Wind Band Association of the Czech Republic
Sdružení dechových orchestrů České republiky (SDOČR)
Machatého 689, 152 00 Praha 5, tel./fax: +420 251 810 014,
e-mail: briva@volny.cz www.sdocr.cz
IČO: 49279203

The Wind Band Association of the Czech Republic (SDOCR) is a voluntary association of clubs and groups, whose principal sphere of interest is the presentation of brass-band music and activities connected with this musical genre. It was founded on the basis of act no. 83/1990 of the Collection of Laws (on citizen's associations) and registered with the Ministry of the Czech Republic on 19 November 1993 under number VS/1-22329/93-R. It has been given Organization ID No. (ICO) 49279203.

SDOCR is an autonomous entity, which acts independently and deals with other entities in the Czech Republic and abroad on the basis of partnership and mutual respect.

SDOCR has its headquarters in Prague where it operates from the contact address: Machatého 689, 152 00 Praha 5. SDOCR is a legal entity. It is a non-governmental, non-profit organization whose scope of activity comprises the entire territory of the Czech Republic.

The subject matter of the activities of the Wind Band Association of the Czech Republic comprises:

- representing, protecting or promoting and popularizing the distinguished interests of its members in all spheres of the social and cultural life of the Czech Republic, as well as abroad if the situation requires it.
- taking care to ensure that its members always present Wind Band music at a high aesthetic and artistic level and obtaining an overview of these matters through corresponding activities.

In particular, in order to fulfill these goals, the association:

a) organizes meetings regarding methods and specialist meetings for the participation of domestic and foreign experts and exponents of Wind Band music.

b) organizes conferences, training sessions and seminars by organizational and artistic representatives of the members of SDOCR with legal experts.

c) cooperates with the similar organizations abroad.

d) sends or proposes the nomination of a representative or representatives for international institutions connected with the activities of SDOCR.

e) represents its members while solving serious problems with state administrative bodies and other entities, submits and comments on legislative proposals concerning the issue of Wind Band music in the Czech Republic and activities connected with this musical genre.

f) performing, advisory and information activities as well as activities concerning methods.

g) organizing or participating in the organization of qualification performances for brass bands/members of SDOCR for the purpose of their inclusion in performance categories in compliance with international practice at least once every three years. In order to ensure this objective, it cooperates closely with specialist artistic institutions of the Czech Republic or foreign institutions (nominating or proposing members of panels of experts, recommending compulsory pieces, etc.).

h) sending bands/members of SDOCR to international events of a competitive nature in compliance with prevailing international criteria, ensuring or being involved in ensuring the participation of select bands at these events in conjunction with third parties.

i) cooperates with the organizers of musical celebrations and festivals on the territory of the Czech Republic, where Wind Band music is presented, and participates in the organization of this type of event (if the organizer requests it, e.g. a delegation of members of panel of experts, recommendations of compulsory pieces, etc.) on a scale which does not exceed SDOCR´s capabilities.

j) recognizes the outstanding artistic achievements and other accomplishments of SDOCR members and nominates its members for possible awards from other institutions.

k) issues a periodical SDOCR Information Bulletin for internal requirements.

l) cooperates with other entities that publicize, popularize, support or sustain Wind Band music within the framework of their activities.

m) carries out other activities in accordance with the needs of its members through committee proposals or the occurrence of new situations (legal or material) affecting Wind Band music in the Czech Republic.

The Wind Band Association of the Czech Republic can, in compliance with legal standards, carry out its own economic (commercial) activities, which serve to fulfill its aims. Under the appropriate conditions, the association can establish and manage special facilities, which serve the common of SDOCR members, or participate in such activities with third parties, whose interests correspond to the interests of SDOCR.

The administrative bodies of SDOCR comprise: the General Meeting, the SDOCR Committee, the Review Board and the Executive Secretary (if one has been appointed).

The financial resources of SDOCR consist of: membership dues, contributions, donations, bequests, etc. from physical persons and legal entities. The association's finances also comprise interest on SDOCR resources lodged with financial institutions, proceeds from any of its own possible economic (commercial) activities or a fixed percentage of the profits of any possible special facilities and gainful activity carried out by SDOCR establishments or in conjunction with third parties. Its resources also include contributions and subsidies from the state budget and funds established by special laws.