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.
With the baroque writings of Bach for solo instrument in mind, Beffa has created two freestanding movements to evoke that style. Copious use of doublestops enhance the cello line, as Beffa explains, just like strengthening the contour lines of a drawing using charcoal technique creates the illusion of volume. For advanced cellists.
Litanies (For Solo Cello), by Karol Beffa, Gerard Billaudot Editeur, www.billaudot.com.
This book is a collection of 10 of the world’s best-loved selections for soprano and another voice, representing a wide range of styles and composers. Included are historical information, IPA pronunciation guides, translations, and suggestions for performance. Instrumental accompaniments are presented as keyboard reductions, plus optional instrumental parts are included for select pieces.
A Soprano’s Duet Book: 10 Masterwork Duets from the Baroque, Classic, and Romantic Periods for Soprano and Another Voice, compiled, edited, and arranged by Patrick M. Liebergen, Carl Fischer, www.carlfischer.com.
This collection of more than 250 best-loved piano masterpieces from the Baroque period through the 20th century, includes works by beloved composers, from Bach and Dussek to Krebs and Tchaikovsky, and many more. Compiled by Carl Fischer Vice President Larry Clark, it provides countless hours of repertoire for teachers and their students.
The Ultimate Songbook of Piano Classics: Over 250 Original Masterpieces by Some of the Most Popular Classical Composers of All Time, compiled by Larry Clark, Carl Fischer, www.carlfischer.com
The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) has received the largest gift in its history: a $1.5 million donation to endow the principal oboe chair. The gift comes from longtime LACO donors Carol and Warner Henry, and was made in honor of Allan Vogel of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA), who served as LACO’s principal oboe for 44 years until his retirement in June 2016.
“How wonderful that my dear friends Warner and Carol Henry have so generously ensured the strength of LACO’s oboe section well into the future,” says Vogel. “Music lovers and musicians in our community are truly fortunate that the Henrys are such passionate supporters. They glow with selfless appreciation of our art. I look forward to joining LACO audiences to hear each concert begin with a glorious tuning ‘A’ from LACO’s principal oboe Claire Brazeau [also of Local 47].” The Henrys’ gift will also support the performance of baroque music and LACO’s Baroque Conversations series.
Musicians of LACO are represented by Local 47.
