We’re rebooting our new member interviews! Today, say hello to Anthony Santiago, who tells us, “Unions are important because they ensure we are paid fairly for the work we are asked to do.”

He adds, “My teachers always told us how the union took care of musicians of the city, especially during the pandemic. I know that the union is here to help musicians like me. I’m most excited about what opportunities may lay ahead.”

Anthony was a completely self-taught musician. He learned tenor trombone, bass trombone, euphonium and tuba on his own, then went on to earn a bachelor of music degree from SUNY Purchase and a master’s in performance from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Now he performs regularly with various community orchestras around NYC and teaches brass students both privately and at schools. Many of his students have gone on to earn degrees in music performance.

Anthony says, “Music truly gave me direction in life. I remember watching a video of the Canadian Brass on my computer at age 11 after fighting with everyone to stay off the phone line so I could listen uninterrupted. I told myself that one day I would play just like the people on my screen and that this was what I was going to do for the rest of my life. Since then, I’ve become more than just a better player but also a teacher. The joy I feel when a student finally has a breakthrough is what I find teaching to be all about. I see myself as passing on the information my teachers so graciously passed on to me.”

He adds, “My big musical goal is to someday become a member of the New York Philharmonic or Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.”

Welcome to the union, Anthony! New members can join Local 802 with NO INITIATION FEE between now and Dec. 31, 2024. Join at www.local802afm.org/join.