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.
June 28, 2019
IM -The Philadelphia Orchestra has received an anonymous gift that is one of the largest in the history in the orchestra world. The anonymous gift of $55 million was announced by the orchestra at the beginning of June.
The Philadelphia Orchestra plans to use $5 million toward operating expenses, putting the vast majority, $50 million, toward its endowment. That will bring the endowment total to $212 million and will allow the organization to draw $10.8 million from the endowment next year, compared to its $7.9 million draw this year.
The anonymous donor group stated that the gift was “an expression of confidence in the artistic and organizational leadership of the orchestra.” The Philadelphia Orchestra’s musicians are members of Local 77 (Philadelphia, PA).