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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

July 2021 Overture Online: Celebrating Freedom

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

Inside This Issue:

Celebrating Freedom

United States celebrates Juneteenth holiday

Major New Arts Complex Coming to Hollywood

The Actors Fund’s Hollywood Arts Collective project will bring affordable housing and performing arts center

#WhyUnion?

Musicians share what makes them proud AFM 47 members

and more!

General Membership Meeting: July 26, 2021

On the agenda (subject to change):
* Presentation of 50-year Pins
* Officer Reports
* RMA Research Committee Report
* Old and New Business

Open to all members in good standing. Registration is required. Once your membership is verified, you will receive an email with the Zoom access link.

Click here to register

Final Note: Robert Edmondson

Life Member. Trombone.
3/5/1935 – 5/29/2021

Robert (Bob) Edmondson, trombonist, passed away peacefully in Los Angeles on May 29, 2021.

As a young musician, Bob studied with Herbie Harper, Harold Mitchell, and Louis Maggio. He performed in Phil Moore’s Marching Band at Los Angeles City College and then his career took off. He traveled with the bands of Perez Prado and Harry James in the 1950s. Bob then worked and recorded with notable artists such as Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, Shelly Manne, Terry Gibbs, and Gerald Wilson. Continue reading →