It’s been a busy nine months in office. We stabilized the 802 Health Plan, negotiated a new Broadway contract with the largest economic gains 802 has seen in decades, restored fiscal responsibility to 802’s budget, re-energized organizing, moved decisively on

Thanks to all the Local 802 musicians who came to the first membership meeting of the new administration on Feb. 27! The room was packed with well over 100 members – not only did we reach a quorum, but we

Happy summer to all! I’m happy to report that Local 802, the Broadway League and the coordinated bargaining partners have entered into a new three-year collective bargaining agreement. The deal features the largest wage increase in the past two decades,

I often talk about the inevitability of change. As a community of musicians working in an ever-changing industry, we must both drive change and adapt to it. It’s vital to the success and power of our union to develop an

After 11 months of negotiation following a years-long process to have their union recognized, the 18 accompanists at the Kaufman Music Center have voted unanimously to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement. “Accompanists needed an identity and a voice,” said

The first few months of our new administration have been both exciting and challenging. Although many of my new duties as vice president are a continuation of the same responsibilities I had as a business rep – albeit enhanced –

Local 802 is thrilled to announce that Director of Organizing and Field Services Joy Winkler will be transitioning into a new role as Chief of Staff. As you may remember from her introductory article in the July 2018 issue of

Each month in Allegro, we report on new or renewed Local 802 contracts that protect musicians with guaranteed union wages and benefits. Financial Vice President Karen Fisher recently negotiated a successor collective bargaining agreement between Local 802 and New York

Every year, the Broadway community honors those artists who have served on Broadway the longest, in an event called Broadway Salutes. This year, more than 50 members of Local 802 were inducted for the first time. Brian Stokes Mitchell hosted

When trumpeter Martin Berinbaum and his wife were on vacation together, watching the 2016 movie “Manchester by the Sea,” one piece of the soundtrack immediately caught their attention. During the funeral scene for the main character’s brother, Handel’s Messiah plays

Amazing news: the musicians who perform in musical productions at Babylon Village’s new Argyle Theatre have unionized with Local 802! On Jan. 11, Argyle management signed a voluntary recognition agreement with the union. So, what exactly does that mean? And

We are pleased to announce the formation of a new committee, Women of 802. Our mission is to recognize and channel the power and leadership skills of the women-identifying members of 802 by promoting networking, fostering specific support, and increasing

The annual meeting of the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) was held this past August in Park City, Utah. Orchestra delegates from all over the country met to discuss, argue and commiserate over the state of our

ALL LS-1 CONTRACTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY JULY 15, 2019 FOR THE BENEFIT PERIOD THAT BEGINS SEPT. 1, 2019 Only teaching (private and institutional) and/or solo, live engagements performed between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2019 can be reported on

Broadway musicals are an important backbone of NYC theatre, but recently two Broadway plays have also featured the magic of live music, hiring Local 802 musicians under a union contract. Above, composer Philip Glass in the recording studio looks over

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 New York Philharmonic recently presented “New York Stories: Threads of Our City,” two weeks of concerts and events that examined New York City’s roots as a city of immigrants. The project included the world premiere of Julia Wolfe’s “Fire

Mentoring the next generation is one of the most satisfying tasks for our members. Local 802 musicians who perform with Orchestra Long Island recently presented a student mentorship/in-school performance and instructional program called Performance Partners. Musicians were paid under a

They met on the club scene years ago. They recorded together sporadically over the years and occasionally shared the same bandstand. But they likely never imagined they’d end up together – and yet ten years into their relationship, Rachel Z

ROCK AND ROLL WAS NOT THE ENEMY To the Editor: On May 6, Rolling Stone published an article – “There’s a Musician’s Union. Many Musicians Are Unaware – or Unable to Join” – by Elias Leight, which Local 802 later

There is a certain sobriety that sets in after a few years of being a professional musician in New York City. You learn to pick your battles and let some of the little stuff go, but still ultimately stand up

Make Music New York is a unique festival of free concerts in public spaces throughout the five boroughs of New York City. All of the performances take place annually on June 21, the first day of summer and longest day

 

UPDATE TO THIS ARTICLE (9/25/2019): Click here for an updated version of this policy ORIGINAL ARTICLE Local 802 takes incidents of sexual harassment, bullying, and discrimination extremely seriously and wants to ensure that all musicians have the support they need

For decades, the AFM has had to maneuver its contracts to address changes in recording technology. As technology will always continue to advance and create new ways to produce content, AFM recording contracts must always fluctuate to keep up. In

Greetings members of Local 802! I am so pleased to share with you my perspective on the exciting intersection of music, entertainment and labor. First, the fun stuff. As national executive director of the American Guild of Musical Artists, I

E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th Street, New York, NY 10036. Letters must be no more than 300 words. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of Local 802. One person

“Darling, I want my gay rights now!” This was the rallying cry by transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson, one of the Stonewall Riots leaders. Everyday life for members of the LGBTQ+ community in the 1960s was very different from today.

