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

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Signs One-Year Contract

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) musicians and management reached an agreement on a new one-year contract, several months ahead of the current contract’s expiration in September.


San Diego Symphony Achieves Record Ticket Sales

The San Diego Symphony’s 2016-2017 season set a new sales record, with its classical series bringing in 15.6% more revenue than last year. The symphony’s musicians are members of Local 325 (San Diego, CA).


2017 Player Conference Preview

TMA Conference  |  july 31-august 1 |  Phoenix, Arizona

The Theatre Musicians Association Conference will be held at the Crown Plaza Phoenix-Phx Airport. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend this once a year opportunity to network, share experiences, and work toward our common goals. For more information visit the website (afm-tma.org).


Minnesota Musicians Work with Students in Arts Access Project

In early May, students from Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, presented a concert in the atrium of Orchestra Hall as part of the Minnesota Orchestra’s new Arts Access project.


Philadelphia Orchestra Broadcasts on SiriusXM Satellite Radio

The Philadelphia Orchestra is returning to national radio with a regular presence on satellite station SiriusXM. Broadcasts will air three times per week over the next year, rotating 26 concerts recorded in Verizon Hall. In addition to the concert performances, the broadcasts will feature Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin of Local 77 (Philadelphia, PA) speaking about his personal approach to the music.


New Jersey Signs 2015 Contract

After more than a year, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) has signed a two-year agreement that was ratified in December 2015. The agreement is retroactive to September 2015 and effective through August 2017.


Sarasota Librarians Represented Under CBA for First Time

In November 2015, the librarians of the Sarasota Orchestra signed cards asking to be represented by the AFM and to be included in the collective bargaining unit of the Sarasota Orchestra.


Local 293 Signs CBA with Burlington New Millennium Orchestra

Local 293 (Hamilton, ON) signed a new collective bargaining agreement with the Burlington New Millennium Orchestra (BNMO), a 30-piece contemporary chamber orchestra.


AFM 100th Convention Highlights

During June, the historic AFM 100th Convention took place at the Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. From pre-convention regional meetings to the swearing in of officers on the final day, the proceedings ran smoothly and were a true demonstration of solidarity.


Casting Off the Yoke of Misclassification

As announced in the May 2016 issue of the International Musician, the recent ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to deny the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra’s petition for review and grant the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB’s) cross application for enforcement is indeed a very important ruling, especially for the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra musicians.








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