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.
August 1, 2024
IM -by Steve Wade, ROPA President and member of Local 400 (Hartford-New Haven, CT)
As of this writing, preparation continues for the 40th anniversary conference of the Regional Orchestra Players’ Association (ROPA), July 29-August 1, hosted by Local 6 (San Francisco, CA). Our final schedule is still evolving, but I can tell you about many of our presenters and activities.
On Monday, July 29, AFM Symphonic Services Division (SSD) will hold its annual Negotiation Workshop for anyone whose orchestra is negotiating or about to negotiate. SSD has created an outstanding overview of how to prepare for and handle a negotiation. The workshop is an important facet of our conference, and a real draw. There are twice as many auditors attending this year as there are delegates from negotiating orchestras!
On the first day of the general session, we will present the second annual Nathan Kahn Award. ROPA Social Media Coordinator Mayu Isom Navarro of Local 65-699 (Houston, TX) will talk about the latest issues in social media and how we can best leverage these platforms. Karen Suarez Flint from the Chicago Federation of Musicians (Local 10-208) will speak about the Change the Culture Committee and its recommendations. We are delighted to welcome Caren Sencer of Weinberg, Roger & Rosenfeld as our keynote speaker. She has represented unions in all aspects of labor and employment law since 2004.
We will have an impressive legal team on hand, including SSD Director Rochelle Skolnick, International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) Legal Counsel Kevin Case, and ROPA Legal Counsel Naomi Bensdorf Frisch of Local 10-208. They will present on a variety of topics, including surveying an orchestra, tenure processes, sexual harassment issues, and the intersection of artistic discipline and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In addition, Samantha Andrew from the League of American Orchestras will give an overview of the Sphinx Orchestral Partners Auditions (SOPA). Dr. Jeremy Stanek from Stanford University will speak on health and wellness for musicians. Dr. Stanek is a sports medicine physiatrist who specializes in performing arts medicine, sports medicine, and musculoskeletal medicine. He treats musicians, dancers, and athletes of all abilities, and occasionally serves as team physician for the Special Olympics. Finally, Tina Hookom from the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly called the Actor’s Fund) will speak about this important resource for performers.
The ROPA Executive Board would like to thank the AFM for the many ways in which the Federation is supporting this event. The SSD’s workshop is always excellent and on July 31, AFM President Tino Gagliardi and Secretary-Treasurer Ken Shirk will address the delegates. We would like to thank our hosts at Local 6, President Kale Cummings, Secretary-Treasurer Beth Zare, and the full local leadership team for all they are doing for us, including hosting a dinner cruise in San Francisco bay.
A lot is going on in our industry right now, and it’s important that ROPA responds to the needs of its delegates and member orchestras as things develop. This quality has always been a hallmark of ROPA. We look forward to a great anniversary in San Francisco!