More and more young musicians are learning about Local 802 through the Jazz Mentors Student Jam series, sponsored by the Council for Living Music with a grant from the New York City Council. Each Student Jam is hosted by our

Diversity in musical theatre is growing in small but important ways. I have been very privileged to be part of two amazing shows back-to-back that featured diverse casts with plenty of women. Playing drums for “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical”

Can you name three black classical composers? Rachel Barton Pine can name 350. A member of AFM 10-208 (Chicago), the internationally renowned violinist also runs her own self-titled foundation, which has recently launched a Music by Black Composers campaign. The

The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, which has maintained a Monday night residency at the storied Village Vanguard since 1966, recently ratified an agreement, extending its CBA with Local 802 through the end of 2019. The band, which has its own 501(c)3,

My aunt didn’t know her name until her first day of school, when her teacher called out “Marya” and pointed at her. When she was a baby, her father called her a little muffin. The nickname stuck. She later learned

Katarzyna Bryla-Weiss, a violist and a member of Local 802 since 2014, was born into a family of musicians and has gone on to earn more than two dozen prizes and awards in the United States, France and her native

The piano legend Dr. John, a six-time Grammy winner and a member of Local 802 since 1985, died on June 6. Born Malcolm John Rebennack Jr., he was known throughout the world as the embodiment of New Orleans’ musical legacy

As Local 802 looks toward and adapts to the future, we should also look to the wisdom of the past. For instance, Senator Robert Wagner wrote the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 – also known as the Wagner Act.

Billy Hunter, a member of Local 802 since 1998, serves as principal trumpet with the Metropolitan Opera and performs solo and chamber work all over the world. A native of Austin, Mr. Hunter earned a degree from the University of

Celebrating its 15th year, the NYC Winter Jazzfest extended its reputation for presenting a staggering variety of music, with performances spread out across nine days and numerous venues during the course of the festival. It all culminated in the festival’s

You’ve got a killer set list, you need to make some money, and you know that it’s time to book a tour – but what’s the first step? That was the question tackled at Jazz Mentors 18, when three formidable

On a recent trip to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, I paid a visit to Willard Martin, renowned harpsichord builder and genius of the physics of sound. Willard’s shop is in a re-purposed Russian Orthodox Church within view of the now shuttered, but

We are pleased to report on the first meeting of the Women of 802 Caucus. Members who were female, female-identifying and non-binary – and their allies – gathered for a curated discussion in the Club Room. Over appetizers and drinks,

I re-joined Local 802 when I got hired to drum for a show at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn, New York. I’ve primarily played for musical theatre in my career, in addition to jazz and wedding gigs. I’ve been lucky

Trumpeter Murray Rothstein died on Sept. 9. He was a key figure in the modern history of Local 802 and and I want to share some of his life with my fellow musicians. First, here’s some background about Murray that

What’s it really like to work as a teaching artist? Allegro recently got a chance to listen to trumpeter Paul Murphy, a member of Local 802 since 2008, to get his insights. Members of Local 802 who work as teaching

A report released in September by the Recording Industry Association of America stated that for the first half of 2018, “streaming” accounted for 75 percent of the revenue generated by the United States music industry. The report noted that streaming

As artists, one of our important missions is mentoring the next generation of women. I recently participated on a panel sponsored by the Open Stage Project at Repertory Company High School. Young women from several NYC high schools attended, as

May is Labor History month! I’d like to take this opportunity to share the story of my paternal grandfather, Benjamin Paisner (1890-1967) and my father, Gilbert Paisner (1924-2014). Together they ran a textile manufacturing company on the Lower East Side

I’ve never loved flying, and turbulence freaks me out as much as the next person, but back when I had to travel with my violin, the most stressful part of flying was the boarding process. Nowadays I just wander on

I first met Murray Rothstein when I was in my early 20s. We spent five summers playing together in the Mac Pollack Orchestra at a Catskill resort, and I learned so much from him during that time – not only

