South African Choral Music (Amakwaya): Song, Contest and the ...

7.2 Choral Music, Perfonnance, Discipline and the Role of Singing 189
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
xv.
XVI.
Punctuality during choir activities has to be observed by all members of the choir. Such activities
include but are not limited to: rehearsals, performances, meetings & functions.
The attendance at activities suggested in point 6 is compulsory. A valid reason will have to be
advanced in circumstances where a chorister fails to avail himself
A member may not take an extended break from choir activities without a valid explanation.
Management reserves the right to bar a chorister from participating in any of the choir activities.
In furtherance of point 8, every chorister will have a ftle (kept by Admin. dept.) where any misconduct
or misbehaviour will be recorded.
Misconduct and misbehaviour that has a potential to bring the name of the choir into disrepute
or impact negatively the activities of the choir will be a punishable offence. Such misbehaviour or
misconduct includes but is not limited to: talking and playing during rehearsals, speaking ill
of others, threatening violence against fellow choristers, failure to obey reasonable instructions.
Punishment for the above mentioned forms of misbehaviour or misconduct will be determined
by the Disciplinary Committee.
No chorister will be elected into the committee or any structure warranting responsibility/
accountability if his record of behaviour and conduct is questionable.
No chorister may hold office in the DSCS if he is not a paid up member. This does not include
persons (non-chorister) who may be contracted to do certain jobs for the choir.
An office bearer of the structures suggested in point 13 would have to give a report at the end
of the term of office. It is compulsory for committee members to give these reports annually
during the choir AGM's whilst members in structures warranting responsibility and accountability
may do so the executive committee of the choir.
The choir can have recourse to a vote of no confidence in instances where an official is abusing
or over stepping his line of authority.
General recommendations
• Compulsory end of year functions where good behaviour will be rewarded.
• Asset register be established.
• Choir uniform be kept in one place.
• Funeral scheme.
• Birthday celebrations.
• Financial reports every three (3) months.
It is striking that the choristers themselves should agree to this code of conduct and perceive
such strict regulations as necessary for successful cooperation and for providing a well-defined and
safe space. Discipline is, however, only one of the features that make amakwqya groups so different
from other forms of ensemble music making. Linked to the issue of discipline is that of respectability,
as Jane Motlhabane emphasises in describing her motivation to join the Bloemfontein Serenade
Choir. She says,
when I'm coming from work, I'm just coming to make food for my husband and my child and then I run
to the practice and then after that I'm tired, I am going to rest. You can't find me in the taverns and so
on. To keep myself out of the many things that can keep me. You know there are other women that sit
at home after this and we gossip and we drink and then I am out.76
76 Jane Motlhabane, Bloemfontein Serenade Choir (Free State), questionnaire Cape Town NCF, December 02, 2000.