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.
July 1, 2021
IM -The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) won two awards from The Capital Gazette’s Style magazine Best of Anne Arundel County (MD) for: Best Virtual Event and Best Interactive Entertainment for Symphony+, the live-streaming program broadcast of performances into listeners’ homes instead of at Maryland Hall.
“To launch our new season in 2020, we had to reimagine the complete symphony experience,” says ASO Executive Director Edgar Herrera. “We had to find ways to make sure ASO musicians were safe on stage. Then, we worked at optimizing patron engagement by providing dazzling concert experiences and added value educational content. Audiences were thrilled, and so we will continue our Symphony+ offering this coming season.”
This led to the development of Symphony+, a comprehensive virtual platform that included ASO Live!, a live stream of each concert in the 2020-21 Masterworks Series “Harmony In Nature” and holiday classics with Music Director José-Luis Novo and the orchestra performing from the Music Center at Strathmore, which used multi-camera capabilities for patron’s enhanced viewing experience. The orchestra added additional content such as ASO chats, interviews and behind-the-scenes video.