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

Spokane Symphony Concerts Celebrate Labor Day Weekend

Spokane Symphony is set to celebrate Labor Day Weekend with free concerts of light classics, patriotic tunes, and favorite movie music.


Reno Philharmonic to See Increased Wages and Services

Musicians and management of the Reno Philharmonic have announced a four-year contract, effective July 2018 through June 2022. It provides a per-service pay increase of 3% each year, as well as additional guaranteed services.


Festivals and Symphonies Celebrate the 100th Birthday of Bernstein

In May 2017, the Leonard Bernstein Office announced “Leonard Bernstein at 100,” a two-year global celebration of the artist’s life and career, featuring more than 2,500 events on six continents.


Nashville Symphony to Hold Free Day of Music

The Nashville Symphony will hold its 13th annual Free Day of Music October 27 with a full day and evening of performances throughout Schermerhorn Symphony Center, including everything from classical and jazz to rock and country, beginning with a Nashville Symphony concert.


Columbus Symphony Orchestra Achieves First Progressive Contract in a Decade

At the end of July, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) ratified a three-year contract that goes into effect September 1. It is the first progressive contract that CSO musicians, members of Local 103 (Columbus, OH), have seen in more than 10 years.


Cleveland Orchestra Receives Generous Bequest

The Cleveland Orchestra has received $9.3 million from the estate of local philanthropist Dr. Jean Hower Taber, great-granddaughter of the founder of the Quaker Oats Company.


New York City Ballet Orchestra Ratifies a New Three-Year Contract

In early June, the New York City Ballet Orchestra ratified a three-year contract that is retroactive to September 1, 2017 and runs through August 2020.


Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Expands Season with New CBA

In late June, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO) musicians, members of Local 8 (Milwaukee, WI), and management reached a four-year contract agreement that will cover the 2018-2019 season through the 2022-2023 season.


Grand Rapids Symphony Receives Community Engagement Grant

The Grand Rapids Symphony has been awarded a grant of $1.1 million from the Wege Foundation to engage new and diverse audiences with live orchestra music.


Orchestras and Programming Selected for SHIFT 2020 at Kennedy Center

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Washington Performing Arts have announced the four orchestras selected to participate in the third SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras, to take place March 23-29, 2020.








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