Welcome to Willamette Taiko Club
The Willamette Taiko Club is a student-run organization that aims to foster relationships between American Studies Program (ASP) and Willamette University students who are interested and willing to learn the rich history and skill required to play the traditional Japanese taiko drum. Through the process of learning how to play the instrument, Willamette Taiko Club strives to perform at its best for Willamette University, Tokyo International University of America, and the surrounding Salem communities with the hope of expanding the knowledge of this Japanese tradition to the public.
Willamette Taiko Club Constitution
Ratified on November 8, 1999
Amended on January 21, 2013
Article I: Organization Name
Section 1: The name of this organization shall be the Willamette Taiko Club.
Section 2: The Japanese name of this organization shall be ウィラメット太鼓部 (Wirametto taiko bu—Willamette Taiko Club).
Article II: Purpose, Aims, and Functions
Section 1: Mission Statement
The Willamette Taiko Club is a student-run organization that aims to foster relationships between American Studies Program (ASP) and Willamette University students who are interested and willing to learn the rich history and skill required to play the traditional Japanese taiko drum. Through the process of learning how to play the instrument, Willamette Taiko Club strives to perform at its best for Willamette University, Tokyo International University of America, and the surrounding Salem communities with the hope of expanding the knowledge of this Japanese tradition to the public.
Article III: General Membership
Section 1: All voting members and officers of Willamette Taiko Club must be registered students at Willamette University.
Section 2: The organization shall not deny consideration for membership to any student because of sex, race, religion, creed, national origin, mental or physical handicap, age, sexual orientation, or veteran statues, except for those qualifications of sex directly relevant to the organization’s purpose.
Section 3: Members shall be expected to support and uphold the Willamette Taiko Club mission statement.
Section 4: Members will be defined and designated as follows:
- Active member
- Regular attendance and participation in at least 80 percent of all rehearsals
- Participation in at least 75 percent of all performances
- Inactive member
- One who has previously been an active member who is unable, for whatever reason, to regularly attend and participate in rehearsals and/or performances.
Section 6: A yearly membership of $5 shall be paid at the beginning of the fall semester. Second semester transfer students, foreign study students, and Tokyo International University of America Students shall pay $5 in the spring semester.
Article IV: Executive Board
President: The President shall schedule regular rehearsal dates and times in the Kaneko Auditorium. One objective of the President is to maintain a level of respect within the club towards all members and all equipment. The other objective of the President is to facilitate teaching and learning between members of the club. It is not a requirement for the President to know all taiko pieces; however, it is the President’s charge to keep the transfer of knowledge alive. It is the responsibility of the President to oversee financial transactions, arrange performances with University-affiliated and community organizations, and to enforce all laws set forth by this constitution. The President shall acquire card access to Kaneko Auditorium at the beginning of each term by correspondence with Campus Safety and Tokyo International University of America staff. All shall be completed with the agreement of the club members.
Officers: Because Willamette Taiko Club is a skill-based organization, other officers of the club will be elected upon need.
Article V: Rehearsals
Section 1: Willamette Taiko Club will have regularly scheduled rehearsals at least twice a week. Additional rehearsals will be scheduled if the club deems it necessary to meet a performance objective. The President has the authority to cancel or change the date or time of any meeting.
Section 2: All active members will attend all practices except when other commitments or physical constraints limit a member’s attendance. Members shall inform the President and club beforehand that he/she will not be able to attend rehearsal.
Section 3: A meeting will be held before or after rehearsals to inform all members of events and decisions.
Article VI: Voting Procedures
Section 1: Elections for Executive Board positions shall be held in mid-April for the upcoming academic year.
Section 2: All candidates for elected offices must be nominated and seconded through written or oral means. All members shall be given at least one-week’s prior notice prior to the opening of nominations. Nominations will open at least one week prior to the election date and closed prior to the actual vote.
Section 3: Elections shall be determined by a two-thirds majority vote. If there is no such majority, a simple majority between the top two candidates will be used to determine who is elected.
Article VII: The Welfare of Willamette Taiko Club
Section 1: Should a member of Willamette Taiko Club fail to consider the effect on the group through his or her actions, the members of Willamette Taiko Club will meet to consider removing that person from membership. Members with concern of said person shall notify the President and the President shall call a hearing.
Section 2: All actions taken in the name of Willamette Taiko will be brought before the group before that action is taken.
Section 3: Regardless, all members will strive to be supportive of each other and will keep the common bond to the taiko and what it means to each member in mind.
Article VIII: Amendments
Section 1: Three-quarters of the voting members must be present. Amendments shall be determined by a two-thirds majority vote.