Allegro
Currently Browsing: February, 2014
Save the Date: Friday, February 21
President's Report
Greetings to all. The big news this month is that the musicians of the New York City Opera Orchestra are performing with special guests in a historic one-night concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21 at City Center. This
Reaching Out
Three prominent endorsers of the union’s jazz campaign recently made an appearance at one of New York’s most lively and well-attended churches, where they spread the message about the need for solidarity around the issues faced by the jazz community.
Holiday Spirit
Performing live at the Local 802 holiday party were Mark Lopeman (sax), Dion Tucker (trombone), Jennifer Vincent (bass), Matt Munisteri (guitar), Adam Witkowski (mandolin) and John O’Connor (guitar & vocals). Local 802 wishes everyone a happy 2014 filled with joy,
Local 802 partners with new booking agency
We are very excited to announce a new company that has been launched for the purpose of booking union bands and musicians for weddings, corporate parties, bar mitzvahs and other events. The company, First Choice Musicians, will feature a
Tell Your Friends: Go Union!
Financial Vice President's Report
I am constantly reminded that Local 802 represents an amazingly diverse array of performers. A list (that is way too short!) includes: Elite headliner recording musicians Commercial and TV performers Broadway musicians (including musicians who double as actors) Concert
Open to All
How the Symphony of the New World made history
This article from the February 2014 issue of Allegro magazine...
Paying Their Dues
African-American musicians and the early musicians’ union
Two factors hampered black musicians from becoming professional musicians in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. First, black musicians did not have the same access to musical education and organization as white musicians. Though African Americans were admitted in
A tribute to Frank Wess
Fellow musicians flocked to St. Peter’s Church on Jan. 4 to take part in a musical tribute to Frank Wess (1922-2013), who died last Oct. 30 at the age of 91 after being a Local 802 member since 1956. Allegro
The Next Generation
National Youth Orchestra challenges new musicians to hit the high notes
“We have to go and show these people what classical music is. We say sometimes that classical music has a small audience, but it’s because people don’t have the chance to be closer to it.” – Gustavo Dudamel “I
New York Youth Symphony transforms the lives of young musicians
“Music can change the world because it can change people.” – Bono When the power of live music is combined with the power of education, not just change, but actual transformation ensues. Eliciting and encouraging this transformation is the
Rufus Reid: Evolution of an idealist
Photos by Jimmy Katz Artistic passion may sometimes seem like a secondary consideration today, especially when faced with a society that rarely rewards originality. But while Rufus Reid’s talents as a bassist – and composer – have continued to win
Enchanted!
Live music brings the magic of theatre to kids
What happens when you combine the wonders of live music with the power of live theatre? Magic! Recently, over 3,000 public school children were treated to a special holiday gift – a look behind the curtain into the inner
Here comes the New York Pops!
Photo Feature
The New York Pops was founded by Skitch Henderson in 1983 with a mission to create greater public awareness and appreciation of America’s rich musical heritage through presentation of concerts and education programs of the highest quality. Musicians who perform
You’re Fired! Or are you? It depends…
Legal Corner
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
The Musicians’ Voice
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
New Guidelines to Apply for Anne Walker Scholarship
May 1 is the deadline to apply for this year’s Anne Walker Scholarships. This is the 16th year that members of Local 802 and their children who are pursuing studies in music will have the opportunity to apply for these
Beyond category: remembering Yusef Lateef
Reminiscences
Yusef Lateef, 93, the saxophonist, multi-reed player and flutist, died on Dec. 23. He had been a Local 802 member since 1960. Below, jazz writer Peter Zimmerman remembers Lateef’s versatility, which was really beyond category. Last July, when I
A portrait of Al Porcino in ten takes
Reminiscences
Al Porcino, 89, a trumpeter and a Local 802 member since 1968, died on Dec. 31. He is survived by his wife Erna Tom, daughters Debra Ogorzaly and Gia Krietzberg, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Take 1. I first
‘Why we joined the union’
I joined Local 802 after hearing great things about the union from other musicians. I was also intrigued by the benefits and services that come with being a member. I’m always trying to make my presence known in the New
Executive Board Minutes
October 29, 2013 - November 26, 2013
NOTE: The Executive Board did not meet on Tuesday, November 5, 2013. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2013 Meeting called to order at 11:16 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Cranshaw,
Looking for housing? We can help!
Musicians' Assistance Program
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
February ’14
Band Room
The late Frank Wess, who died last Oct. 30 at the age of 91, was nicknamed “Magic” by his colleagues. He certainly worked wonders with his saxophone and flute. I first met him when I was at Birdland with the