Allegro

Currently Browsing: October, 2015

President's Report
Tino Gagliardi
Has the digital age been good to musicians? That bombshell question was recently asked by the New York Times in its cover magazine story, “The Creative Apocalypse That Wasn’t,” written by Steven Johnson. The article received a lot of blowback

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Recording Vice President's Report
John O'Connor
During a meeting to discuss contract proposals with Jazz at Lincoln Center, one of the musicians turned to me and asked me a big-picture question: “Where do you see us in 10 years?” I usually don’t hear questions like this.

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How a New York Times magazine story did a disservice to creative artists
Kevin Erickson
Near the end of the summer, the New York Times Magazine published an article called “The Creative Apocalypse That Wasn’t,” by Steven Johnson. The article was disappointing to working artists in many different ways and we are grateful for the

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Young musicians get a contract and learn about the union
Rebecca Blum
These student musicians (pictures below) have learned the power of the union, thanks to Local 802 and the Public Theatre. The Public’s new initiative called Public Works aims to get the people of New York City creatively invested in theatre

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The new 2016-2017 membership directory is coming next year
The 2016-2017 Local 802 directory will be compiled at the end of this year. Thousands of musicians receive a copy of this book and use it as a vital resource. Here’s how to check to make sure your information will

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A recent case gives computer users more protection
Harvey Mars, Esq.
As I have remarked many times, the Internet has bred a whole host of legal conundrums that courts are only now catching up to. One of the more prominent problems arises when a person’s personal computer is hacked or unlawfully

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Conference emphasizes how music supports community
Bruce Ridge
At the 2015 ICSOM Conference in Philadelphia, in an effort to use our presence in the city as a symbol of community service, we provided music and assistance at a soup kitchen in collaboration with Broad Street Ministry. On its

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Photo Feature
Local 802 member David Eaton, conductor of the New York City Symphony (above), performed at the United Nations this summer under a union contract as part of the U.N.’s 70th anniversary under the theme of “The Transformative Power of Music.”

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Photo Feature
Local 802 musicians, officers, staff and supporters marched in the annual labor parade sponsored by the Central Labor Council. This year’s band included Abdulrahman Amer, Kevin Blancq, Scott Bourgeois, Rick Faulkner, Dave Hofstra, Barbara Merjan, Stefan Schatz, Jeff Schiller, Carol

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Violinist Lucy Morganstern helps people grieve their dying pets
Patch Schwadron
A native New Yorker, violinist Lucy Morganstern grew up in a musical household. Her mother, a pianist, graduated from Juilliard at 18; her older brother and sister studied cello and violin. “My musical training was not typical,” Lucy relates. After

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The following four bylaw amendments will be presented at the Oct. 14 membership meeting. Words that are struck through indicate deleted language. Words that are underlined indicate added or new language. 1) ARTICLE VI: ELECTIONS. Section 1. Beginning with the

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RAUL AZPIAZU Raul Azpiazu, 90, a member of Local 802 since 1949, died on Aug. 27. He was a singer, conga player and saxophonist. Mr. Azpiazu was born and raised in Havana. He was the son of famous Cuban musician

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Reminiscences
Avron Coleman
As we grow older, retire and change our whole pattern of life – and as friends, colleagues and relatives pass on – we realize how difficult it is to accept the inevitable “empty chair.” Our dear friend and cellist Seymour

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Reminiscences
Mickey Burke
Two names appeared recently in Allegro’s obituaries that brought back distant memories. The first one was Sam Ulano, a hardworking drummer, teacher, author, and entertainer. He was the teacher of many young drummers in the 1960s. He wrote a couple

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Reminiscences
Charles McCarty, 95, a trumpeter and a member of Local 802 for over 60 years, died on Aug. 28. Charlie grew up listening to his father sing the show tunes and pop songs of the day. Charlie sang them too.

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I joined Local 802 when I started performing in NYC. I am the associate conductor of “On The Town” on Broadway, which ranks as my favorite gig of all time. Playing and conducting for that incredible production is an unbelievable

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May 19, 2015 - June 16, 2015
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 Meeting called to order at 11:10 a.m. by Financial Vice President Olcott. Present: Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Burridge, Cutler, Cranshaw, Dougherty, Hyde, Kruvand, Assistant to the President Bond. President Gagliardi absent on

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Musicians' Assistance Program
Siena Shundi, LCSW-R
Many musicians call our office for help because as life gets busy, it can sometimes get more stressful. We offer many free social services, including clinical case management, counseling and financial assistance. This month we will discuss what sorts of

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The Band Room
Bill Crow
Jerry Dodgion had just joined Red Norvo’s group in 1958 when they played a gig opposite the Count Basie band in Las Vegas. Jerry and his then wife Dottie invited a few of the Basie musicians to their home for

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