Allegro

CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS

Volume 121, No. 10November, 2021

Below are the statements and photos of all candidates for Local 802 offices who submitted their statements to Allegro by the deadline. As per the election rules, “all candidates were afforded the right to submit statements and photos in accordance with these rules.” As in the past, candidates are listed in alphabetical order under the primary office they are running for. The Local 802 election will take place in person on Friday, Dec. 3. All voting information is in the election rules.

CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT

Tino Gagliardi (unopposed)

The past 19 months have sorely tested us, as musicians and as a union. Now is the time to reinvest ourselves in the strength of our union and our bonds with one another. I believe we can emerge from this crisis stronger if we work together to grow, protect, diversify and rebuild Local 802 in the next three years. But we will need strong and experienced leadership as well as vision and dedication to our shared cause. I hope you’ll allow me to work for you and with you to create a safe and prosperous future for all NYC musicians.

Pursuant to Article I, section 2e of the Election Rules, unopposed candidates are deemed elected as of the beginning of the nominee’s term. Pursuant to Article I, Section 1(d) of the Local 802 AFM Bylaws, the individual elected to the office of president shall also serve as a delegate to the New York City Central Labor Council, the New York State Federation of Labor Convention, and the national convention of the American Federation of Musicians (unless that individual is a member of the International Executive Board of the American Federation of Musicians).

CANDIDATES FOR FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT

Karen Fisher

Experience. Commitment. Integrity. I’m an 802 member since 1995 and have fourteen years of experience in the Concert Department with a proven track record of negotiating progressive contracts and musician advocacy. I work towards consensus building, but am unafraid to be outspoken. Throughout the pandemic I’ve made difficult but financially sound decisions, bringing our Union back from the brink of disaster. It’s been an honor to serve as your Financial Officer for the past three years, and I ask that you continue to put your trust in me as we rebuild and offer a better future for all musicians.

Gail Kruvand

I believe in collective action and I believe in our union. My decades as a professional bassist, committee member and two-term Local 802 Executive Board member have given me a unique perspective on the importance of leadership and organization. My vision for our Local includes growing at-standard employment for musicians to ensure that when we work we are treated fairly and appropriately. I am committed to a robust future that includes restored and improved services for our members. Our Local 802 should be a leader among locals across the AFM. We all win when we work together! Gail4VP.com

CANDIDATES FOR RECORDING VICE PRESIDENT

Anthony Gorruso

As a trumpeter and active member of Local 802 for over 35 years, I’ve worked in virtually every field of the music business. I’ve been a regular member of 5 Broadway Orchestras, served on the Broadway Theater Committee for over 10 years and 3 terms on the Trial Board. I participated in Clubdate and ethnic Clubdate Committees. Dedicated to protect our rank and file’s interests. I’m running for Recording VP of Local 802 to help our union grow through strategic outreach initiatives and be more relevant to all members. I’m in tune with member issues and my door is open!

Harvey S. Mars

The need for truly qualified and experienced leadership has prompted my desire to serve in a new capacity. I believe I possess the knowledge, experience, and skills required for the RVP position. I have served as counsel for Local 802 for 25 years under five different administrations with a deep knowledge of the department’s inners workings that would ensure a seamless transition. Additionally, I have a MSILR degree and am an accomplished trombonist, having earned an Artist Diploma and by May 2022, a Master of Music from the Cali School.

CANDIDATES FOR EXECUTIVE BOARD

Deborah Assael

As a member of Local 802 for several decades, I’ve been fortunate to work in many facets of our industry including NY Pops, City Center Encores! ASO, ABT, NY Choral Society, numerous Broadway shows (most recently Frozen), recordings, and chamber music. I’m running for the Executive Board after years of participation in Local 802 committees. I applaud the important achievements of MFC particularly during the most difficult times facing our industry. There are challenges ahead moving our union forward in equitable practices, inclusiveness, recruiting members, providing and maintaining security for members and I’m confident we can face them together.

Louis Bruno

I have been a member of musicians’ unions since I was a teenager in Bridgeport CT, and a member of Local 802 since 1977. I served on Orchestra Committees of Buffalo Philharmonic, Dance Theater of Harlem, Brooklyn Philharmonic, NY Pops, and ASO. As a freelance bassist, I have also played jazz, Broadway shows, and cabarets. I have served twice on the Executive Board, including when we purchased our current building, which freed us from exorbitant rent, and saved the union large amounts of money. I believe I have the experience to contribute to the growth and strength of our union.

Hollis (Bud) Burridge

I’m running for Local 802 Executive Board and for delegate to the AFM Convention. I served twelve years on the EB in two administrations and have served on committees through five administrations to the present. The EB needs engaged, independent thinking. Each individual board member’s willingness to speak in defense of the membership is critical. Fortunately, this year, there are strong independent candidates unafraid to be heard. They represent the skilled leadership that is crucial to truly make 802 strong. Please take time to learn about them. We must elect a strong, experienced board that will aggressively protect our future

Lynne Cohen

I would like your support to continue as an Executive Board member and to be elected as Alternate Delegate to the AFM Convention and Delegate to the NYS Federation of Labor. An oboist in the concert and Broadway fields, I am a member of the Executive Board and serve on the Finance Committee. Formerly active on the Theater, Negotiating, State of Broadway Committees and the CAC, I am known for being an independent, practical and outspoken thinker, a consensus builder and hard worker who seeks to streamline processes and bring greater transparency and efficiency to union operations.