Let’s look at a case involving jazz instructors at the New School, and a discrimination claim at a local jazz club The vast majority of legal claims that are adjudicated in this country are resolved through voluntary settlements. This makes

Let’s think about some different professions: physicians, nurses, dentists, social workers, lawyers, CPAs, physical therapists, cosmetologists, architects, estheticians, paralegals, and social workers. What do all these careers have in common? They are required to periodically attend classes (often known as

In December, Local 802 members received a Summary Materials Modification (SMM) notice from the 802 Musicians Health Fund. One part of the notice announced an improvement in the Plan B vision and hearing benefits. Members who use or might use

While the world of jazz music has always been a racially diverse place, it has historically shown a pretty stark gender imbalance: the number of female and non-binary musicians (particularly instrumentalists) is remarkably lower than the number of male musicians.

PLAY BALL! The Local 802 softball team played its heart out this season. As usual, we competed in the Performing Arts Softball League, a 12-team league composed exclusively of Broadway unions and other entertainment professionals in New York City. As

Over the past year, orchestras have mobilized in significant ways to create pathways into the field for musicians of color. Orchestras, working together with funders, educational institutions, and professional organizations, have forged strong alliances to solidify pathways towards greater diversity.

Local 802 member is developing a new musical featuring forgotten stories of the Civil War, with a female, trans and non-binary cast Ayumi Okada, a member of Local 802 since 2012, is currently developing a musical called “The Uncivil Ones”

After freelancing in NYC for several years, I decided to join the union to connect with more musicians, find more performing work and meet new people. One of my favorite recent gigs was with bassist and composer Mimi Jones and

A colleague of mine recently told me about a concept from Philip Toshio Sudo’s book “Zen Guitar” called Zoom In/Zoom Out that really spoke to me. The idea is to be able to go between focusing in on the everyday

What’s better than winning a Pearl drum set? How about if the set is autographed by  world-renowned drummer Bernard Purdie! It all began on Sept. 26, when Purdie played a Jazz in the Afternoon benefit show at Local 802. (Besides

Out of all of the oxymorons that exist in the legal world, the phrase “right to work” has to be one of the worst. Those of us who are labor activists know that “right to work” really means “right to

About six weeks ago, the AFM and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers began negotiations for a successor agreement to the Theatrical Motion Picture and Television Film agreements. After three days of bargaining, both sides agreed to extend the

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

I re-joined Local 802 when I took on the job as drummer for the Off Broadway production of “Smokey Joe’s Café.” There are many benefits to being a member of the union and I find that working with other Local

Hey, union musicians! It’s time to get to know one of your sibling unions! We are the Theatrical Wardrobe Union (IATSE Local 764), and we’re celebrating our 100th anniversary this year. We’re the oldest wardrobe union in the world and

Grace Kelly was awarded $20,000 for winning the John Lennon Songwriting Contest “Song of the Year” for her original song “Feels Like Home.” “I am deeply grateful and honored to be presented this award,” said Kelly. “This award has made

Collective bargaining agreements are a very specialized form of contract. As a result, the general rules that apply to commercial contracts do not apply. For instance, when a commercial contract’s term expires, unless it specifically provides otherwise, the rights and

The Actors Fund is your one-stop shop for almost any kind of service you can imagine. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, housing,

I joined Local 802 when the music team of “The Cher Show” hired me to play rehearsal piano; I also serve as music assistant for the show. (The show opened in Chicago and is now on Broadway!) My musical goal

Solidarity forever! At this year’s annual Labor Day Parade, the Patriot Brass Ensemble led the way up Fifth Avenue while Art Baron’s band performed rousing tunes from the Local 802 float. “I’m happy that I got the chance to play

My column last month about beta blockers got lots of great feedback, and I want to give you some follow up. I wrote that beta blockers are widely used by musicians to lower their heart rate and blood pressure, and

On the first night of the 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremonies, music director Alex Lacamoire took home his first Emmy win in the Outstanding Music Direction category for his work on FX’s mini-series “Fosse/Verdon.” As he took the stage

I joined Local 802 because membership means that my individual voice can become a collective chorus in advocating for and championing the rights of musicians. I’ve been a proud member of the AFM for nearly 20 years, and a former

Why do we perform music? About a year ago, an author who was writing a book about people who follow and achieve their passions interviewed me. His first question stumped me. It was simply, “What is your passion?” I thought

