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Exploring the Role of Trailblazing Musicians Within the Labor Movement
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Whether our work is on stage, in a pit, on a scoring stage or a studio, whether we’re playing in a restaurant or a hotel ballroom, union coverage means we’re not alone. Getting the right money, health and safety protections, protections for the use of our music when others use it, access to health care and pension benefits are all important.
Perhaps the most important aspect of our union is that it is made up of us — musicians. We can vote on our contracts, work with our Local and the AFM for the help we need, have a voice in public policy in areas that affect our lives.
Imagine what our world would be without our contracts, without our union, musicians out there in the workplace alone. If we agree that we need a musicians union, our participation is what makes it happen.
– Marc Sazer, Violinist
Member since 1980
Life Member. Cello
8/8/1946 – 8/17/2021
by Cecilia Tsan
Requiescat in Pace, dear Ernie Ehrhardt! So sad to see how this terrible disease took you so fast. You’ve been my caring stand partner as Assistant Principal with the Long Beach Symphony for 20 years and 20 more before I joined as Principal. We shared so many great memories together and you always tried your best during rehearsals and concerts. Thanks for your dedication to the Orchestra, your sense of humor and your passion for music. You will be missed.
Years before I joined Local 47, I was already well aware of the power of the Musicians Union. At the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, where I was assistant manager, I tended to side with the musicians on labor issues, which did not make me very popular with management. Much longer story here but that’s for another time. Some of the members of Local 1 actually asked me to run for president. Honored, but not something I could take on at the time. Continue reading
Memorial Service:
Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021 – 10 a.m.
Forest Lawn Glendale
1712 S Glendale Ave
Glendale 91205
~Reception to follow~
Life Member. Composer
7/7/1947 – 8/8/2021
by Carl Rigoli
Kevin was a great musician, composer and friend. I had known him since 1970. I played drums and percussion in his rehearsal band and recording sessions that he composed and arranged for his musical projects.
Kevin was always considered one of the best big band jazz composers in Los Angeles. Many great jazz and studio players played his compositions. He was also a masterful copyist and proofreader for some of the top film composers.
Kevin was a kind and respectful gentleman. Goodbye old friend, and Rest In Peace.
“These are great professional people.”
– Howie Rich, Bassist
AFM 47 Member since 1974
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
“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
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