Allegro

Currently Browsing: 2012,

Local 802’s election of officers and delegates will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012, for a term of office beginning Jan. 1, 2013. The offices open for election are: president, financial vice president, recording vice president, nine Executive Board

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Enjoy a free concert by the Local 802 Senior Concert Orchestra on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 2:30 p.m. at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway (between West 94th Street and West 95th Street). Musical director David Gilbert will conduct a program including

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President's Report
Tino Gagliardi
As I write these words, union-busting Wisconsin governor Scott Walker has just won his recall election. How much does this matter to Local 802 members? I would say “plenty!” – but there is a narrow piece I’d like to focus

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President's Report
Tino Gagliardi
Performing at the Local 802 holiday party were (clockwise, from top left) Bertha Hope, Keisha St. Joan, Lucianna Padmore and Kim Clarke. Thanks for the great music! Photos: Bud Burridge These are hard times at the New York City Opera,

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President's Report
Tino Gagliardi
As we celebrate Black History Month, we also exhale on the New York City Opera negotiations. It’s time to move forward… February is Black History Month and we’re pleased to feature a cover story by our own jazz rep Todd

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President's Report
Tino Gagliardi
With the recent conclusion of the New York Philharmonic negotiations, we’ve arrived at a relatively calm spot. Or is it the eye of the storm? After a year of almost nonstop negotiations, it appears that we’ve arrived at a relatively

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President's Report
Tino Gagliardi
Say no to taped music! Musicians leafleted the March 13 performance of the Paul Taylor Dance Company, which now has the dubious distinction of being the forst resident company in one of Lincoln Center’s “big three” theatres to perform without

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President's Report
Tino Gagliardi
ON THE WORLD STAGE: Musicians were well represented at the signing of the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances. From left: Alan Willaert (AFM vice president from Canada), Vince Trombetta (president of AFM Local 47), AFM president Ray Hair, Francis Gurry

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President's Report
Tino Gagliardi
Canned music has reared its ugly ahead again at Lincoln Center. In mid-October, we passed out leaflets in front of the Koch Theatre to inform the audience attending the traveling ballet revue “Stars of the 21st Century” that they are

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President's Report
Tino Gagliardi
New York Musical Theatre Festival does the right thing I am always happy to start my monthly report with good news. The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF), a crucial incubator for new musical theatre in New York City, has

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President's Report
Tino Gagliardi
  Let me begin this report by expressing my and our administration’s hope that you and your friends and family have fully recovered from Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath. If you still need assistance, please contact the office of our

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Leon Bell with Todd Byrant Weeks
Justice for jazz artists now! Musicians began a pressure campaign to convince jazz clubs to do the right thing and pay pension to jazz musicians. Above, Local 802 Organizing Director Leon Bell (center) and Local 802 member Keisha St. Joan

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Andrew Schwartz
By this time you probably feel inundated with appeals from the Emergency Relief Fund. Appeals in your inbox, appeals in your mailbox, appeals from callers you don’t know and from some you do. Some of you have responded with great

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March 31 is the deadline to apply for this year’s Anne Walker Scholarship prizes. This is the 14th year that members of Local 802 and their children who are pursuing studies in music will have the opportunity to apply for

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Shane Gasteyer
Professors at the jazz program at the New School University have allowed Local 802 reps to come into classes and talk about what it means to be a member of the union. Every year, large numbers of music students leave

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Is there an Olympic medal for exploiting musicians? The British musicians’ union was up in arms after receiving many reports of musicians being asked to play for free by the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games. The union had

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There will be four recommendations that will come before the June 13 membership meeting dealing with political contributions of more than $500, as is required in the Local 802 bylaws. The money would come from the union’s TEMPO fund. TEMPO

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John O'Connor
Your pension is alive and well and living in New York City. For Local 802 members who have been regular participants in the plan since the 1990s or before, this may seem like a hollow statement. But for musicians concerned

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If it’s off Broadway, it’s union! Local 802’s Theatre Department continues to organize new shows each month, including developmental reading productions and workshops. Remember, if you get called to play music for a theatre show, reading or workshop – no

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Photo Feature
It was a star-studded evening, filled with grace, elegance, and – of course – great music. Local 802 celebrated its 90th birthday in style at Roseland Ballroom on Dec. 4 while raising funds for the union’s Emergency Relief Fund. Pete

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Gail Kruvand
  The AFM and RMA have begun a first-time-ever initiative to raise the public’s awareness of the unfairness regarding outsourcing and tax credits. In early August, AFM President Hair, Secretary Treasurer Sam Folio and members of the New York and

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Local 802 members pound the pavement for Obama in Pennsylvania
  Sometimes you have to pound the pavement to get results. On Election Day, a dozen Local 802 members got on a bus to Philadelphia to knock on doors and turn out the vote for President Obama. Here’s what a

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On June 13th, K.C. Boyle, the political director of Local 802, gave a presentation at a membership meeting outlining a political strategy for our union, focusing heavily on giving donations to local elected officials who have a strong track record

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New portal Local 802 announces our new membership portal. With this online utility, you will have instant access to the union’s computer system and get the most up-to-date snapshot of your member profile. Not only can you see your own

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The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

