User:Jeffery Tutuani

HEAVENLY BELLS (HB)
Heavenly Bells started as a Christian Choir and has now evolved into an entire ministry with various departments such as:


 * 1) Secretariat - Priscilla Aduteye
 * 2) Music Team (MDs) - Patrick Mensah (Part Leaders, frontliners, Choreography)
 * 3) Drama Team - Frank Awotwe (writers, etc)
 * 4) Finance Team - Dcn. Daniel Duah
 * 5) Welfare & Disciplinary Team - Mr. Isaac Buadu
 * 6) Organizing Team - Dcns. Adwoa Serwah
 * 7) Production Team - Mr. Gerald Amihere
 * 8) Media & Publicity Team - Mr. Jeffery Tutuani
 * 9) Costume Team- Dcns. Adwoa Serwah/Mrs Duah
 * 10) Alumni Coordination - Eld. Benjamin Boateng
 * 11) Evangelism Team - Mr. Michael Komey
 * 12) Associates Coordination - Mr. Richard Collins
 * 13) Protocol Team - Mr. Vincent Tutuani
 * 14) Composition & Renditions - Dcn. Emmanuel Asare-Budu
 * 15) Band (Musicians)

Click this to know more about Heavenly Bells (HB)

The choir has a 9-member Executive Committee that sees to the day-to-day running of the ministry, decision making and reporting.

We have working documents such as a constitution and code of conduct which spell out the structures of the group as well as conduct and discipline issues in the choir.

Heavenly Bells has been in existence for more that 20 years but officially 17 years as at 2024.

THE BELLS CONTEST
Is one of

HOSSANA NIGHT
organized yearly around the Easter Season to create a platform for the youth to commemorate and experience the death of Christ, His resurrection and the power in His blood. This is mainly using Theater (combination of drama, music, dance, poetry & spoken word)

1. PREAMBLE
The Code of Conduct is set in place to control any circumstantial events where a further reference in discipline is needed, as well as to protect, both members as well as the choir in such instances.

1.1 Mission

 * To promote and strengthen the good reputation of the choir
 * To facilitate a standard behavior expected from members as well as the Choir
 * To guide the members in fulfilling their God-given ministry in the choir and the Church as a whole.

The General Conduct is to be adhered to at all times, while further codes of conduct are imperative only where applicable. This presupposes that the Bible should be the barometer of our operations.

The term Choir refers to Heavenly Bells.

The term Executive refers to the managerial body set out in the Constitution of the Choir, which consists of the President, Music Director, Secretary, Finance Secretary, Treasurer, Organizer, Executive member and any other party appointed for specific purposes of care-taking by the choir executive.

The term Member refers to any member of the choir who has been accepted into the Choir through auditions and is active within the choir.

The Term Code refers to this document, the Code of Conduct.

2. MEMBERSHIP
All males and females in the Church of Pentecost (COP) and beyond who are musically inclined or have the interest of singing can be members of the Choir.

All males and females with the ecstasy to join the choir must go through the following procedures to become confirmed members;


 * 1) Apply (in writing) to the choir, addressing the letter to the Secretary.
 * 2) Undergo an interview by the Executive.
 * 3) When qualified will undergo a three (3) months probation in which a probation form will be given to fill.
 * 4) After the three (3) months probation, there will be an assessment of performance by the Executive to determine whether to confirm or not.
 * 5) If based on the assessment, the member’s performance is not satisfactory an additional probation period of two (2) months may be given to the member. If the member after the two months is not able to attain satisfaction, then he or she ceases to be a member and the decision on the member lies in the prerogative of the Executive.
 * 6) If based on the assessment, the member attains satisfaction then a membership form will be given to be filled and returned to the Executive. When this process completed then the person becomes a confirmed member.

NB: It is mandatory that all confirmed members join their local choirs in their respective churches.

3.1 Rights and Responsibilities:
It is the right of a member to:


 * Be treated with respect and dignity.
 * Attend rehearsals and programs.
 * Express opinions verbally and in writing to the Executive through the secretary
 * Receive fair and reasonable consequences for violation of the code.
 * Be free of discrimination and racial, ethnic, personal or sexual harassment from any member of executive or other Members.

It is the member’s responsibility to:


 * Treat others with respect and dignity.
 * Always act and speak knowing that you are representing the choir
 * Be on time for all rehearsals, programs and other programs
 * Pay dues on time before the month ends.
 * Dress appropriately for rehearsals, programs and other programs to represent the brand of Heavenly Bells at all times.

3.2 General rules
Narcotic Substances, Alcoholic Beverages and Nicotine in any form, will under all circumstances be strictly forbidden to be used or consumed by any Member before, at, during and after rehearsals, programs, meetings or choir events as well as his or her private life due to the high pedigree of the choir and also members should note that they represent Heavenly Bells.

