers. The district shall inform the host chorus of their decision within a reasonable period of time to facilitate planning and program preparation.
   
   
10. All reasonable expenses incurred by the Supervisory Committee should be the responsibility of the International AMC of A.
    
    
11. Any or all of the provisions of this Policy Statement may be waved by the International Board upon the recommendation of the Supervisory Committee.
    

1. Host choruses are encouraged to plan Big Sings to afford both the performance of massed chorus numbers and solo selections, but at least one half of the program should be massed numbers.
   
   
2. Solo selections should be of reasonable duration. Depending upon the number of participating choruses, the length of solo numbers should be regulated to ensure all groups equal time without unduly prolonging the Sing. Four minutes should be the limit. Districts, at their discretion, may opt to either have a district massed chorus perform or select a chorus or choruses to perform their solo allotment.
   
   
3. Big Sings should be planned so that they do not exceed two hours in length.
   
   
4. Movement of choruses from massed to solo stage should be done quickly; having two solo riser sets is highly recommended. In this way, while one chorus is being introduced by the. emcee, the other can be mounting the other set and be prepared to sing when announced. Director and accompanist should likewise be in position.
   
   
5. Narration should be brief, informative and humorous, and just long enough to give proper and equal introduction for each group. Boring, ponderous commentary will make a concert an event the audience must endure rather than enjoy. The MC should be coached and monitored by a "knowledgeable AMC of A'er".
   
   
6. Massed numbers should be presented without the use of sheet music. It is recommended that solo numbers also be done without sheet music.
   
   
7. Both director and accompanist should be introduced, even if the solo selection is a capella.
   
   
8. International Big Sings may be conducted every five (5) years and may consist of two performances so that all choruses wishing may solo.
   
   
9. Registration fees should not be charged for singers outside the host chorus district unless exceptional circumstances warrant such a charge, and even then only with the approval of the AMC of A Board of Directors.
   
   
10. The host chorus may request financial assistance up to the amount in the AMCA Contingency Fund set aside for that purpose. Certain restrictions and regulations may be set by the AMCA Board with repayment of all or part of the advance required.
    
    
11. Massed numbers shall be performed as written. Any special interpretations and/or handling of solo passages, shall be transmitted to all participating choruses at the Annual Fall Meeting prior to the Sing.
    
    
12. The National Anthem of the visiting nation shall be sung first. This is proper protocol. The AMCA Official Banner shall be displayed in the concert hall along with a flag representing each participating country. The host country's flag shall be placed on the audiences' left.
    
    
13. The host chorus is required to provide an appropriate area for the AMCA to promote and offer for sale AMCA Promotional items.
    
    
14. The International Officers, present at the Sing, should be introduced to the concert audience.
    

All Promotional items bearing either the AMCA logo or name offered for sale at an International Big Sing must be approved by the AMCA Board of Directors and ten percent (10%) of the profit from the sale of such items is to be paid to the AMCA at the time the profit- sharing ten percent is due.

The host chorus shall contribute ten percent (10%) of the net profit of the Big Sing to the Associated. A written financial report with payment shall be sent to the Executive Secretary within sixty (60) days after the conclusion of the Sing.

1. The President should automatically be a guest at an International Big Sing.
   
   
2. In the event the President is unable to attend he shall appoint an elected member of the Executive to represent him. Such delegate shall be given all of the considerations as outlined in this policy statement.
   
   
3. The International Board shall be responsible for all reasonable transportation and accommodation expenses in relation to the President's attendance at the Sing. The host chorus should assume responsibility for arranging said accommodation.
   
   
4. The following should be observed by the District/Host Chorus:
   
   
   1. Assign a representative to meet and greet the President upon arrival
      
   2. Provide all tickets free of charge to the President and his spouse
      
   3. Reserve seating at the concert for the President and his party
      
   4. Invite the President to address the men at the rehearsal to give a few brief motivational comments and/or rye the scholarship fund in the absence of the Fund Chairman
      
   5. If there is to be a Director's meeting or luncheon, invite the President to attend as a representative of the membership.
      
      
5. The President should be included in the concert programme and given time (3 minutes maximum) to address the audience.
   
   
6. Place the President on your mailing list to receive copies of key correspondence, minutes of meetings and other appropriate mailings relating to the Sing.
   
   
7. If there is to be a workshop in conjunction with the Big Sing, consider involving the President and/or members of the Executive.
   

1. Present your chorus' bid to host the next International Sing five years prior to the Sing date. Bids should include all supporting details including:
   
   
   1. concert, workshop and afterglow facilities,
      
   2. information showing adequate accommodations,
      
   3. restaurant facilities,
      
   4. sufficient resources both financial and personnel to host the event,
      
   5. related experience hosting District Sings or similar events,
      
   6. a willingness to comply with all the Rules and Regulations as set out in the International Big Sing Policy Statement,
      
   7. other information in support of the bid.
      
      
2. A representative of the host chorus should be at every AMCA business meeting from the time that the bid is presented and accepted in order to answer any questions relating to the Sing that might arise and to make the required reports as outlined in this Policy Statement.