New York Qin Society Agreement 1.   The New York Qin Society was formed by qin players in the New York region with the aim to exchange music, performance techniques, ideas in regard to musical manuscripts, and as part of an effort to study Chinese traditional arts in their cultural context. The Society also supports contemporary arts based in these traditions. 2.   The name of our Society is derived from the place where it was formed. The Society is happy to cooperate with other qin societies, but it has no official association with any schools or styles of play. 3.   Anyone with convenient access to the society's places of meeting, and who loves to play and/or appreciate qin music, can become a member of the Society. To become members candidates should first participate three times in a Society activity, have the recommendation of a member, and receive approval from the Society members. Non-resident membership is also available for those without such convenient access. 4.   Active members of the society elect one president and five administrative posts - the treasurer, the secretary, the corresponding secretary, the webmaster and the photographer.   4.1.   The President is responsible for the society's plans and the execution of the plans.   4.2.   The Treasurer is responsible for the society's bookkeeping and expenditure of funds.   4.3.   The secretary is responsible for recording minutes for and editing of the journal and other publications.   4.4.   The corresponding secretary is responsible for notifying members of gatherings and news, and corresponds with other societies, organizations and friends in text.   4.5.   The webmaster is responsible for the management and design of the website.   4.6.   The photographer is responsible for the picture imaging and filming of the society's gatherings for the use of the society. 5.   The presidency and the administrative posts should be filled every two years though an election by active members. At this time membership fees should be up to date, and this is also the most appropriate time to propose new plans and/or changes to the Agreement. 6.   The annual membership fees are determined in a vote by active members; they should be paid by the first meeting of the year. Income from this fee may be used to support the Society's ongoing expenses such as the Society website and postal expenses, plus Society activities including meetings, dining expenses and/or other social engagements. Expenditures should be approved through a vote by active members. 7.   Meetings should be held every two months, but emergency meetings can be requested at any time. The meetings wiil usually be held at member's homes, where he or she will serve as host, but they could also take place at other venues including appropriate scenic sites. 8.   The main aim of the meetings is educational as well as enjoyable. Aside from qin related topics, anything in the arts might be appreciated and discussed. Communication and friendship should be maintained with other qin societies, and members are encouraged to have new qin-related experiences that they can share with members during meetings. 9.   Every meeting and conference will be limited to 6 hours maximum. Members may arrive late or leave early during meetings, but if a meal is planned in conjunction with the meeting they are encouraged to consider that as an integral part of the meeting. 10.   The Society aims to arrange an annual conference, performance and/or workshop open to the public. The main purpose is to promote understanding of "the Way of the qin" as well as to allow members to express themselves in their areas of specialty. Aside from performing qin music, an important part of the event should be making connections between the qin and other aspects of Chinese arts, history and culture. Within that context the themes that can be discussed is unlimited. 11.   The agreement consists of the above ten points. If there is a perceived difference between the English and Chinese versions of the agreement the English version takes precedence. Philosophy

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