Sara Cutler

My priorities for 802: rebuild our organizing department, organize new work and partner with music education institutions to create the next generations of diverse union members. We need independent thinkers to achieve this and to bring 802 out of crisis. Party politics won’t do it. A strong, non-partisan, independent Executive Board will. As an EB officer for almost a decade, I have the skills and experience to make a difference and I will. Let’s give ourselves a union that works for us. Vote for independent candidates on Dec 3.

Julia DeRosa

I am the principal oboist of the NYC Ballet Orchestra and an oboist with the American Symphony, where I serve on the committee. I am dedicated to helping NYC musicians return to work safely and permanently. I would like to add my voice to the quest to unionize jobs that are undermining our strength. My main focus would be designing programs for NYC conservatories and music schools with the goal of giving the younger generation the information they need to join the workforce. I believe that the strength of the union ultimately determines the quality of the music we make.

Kyle Hoyt

I have been a member of local 802 for over 20 years, performing in the Classical, commercial, and Broadway fields. I am running for re-election to the Executive Board because I am passionate about educating new generations of musicians about the benefits of union membership. I believe this is necessary for continued membership growth and to win new work under contract by effectively organizing musicians. Highly experienced in governance, I have served on the Theater Committee, and currently serve on the Radio City Orchestra Committee and the 802 Executive Board. I remain committed to building on progress!

Martha Hyde

As your representative I will work for: -a return to an empowered, committee system for contract negotiations. -rebuilding a robust organizing department to grow the union and build power. -a return to clear explanations of the health fund. -reimagining the 802 headquarters as a vibrant hub for musicians. I can draw on my decade of experience on the Executive Board and over two decades on the health fund. We can’t afford the divisiveness of slates or parties. We need strong, independent thinkers at 802. I hope you’ll support me on December 3.

Morris Kainuma

I’m running for re-election to the 802 Executive Board with the goal of continuing to serve and support my fellow musicians. I will be an advocate for musician concerns, rights, equitable treatment, and will help create an environment of participation and inclusion within 802. I currently serve on the Executive Board, Finance Committee and as a Musicians Health Fund Trustee. I serve on the Met Associates Committee and have served on the ABT and Theater Committees. I promise to build on the progress Musicians for Change has set in motion and work to find solutions and effective strategies for 802.

Adam Krauthamer

I have been a member of 802 for 15 years and the President of 802 for the past three years. While in office our administration demonstrated what a unified vision can achieve for our union: financial stewardship, advocacy, strategic negotiating, strong contracts, technology improvements, expanded resources, pandemic relief, paid job opportunities, and much more. I’m running for the Executive Board because we must continue moving our union forward and build on the progress we have made. We can’t allow 802 to revert back to an unaccountable status quo. We need to continue the credible, proven leadership of Musicians for Change.

Joanna Maurer

As an Executive Board candidate, I’m excited to build on our administration’s progress of these past three years. I’ve lived in NYC as a violinist for 28 years, performing as an orchestral, chamber, and studio recording musician. As a Local 802 Trial Board member, I put my energy into negotiating the Met Opera Associate Musicians and AFM Film/TV contracts, creating the Save NYC Musicians campaign, becoming a trustee on the Local 802 Musicians Health Fund, and working with Women of 802. I am passionate about supporting musicians, strengthening contracts, bringing in more recording work, and advocating for the arts.

Wende Namkung

I am a freelance violinist, primarily in the symphonic field of Local 802, seeking a position on the Executive Board. Serving on the EB allows nine rank and file members to participate in 802’s governance. The best candidates are those who possess independence, governing experience, knowledge, and are passionate critical thinkers. I believe I’m one of those candidates. If elected, my goals include: expanding the union through organizing and outreach; creating better communication with and access to our governing body; pursuing the complexity of diversifying our 802 community. I will do this by working constructively, remaining considerate, open and nonpartisan.

Caryl Paisner

I’ve been an active cellist in 802 for 30+ years. I have an MBA and experience working in finance, giving me the foundation for my role as an Executive Board member. I have served on the Finance and Politics Committees, as a Health Fund Trustee, and as a delegate to the Central Labor Council and AFM Convention. During this challenging time, I’ve been financially scrupulous, questioning each 802 expense. I’ve worked with my union-side Health Fund Trustees to keep the Fund solvent while trying to keep as many members as possible covered. I’m committed to continuing our administration’s good work.

