ACWE Members Portal Project

Stakeholder overview and implementation plan

Timeline

3 months (12 weeks)

Impact

Every band member

Focus

24/7 music access

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

We are creating a dedicated members portal that will transform how our band members access sheet music and stay informed about ensemble activities. By integrating our existing part distribution software with our band website, we'll provide a professional, reliable system that serves our members better while reducing administrative workload.

Imagine a vibrant online community where ACWE members can instantly access everything they need to stay connected and informed. Our membership portal will be the central hub for ensemble life - where members check upcoming rehearsal schedules, confirm performance dates, access the latest announcements, and coordinate with their sections. Beyond sheet music, the portal will feature member directories for networking, event calendars with RSVP capabilities, and discussion forums where musicians can share insights about repertoire and technique.

This integrated platform will foster deeper engagement among our musicians, creating opportunities for mentorship between experienced and newer members, facilitating carpooling coordination for performances, and enabling seamless communication about everything from concert dress to volunteer opportunities. Members will receive personalized dashboards showing their attendance status, upcoming commitments, and section-specific information - all while maintaining the security and privacy standards our professional ensemble requires.

The portal will automatically publish parts when our music librarian prepares them - no manual uploading or individual emails required. Members log in anytime to download their parts, see all available parts for their section, and coordinate with section leaders on part assignments. Built-in copyright compliance features ensure we meet our retention obligations, with automatic reminders after final performances.

Timeline

3 months (12 weeks)

Launch target

January, 2026

Impact

Every band member will have 24/7 access to their sheet music and timely information about concerts, rehearsals, and ensemble news.

Why we're doing this

Current situation

We're in the process of transitioning to electronic sheet music distribution, moving away from printed parts. As we begin using email-based distribution, we're already identifying several challenges with this approach that we want to address proactively.

When parts are distributed via email, they can easily get caught in spam filters or buried in busy inboxes. Members who need to reference a part from a previous rehearsal sometimes can't find it, leading to requests for re-sending. If a part needs correction after initial distribution, we have to re-email everyone, and it's difficult to know whether members are using the corrected version or still working from the original.

Benefits of the new portal

For Members
  • Get call times and concert dress requirements in one place
  • Access up-to-date calendar with rehearsal and performance schedules
  • See future season plans and repertoire announcements
  • Collaborate with section members on part assignments and logistics
  • Parts available instantly - no waiting for emails
  • Always have the current version when corrections are made
  • Receive important announcements without email clutter
  • Connect with other members through discussion forums
  • Access everything from any device, anywhere
For Leadership
  • Centralized communication reduces scattered messages
  • Ensure all members see important announcements
  • Share schedule updates and last-minute changes efficiently
  • Foster better section coordination and collaboration
  • Automated part distribution saves hours of manual work
  • No more "I didn't get my part" requests
  • Professional platform for member engagement
  • Streamlined workflow for music distribution
  • Better member retention through improved communication
For the Organization
  • Modern communication platform that reflects our professionalism
  • Enhanced member community and engagement
  • Consistent information sharing across all members
  • Reliable, automated systems reduce operational overhead
  • Built-in copyright compliance reduces legal risk
  • Foundation for future community-building features
  • Scalable solution as the band grows
  • Professional online presence for recruiting

What we're building

1. Communication hub

Centralized location for band announcements and discussions.

Features:
  • Official announcements prominently displayed
  • Discussion forums for general topics and section-specific conversations
  • Clear distinction between official announcements and casual chat
  • Email notifications for important updates (optional for members)
  • Complements existing communication channels (email, WhatsApp continue as usual)

2. Secure members portal

A password-protected area of our website where members log in to access resources.

Features:
  • Personal dashboard showing all parts for your section
  • See all available parts for each piece (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.)
  • Self-select which part you'll play in coordination with your section leader
  • Download multiple parts if needed
  • Current concert repertoire organized by piece
  • Easy search and filtering
  • Mobile-friendly for access on phones and tablets
  • Copyright compliance built-in with clear terms and automatic reminders

3. Automated part distribution

Our existing music library software will automatically publish parts to the website.

How it works:
  1. Librarian prepares parts in the music library (as usual)
  2. Software automatically uploads to the website
  3. Members see new parts instantly in their portal
  4. No manual work required - completely automated
For members this means:
  • Parts available within seconds of distribution
  • No waiting for emails
  • Always the latest version (corrections are automatically updated)
  • Access on your own schedule

Implementation

Month 1: Foundation

Weeks 1-4

What we're doing:
  • Upgrading our website platform to the latest version
  • Planning the detailed structure and organization
  • Designing how members will navigate the portal
Visible impact:
  • No visible changes to public website
  • Technical foundation prepared

Month 2: Building

Weeks 5-8

What we're doing:
  • Creating the member login and access system
  • Building the sheet music library interface
  • Setting up discussion forums
  • Uploading existing music catalog
Visible impact:
  • Section leaders may be asked to test features
  • Preview available for interested stakeholders

Month 3: Integration & launch

Weeks 9-12

What we're doing:
  • Connecting our music library software to the website
  • Testing with real parts and user accounts
  • Training section leaders
  • Creating user guides and documentation
  • Soft launch with gradual rollout
Visible impact:
  • Member accounts created
  • Training sessions scheduled
  • Full launch to all members

What Members need to do

Before launch

Nothing! We're building everything behind the scenes.

At launch (Week 12)

  1. Receive welcome email instructions to receive your username and set a password
  2. Log in to the members portal
  3. Read and accept the Electronic Music Terms of Use
  4. Attend brief training (virtual session or watch recorded video)
  5. Start using the portal for your sheet music

Ongoing

  • Log in when you need music
  • Check announcements regularly
  • Participate in forums (optional but encouraged)
  • Respond to deletion reminders after final performances
  • Note: Email and WhatsApp continue to be used for quick communication as usual

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to stop using email/WhatsApp?

Not at all! Those communication channels continue as they always have. The portal is primarily for music access and official announcements, complementing our existing communication rather than replacing it.

What if I'm not comfortable with technology?

We'll provide personal support. It's designed to be very simple - if you can check email, you can use this.

Will this cost me anything?

No. This is provided as part of your band membership.

Will this work on my phone/tablet?

Yes! The portal is mobile-friendly and works on all devices.

Can I download multiple parts?

Yes! You can download all parts for your section. This is useful for trying parts before committing, or if you're covering multiple parts. Just coordinate with your section leader on which part you'll ultimately play in performances.

Can I share with my stand partner?

No. They should download their own copy from the portal using their own login.

What about privacy and security?

Your information is secure. Only logged-in members can access the portal, and you only see your own section's materials. We maintain audit logs for copyright compliance, but your personal information is protected.

What if I forget my password?

Standard password reset via email, just like any website. Support available if needed.

Timeline Summary

Phase Dates Member Impact
Month 1: Foundation Weeks 1-4 None - behind the scenes
Month 2: Building Weeks 5-8 Beta testing opportunity for volunteers
Month 3: Integration Weeks 9-11 Training sessions scheduled
Launch Week 12 Full member access begins

Commitment to Success

This project represents a significant step forward in how we serve our band members. We're committed to:

  • Clear communication throughout the process
  • Comprehensive training and support
  • Listening to feedback and making adjustments
  • Smooth transition that doesn't disrupt current operations
  • Long-term support and ongoing improvements

Our goal is to make every member's experience with the band better - easier access to music, better communication, and a more professional, organized operation.

Questions?

Please reach out to [Contact Person] at [Email/Phone]

Want to help?

We're looking for beta testers and feedback providers - let us know if you're interested!