Approximately 100 ROPA delegates gathered for a photo op outside the Pasadena Central Library at the opening ceremony of the conference, where Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor Maria Elena Durazo delivered the keynote speech. Photo by Linda A. Rapka
Local 47 hosts the 30th annual conference of the Regional Orchestra Players Association
Local 47 was honored to host the 30th Anniversary Regional Orchestra Players Association Conference (ROPA) at the Pasadena Westin Hotel Aug. 1-3. ROPA President Carla Lehmeier-Tatum of Albuquerque Local 618 lead approximately 100 delegates, AFM officers and Symphonic Services Division staff through three days presenting the latest information and facts on regional orchestras.
Each year, regional orchestra musicians from throughout the United States gather in a host city for their annual conference. A player conference within the American Federation of Musicians, ROPA pursues activities conducive to the general welfare and artistic well-being of member orchestras and their musicians. ROPA also serves to enhance communications among orchestras and with the AFM and individual Locals. Local 47 ROPA member orchestras include the California Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Los Angeles Opera Orchestra, New West Symphony, and Pasadena Symphony and POPS.
The opening ceremony of the conference took place at the Pasadena Central Library. Highlights during the three days included the keynote speech by Maria Elena Durazo, Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor; the Negotiation Workshop; a screening of Judy Chaikin’s fantastic film, “The Girls in the Band”; presentations on “Safety in the Orchestra Pit” by Mark Madrigal, Business Agent from IATSE Local 33; “Basic Social Media” by Local 47 Communications Coordinator Nate Herrera; “Twitter as an Organizing Tool” by Caroline O’Connor, communications director of the SAG Foundation; and remarks by James Elmendorf, deputy director of the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE) and Keith McNutt, director of the Western Region of The Actors’ Fund.
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA, 27th District) presents ROPA President Carla Lehmeier-Tatum with a certificate of Congressional recognition.
On Saturday night, Local 47 hosted a dinner at the festive El Cholo restaurant for delegates and guests with entertainment by Fred Herrera and his mariachis. On Sunday, Lehmeier-Tatum was re-elected for a fourth term as president, and Local 47 Secretary/Treasurer Gary Lasley was named AFM Delegate Emeritus. U.S. Representative Judy Chu from the 27th Congressional District spoke about performance rights on terrestrial radio, airline carry-on regulations, and the ban on African elephant ivory in musical instruments. She then presented ROPA with a certificate of Congressional recognition.
The conference was a great success and the delegates all went home feeling good about ROPA, Local 47, and Pasadena. Special recognition and thanks are in order for the 15 volunteers from the Pasadena Symphony who generously gave of their time throughout the conference.
