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, 2016
IM -The Golden Gate Park Band (GGPB) of Local 6 (San Francisco, CA) kicked off the summer with an all-American repertoire of patriotic music for Memorial Day. The 30-member band, one of the last professional big city bands to present a full season of free outdoor concerts, regularly features ethnic artists, dancers, community groups, and guest soloists from throughout the Bay area. Performances include a range of music, from classic renditions, marches, and swing band sounds to show tunes and opera. The 2016 season continues through October 2.
The band, founded in 1882, is one of the few civic institutions in San Francisco to pre-date the 1906 earthquake. The other is the cable car, which was invented in 1873. Originally, the band was a support division of the California National Guard. Now it’s a Sunday afternoon mainstay at The Spreckles Temple of Music in Golden Gate Park on the music concourse.
Funded by grants and Friends of the Golden Gate Park Band, the band has a union contract and many of members also play professionally in other orchestras in the area. Conductor Michael L. Wirgler says, “We provide professional outdoor concerts for the citizens and visitors of San Francisco on Sundays for half of the year (26 concerts). The joy that I see on people’s faces and the number of small children who come and dance to our music is heartening and joyful, and makes it all worthwhile.”