Boston Pops Orchestra Conductor and Local 9-535 (Boston, MA) member Keith Lockhart was received the 2017 Commonwealth Achievement Award. Presented every two years by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Commonwealth Awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions made by the arts, sciences, and humanities to education, economic vitality, and quality of life in communities across the state. The Achievement Award is for an individual or cultural organization whose creative achievements have uniquely enriched life in Massachusetts. In 2015, Lockhart celebrated his 20th year conducting Boston Pops Orchestra. Lockhart was recognized “for his extraordinary stewardship of ‘America’s Orchestra’ and his generous civic spirit. He has done remarkable charity work at Children’s and Spaulding Hospitals in spite of his hectic schedule. Lockhart is also principal conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra and artistic advisor and principal conductor of the Brevard Music Center summer institute and festival.
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.