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

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Hires New CEO

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has hired Jennifer Barlament as its new CEO. Barlament has been general manager of The Cleveland Orchestra since 2013.


Houston Symphony Creates New Orchestra Positions

Houston Symphony plans to hire four new full-time string players, whose primary role will be education and community engagement. These musicians will perform 25 concerts per year with the symphony, but mainly they will work outside the concert hall, in neighborhood schools, community centers, and healthcare facilities.


Cincinnati Symphony Ratified New Contract

On May 6, the musicians of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra ratified a new five-year agreement during an endowment drive that has achieved a $26 million increase in the past year. The contract provides 1.5% salary gains in each season, in addition to the restoration of 14 of 23 permanent musician vacancies.


Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Provides Music in Wake of Riots

On April 29, as Baltimore was reeling from riots gripping the city, musicians of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) gathered to do what they do best: play music.


Community Connection Is Key to Rebirth of DSO

In the fall of 2010, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) experienced a devastating six-month strike. Following its settlement the orchestra quickly put the bad times behind it and set to work on a remarkable comeback. Its latest three-year contract was settled in January 2014—eight months ahead of the expiration date.


2015 ROPA Conference Details

The 31st annual Regional Orchestra Players’ Association (ROPA) Conference will be held at the Toledo, Ohio, Grand Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, July 28-July 30. An AFM negotiations seminar will take place July 27, starting in the morning.


AFM Obtains Equitable Settlement for SPCO Musicians

AFM Obtains Settlement for SPCO Musicians and is pleased with this resolution that protects the SPCO musicians’ right to engage in union activities.


American Symphony Orchestra to Cut Concerts

The American Symphony Orchestra to Cut Concerts in an attempt to save money and will only play 4 concerts this year instead of six.


San Francisco Symphony’s SoundBox Draws New Audiences

In December, the San Francisco Symphony opened its new performance space, SoundBox, a multi-level venue with a lounge atmosphere built at the back of Davis Symphony Hall


Reno Philharmonic Ratifies Four-Year Contract

Reno Philharmonic Ratifies Four-Year Contract in a secret ballot back in Sepetember 2014, but the new deal will retroactive to July 1….








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