If you earn less than $16,000 for the year as a musician, you may be eligible to deduct business expenses as an “above the line” deduction, meaning that it can directly reduce your adjusted gross income. This could be an

Young people are showing us the way. On Friday, Sept. 27, millions of kids around the world took to the streets and struck for climate action. According to globalclimatestrike.net, it was the biggest climate mobilization in history. From Jakarta to

When I moved to NYC from Vancouver last August, at the top of my list (after procuring healthcare) was to join Local 802. Since 1981, I had been a member of AFM Local 145 (Vancouver). I’m enjoying meeting and playing

In a startling development, the NLRB under President Trump recently ruled against AFM Local 23 (San Antonio, Texas) in a case that could send a chilling effect to other AFM locals across the country. But first, some background. The preamble

There are all sorts of mental training strategies and methods available for performing artists. These include meditation, biofeedback, visualization, neuro-linguistic programming, hypnosis, autogenic training and the centering process. Which of these are you familiar with? Do you practice any of

Jonathan Kantor is the new managing director and senior advisor of Local 802. In that role, he will function as chief legal officer for 802, and will be in an advisory capacity with respect to collective bargaining, strategy and improving

Do you need health insurance, but don’t have enough union health contributions to get on one of Local 802’s health plans? If so, we’d like to remind you that the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) is still active and can be

I joined Local 802 to be affiliated with a positive organization that will utilize my talents and abilities. My musical goal is to bring as much joy to others while providing for my family. One of my favorite recent gigs

I rejoined Local 802 after I accepted the position of head librarian at the New York Pops. I’m also the Manhattan School of Music’s performance librarian, a job I’ve held for 12 years. This comes after a summer as head

  This year, Jazz Mentors hit a milestone when we presented our 20th event. The series began in 2016 and has been one of our most innovative and compelling programs. Jazz Mentors connects up-and-coming musicians with some of New York

The Actors Fund is your one-stop shop for almost any kind of service you can imagine. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, housing,

Two new state laws claim they are trying to protect the rights of freelancers. Musicians need to know what these laws do. The Trump administration has done as much as it can to curtail workers’ rights. We can see the

I joined Local 802 because I believe that in order for musicians to have fair and safe working conditions, it’s crucial for us to have a collective voice. My musical goal in NYC is to develop an active freelance career

I joined Local 802 after I was asked to take a sideline part in the upcoming series “Wu Tang Clan: An American Saga.” Since I was 8 years old, I’ve been playing at the School of Rock Music School in

Twice a year, Orchestra of St. Luke’s invites New York City’s public school students to outstanding classical music performances designed especially for young people. These OSL concerts – which incorporate other arts disciplines, such as puppetry, dance, or visual art

The magic of live music theatre was on full display for an audience of enraptured kids in a recent presentation of “The Band’s Visit” produced by Inside Broadway for its Creating the Magic program. This fun series brings New York

I joined Local 802 when I was asked to sub with the New York Philharmonic  and I figured it was about time to join the network of union musicians. I’m a flutist, and my current goals in NYC are to

Live musical theatre sounds better outside! The Broadway League’s annual revue called “Stars in the Alley” took place again this year and included excerpts from many top shows. Local 802 members performed under a union contract, including Dominick Amendum (conductor);

Warning: this article is technical, but it contains original research that could be used to help undercut YouTube’s claims of safe harbor. For a more general introduction to the issue, see Maria Schneider’s story here. As you can read in

I’m new to New York City and looking to network and make new acquaintances. Joining the union seemed like an easy way to make hundreds of new friends and meet new colleagues. I was previously a member of AFM Local

Katreese Barnes, 56, a bandleader, music director, vocalist, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, died on Aug. 3. She had been a member of Local 802 since 1989. Ms. Barnes was a two-time Emmy winner and a Grammy-nominated musician who orchestrated some

While the government shutdown represents “the perfect prop for Trump’s racist stagecraft” – as writer Jud Lounsbury cleverly puts it – Hispanic/Latinx artists and policy makers of diverse backgrounds come out of the margins to craft their own stages and

Ray Santos Ray Santos, known as “El Maestro” by his fans and fellow musicians and “Papi” by his family, died on Oct. 17 at the age of 90. He had been a member of Local 802 since 1946. A Juilliard

Claude Thornhill had some very successful bands, but he was not comfortable with notoriety. Whenever it looked like he might have a hit record, he would take a month off, go fishing, and wait for things to cool off a