The following will be applicable to this issue:

A First offence in this regard will initiate a Disciplinary hearing and notification will be provided to both the member and his/her parents for sign-off

A second offence will imply an immediate expulsion from the Choir. The Member in question will be removed/sent home from the venue, be it at rehearsal, a program, any event or on local or international trip.

Cell-phones / iPods / MP3 Players / CD Players / Mini-Radios / any other electronic entertainment devices are to be switched off during rehearsal, meetings and any performances. Failure to comply with this will imply a written warning.

4. DRESS CODE
All attire worn by members must be neat, descent and must not be provocative.

Members will adhere to the dress code which will be chosen or agreed on by the entire choir or the Executive, during rehearsals, programs, events and other activities.

4.1 Female
It will be unacceptable for a member to wear an attire which is transparent and exposing.

All skirts and straight dresses worn should be below the knee when sitting and should not be too tight.

It will be unacceptable for a member to be in a tank top (singlet) or tattered top.

Any trousers or shorts worn should not be tattered and too tight.

4.2 Male
It will be unacceptable for a member to be in sagged trousers or short

It will be unacceptable for a member to be in a tank top (singlet) or tattered top.

Any trousers or shorts worn should not be tattered and too tight.

A member will be sent home by any Executive Member if he/she is inappropriately dressed.

5. REHEARSALS
Rehearsal times will clearly be conveyed to members by the Secretary or any member of the executive in advance and it is the responsibility of a member to find out from the Executive or either of his/her colleagues what the arrangements are.

If in any case a member will be absent from rehearsal for any reason, this needs to be communicated to the President or Music director, two (2) days before the rehearsal or else the member will be marked absent without excuse. The only circumstance where this can be averted is for a serious illness or death of a family member.

If a member has to arrive late or leave early for any reason during rehearsal or program, the member is to inform the Music director or President or else the member will be marked absent without excuse.

5.1 Punctuality
It is expected of the Member to be punctual for every rehearsal, program and event as a courtesy to the choir and to ensure that there is sufficient time to warm up (if necessary) and prepare for the event.

It is expected of members of the choir to arrive at the venue where a rehearsal is being held at least fifteen (15) minutes before the time provided.

It is expected of the choir members to provide the rational in advance (at least an hour), to the President or Music director should circumstances prevent them from being present.

The following will be applicable to this issue: (Rehearsal and Punctuality)


 * Lateness to any rehearsal, program or event will attract a verbal warning and it will be noted against the defaulter’s name.
 * More than three (3) verbal warnings will ensue a written warning
 * More than one written warning will imply a disciplinary hearing where the circumstances for such constant late arrival will be addressed.

5.2 Attendance
Members are expected to attend all rehearsals, events and program as scheduled by the Executive. If a member will be absent from any of the above mentioned, then the rationale behind his\her absence must be communicated in either a verbal or written form at least a two (2) days prior to the rehearsal, program or event, to the Executive


 * Failure to do so will attract a verbal warning, then a written warning. If such an act persists the member will be suspended.

5.3 Behavior
Under no circumstances will a member be allowed to answer their cell phones during rehearsals, unless he or she has been given the permission to do so.

Any breach of this will receive a verbal warning, then written warning. If it persists the member will be suspended.

Members are only permitted to excuse themselves out of rehearsal temporarily for a maximum of 10 Minutes to go to the lavatory, or to fill up their water bottles. However, if this happens ten (10) minutes after the start of choir rehearsal or program, the member will receive a verbal warning.

It remains the responsibility of choir members to ensure that they keep themselves up to date with what is happening in the choir in terms of all arrangements. The Executive will take all reasonable steps to ensure that all members are informed. Ignorance will under no circumstances be accepted as an excuse to absenteeism or late arrival for any choir event.

Members should treat choir music as confidential to protect our repertoire as well as due legal restrictions for use of our music. Any member who makes choir music available in any way, shape or form without the Music Director’s specific permission may be held accountable in the event of any dispute.

If a member of the Executive requests any items to be returned or handed in, it is to be done with diligence, as soon as possible.

Members are to keep any venue that the choir rehearses or performs in, clean at all times as well as help to clean up after a rehearsal or performance.

6.1 Before and During
Members have the responsibility to be quiet, and not to make any noise which could injure their voice or disrupt a performance.

Members must also respect those around them in terms of noise levels and distractions during performances or rehearsals.

DO NOT show your appreciation to songs by making loud noises, snap your fingers or wave your hands etc. to show your appreciation to ensure audience can hear the full ministration.

During any program, if the Choir is permitted to stay in the hall in which they sing, it is the duty of each Member to keep quiet and to keep those around them quiet and well-behaved. Remember you represent Heavenly Bells and you are responsible to protect our reputation.

If the choir has to wait in a waiting room, each Member is charged with the housekeeping of the room, be it keeping it clean, or even controlling their peers and themselves from causing damage or noise pollution.

Choir members are expected to act as host for visiting choirs and at all times make them feel welcome.

6.2 After
After every concert, it is the Members’ responsibility to make sure the area/room in which the choir was is left the way it was entered into, if not cleaner.

