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, 2021
IM -The variety show Virtual Holiday Spectacular (VHS) earned the musicians of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Indiana Symphony Orchestra three regional Emmys. Spearheaded by Andy Lott, principal trumpet of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Local 58 (Fort Wayne, IN), the event was nominated for four Emmys in the 52nd Annual Lower Great Lakes Chapter, and won in three categories:
The musicians pulled together to showcase regional talent and confirmed the easy collaboration of area artists. Sponsored by the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF), the program served as a fundraiser for arts and community organizations, with performances that included selections by Heartland Sings, Fort Wayne Children’s Choir, Indianapolis Ballet, and musicians from the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The program was streamed live on Facebook for the month of December.
The Indianapolis Symphony provided additional musicians and a larger recording space, Lott says. “It was a natural fit because the arts are one big community everywhere facing the same issues during the pandemic. The Fort Wayne Philharmonic musicians have been furloughed, as were those of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.”