I JOINED LOCAL 802 because I am looking to further my music career in NYC by joining a growing community of like-minded professionals. Eventually, I am looking to make it as an orchestrator, arranger and copyist in NYC’s musical theatre

I joined Local 802 because I’m ready to bring my music to the next level. I wanted to join a union that is going to protect my future endeavors. My musical goal in NYC is to become part of the

“Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas” recently returned to the Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden for a successful three-week run of this New York Christmas holiday classic. The show played sold-out two-week runs in both Chicago and Boston

I used to be a member of Local 802 and recently re-joined the union after taking a break. My previous union work was in jingles and other fields, and now I am playing in the pit orchestra of “Phantom of

To the Editor: I wish to announce the passing on Oct. 26 of my good friend and collaborator Ellis J. Pough, whose nickname was “Ellis the Nazarene.” Ellis was a pianist and composer who I knew for over 35 years.

I joined Local 802 to be a part of the larger musical community in New York City. I decided it was time to join after playing with the American Ballet Theatre, and hearing about the importance of the Local 802

I joined the union to be a part of something greater than myself. I play the tuba in my own avant-garde jazz band, the Jesse Dulman Quartet. You can find my music on the RRGEMS label and on YouTube. Music

RICHARD J. AMSES Richard J. Amses, 88, a trumpeter, flutist, pianist, composer, songwriter, lyricist, arranger and music educator, died on Dec. 15. He had been a member of Local 802 since 1954 and was also a member of ASCAP. Born

I re-joined Local 802 because I’m now a psychologist who specializes in working with musicians. My musical goal in NYC is to help musicians become more successful performers. The highlight of my performance career was when I worked with John

Harold Mabern, 83, the jazz pianist, died on Sept. 17 after being a member of Local 802 since 1960. A product of the fertile Memphis music scene of the 1950s, Mr. Mabern enjoyed a career lasting more than six decades.

I re-joined Local 802 after a 24-year absence from New York. During that time, I taught at Ball State University in Indiana and the University of Alabama, where I founded and directed a new musical theatre performance program. I’ve won

I joined Local 802 when I got a job as a substitute with the New York Philharmonic. My musical goal in NYC is to engage myself with the professional world and learn as much as possible. It’s always a privilege

“People are talking but I can tell you’re very good.” The man was in his 70s, wearing a gray suit, average height and build, well-coiffed hair turned gray. He was standing about ten feet from where I sat playing my

I joined Local 802 because I’ve been looking to get into the Broadway music copying scene. As I’ve been talking to people already working in the field, one of the questions that kept coming up was “Are you a member

I joined Local 802 primarily for the networking opportunities and to share the joy and magic of music with everyone. I have been playing both acoustic and electric guitar for over 35 years and I am available for studio session

I joined Local 802 to pursue more opportunities in NYC as well as to connect with other musicians. As a composer, arranger, teacher, saxophonist and flute/clarinet doubler, my musical goal in NYC is to be a successful freelance musician on

The late John Amoroso was a fine trumpet player and a great entertainer, both on and off the bandstand. He had a lot of schtick with which he entertained his audiences and his bandmates. And he often called his friends

I joined Local 802 to seek out professional performing opportunities in New York City. Residing in the Hudson Valley, I want to go beyond my musical comfort zone to perform, grow and network with like-minded musicians. My musical goal in

“They’re Playing Our Song” opened on Broadway in 1979 with a book by Neil Simon, lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager and music by Marvin Hamlisch. It recently enjoyed a special one-night revival at the Music Box Theatre as a special

I joined Local 802 to meet new musicians, collaborate on a variety of projects, and to be an official member of NYC’s community of professional musicians. My goal in NYC is to play, record and tour as much music as

I joined Local 802 to perform in the Broadway production of “Be More Chill.” My aim is to continue working with the best musicians in New York City and further develop my voice as a multi-instrumentalist and arranger. One of

I rejoined Local 802 when I moved back to the East Coast from Bloomington, Indiana, where I am currently pursuing a doctorate degree. After completing all of my coursework and exit exams, I felt it would be a great move

CARL JANELLI Carl Joseph Janelli, 91, died on Dec. 3, 2018. He had been a member of Local 802 since 1943, and also served as the executive secretary for the union from 1981 to 1990. Mr. Janelli started playing clarinet

I rejoined Local 802 after I started teaching voice in the jazz department at the New School, which is covered by a Local 802 contract. My full bio is at www.machantaylor.com, but I can tell you that music has been