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Union Solidarity
Cablevision’s Brooklyn workers are tired of their poor working conditions, lousy healthcare coverage and sham retirement plans. These cable TV installers are demanding the right to join a union with the Communication Workers of America. They want to negotiate a

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We must fight canned music at Lincoln Center
Sara Cutler
  Musicians, union officials and Local 802 supporters came out to Lincoln Center to protest the use of canned music at the Paul Taylor Dance Company.Photo: Walter Karling Canned music at Lincoln Center? Can this be true? Unfortunately, yes. As

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Shane Gasteyer
Musicians have lifted a seven-month boycott of the University of the Streets, a jazz venue on the Lower East Side. The boycott began in September, in response to a violent incident at the venue between a venue employee and one

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The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

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The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

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The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

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John O’Connor
  PLAYING FOR JUSTICE: Musicians and union supporters marched on the major jazz clubs on May 1 as part of t he union’s Justice for Jazz Artists campaign. As the Justice for Jazz Artists campaign continues apace with the effort

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Leon Bell
Jewish wedding gigs are in danger of becoming completely non-union. This threatens all musicians’ wages in the field. It’s time for a new game plan… Jewish wedding gigs are increasingly becoming non-union. This will bring down wages for all musicians

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Bruce Ridge
As ICSOM celebrates its 50th anniversary, symphonic and opera musicians unite to keep classical music in the spotlight It was a day to remember. On May 12, 1962, thirty musicians from twelve of the greatest orchestras in the world gathered

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The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

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The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

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Financial Vice President's Report
Tom Olcott
When you get called to play a gig, are you paid what you’re worth? We want to make sure the answer is yes, because there is a problem slowly spreading through the classical scene in New York City. The good

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Tom Olcott
Critics like to write about “what’s wrong with classical music.” Maybe the problem isn’t the music – maybe the problem is what happens when an orchestra is treated like a factory Over the past 150 years, many commentators have declared

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Financial Vice-President's Report
Tom Olcott
It’s that time of the year again. In this issue (on page 38), we present the union’s financial reports for the most recent calendar year. If you read the report carefully, you’ll find a mixed bag, with some good news

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It can happen to you...
Steve Danenberg
Sometimes, getting paid isn’t enough. It’s how you get paid that matters in the long run. What do I mean by that? Well, a non-union cash job can provide you with some income for the night. But a union gig

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Musicians were caught in a non-union squeeze between two employers, each of whom refused to talk with Local 802
John O'Connor
NOTE: Numinous Music is on our Unfair List. For details, click HERE. A funny thing happened on the way to the Local 802 Club Room a few weeks ago. While investigating a complaint by a member regarding a non-union orchestra

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Legal Corner
Harvey Mars, Esq.
How management used bankruptcy as a weapon against musicians – and can we stop this from happening again? Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to JurMars566@aol.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in

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Photo: Al Aumuller Woody Guthrie’s spirit lives on. The singer/songwriter and labor activist who wrote thousands of songs during his lifetime would have turned 100 on July 14. Woody Guthrie sang on picket lines and union rallies, and probably did

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William Bolcom
‘In order to save NYCO, a new general manager and a new board need to be found’ The situation at the New York City Opera reminds me of the Detroit Symphony manager who didn’t take a reduction during the worst

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Why the best hotels in NYC use live
Mikael Elsila
Shawn Aileen Clark (in red) leads the band Lapis Luna at the Plaza Imagine you’re in a hotel lounge, enjoying the sounds of live music. Suddenly you see a man drop to his knees and pull a ring out of

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On being a full-time mother and full-time musician
The Web site Rockin’ Moms (www.RockinMoms.com) is dedicated to musicians who are also mothers. The site recently featured pianist, singer and composer Valerie Sciarra, who has been a Local 802 member since 2004. Sciarra has two sons: five-year-old Benny and

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Jazz musicians and supporters rallied for justice outside the jazz clubs on March 1. Photo: Samantha Grace Lewis The sound of solidarity is sweet. Thanks to everyone who joined our recent Justice for Jazz Artists rally. Supporters and jazz luminaries

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Guest Commentary
Richard Dare
Musicians of the Brooklyn Philharmonic perform in an outdoor concert this summer. Photo: Dave Saunders, © Brooklyn Philharmonic In an era some have described as the neo-gilded age of union busting, let us take a moment to note some of

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Controller's Report
Cathy Camiolo
For the period Jan. 1, 2011 through Dec. 31, 2011, Local 802 realized a loss of $157,666. The loss is attributable to several factors which include: Implementation of a new cash receipt process Increased legal costs Support of Emergency Relief

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Fred Plotkin
Richard Horowitz, who performed with the Met for 66 years, has been a member of Local 802 since 1942. Photo: Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera After 66 years at the Met, timpanist Richard Horowitz retires Richard Horowitz, who performed with the Met

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  On Oct. 23, 2012, the Local 802 Executive Board unanimously voted to place Numinous Music on the Local 802 Unfair List. Local 802 members may not play for Numinous Music without risking penalties. Below is an explanation of the

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Todd Bryant Weeks
Red Press Carmel Dean Jay Brandford Jonathan Tunick Alden Terry Howard Joines Ethyl Will John Miller Top Broadway professionals offered solid advice at Local 802’s annual Meet and Greet. You don’t want to miss these tips… How do you get

