A piano tuner in Shropshire, England, discovered a hoard of gold coins concealed in a piano that had been donated to a local community group. The Broadwood upright was originally sold in 1906 by a musical instrument shop in Saffron Walden, Essex, but ownership after that is unknown until it was purchased by a local family 1983. The Shropshire Coroner’s Office has launched an investigation and is looking for potential claimants to determine if the gold falls under the 1996 Treasures Act. To be declared “treasure” and property of the Crown, it would have had to have been deliberately concealed and for the original owner to remain untraced. If declared treasure, a museum would be able to buy the coins, with a reward payable to both the piano’s current owner and the finder.
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.