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.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM

International Musician, Orchestra News

St. Louis Ends FY with Surplus

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) completed its 2017 fiscal year with an operating surplus of $18,000—its first surplus this century.


Detroit Symphony Gift Ties with Largest in Its History

Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) has received a $15 million gift from the William Davidson Foundation.


Albany Symphony Honors Donor

On November 18, Albany Symphony held a special ceremony to dedicate its top artistic post to long-time patron Dr. Heinrich Medicus.


Las Vegas Philharmonic Responds to Tragedy

A mid-October concert at the Las Vegas Philharmonic, initially scheduled around an Oktoberfest theme, was altered in the wake of the October 1 mass shooting tragedy in the city.


Buffalo Phil Plans Tour Abroad

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra plans tour abroad in March 2018, traveling to Poland for four concerts and several master classes by BPO brass and percussion ensembles. The centerpiece of the tour will be a performance at the Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival in Warsaw.


Kansas City Completes Endowment Campaign

This fall, the Kansas City Symphony completed its Masterpiece Endowment Campaign, having raised $55 million.


DC Opera Musicians Ratify Contract

Washington D.C. opera musicians ratify one-year contract agreements with the Washington National Opera (WNO) and Kennedy Center Opera House orchestra.


ROPA Delegates Discuss Diversity and Organizing in Phoenix

During the first week of August, delegates representing orchestras from all corners of the nation convened in Phoenix, Arizona, for the 33rd Annual Regional Orchestra Players Association (ROPA) Conference, hosted by Local 586 (Phoenix, AZ) and Arizona Opera Orchestra, with activities centered at the Westin Downtown Phoenix Hotel. ROPA’s annual conference is one of the most important benefits of ROPA membership. Information gleaned the conference assists with negotiating, organizing, and understanding the current state of the orchestral world.


Diversity and Inclusion: More than Buzzwords for Symphony Orchestras’ Future

For orchestras to have genuine relevance to their communities, each must bring authenticity to the task, finding ways to connect with both traditional audiences and individuals who have yet to experience the wonder of the symphony orchestra. Each of our orchestras is situated within a geographic community that has its own unique history, demographics, and needs for enrichment of the soul. We, as union musicians, can join together in support of diversity and inclusion in our symphonic workplaces.


ICSOM Conference Convenes in Buffalo

The 55th annual International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) Conference, hosted by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) and Local 92, was held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Buffalo, New York, August 23-26.








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