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.
Telefunken Elekroakustik direct boxes are built to withstand the wear and tear of gigging. Inside each model are custom-wound, UK-built, output transformers by OEP/Carnhill. Circuits are housed in a durable aluminum enclosure with heavy-duty metal toggle switches. The four boxes available are: TDP-1 (mono) passive; TDP-2 (dual) passive stereo; TDA-1 (mono) active direct box with discrete Class-A FET circuitry; and TDA-2 (dual) active stereo direct box with discrete Class-A FET circuitry.
D’Addario’s Latching Cut-Off Switch circuit breaker line of instrument cables feature gold-plated plugs for superior signal flow and corrosion resistance. An actuated “kill switch” allows for noise-free instrument changes. The switch is pressed to mute the signal to the amplifier and then pressed again to reactivate signal flow. The cables use ultra-pure, oxygen free copper conductors and solderless plugs for a solid connection. Two layers of shielding provide 100% coverage for insulation and noise rejection. They are available in the following variations: 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, and 30-foot straight plug; plus 10-foot and 20-foot right angle plug.
Sensaphonics claims that its 3D-U AARO in-ear monitor system is the only active ambient system on the market that allows users to hear the monitor mix normally while adding a selectable level of ambient sound with full, accurate directionality. Other features include: optional universal fit 3D-U Active Ambient earpieces, up to 37 dB acoustic isolation, proprietary drivers for full-range, reference quality audio; bodypack mixer to combine monitor mix and ambient sound; active signal processing circuitry for wide dynamic range and zero latency; toggle selectable perform and full ambient operation modes; internal bass boost switch, and easy-to-replace SensaQuad quadraxial cable system.
The TRX Cymbal Company’s NDK series (or New DRK series) cymbals have a sandblasted finish to provide a dryer option to the natural finish on the DRK cymbals. Both DRK and NDK now include holes for TRX removable rivets. The cymbals feature a traditional lathed finish underneath and are available in a variety of weights and sizes.
Cerwin Vega CV Series powered PA line includes three distinct groups: CVE (compact systems), CVX (for medium-size applications), and CVXL (for medium to large applications). Each group is optimized to offer the best quality and specifications for its applications. The CVX Powered Speaker line (pictured) has four powered speakers: single 10-inch and 15-inch tops, with 18-inch and 21-inch subwoofers, featuring CV’s “Tour Shield” finish. CVX provides reliable wireless audio input. The system is ideal for mobile DJs, medium-sized venues, corporate applications, and outdoor PA at resorts and events.
The UltraLight capo from G7th, The Capo Company, is the company’s lightest and brightest model. Weighing only ¼ oz. (eight grams) and made of the latest composite technology, its elegant and easy-to-use design works for both acoustic and electric steel guitars. The UltraLight models are available in black, red, and blue.
Hosa Technology’s CMM-500Y Series Hopscotch Patch Cables are designed for modular synthesizers, allowing audio signals to jump from one device to another. Each cable includes a short pigtail with a female 3.5 mm TS jack at one end that takes a signal that has already been patched elsewhere and sends it along a completely new path. The cables feature Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) conductors, flexible spiral shielding, and slim nickel-plated plugs for use in a modular synthesizer rig without interfering with other cables and controls. The Hopscotch Patch cables are color-coded by length. CMM-545Y set comes with five yellow, 1.5-foot (45 cm) cables. CMM-545Y includes a series of lengths one red, six-inch (15 cm); one orange, one-foot (30 cm); one yellow; one green, two-foot (60 cm); and one blue, three-foot (90 cm).
Audio-Technica ATM350a microphone systems offer crisp, clear, balanced response in high SPL applications. It’s available in six different discreet, solid mounting solutions for woodwinds, strings, brass, percussion, drums, and piano. Able to cope with a wide range of powerful, dynamic sound sources, the ATM350 cardioid polar pattern reduces side and rear pickup and protects against feedback. Available systems include: ATM350U (pictured) clip-on with five-inch gooseneck, ATM350UL clip-on with nine-inch gooseneck, ATM350PL piano mounting system with nine-inch goose-neck, ATM350D drum mounting system with five-inch gooseneck, ATM350W woodwind mounting system with five-inch gooseneck, and ATMUcW with universal clip-on mounting system and five-inch gooseneck.
Yamaha SLG200NW Silent Guitar is 90% quieter than a conventional guitar to provide quiet practice when unamplified or listened to through stereo earphones. Its elegant body design yields the tones of a high-end Yamaha acoustic, while its classical neck provides a comfortable feel. The detachable frame top section makes it compact enough to fit into an aircraft overhead compartment. Proprietary SRT powered pickup and microphone modeling system feature onboard reverb and chorus. It comes with a built-in chromatic tuner and an AUX input with dedicated volume control for connecting an external audio player, making it possible to play along with music.
This guide from versatile woodwind artist Edward Joffe of Local 802 (New York City) provides aspiring student and professional players with a clear picture of the discipline of multiple woodwind performance. The 400-page comprehensive study has instrument history; technical aspects like breathing, embouchure, and articulation; tips on what styles of music to study, with excerpts and transcriptions; equipment; and study materials. It includes comprehensive musical examples and recommended published materials for each instrument.
Woodwind Doubling for Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, by Edward Joffe, www.joffewoodwinds.com.
