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.
September 1, 2018
IM -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. This summer, events accelerated as Bernstein’s actual 100th birthday, August 25, drew near. The composer and conductor had a close relationship with the Tanglewood Festival throughout his career. For its celebration, Tanglewood augmented the Boston Symphony Orchestra, members of Local 9-535 (Boston, MA), with players from numerous orchestras around the world with which Bernstein had maintained close associations. It also held a Bernstein gala concert in June.
In Europe, Bernstein was the most performed composer at the BBC Proms. Among the highlights, Marin Alsop conducted Symphony No. 2: Age of Anxiety with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, members of Local 40-543 (Baltimore, MD), and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet in August. Baltimore Symphony Orchestra also visited Edinburgh International Festival to perform Bernstein works.
Ravinia and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, members of Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL), marked the occasion with a full production of MASS and a concert featuring Symphony No. 1 Jeremiah. At the Bravo! Vail Music Festival, The New York Philharmonic gave concerts celebrating Bernstein’s contributions to Broadway. Wolf Trap’s grand celebration of Bernstein included performances by George Takei, Misty Copeland, and Local 802 (New York City) member Paquito D’Rivera.