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John O’Connor
It was not my ambition to become a musician. It was my mother’s, who majored in music and piano at Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh. When I was in 7th grade I was handed a trumpet and enrolled in school band

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Musicians and cable techs are up against the same boss
Jerome Thompson
Greetings Sisters and brothers of Local 802! Like many of you, I am employed by James Dolan, the owner of Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden. Although I am not a member of Local 802, we have a

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Black History Month
Todd Bryant Weeks
The trombonist Benny Powell addressing a meeting of musicians in New York City, sometime in the 1980’s. Powell was active in the union’s jazz campaign until his death, at the age of 80, in 2010. Jazz musicians’ struggle for respect

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The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

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John O’Connor
Musicians demonstrated in front of the Village Vanguard and other jazz clubs in several actions this spring and summer. Photo: Walter Karling Lorraine Gordon, owner of the Village Vanguard, deserves her recent accolades. But jazz musicians are still wondering why

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John O'Connor
It is fitting that May is Labor History Month. May Day or May 1 was the original day celebrated as Labor Day to commemorate the marches for the eight-hour day that took place on May 1, 1886, chiefly in Chicago.

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Shane Gasteyer
Performing at the Undead Festival under a union contract are Steven Bernstein (trumpet), Kenny Wollesen (drums) and Tony Scherr (bass) At right, John Medeski (keyboard) and Bob Stewart (tuba). Musicians enjoyed guaranteed wages and recording protection for the first time

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Legal Corner
Harvey Mars, Esq.
Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to HsmLaborLaw@HarveyMarsAttorney.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or

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Financial Vice President's Report
Tom Olcott
Who cares about orchestras? Who wants them to survive, and who doesn’t? Who has “skin in the game” and who is just pretending? As one observes the national landscape of orchestra contract negotiations, those are probably just the first questions.

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Jack Gale
John Glasel in 1984 John Glasel (1930-2011) was a first-rate musician and a heroic fighter for musicians rights and welfare. I am pleased to have an opportunity to write this because I believe that no one knows better than I

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The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

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David Amram
Jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk – who were both members of Local 802 – would have turned 95 this month. Below, Local 802 member and composer David Amram recounts his memories of meeting Diz and Monk, and how

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Orchestra committee leaders reflect on what it takes to get the job done What does it take to be a good leader? Those of us who have served in leadership positions know how much of a balancing act it can

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Bennett Baruch and K.C. Boyle
After months of hype surrounding Jay Z’s first concert in New York City in 2012, the Brooklyn native’s two-night stand at Carnegie Hall was undoubtedly the hottest ticket in town. The show, which served as a fundraiser for the United

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The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

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Tom Olcott
  This has been a very difficult year for the freelance classical negotiations, but there have been some bright spots. The Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra (top) revived itself and offered above-scale wages to musicians. The American Composers Orchestra (above) signed an

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Susan Mitchell
Playing (or miming) your instrument in front of a camera for a movie or TV show is called sideline work. Producers sometimes call Local 802 to hire musicians for these kinds of jobs, and the union keeps a photo file

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Myths vs. facts...
It is a well-known fact that New York City is one of the most creative and diverse musical environments in the world. Local 802’s great musicians – from the fields of Broadway, symphonic, jazz, urban, hip-hop, folk, country, rock, pop,

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Karen Fisher
How NYGASP musicians had the courage to face off management…and what they won Sometimes the union has to go the extra mile to settle a contract. In the case of the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players, we traveled over

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Carol Randazzo Orito Jones
Virgil Jones (1939-2012), a Local 802 member since 1962. He is survived by his wife Carol Orito Jones, son Justin, stepson Joseph, brother George, sisters Marcia and Connie, stepfather George, and many neices and nephews. Sweet Basil’s jazz club. December

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Music serves the community on many ways Tom Olcott’s article “Art vs. Business” in the September issue of Allegro was an excellent summary of the challenges musicians (and all artists) are currently facing. The refrain heard most often at the

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How I learned to teach music to kids in the NYC public school system
Brian Doherty
THE MAGIC OF MUSIC: Local 802 member Brian Doherty (top photo) teaches music at P.S. 66 in the South Bronx. His path led him from playing drums for They Might Be Giants to teaching rock and ensemble work to grade-schoolers.

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Legal Corner
Harvey Mars,
Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to HsmLaborLaw@HarveyMarsAttorney.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or

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Pat Dougherty and Clint Sharman
Local 802 is forming its own internet radio station and is inviting music submissions at this time. Above, a screen shot of the radio station of AFM Local 47 (Los Angeles). Local 802 will be using the same Web site,

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Shane Gasteyer
The history of organized labor is filled with music. Beginning with songs sung on picket lines by striking workers, music has always been a force for organized action. In times of struggle, it has provided a shared experience, inspiring and

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If you’re a producer or if you know one, please spread the news. In November 2010, Allegro published an article (http://bit.ly/FilmTaxCredit), which reported on New York State film production tax credits as enacted or updated by the New York State

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MEMBERSHIP ALERT
The AFM sent out this note to members on Oct. 5: Dear Members, The AFM is sharing information with the public about the abusive practice of some film companies who are shipping musical employment overseas, even as they accept tens

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Marisa Friedman
Every day the staff in the Theatre Department is asked, "How do you get a job in this town?" The answer? Network! Local 802 has hosted an annual Meet and Greet for participants in the New York Musical Theatre Festival

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There’s an easy contract you need to know about...
WHAT IS AN LS-1 OR MUSIC SERVICES AGREEMENT? The LS-1 and Music Services Agreements allow musicians to get or maintain their Local 802 Health Benefit Plan coverage by piecing together various gigs that are performed for one or more employers.

