Alfonso Pollard

“Cromnibus” Government Spending Package: What’s in It for the Arts?

December 29, 2014

As the 113th Congress comes to a close and Republicans prepare to take over both chambers, Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle, for both practical and political reasons, battled in the final month of 2014 over passage of government spending priorities.

The New Balance of Power in Washington, DC

December 1, 2014

On November 4, AFM members across the country exercised their rights as they voted in national midterm elections. As Republican candidates picked up victories across the country, important AFM House and Senate champions from both parties were able to retain their seats. Our eyes were set on those who, over the years, have exercised leadership […]

Revised Airline Travel Advice for Musicians with Instruments

November 1, 2014

For years, musicians have faced numerous uncertainties when traveling on commercial aircraft. Many have been refused boarding, while those trying to make connecting flights have had to settle for inconveniences in order to complete their journey. In some cases, musicians have had to make the choice between stowing rare, expensive, and often irreplaceable musical instruments […]

The Power of Organizing Through Diversity

November 1, 2014

On October 5-7, the AFM Diversity Committee met in Las Vegas, Nevada, to set local and national organizing plans in motion for 2014 and 2015.  Under the supervision of AFM President Ray Hair, Director of Organizing & Education Paul Frank, and myself, the committee laid out plans to survey and identify potential organizing opportunities within […]

African Elephant Ivory Update

October 1, 2014

Our work on this issue continues. Working with the League of American Orchestras (the League), the National Association of Violin and Bow Makers, the National Association of Music Merchants, and others, our group continues to meet with top Obama Administration officials, members of Congress, and their staff to shape new policies while fighting against the […]

Film Incentive Reform Act of 2014: A Powerful New Tool and Voice for American Musicians

October 1, 2014

The AFM is leading the charge against the offshoring of American jobs in music, while at the same time protecting the values we uphold as artists. American workers should feel confident that their government will not bestow lucrative tax subsidies on wealthy corporations that send jobs overseas. AFM President Ray Hair stated: “There is no […]

AFM Leadership Advocates Musicians’ Priorities in Washington, DC

June 8, 2014

Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada has for 118 years represented the interests of professional musicians across the country. The union has a proud history of successful legislative and political action in Washington, DC. For almost a century, the AFM has taken a leadership role fighting to […]

Update on International Travel and African Elephant Ivory

May 17, 2014

Since publication of the April IM article about African elephant ivory, specifically relating to the adverse effect of Director’s Order No. 210 (the Order), we have heard from many AFM members looking for concrete solutions.

Urgent Call to Action: Register Your Instrument to Help Avoid Interrupted International Travel

March 30, 2014

Do you have a passport for your musical instrument? If you don’t, here’s how one scenario might play out. You book or land a job overseas in “paradise” or you travel abroad to participate in a glorious international student music festival. You leave the US without a hitch, instrument in tow, and in full view. […]

TEMPO: National Launch of the New Campaign

February 1, 2014

In January, the AFM marked the national roll out of TEMPO: The New Campaign. Over the past six months, the AFM Office of Government Relations under the guidance of AFM President Ray Hair has introduced Federation officers and locals to a new tool designed to give greater political leverage to our members. The Office of […]