7. FINANCES

 * Members are obliged to pay monthly dues. The amount deemed fit by the executive will be submitted, discussed and concluded with members and must strictly be adhered to. Dues paid are used to run administrative duties as well as welfare responsibilities. Hence dues paid are not refundable.
 * Members may be called upon by the Executive for any adhoc contributions to support other members, and this act cut across for all members.
 * There will be no expectation of payment for choir performance or executive roles unless specifically stated and agreed upon.
 * Members who do not contribute monthly dues for a period of three months do not qualify for claims in the events of any incident.
 * Members who flout other monetary obligation as deemed fit by the Executive will also not qualify for any financial benefits in the event of any personal issues.

8.1 Bus
In cases where the choir is to transported to a location, all members, all members are to join the means provided. In exceptional cases, members should obtain prior permission from the Executive. Noise levels on the bus must be kept to a minimum, whether our Members share the bus with other choirs or not, so as not to distract the driver as part of traffic regulations. It is courteous and respectful to keep noise to a minimum.

Respect and comply with any and all instructions given by the driver of the bus at all times.

Upon exit, Members must remove any papers/discards left under the seats or in any area. If the bus is not in an orderly fashion after the choir has disembarked, a member of the Executive reserves the right to call back all Members until the bus is sufficiently clean.

8.2 HOST FAMILIES/HOSTELS/GUEST HOUSE
Members of Heavenly Bells are guests of host families household and as such, host families are to be treated with courtesy and respect at all times. Conducts at provided places of residence must be of high standard.

The Executive will be in charge of activities and arrangements on the camp grounds Members must at all time remember that they represent the choir.

Host families are not obliged to perform any tasks or present any gifts or favors. The host families open their homes up out of kindness. However, a member may request assistance with reasonable needs like the washing of choir uniform or such, if the need should arise.

Whenever a Member is hosted, the Member is expected to leave the rooms she/he utilized in the condition in which they were upon arrival.

9.1 Dormitories
On camp grounds, separate dormitories for male and female will always be provided, and NO member of the opposite gender will ever be allowed in the other genders’ dormitories.

Any member who falls culprit to the above would have to adhere to the Executive and any decision they make regarding the issue.

9.2 Leaders
Leaders of the Camp, namely the Executive will control all the activities at camp, and must be respected in their duty. Failure to adhere to their instructions will not be tolerated.

9.3 Lights Out
Once Lights Out has been established, all noise in dormitories or rooms must cease. If a Member is reported to the Executive, he/she will receive a verbal warning. No night-time wandering will be allowed. The Executive will do random patrols and if a Member is caught out of bounds for any other reason, a verbal warning will be issued.

9.4 General
Members are to attend all activities, rehearsals and meal-times as stipulated in the camp program that will be presented at the start of each camp. Failure to comply with this will evoke a verbal warning. Exceptions will only be made if the Member speaks to a member of the Executive before the activity/rehearsal/meal-time or if the Member is ill, in which case the Executive should be notified so as to arrange for treatment of such ailment. If the illness is of a serious nature, the Member will be sent to a medical facility and family notified.

10.1 Verbal warning:

 * A verbal warning is when a member of the Executive reprimands a Member of the choir when the member is in contravention to any rule as stipulated above.
 * Any verbal warning will be noted against the member’s name and will be valid for at least three days.

10.2 Written Warning

 * A written warning will be issued, which has to be cosigned by the President.

10.3 Disciplinary Hearing:

 * The first disciplinary hearing will consist of all the Executive Members, which will be held at a disclosed location and time, and will be arranged with the Executive and the of member concerned.
 * The second disciplinary hearing will consist of the Executive, District Youth Leader, at least two Members, a parent of the member and the member will be present at the hearing. Any agreement made action decided at the hearing will be in confirmed writing and will be in effect for the reminder of the member’s time with the choir.

10.3.1 Suspension
After the second disciplinary hearing and there’s no improvement regarding to the members action, the member will be suspended for a period of time agreed by Executive.

10.3.2 Expulsion

 * Expulsion will be effective immediately, rendering the past member a non-responsible to the choir and it’s Executive.
 * All funds and payment of the particular Member made to the choir will be forfeited. NO refunds will be made.

11. A MENDMENT

 * An amendment shall be defined to include deletion, additions to existing clauses and insertions of new ones.
 * The code of conduct shall come into effect immediately its approved by the Executive of the choir in consultation with the district youth executive and then 75% majority vote at a general meeting specifically convened to discuss the ratification of same.
 * Any provision within the code of conduct may be amended with the support of 75% majority vote at a general meeting convened to specifically discuss it.
 * Quorum for a debate of amendment of this code of conduct shall be 2/3 of active members
 * Any member of the choir may initiate a move for an amendment of sections of the code of conduct by writing.
 * Every member of the choir shall be under obligation to respect the epistle and spirit of this code of conduct.

'''Heavenly Bells!!! Committed for Christ'''