“The AFM protects each musician’s legal rights, guarantees payment, provides pension and health care and most of all, assures that those on a job are all the best professionals.”
– Jim Self, Tubist
Member since 1973
Life Member. Flute
11/30/1941 – 4/15/2021
by Carl Rigoli
I met Pat Rizzo at JHS 141 Astoria, Queens, NYC in the 7th grade and he formed his first band which included Pat on tenor sax, Andre Simone on guitar and myself, Carl Rigoli, on drums. We were all 12 years old and rehearsed at Andre’s house. I remember playing our first performance for our school’s student and faculty assembly. We played “Blue Suede Shoes” and everyone loved it. Pat was our leader and he started booking gigs for local functions such as the Moose Lodge, weddings, etc. We all attended Bryant High School and added another sax and trumpet, plus a bass player named Wally Capone Puschmann to our rhythm section. He named the band the Cavilers and we performed for all the school dances, proms and many local gigs. We played rock, standards, and jazz. Continue reading
“The Musicians Union protects its members in that it sets the standard of pay and allows for the benefit of health care and pension. History has shown that without these standards it is extremely difficult if not impossible to maintain a safe working environment and a fair working wage.”
– Kathleen Robertson, Violinist
Member since 1991
“Regardless of background or socio-economics, or diversity of the genres music performed, the Union strives through our contracts to create a working environment for all musicians to thrive.”
– John Lofton, Bass Trombonist
Member since 2008
“Why Union? I’ve remained a union member since 1976 because the jobs are more professionally run, musicians are shown more respect (proper breaks and environment), access to rehearsal rooms, and we receive our benefits and back-end payments. No brainer. #winwinwinwinwin”
– Gina Kronstadt, Violinist
Member since 1976
“Now more than ever, the musicians that bring our scores to life need us. With the challenging times we’re in, unions become even more important in supporting our fellow players and collaborators. It’s important for musicians to know that a union, and we composers have their back.”
– Siddhartha Khosla, Composer
Member since 2013
“It seems to me that especially during a time of great instability, people need community and support. These valid forms of human need are met through the union’s support systems which keep musician’s pay and health benefits steady. Nothing could be more crucial for an artist.”
– Beate Walden, Violinist
Member since 2021
“The most important aspect of our union to me is solidarity. We watch out for each other, and stand up together for our rights and adequate pay.”
– Chris Walden, Arranger
Member since 1996
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AFM Local 47 members answer the question
Your Health & Pension Benefits at a Glance
Grammy Museum announces star-studded digital June schedule
and more!
Download the FREE App:
No smart device? No problem! Browse our pdf archives here.
California artists are calling for $1 billion in arts funding
Pasadena philanthropists Terri and Jerry Kohl make one of the largest single gifts ever made to the organization
Frontline workers to be thanked with four free concerts at season kickoff
and more!
Please join AFM Local 47 along with California Arts Advocates, NIVA CA, and California Association of Museums in urging the state to prioritize funding to the arts and creative industries by investing $1 billion in the arts, culture and creative industries and workforce.
This funding would benefit the recovery of the entire cultural sector: nonprofit cultural organizations, arts businesses, museums, and independent venues, as well as individual artists and creative workers. Continue reading