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Taking a closer look at "The Star-Spangled Banner"
Mark Clague
Jimi Hendrix famously performed a riveting arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock on Aug. 18, 1969. His performance of the anthem is shrouded in myth: for example, Hendrix performed the song not once, as many think, but over sixty

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Martha Hyde
Now that the Supreme Court has upheld most of the Affordable Care Act (otherwise known as the ACA, or “Obamacare”), it seems a good idea to take a closer look at one of its most important provisions: the health insurance

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Labor board affirms right of freelance orchestra to form a union
Harvey Mars, Esq.
Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to JurMars566@aol.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or

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Carter Brey
Photo: Chris Lee Evangeline Benedetti was a cellist with the New York Philharmonic from 1967 until 2011, and was one of the first women to be accepted into the organization. She has been a member of Local 802 since 1962

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Todd Bryant Weeks
Bill Crow looks back on a life of surprises, serendipity and plenty of laughter… Photo: Ed Berger Bill Crow sits across the table, his eyes twinkling. He’s got stories to tell, and as he probes his memory, he maintains the

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Joe Ciavardone Joe Ciavardone, 83, a trombonist and a member of Local 802 since 1960, died on March 26. He was born and raised in Waltham, Mass. His sister, Anne, bought him his first trombone, and he started taking lessons

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Norman Forsythe Ralph MacDonald Ned Mahoney Isador Rosovsky (Buddy Ross) Stu Satalof Ron Sell Hal Serra Nabil Totah Norman Forsythe Norman Forsythe, 77, a bassoonist and music copyist, died on April 14. He had been a Local 802 member since

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Matt Plummer
Before you take a gig, you might want to check out www.Venuology.com, where musicians rate various clubs in New York City and beyond. Two years after its launch, Venuology.com, billed as the “Yelp for musicians,” is providing an interesting glimpse

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Newly-elected state senator Brad Hoylman cares about live music, organized labor and music education. What's not to like?
Brad M. Hoylman is the newly-elected New York State Senator for the 27th district, which includes Lincoln Center, Local 802’s neighborhood and a major swath of Manhattan. He was endorsed by his predecessor, Senator Tom Duane, as well as Local

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Walter Usiatynski
Are you a musician who plays Broadway tours? You should know about the Theater Musicians Association because TMA is looking for you! Why join TMA? There are many reasons. Let’s say you are about to go out on a Broadway

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Glenn Dicterow to step down as NY Philharmonic concertmaster
Glenn Dicterow, the New York Philharmonic’s concertmaster since 1980, has announced that he will step down from his position at the end of the 2013-14 season. His 34-year tenure makes him the longest-serving New York Philharmonic concertmaster. Beginning in the

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The Actors Fund is set to help
Jim Brown
You’ve read about the new health insurance exchange system. But how do you actually sign up? The insurance companies who offer plans on these new exchanges will set programs called Navigators to help the public. The types of organizations eligible

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If you’re "misclassified," then you might be losing out...
Harvey Mars
In my pervious story in this issue, I call it a victory for musicians to be classified as an employee, not an independent contractor. But why is this good news? It comes down to a lot of things – but

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Each year, as the tax season approaches, Allegro publishes these updated tax tips for musicians provided by Local 802’s accounting firm, Gould, Kobrick & Schlapp P.C. OVERVIEW AND HIGHLIGHTS The following outline focuses on aspects of the tax law that

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A father-daughter music team keeps the music flowing
Paul Adamy Julia Adamy How many daughters can say that they sub for their dad on Broadway? Paul and Julia Adamy are Local 802 members and professional bass players who both continue to learn from each other. Allegro recently caught

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Ray Mosca
Nabil Totah (1930-2012) In late 1955, I was working at the Saxony Hotel down in Miami and Nabil Totah was playing bass with Cy Coleman at the Eden Roc, a new hotel there. We met at a jam session and

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Larry Ridley's jazz multiverse
Todd Bryant Weeks
It’s 1967, and a 30-year old Larry Ridley is standing next to his friend and bandmate, Thelonious Monk, on the floor of the Roseland Ballroom. It’s a Wednesday afternoon, one of the regular days of Local 802’s hiring halls. Ridley

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The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

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Larry Ridley remembers John Coltrane
John Coltrane (1926-1967) Over his lifetime, Ridley has played with hundreds of famous musicians. A short list would have to include Duke Ellington, Hank Mobley, Sonny Stitt, Joe Newman, Roy Eldridge and Dinah Washington. But his eyes light up when

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At 80, the master bassist still swings hard and gives back all he can
Todd Bryant Weeks
The phone rings in Local 802’s Jazz Department. A mellow baritone comes on the line, thrumming with laughter and positive energy. “All right!” the voice calls out. It’s the immediately recognizable signature greeting of Bob Cranshaw. The vibe is contagious,

