Category Archives: All News

A New Beginning for Inclusion, Transparency

Congratulations to those of you who participated in the Inaugural Meeting last month.

In addition to witnessing the swearing in of the officers of the incoming administration by AFM President Gagaliardi, you honored outgoing President O’Keefe by naming her as President Emeritus. You received an upbeat financial report for the Local as work continues to come back in the recording sector. However, the Musicians’ Club report wasn’t so rosy with another large deficit for 2025. We are committed to a process that includes every one of you and urge you to participate in General Membership meetings to be a part of the discussion as we grapple with the finances of our building.

President Sazer, Vice President Acosta, and I have already begun working as a team and will share some of the duties traditionally handled by the President.

Continue reading →

Hollywood Arts Collective Housing – Waitlist Open!

The waitlist at The Hollywood Arts Collective is now open and accepting applications! To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, click here.

The Hollywood Arts Collective is a 152-unit, income and rent restricted affordable housing property for the arts and entertainment community. The building has three resident gardens and courtyards with a BBQ, resident terraces, laundry facilities, fitness room, community room with full kitchen and pool table, and other tenant amenities.

LA Ballet Signs New Contract with AFM 47

The Los Angeles Ballet, which closed a successful run of “The Nutcracker” at the Dolby Theatre, recently ratified their new successor collective bargaining agreement with AFM 47 on December 27, 2025.

“The Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra Committee is thrilled to have ratified this CBA in collaboration with LA Ballet management and is excited to be a part of this innovative ballet company,” Marcia Dickstein, harpist and orchestra committee chair.

“I am very pleased to have completed this negotiation,” said previous AFM Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe, who just stepped down in January 2026. “This new agreement clearly highlights LA Ballet’s commitment to the magic combination of live music and dance.”

Attention All String Players

The League of American Orchestras is hosting a webinar regarding new rules under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora , aka CITES. Know if your bow is in compliance before you travel.

The panel of speakers includes AFM Director of Symphonic Services Division Rochelle Skolnick .

You may use this link to register for this free webinar scheduled for February 10th.

Join AFM at NAMM 2026

The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada is excited to once again be hosting a booth at this year’s National Association of Music Merchants Show, the industry’s largest stage uniting the global music, sound and entertainment technology communities.

Find AFM at Booth 9007, Hall B during the event’s three exhibit days, January 22-24 (view map).

Snag your 2026 NAMM badge here.

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 →

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.

The Challenges of Teaching in the Era of ICE

A conversation with Kadima Conservatory founder Beth Elliott

by Linda A. Rapka

Since 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 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.)