Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.
As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.
The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.
Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.
December 26, 2019
IM -The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) has reported an operating surplus in fiscal year 2019, for its third consecutive year. Total operating revenue was $29.5 million compared to operating expenses of $29.4 million, generating a surplus just over $100,000.
Annual fund gifts exceeded $8 million for the first time in the orchestra’s 139-year history, and SLSO experienced its fourth straight year of growth in ticket sales revenue, totaling $9.1 million. The orchestra’s endowment remained strong at $218 million, with distributions from the endowment draw providing approximately 34% of annual income.
SLSO completed a five-year fundraising campaign in fiscal year 2019, surpassing the campaign’s original goal of $70 million by more than $18 million, thanks in part to a $30 million matching gift by the Crawford Taylor Foundation.
SLSO musicians are members of Local 2-197 (St. Louis, MO).