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Musicians' Assistance Program
Cindy Green, LCSW
The office of the Musicians’ Assistance Program is your one-stop shop for musicians’ health. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, food stamps and

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Dave Roth
Announcing an iPod drive on Broadway to bring the power of music to Alzheimer’s patients My story is not unique. It is a story shared by sons and daughters, husbands and wives, past and present. After I lost my grandmother

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Feature Interview
Glenn Dicterow, concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, talks about music, movies and more… He has been concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic since 1980, but Glenn Dicterow also has enjoyed a diverse career as a soloist, educator, and recording

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Legal Corner
Harvey Mars, Esq.
Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to HsmLaborLaw@HarveyMarsAttorney.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or

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Martha Hyde
For women, It is good to know what health programs you can take advantage of. In recognition of Women’s History Month, here is a brief tour of what women should know about health protections and the law. The Newborns’ and

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The Apollo Theater, which has for more than 15 years featured a band of Local 802 members for its Amateur Night program, recently ratified a successor agreement. In addition to wage increases and commensurate increases in benefits, the three-year contract

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Member Spotlight
David Shifrin speaks on the composers he loves, the virtues of chamber music, and playing without a conductor… One of only two wind players to have been awarded the Avery Fisher Prize since the award’s inception in 1974, clarinetist David

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Legal Corner
Harvey Mars, Esq.
Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to HsmLaborLaw@HarveyMarsAttorney.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or

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Legal Corner
Harvey Mars, Esq.
Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to JurMars566@aol.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or

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Olga Bloom Olga Bloom, 92, the founder of Bargemusic, died on Nov. 24. She had joined Local 802 in 1942. Ms. Bloom was a prominent violinist and violist in recording studios and on Broadway. In 1976, at age 57, she

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Musicians at Work
Radio City Music Hall is alive with the sound of Local 802 musicians performing the annual Christmas Spectacular show with the Rockettes. Musicians play up to six shows a day for nine weeks in this intense holiday gig. Pictured here

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Teaching Artists recently ratified a new two-year contract at Midori & Friends, the music education organization. Minimums will increase to $53 per class at the end of the contract. Teachers won a 3 percent raise in the first year and

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Election day is Nov. 6, and Local 802 has endorsed Barack Obama. We asked Local 802 members who they’re voting for and why. Here’s what some of you told us… I was an enthusiastic supporter of Barack Obama in 2008,

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Introducing LS-1 and Music Service contracts
Bettina Covo
This winter, You don’t have to feel left out in the cold. There is a viable way to contribute to your AFM pension* and maintain health benefits for you and your family even if you aren’t playing in one of

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Musicians' Assistance Program
Cindy Green, LCSW
The office of the Musicians’ Assistance Program is your one-stop shop for musicians’ health. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, food stamps and

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Alan M. Friedman, CPA
Recently, there has been an explosion in independent recordings, often made at a musician’s own expense on digital home recording equipment we could have only dreamed of 20 or 30 years ago. Consequently, every March and April, as my firm

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Musicians' Assistance Program
Cindy Green, LCSW
The office of the Musicians’ Assistance Program is your one-stop shop for musicians’ health. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, housing, food stamps

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If you’re a musician and you get called into a meeting with management where you think you are going to be disciplined, you should be aware of your right to have a union rep with you. The same applies to

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Scenes of Spring
Musicians played their hearts out at the annual fundraiser for the Jazz Foundation of America, whose mission is to help musicians in need. Local 802 members made up the core of the band, with many special guests as well. Photos

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Sue Hadjopoulos. Photo: Gloria Tarigo Percussionist Sue Hadjopoulos, who joined Local 802 in 1977, has established herself as a first-call musician in New York’s competitive music scene. Of Greek and Puerto Rican descent, she was born and raised on Long

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The amazing life of Sam Marder
Michael Croiter
Musicians who perform with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular orchestra year after year are guaranteed a few things: There will be long days, the Rockettes will kick high, and you’ll get to work with some of the best musicians in

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Musicians' Assistance Program
Cindy Green, LCSW
The office of the Musicians’ Assistance Program is your one-stop shop for musicians’ health. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, food stamps and

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Clem DeRosa Clem DeRosa, 86, died last Dec. 20. He had been a member of Local 802 since 1945 and was an internationally respected educator, bandleader, composer, arranger, drummer and author. Mr. DeRosa started his career in the South Huntington

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Member to Member
Andrew Schulman
The 138th Kentucky Derby takes place this month. It’s always on the first Saturday in May, which reminds me of something that took place about 10 years ago. It was a Friday, late in the afternoon, the day before the

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Scenes of Summer
On balmy summer Tuesday evenings in July, music lovers may be found flocking to Washington Square for extraordinary free concerts that feature Local 802 musicians playing under a union contract. Presented by the Washington Square Music Festival, the series offers

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Scenes of Spring
Local 802 is pleased to announce that the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra ratified a successor agreement earlier this spring. After almost six months of negotiations, with unprecedented participation by band members, Local 802 negotiators managed to secure modest gains in

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Legal Corner
Harvey Mars, Esq.
Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to JurMars566@aol.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or

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Richie Vitale
A CEO increases his salary from $1.2 million in 2009 to a whopping compensation package of over $4.8 million in 2011. Then a healthy company is terminated, sacking its best employees and then moving the operation offshore? Sound familiar. To

