Category Archives: All News

AFM Local 47 Welcomes YOLA Teaching Artists

Photo by Linda A. Rapka // AFM International President Tino Gagliardi stands with the YOLA Teaching Artists at the headquarters of Local 47 on December 8, following their filing for union representation.

Last month, teaching artists at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) won union representation by AFM Local Local 47.

YOLA at Torres, a performing arts magnet school in East LA, and YOLA at Inglewood teaching artists at the Beckmen YOLA Center were the first to receive recognition from the National Labor Relations Board in early December. YOLA at HOLA (Heart of Los Angeles), located in the Rampart district, followed with an overwhelming majority vote of its teaching artists the following week. Continue reading →

Sheldon Mehr

Yamaha Synthesizer Donated to Local 47 Rehearsal Rooms

Thank you to Life Member Sheldon Mehr for his generous donation of a Yamaha Synthesizer and hand-crafted wooden music table to the Rehearsal Rooms!

Our Rehearsal Rooms continue to appreciate all backline donations, especially:

  • keyboards
  • guitar/keyboard amps
  • and synths

For more information and to book a room, please visit afm47.org/rehearsals.

Kadima Conservatory

The Challenges of Teaching in the Era of ICE

A conversation with Kadima Conservatory founder Beth Elliott

by Linda A. Rapka

Beth ElliottSince founding the Kadima Conservatory of Music in 1983, AFM Local 47 member Beth Elliott has been active as its music director, dedicated to providing music education to underprivileged youth from underrepresented communities. The Conservatory has been operating in Pacoima for over a decade and has over 300 students of all ages enrolled in private lessons, three symphonic orchestras, chamber music, student recitals, and a mentoring program.

However, their efforts have been severely impacted by widespread operations of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, which continue to threaten our immigrant communities. Continue reading →

AFM Local 47 incoming administration 2026

AFM Local 47 Elects New Leadership for Three-Year Term

Los Angeles, CA [January 6, 2026] — Members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 47 have elected a new slate of titled officers to lead the union into its next chapter. Marc Sazer will assume the Presidency, with John Acosta returning as Vice President and Gail Kruvand continuing in her role as Secretary/Treasurer. All three officers ran unopposed.

Continue reading →

January 2026 Overture E-Magazine: GRAMMY Nominees

Inside This Issue:

  • Cover Story – 2026 GRAMMY Nominees
  • AFM Local 47 2025 General Election Results
  • Inaugural Meeting & Muscians’ Club Annual Meeting: Monday, January 12
  • Meet the Incoming Local 47 Administration
  • Member Spotlight: FINNEAS
  • The Challenges of Teaching Music During the Era of ICE: A conversation with Kadima Conservatory founder Beth Elliott
  • Join AFM at NAMM 2026!
  • Support the American Music Fairness Act
  • AFM Local 47 Welcomes YOLA Teaching Artists
  • Know Your Rights: Protect Yourself Against ICE
  • Benefits Corner: HUB International Insurance
  • Final Notes: Serena Kay Williams, Gordon Goodwin
  • Annual Notice Re: Supreme Court Beck Decision
  • Audition Notices: Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, Long Beach Symphony
  • and more!

Browse our full Overture pdf archives here.

For exclusive members-only Overture content — Executive Board minutes, CBAs, Local 47 Wage Scales, Bylaws, Suspended/Expelled member lists, and more — log in to your new E2 member account at ensemble.afm47.org and browse the “Overture” section on the Documents page. (New to E2? Visit our E2 FAQ here.)

Inaugural Meeting

Inaugural Meeting & Musicians’ Club Annual Meeting: January 12, 2026

Open to all members in good standing

In-Person Location: AFM Local 47, 3220 Winona Ave. Burbank CA 91504
Virtual Location: Zoom

On the Agenda (subject to change):
– Approval of Minutes
– Outgoing Officer Reports
– Installation of New Officers
– Unfinished and New Business
– Presentation of 50-Year Pins

Musicians’ Club of Los Angeles Annual Meeting to immediately follow Inaugural Meeting
Continue reading →

Palm Springs Symphony

Palm Springs Symphony Signs First-Time CBA With AFM Local 47 

Just days before the first concert of their inaugural season, the Palm Springs Symphony signed its first collective bargaining agreement with AFM Local 47, which saw 42 musicians performing on the stage of the newly refurbished Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs on December 7, 2025.

“Thanks to all the members who stepped up, asked the employer for a contract, and worked closely with the Local to bring this contract to fruition,” said AFM Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe. “We were able to reach an agreement less than 72 hours before the first rehearsal. The entire process was a great reminder of what we can accomplish when we all work together.”

Great News for L.A. Renters: LARSO Caps Pass!

In November 2025, the Los Angeles City Council approved an update to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, using a new formula that will set allowable increases for roughly 650,000 units at 4% and remove additional charges for electricity and gas — the most substantive changes to the policy in more than four decades. Continue reading →