The highlight of the second meeting of the reorganized AMCA Executive Council, held April 28, 2006 in Marshall, was the acceptance of an offer by the Eau Claire Male Chorus to expand the UMD Big Sing in 2008 to include the other districts.

     One of the questions was "what do we call this event?" Since the AMCA currently has no active members from north of the border could we call it "international?" After some discussion it was agreed that since we have not given up on convincing our Canadian brethren to reactivate their memberships, we will invite some of the Canadian choruses to join us, and it will be known as the 2008 International Big Sing.

     There has been skepticism that the organization would survive after the demise of the 2003 International Big Sing. And it is not a given that just because the invitation is extended that the other districts will respond. We hope that the slogan "build it and they will come" also applies to the AMCA. To avoid the issues that caused the 2003 Sing to fail, an advisory committee will be established with representation from each district. Ron Stenzel will represent the UMD.

     All officers were present at the meeting, as were Bob Torborg - Scholarship Committee Chairman, Ed Armbruster - Chorister Editor, and Don Crouch - Music Reviewer/ Music Contest Chairman. Dave Thomas - AMCA Webmaster and Doug Farley, recently appointed to chair the Recruitment, Promotions and Publicity committee were unable to attend. Reports were submitted by each officer, district representative and committee chairman, including in absentia reports from those unable to attend.

     Items of note:

1. It was suggested that if any choruses have music in their libraries that they do not intend to use again, it could be made available to other choruses at reduced cost. The website would be an excellent way to communicate this information. In the past, recognizing that costs per copy continue to rise, "previously owned music" has been sold at the cover price on each copy.
2. The AMCA also has ownership of Salutation and You'll Never Walk Alone. Copies can be obtained from AMCA Executive Director, Jim Egan.
3. Other committees in need of leadership or workers:

   - Historian
   - Constitution/Bylaws - Ron Stenzel is currently leading this effort ad hoc
   - Don Crouch would like assistance in reviewing the Common Repertoire and also in Evaluating the mass numbers performed at Big Sings

   Let Jim Egan know if you are willing to serve in any of these capacities.

4. These reports were accepted as presented. The proposed budget for the 2006-07 Fiscal Year was discussed. The amount of regular member dues was revisited. It was noted that although there are significantly fewer individuals traveling and only one meeting to attend each year, travel costs per individual continue to rise and membership in AMCA continues to decline. It was suggested that the $7 amount be restored. The council decided to be optimistic about recovering many of our lost members and leave the dues at $5 for now. Dues for other types of membership remain the same.
5. It was also noted that the "weekend concept" has not been a feature of previous international sings, and that the UMD supports the host chorus financially to make it happen. It was decided to begin collecting dues at the International level to provide the necessary support for host choruses to implement the weekend concept. The amount will be spread over the 5 year period to avoid a big jump every fifth year.
6. Both the Chorister Editor and Webmaster reiterated their usual pleas for more information to share.

     The 2007 meeting will be hosted by the Wisconsin Upper Michigan District, tentatively at Marquette, MI in May of 07'.

     The 2008 meeting will be held in conjunction with the International Big Sing in Eau Claire.

3 CHEERS FOR EAU CLAIRE!!!

Respectfully submitted,
Paul Carlton
Upper Midwest District Representative