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Guest Commentary
Marc Ribot
  Music piracy is a worldwide issue. Recently, the German equivalent of ASCAP and BMI caused a public controversy when it insisted on a pay-per-click fee for German musicians when their copyrighted musical content was viewed on YouTube. The performance

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Reminiscences: Women's History Month
Elise Bryant
Florence Reese (1900-1986) Photo: Greg Hamilton/Highlander Odetta (1930-2008) Photo: West VA. Public Broadcasting Eartha Kitt (1927-2008) Etta James (1938-2012)  Photo: Roland Godefroy There’s history…and then there’s “herstory.” The herstory of labor music teaches us that Florence Reese was living in

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Laura Champine Alan W. Taylor John Widgren Emma Sutton Bryan Senti Terry Klemensen Michael Hopewell Sam Baum I joined Local 802 to up my professionalism and improve my networking. I sing and play trombone. My most recent gig was playing

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Scenes of Spring
Local 802 provided the essential ingredients of music and joy for the May Day parade. Even the cops enjoyed our tunes. Later that night, musicians paraded to jazz clubs. Top photo, from left: Mike Christianson, Dion Tucker, David Sheldon and

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James Olmstead Billur Kibritcioglu Chris Autore Eric Joseph Stockton Virginia Pike I rejoined Local 802 to take advantage of what the union has to offer: security and networking. I have reached most of my goals in performance, teaching and publishing.

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How does $635 a month in rent sound to you? Are you a single musician looking for housing? We have some news! There’s a terrific affordable housing opportunity for single adults who work in performing arts and entertainment. Studio apartments

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Touring, taxes and you
Michael Chapin
Tax time is around the corner, and if you go on tour or work out of town, there are things you need to know. As someone who has been preparing taxes for musicians for over 20 years, I would like

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Live music was in the air when Local 802 musicians and Broadway actors performed the annual Broadway on Broadway celebration in Times Square. The event was contracted by Local 802 member Michael Keller and was supported by the Music Performance

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John Isley Stephanie Long Eric DiVito Craig Akin Miles Miller Brett Cimbalik Mark Peters I rejoined Local 802 due to the work I have been doing as a sub on Broadway. My musical goal in New York City is to

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Remembering the bandsmen on the Titanic
John P. Eaton
Heroism in music takes many forms. The political heroism of a Sibelius or a Toscanini. Marian Anderson’s heroism of the spirit. The heroism of innovation: Bach, Richard Wagner, Charles Ives, Stravinsky. The quiet heroism of vocal coaches, chorus members and

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March 6, 2012 - March 20, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012 Meeting called to order at 11:10 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Cutler, Dougherty, Kruvand, Roach, Sharman, Assistant to the President Boyle. It was moved

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Scenes of Summer
Todd Bryant Weeks
Naima Barnes and jazz rep Todd Weeks, holding a tribute plaque from Local 802 to Wade Barnes. Jazz supporters take their message to Birdland. Taking it to the street are percussionist Richard Rivers, Naima Barnes and other jazz supporters. Bill

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Scenes of Spring
The Queens Symphony Orchestra under conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos recently performed a new work for 45 instrumentalists and 190 vocalists entitled “1001 Voices: a Symphony for Queens,” at Queens College. Tabla player Deep Singh was a featured soloist. The work was

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Musicians' Assistance Program
Cindy Green, LCSW
The office of the Musicians’ Assistance Program is your one-stop shop for musicians’ health. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, housing, food stamps

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Rain did not stop the union spirit at the Central Labor Council’s annual labor rally, which took place this year on Sept. 8. As usual, Local 802 musicians kept the crowd energized with live music. Performing were John Eckert, Clint

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Joe Bennett Joe Bennett, 85, a trombonist and a Local 802 member since 1943, died on Jan. 9. Joe Bennett – who was born Joseph Benante – played in many of the great postwar big bands. As a member of

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  Stanley Hunte Stanley G. Hunte, 81, a violinist and a member of Local 802 since 1974, died on Oct. 22. Mr. Hunte studied at the High School of Music and Art and later at Juilliard and Queens College. His

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'American Idiot' gets smart
Carmel Dean I’ve always loved recycling. Call me weird, call me a typical Virgo, but ever since I was a little kid I’ve actually taken quite a bit of pleasure in sorting plastics from paper, glass from cans and bottle

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Musicians' Assistance Program
The Actors Fund offers something for everyone The office of the Musicians’ Assistance Program is your one-stop shop for musicians’ health. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social

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Teddy Charles Teddy Charles, 84, a vibraphonist and pianist and a Local 802 member since 1982, died on April 16. Mr. Charles was known as a groundbreaking vibes player and an adventurous composer, who anticipated post-bop and free jazz harmonies

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Scott Wasserman Andre “Virus” Karkos Andrea Belfiore Adriana Molello Marty Isenberg Lucianna Padmore I joined Local 802 after I was encouraged to join by other musicians. The reason I joined is to have access to the union’s resources and to

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Florian Hoefner Michael “Safe” Baker Michael Wittenburg Amy Crawford Hazy Malcolmson Alfred Thompson Jr. I joined Local 802 to be able to accept union gigs. My musical goal in New York City is to make an impact as a performer

