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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Home » Orchestra News » San Francisco Opera Stages a Drive-In Production


San Francisco Opera Stages a Drive-In Production

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This spring, the San Francisco Opera presented a three-week run of The Barber of Seville—in the parking lot of a Marin park. The company constructed an open-air stage and also simulcast the opera on a giant screen for a drive-in audience of up to 400 cars. 

The orchestra pit of 18 San Francisco Opera Orchestra players, represented by Local 6 (San Francisco, CA), were housed in a tent. The orchestra’s sound was mixed with that of the singers and transmitted to cars by radio signal. Sung in English, the opera was presented in an abridged and reconfigured version that ran under two hours, making it accessible to newcomers. About one-third of the ticket buyers for the drive-in were new to the opera. 







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