Allegro

‘Why we joined the union’

Volume 116, No. 5May, 2016

Marissa Faltings
Marissa Faltings

Marissa Faltings

While in NYC, I happened to stroll by the Local 802 building, saw the eighth note on the sign, and walked in off the street. I was directed to the second floor, where I was welcomed as a fellow musician, given advice about the field I want to pursue professionally, and educated on the benefits of joining the union, which I did last year. I am a high school senior. Since joining the union, I have received guidance on colleges to consider and ways to further my career goals. I have found support in a field my parents know nothing about. My dream is to play my violin in a pit orchestra on Broadway. Currently I enjoy playing in a few quartets and orchestras at school. I also play in pit orchestras for school plays and community theatre productions as well as church and charity performances. I am grateful for the union’s guidance now and for the support it will provide me in the future.