I’m excited to hold the cello chair at “Oklahoma!” on Broadway. It was a wonderful reason to re-join the union, and I’m seeing firsthand how integral Local 802 is to the life of a Broadway musician. My musical goal in

I Joined Local 802 to be part of an organization that represents and advocates for musicians and composers like myself. I’m also interested in networking opportunities as well as seeking strategies aimed at negotiating and advocating for equitable compensation from

Anne Phillips, Bob Kindred and Dave and Iola Brubeck wrote the jazz opera called “Bending Towards the Light…A Jazz Nativity” that has been produced every Christmas season since 1985 in New York and in many other cities. Many famous musicians

STANLEY APPLEBAUM Stanley Applebaum, 96, the world-renowned composer, arranger, conductor, orchestrator and pianist, died on Feb. 23. By the age of 12, Mr. Applebaum was already writing his first arrangement. A few years later, he was gigging professionally, playing club

I rejoined Local 802 to actively participate in the professional musical theatre scene and establish myself firmly in New York City. With all this place has to offer, my goal is to try on as many hats as a musician

I re-joined Local 802 when I began subbing on a Broadway show last year. My musical goals in NYC are the same as they’ve always been: to make great music with great people, regardless of the venue. I occasionally have

Richard Chamberlain posted the following story on Facebook. In the 1970s, the fascist Franco government was still in power in Spain. A pro-democracy movement in Barcelona was gaining strength, and they invited Pete Seeger, America’s best known freedom singer, to

Tuesday, February 12, 2019 Meeting called to order at 11:11 am by President Krauthamer. Present: Financial Vice President Fisher, Recording Vice President Schwartz, Executive Board members Axelrod, Cohen, Davis, Donovan, Frawley, Hoyt, Kainuma, Paisner, Shankin. Recording Department Business Representative Pawlo

Lisle Atkinson Lisle Atkinson, 78, a bassist and a member of Local 802 for 60 years, died on March 25. At four years old, Mr. Atkinson was already studying the violin; he gave his first concert at the age of

MUSICIANS UNITE! When musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra went on strike in March, Local 802 raised our collective voice in support. Our statement of solidarity said: “The promise of a pension is a sacred one and the musicians of

I joined Local 802 because my goal was to join the union when I became a financially stable musician – and I have achieved that goal! I aspire to work Broadway and Off Broadway shows as well as build more

I inherited my musical ear from my mother, a pianist and soprano who loved light classical music. She started teaching me songs while I was just learning to walk, and she always encouraged my interest in music even though she

NOTE: As Allegro went to press, the minutes from the Dec. 18, 2018 meeting had not yet been approved for publication. TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2019 Meeting called to order at 11:09 a.m. by President Krauthamer. Present: Financial Vice President Fisher,

Tuesday, September 10, 2019 Meeting called to order at 11:20 am by President Krauthamer. Present: Financial Vice President Fisher, Recording Vice President Schwartz, Executive Board members Axelrod, Cohen, Donovan, Frawley, Hoyt, Kainuma, Shankin. Minutes of September 3, 2019 reviewed. It

It is with great sadness that I write these words about my friend and colleague John Oddo. His untimely death is so fresh in my mind that I am still processing the loss. I feel as if I could pick

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Do you enjoy the rush? I hope your answer is yes, especially if you are a performing artist. Everyone, in audiences as well as audition panels, wants to feel the excitement of an energetic, emotionally

Since 2001, the Jazz Foundation of America has produced an annual gala at the Apollo Theater called “A Great Night in Harlem.” This benefit concert is always one of the best nights of the year in New York City. It

Bill Kirchner told me a story about his high school band director Sam D’Angelo, who was a musical mentor to Bill at Ursuline High School in Youngstown, Ohio, and who died last January. Bill was with him from 1967 to

Tuesday, March 5, 2019 Meeting called to order at 11:18 am by President Krauthamer. Present: Financial Vice President Fisher, Recording Vice President Schwartz, Executive Board members Axelrod, Cohen, Donovan, Frawley, Hoyt, Paisner, Shankin. Minutes of February 26, 2019 reviewed. It

The Newport Jazz Festival was always the high point of the year for me during my years as Gerry Mulligan’s bass player. I not only got to hear some of the best jazz groups playing at the time, I got

FREE FLU SHOTS The Friedman Health Center is offering free flu shots to musicians and other members of the entertainment industry. Members with or without insurance can stop by for a free flu shot on Friday, Oct. 4 from 10