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Classical music recently took center stage at Manhattan Center. Local 802 members and contractors Neil Balm and Jonathan Haas (who work together as Gemini Music Productions) assembled and established the All-Star Orchestra, which was created to produce an annual series

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Remembering Bob Brookmeyer
John Mosca
There are no second acts in American lives,” wrote F. Scott Fitzgerald. I believe he got that one wrong. As proof, I offer the life and work of Bob Brookmeyer. It was at the beginning of his amazingly productive second

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September 4, 2012 - September 11, 2012
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 Meeting called to order at 11:03 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Dougherty, Hyde, Kruvand, Schwartz, Sharman. It was moved and seconded to approve the

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Organizing Matters
Bennett M. Baruch
Bennett M. Baruch is the director of organizing and supervisor of the union’s single engagement department. If you’re playing a job where you feel disrespected or know that you aren’t being paid fairly, contact Bennett at (212) 245-4802, ext. 141

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May 15, 2012 - June 12, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 Meeting called to order by Financial Vice President Olcott at 11:08 AM. Present: Olcott, Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Dougherty, Hyde, Roach, Schwartz, Sharman, Assistant to the President Boyle. President Gagliardi absent on union business. Sharman

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Eli Brueggemann Andre Chez Lewis Gary M. Garzetta David Kaye Kenny Weydener Anthony Rubbo I joined Local 802 after I recently moved to NYC from Los Angeles to become the musical director at “Saturday Night Live.” I came here primarily

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Avatar Studios was recently visited by the award-winning jazz bassist Rufus Reid, who recorded his new project “QUIET PRIDE” under a union contract. The piece was inspired by five sculptures of the late African-American artist and sculptress Elizabeth Catlett. “QUIET

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Nicholas Pappone Jung-Yi Alice Hsieh Daugherty Edvinas Minkstimas Reuben Blundell Melissa Kritzer Josh Endlich Stefano Baldasseroni I joined the union after I played as a background musician in “Sex and the City 2.” I believe very strongly in the importance

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I come from a family of musicians who have always belonged to the union – in fact my father served as a union officer for most of his career. In recent years I’ve moved back and forth between NYC and

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Legal Corner
Harvey Mars, Esq.
Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to HsmLaborLaw@HarveyMarsAttorney.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or

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  Natalie Hall Zak Sandler Dwayna Litz Bob Windbiel Henry Hernandez I joined Local 802 because I recently moved to New York City and I need to begin making the right relationships here. My dream job is to play in

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Musicians' Assistance Program
Cindy Green, LCSW
The office of the Musicians’ Assistance Program is your one-stop shop for musicians’ health. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, housing, food stamps

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Musicians' Assistance Program
Cindy Green, LCSW
The office of the Musicians’ Assistance Program is your one-stop shop for musicians’ health. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, housing, food stamps

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October 25, 2011 - November 29, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 Meeting called to order at 11:04 AM by Financial Vice President Olcott. Present: Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Burridge, Covo, Dougherty, Hyde, Kruvand, Roach, Schwartz, Sharman, Acting Assistant to the President Boyle. President

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April 10, 2012 - May 8, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012 Meeting called to order at 11:03 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Cutler, Dougherty, Hyde, Kruvand, Schwartz, Sharman. Minutes from the April 3 Executive Board meeting were distributed. Executive

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June 19, 2012 - August 7, 2012
NOTE: The Executive Board did not meet on July 3, July 17 and July 31. Tuesday, June 19, 2012 Meeting called to order by Financial Vice President Olcott at 11:03 AM. Present: Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members

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December 6, 2011 - January 10, 2012
Tuesday, December 6, 2011 Meeting called to order at 11:06 a.m. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Burridge, Cutler, Hyde, Roach, Acting Assistant to the President Boyle. It was moved and seconded

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January 17, 2012
Meeting called to order at 11:15 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Cutler, Dougherty, Hyde, Kruvand, Roach, Schwartz, Sharman, Assistant to the President Boyle, New York City Opera negotiating

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Band Room
Bill Crow
Louise Sims has an unusual wood carving on her living room wall. She told me that Zoot had carved it from an interesting piece of wood he found. He brought the piece of wood home, saying, "I think I see

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Wade Barnes Wade Barnes, 57, a drummer, composer, producer, bandleader, arranger and educator, died on March 3. He had been a Local 802 member since 1996. Mr. Barnes was the director of the Brooklyn Repertory Ensemble. He also led groups

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Musicians' Assistance Program
Cindy Green, LCSW
The office of the Musicians’ Assistance Program is your one-stop shop for musicians’ health. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, housing, food stamps

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Shane Gasteyer
In the October issue of Allegro, our cover story was about how live music adds class and elegance to the best hotels in NYC. We’re also pleased to note that live music is a growing trend in the city’s restaurants.

