“Why Union? Simple. Wage minimums, contracts, contract enforcement, negotiating clout, and finally back end.”
– William Roper, Tubist
Member since 1992
#WhyUnion? William Roper
Category Archives: All News
#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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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.
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
#WhyUnion? Aaron Smith
“The bottom line, together we are stronger. The Union, when functioning optimally, helps set fair base rates and protections so that all members are properly compensated for our services. For peace of mind, I’m a fan.”
– Aaron Smith, Trumpeter
Member since 2013