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Announcement: Remote Recording

Please note that all musicians working under the Sound Recording Labor Agreement, the Basic Theatrical Motion Picture Agreement, and the Basic Television Motion Picture Agreement are to receive double the Recording Musician’s rate for ALL sessions for which they record remotely.

Despite a previous temporary application and interpretation of the relevant contract language, such temporary application and interpretation is no longer in effect.

If you are called for a session in which you are asked to perform alone and are told you will be receiving single scale, please contact my office immediately.

Thank you,

Stephanie O’Keefe
President, AFM Local 47

#WhyUnion? Alan Kaplan

“Because I have been a member of the union for my whole career I have been provided with health insurance, a pension, helpful guidance releasing my own CDs, workplace protections, and assurance that I will be paid for my work in a timely manner.”

– Alan Kaplan, Trombonist
Member since 1970

August 2021 Overture Online: American Music Fairness Act

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No smart device? No problem! Browse our pdf archives here.

Inside This Issue:

American Music Fairness Act

Supporting artists’ rights on radio

Congratulations 2021 Emmy Nominees!

Check out our list of AFM 47-scored projects

#WhyUnion?

Members share their answers to this important question

and more!

Final Note: Clarence ‘Mac’ McDonald

2/24/1945 – 7/21/2021
Member. Keyboard

Music Industry Mourns the Loss of Keyboardist, Producer, Writer and Arranger Clarence “Mac” McDonald.

Musician who bridged genres and generations was known for work with Ray Charles, James Taylor, Bill Withers dies at the age of 76.

The family, friends and colleagues of Clarence McDonald are saddened to share the news of his passing on July 21, 2021. McDonald was born in Los Angeles at White Memorial Hospital on February 24, 1945. While music brought him around the world, Los Angeles remained his home where he resided in Toluca Lake. In 2013, McDonald moved to and resided in Las Vegas, NV until his death. Continue reading →

#WhyUnion? William Roper

“Why Union? Simple. Wage minimums, contracts, contract enforcement, negotiating clout, and finally back end.”

– William Roper, Tubist
Member since 1992

#WhyUnion? Lesa Terry

It is an honor to be affiliated with Local 47, especially with the quality of work generated here in Los Angeles.There are so many extraordinary musicians. To sit in the middle of the string section and hear the incredible sound that surrounds me is simply sublime!

– Lesa Terry, Violinist
Member since 1999

2021 Emmy Awards

Congratulations to all of our AFM Local 47 members who worked on the music for the following 2021 Emmy®-nominated projects! Continue reading →

#WhyUnion? Joe Soldo

I have been a union man my entire life.

I first joined Local 16 in Newark, New Jersey (my home town).

I then joined Local 802 in New York (I’m still a member).

Later I joined Local 47 here In Los Angeles (I’m still a member). Continue reading →

#WhyUnion? Mike Vaccaro

This organization represents the best musicians in the world for negotiations of wages and working conditions. The major reason to join the union is to play with the best musicians. Other perks include the good guaranteed wages, health insurance and a pension fund that helps you make your retirement plans. In your younger years you decide if you need a supplementary retirement plan depending on how much union work you do. You also have the staff of the union to help resolve disagreements with employers. Continue reading →

#WhyUnion? Susan Chatman

“A union creates standards and guidelines so individuals don’t under-evaluate their services AND a union must also create standards that equally serve all of the members it has committed to lead.”

– Susan Chatman, Violinist
Member since 1985