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Musicians' Assistance Program
Cindy Green, LCSW
The office of the Musicians’ Assistance Program is your one-stop shop for musicians’ health. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, housing, food stamps

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Matt Oestreicher Sarah Brett England Adam Forman Justin Rothberg Paul Won Jin Cho Josh Ortiz Andy Karl Mark Van Ziegler I joined local 802 because now I’m back in New York playing keyboards and guitar in the house band at

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March 27, 2012 - April 3, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 Meeting called to order at 11:10 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Burridge, Brandford, Cutler, Dougherty, Hyde, Kruvand, Roach, Sharman, Assistant to the President Boyle. It was

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January 24, 2012 - February 28, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 Meeting called to order at 11:05 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Dougherty, Hyde, Schwartz, Sharman, Assistant to the President Boyle. It was moved and seconded to

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  Eddie Bert   Eddie Bert, 90, a trombonist and a Local 802 member since 1947, died on Sept. 27. Mr. Bert, who was born in Yonkers, was only 18 when he joined the Sam Donahue Orchestra. Two years later,

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Have you submitted your music to Local 802’s internet radio station yet?
K.C. Boyle, Clint Sharman and Pat Dougherty
It is no secret that much of the recording done today is recorded in home studios, garages or even in hotel rooms. Technology has made it possible to record your band more easily than ever. But often the recording is

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On Sept. 25, 2012, the Local 802 Executive Board voted unanimously to adopt the following policy: “In the event that there is no more than one nominee for a Local 802 elected office (or no more than nine nominees for

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 I have been playing drums and percussion in pit orchestras for touring Broadway shows for nearly 30 years. Due to a recent prolonged period of unemployment, I resigned from the union in order to take a nonunion gig. I’m definitely

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August 14, 2012 - August 28, 2012
NOTE: The Executive Board did not meet on Aug. 21. TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2012 eeting called to order at 11:13 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Hyde, Schwartz, Sharman,

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Musicians' Assistance Program
Cindy Green, LCSW
The office of the Musicians’ Assistance Program is your one-stop shop for musicians’ health. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, housing, food stamps

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Federal Agency:  The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: www.EEOC.gov State/City agencies: New York City Commission on Human Rights: www.nyc.gov/html/cchr/home.html New York State Division of Human Rights: www.dhr.ny.gov/ New Jersey Division on Civil Rights: www.state.nj.us/lps/dcr/filing.html Local 802: (212) 245-4802. Ask for the

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November 2012
Bill Crow
Another dear old friend left us recently. On Sept. 27, a heart attack took away the trombonist Eddie Bert, who I first heard on Stan Kenton’s band, and who was one of the first musicians I met when I came

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July/August 2012
JAZZ JAM There is a jazz jam on most Mondays at Local 802, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Upcoming dates include July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, Aug. 6, Aug. 13, Aug. 20 and Aug. 27.

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HOLIDAY CLOSURE Local 802 is closed on Monday, Oct. 8 in commemoration of Columbus Day. JAZZ JAM There is a jazz jam on most Mondays at Local 802, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Upcoming dates include Oct. 1, Oct. 15,

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May 2012
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Jazz Foundation Jam Session 7:00pm Club Room 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Jazz Foundation Jam Session 7:00pm Club Room 15 16 17

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September 2012
HOLIDAY CLOSURE Local 802 is closed on Monday, Sept. 3 in commemoration of Labor Day. LABOR RALLY All Local 802 members are invited to march in the annual labor rally sponsored by the Central Labor Council. The rally is Saturday,

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June 2012
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 JAM SESSION 7:00pm Club Room 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 JAM SESSION 7:00pm Club Room 12 ACTORS WORK PROGRAM 5:30pm Club Room

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Bill Crow
Another old friend of mine has passed on. Bob Brookmeyer, who died on Dec. 15 at the age of 81, was a large part of my musical life for many years. I met him at a jam session at Med

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Bill Crow
Abby Mayer sent me a story she got from Arthur Goldstein. When Arthur was playing a Broadway show, one of the trumpet players realized just before curtain time that he had left his mute in his locker. He rushed out

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Bill Crow
An internet friend, Colin, sent me a story he heard from the British jazz tenorman and clubowner Ronnie Scott: “I tried teaching myself to play guitar at one time. I’d get home about 3 a.m. and start playing my little

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Bill Crow
When William Zinn was playing in the band at the Concord Hotel in the Catskills, Eddie Fisher was the headline performer. At the start of the show, Fisher introduced his mother, who was sitting in the front row of a

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Bill Crow
The recent passing of Hugo Fiorato, former conductor of the New York City Ballet Orchestra, reminded Jay Blumenthal of the following story. One of the things Hugo found particularly irksome was when orchestra musicians continuously looked down at their music,

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Bill Crow
Joe Hanchrow keeps his string bass, bass guitar and tuba in gig bags in his laundry room. That is also where he keeps crunchy dog food, in a bag enclosed in a garbage can. One day he unzipped his string

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Bill Crow
Greg Thymius passed along a story Harvey Estrin once told him, about an event at the Waldorf-Astoria for president Richard Nixon. There was a long break between the rehearsal and the performance, and during the break, Harvey squeezed in a

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October '12
Bill Crow
Wil Greenstreet sent me a snippet from an interview with Shelly Manne:
 “I did a date with Jimmy Bowen… the song was ‘Fever.’ I had never worked with Jim, but I had made the original record of ‘Fever’ with Peggy

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September '12
Bill Crow
David Wundrow sent me a link to an interview, published on the Internet, that James Tarmy had with the composer Elliott Carter in his Greenwich Village apartment. Here’s a bit of it: Tarmy: How long have you lived in this

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