Form a Chapter

 

Chapter Formation and Functioning

An ARS chapter is a group which includes individual ARS members that operates publicly in furthering the goals of the ARS. Chapter status entitles the group to name itself an ARS Chapter, if it wishes, and to receive certain benefits.

There are currently over 90 chapters scattered throughout the U.S. and Canada (see the Directory of ARS chapters). About half of all ARS members also belong to a chapter, a statistic that has held true for many years.

An ARS chapter is obliged to:

•  accept all applicants for membership
• recruit new ARS members
• promote the recorder in their community
• promote the goals of the American Recorder Society
• name an active representative to the ARS 

This is usually done through:

•  regular playing meetings (most commonly held monthly from September-May or June)
• officers and elections
• local dues
• a newsletter
• a music library for members
• classes, concerts and other special events
• workshops ranging from part of a day to an entire weekend
• special events in conjunction with Play-the-Recorder Month (held each March) 

 
Benefits of Being an ARS Chapter - three or more ARS members in good standing

1. Listings of the group's representative in each issue of AR Magazine and on the ARS website, and chapter information searchable on our interactive map,
2. Up to 1000 free mailing labels and email addresses each year from the ARS membership database to promote your activities,
3. Assistance from the ARS Chapters, Consorts, and Recorder Orchestras Committee,
4. Regular communications from both the ARS office and the Chapters, Consorts, and Recorder Orchestras Committee, including Play-the-Recorder-Month material,
5. Access to ARS Calendar for posting your events and activities,
6. Easy sharing of your chapter news items, photos, or videos.

To indicate that your chapter is active, an annual activity report must be submitted to the ARS; make sure to include current contact information.


Benefits of Being an ARS Chapter - 10 or more ARS members in good standing

Benefits listed above, plus:

1. A free Chapter Handbook and full planning and promotion information for Play-the-Recorder Month,

2. Eligibility to apply for Chapter Grants.

Groups of at least three ARS members that do not wish to recruit or to operate publicly, or wish to be selective about whom they accept, can still have ARS status as a Consort, receiving fewer benefits.  See Consorts for more information.


Steps to form an ARS Chapter 

Meet with those interested in forming a group and record their names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses.

Choose a name for the group and elect a presiding officer who will serve as a Representative to the ARS. No other officers are required. It is a requirement that all ARS chapters, no matter how informal, must have an active and responsible Representative as liaison for two-way communication between the chapter and the ARS. He or she must be an ARS member in good standing.


Click here to submit a Chapter Application Online


Complete individual applications for ARS membership and attach payments for those not currently ARS members. They can use this link: https://americanrecorder.org/join. 

The Representative should submit the Chapter Application to the ARS office communicating the following information about the new chapter:

• a list of members* (indicate if ARS members)
• the chapter's name
• the chapter's plans and resources
• new ARS members' applications with payments should be attached if not already completed online

Group status and benefits will be determined based on information submitted on the application.

ARS encourages all members to renew directly on their own, indicating their chapter affiliation.*

          *ARS members who belong to more than one chapter must list one group as home chapter.

There is no charge for any chapter affiliation with the American Recorder Society.

Download Chapter Handbook 

Learn more about ARS Chapter Grants.