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.

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Orchestra News

Lyric Opera of Chicago Resolves Orchestra Strike

Days after a musicians strike began, musicians and management of the Lyric Opera of Chicago reached a contract agreement October 14.


North Carolina Symphony Collaborates with Cherokee Tribe

This October saw the culmination of a multi-year partnership between North Carolina Symphony (NCS), based in Raleigh, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with the world premiere of a work by composer William Brittelle.


Metropolitan Opera Orchestra Ratifies New Agreement

The Metropolitan Opera reached a labor agreement with its orchestra musicians in August, allowing the company’s season to start on schedule at the end of September.


Minnesota Orchestra Tours South Africa

The Minnesota Orchestra became the first professional US orchestra to visit South Africa with its five-city tour of the country in August.


Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Ratifies New Contract

Musicians of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra (HHSO), members of Local 447-704 (Savannah, GA), have ratified a new contract following a tentative agreement that was reached at the end of May.


Dallas Symphony Orchestra Ratifies Three-Year Contract

At the beginning of September, Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) musicians ratified a three-year agreement retroactive to September 1, 2017 and running through August 31, 2020.


Arbitration Victory for Houston Ballet Orchestra

The musicians of the Houston Ballet Orchestra, members of Local 65-699 (Houston, TX), recently prevailed in arbitration of a grievance filed against the Houston Ballet Foundation (HBF) when it misapplied the CBA’s force majeure clause in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.


Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal Signs Contract

At the end of August, musicians and management of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM) announced a five-year CBA that began September 1.


Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Marks Its 100th Anniversary

This year, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) celebrates its 100-year anniversary season. Four special concerts will be held during the season, including a live symphonic performance to La La Land in November.


Two-Year Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Contract Amid Increased Stability

In mid-August, the musicians of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) ratified a two-year contract that runs from September 1, 2018 to August 31, 2020.








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