Gregory Riley

I am committed to mentoring aspiring musicians through arts education and advocating for those who have been marginalized, excluded, and undervalued. I’m a member of Musicians United for Social Equity (MUSE), Tutti: Diversifying the Playbill, and AFM Local 77 Council for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Solidarity (IDEAS). I teach reeds at University of the Arts Philadelphia and have held Broadway chairs at Frozen and The Color Purple. Local 802 needs transformational leaders who are willing to work beyond their immediate self-interest. As a member of the MFC slate, I will help identify and create a vision that guides change.

Allison Seidner

When I joined Local 802 as a substitute and freelance cellist after years of touring, the union felt mysterious and inaccessible. All members have an important voice and should have equal representation, regardless of experience. I am honored to join the MFC team as we continue progress in this direction. Since 2010, I have served as Theater Committee delegate for all my shows, most recently, Frozen, and was elected to multiple committees including 2016 Broadway Negotiating and 2021 Broadway Reopening Committees. I have had healthy dialogues with previous and current 802 administrations. We are musicians first. Finding unity is key.

Caitlin Warbelow

For the past six years, I’ve performed onstage at Come From Away. It was apparent from day one that we musicians face myriad challenges, and since then I’ve persistently fought to improve our industry. I’ve served on two Negotiating Committees and Theatre Committee, spearheaded independent initiatives, and founded a business that supports musicians during Covid. I’ve tackled issues including contract compliance, stage haze, gender/racial equity, media usage, modernization, hiring practices, subs’ rights, Covid protocols, and Local 802 accountability. My passion is finding innovative, data-driven solutions, and I will continue this work on the Executive Board and NYC Central Labor Council.

Adam Wolfe

I’ve been a member of Local 802 since 2011 and I believe the way forward for our union is going to be through doing the difficult work of building consensus through understanding. It is not enough to aim solely for conservation of our hard won contracts & established ways of doing business; we must preserve those gains while simultaneously bringing new members and new employers into relationship with the union, including those with non-traditional business models. If elected to serve on the Executive Board, I will do my best to help foster this understanding, between both members and employers. www.AdamWolfeforLocal802.com

CANDIDATES FOR TRIAL BOARD

Roger Blanc

I’m a composer, guitarist and music prep person running as an independent candidate for the Local 802 Trial Board, on which I have previously served a total of twelve years through two separate administrations, mostly as Chair. Our Trial Board is essential for enabling a peaceful and orderly resolution when significant conflicts arise between Local 802 members. I believe our union and our profession are at a critical juncture in many respects, and I’m seeking to make myself available as someone with extensive knowledge and experience serving in this role.

Javier Gándara

I have been a member of Local 802 since 1995 and a member of the horn section of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra since 1999 where I’ve been on the committee during negotiations for four different contracts. It is imperative that we have a strong and organized union with capable leadership and engaged membership to support all our groups to overcome challenges and advocate efficiently for all members. Being on faculty at three music schools in New York City has made me aware of the importance of creating a working structure and environment in which future generations of musicians can thrive.

Diva Goodfriend-Koven

A longtime member of 802, I’m grateful for many successful years performing on flute and piccolo including thirty years as an Associate in the MET Orchestra, ABT, ASO, numerous other orchestras, Broadway shows, recordings, and chamber music. I wish to be a Trial Board member because I support the mission of Musicians For Change and the progress they’ve been able to achieve. I believe it’s our ethical calling to help the next generations of diverse musicians make music thrive in New York City, with willingness to be open-minded, equitable, inclusive, and protective of our human and civil rights.

Bill Hayes

I’ve held 27 Broadway percussion chairs, worked in orchestras, chamber, jazz, Radio City, nightclubs and in NY and LA studios playing for films, jingles, TV and jazz, classical, Broadway and rock recordings. I’ve interacted with musicians worldwide, touring with Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Sinatra and more. I’ve served on the Trial Board and at the CLC for the last 3 years; on the committee that created the “Save NYC Musicians” campaign; and the 802 Government Relations committee, which endorsed candidates while creating allies at all levels of government. I look forward to continuing this work with the dedicated MFC team.

Aaron Korn

Since joining Local 802 in 2009, I have played on many Broadway shows, have been a part of numerous film and television sessions, and performed with many of the local union orchestras. As a member of the DCINY Orchestra organizing and negotiating committees I have become more involved with our union. I want to take this next step of union involvement, as a member of the Trial Board, to commit even more of my time and effort into helping my fellow musicians. Please vote for the complete MFC ticket and work together with us to build a more inclusive union.

Susan Lorentsen

As a member of the Trial Board (2012-2018), I worked with my colleagues on many challenging cases, always aware that our members are entitled to a fair and equitable resolution. Serving my union colleagues in this manner was deeply meaningful. My career as a violinist spans many musical genres: Broadway, Symphony, Pop, Recording, Opera, Club Dates and Radio City, where I was a member of the orchestra for 32 years. I’ve served on committees for Radio City and Stamford Symphony (currently chair), participating in numerous contract negotiations. I have served on the Local 802 Coordinating Advisory Committee (CAC) for 8 years.

Koren McCaffrey

I have been a proud member of Local 802 since 2003, an Associate flute and piccolo player with the Met for 14 years, and Secretary of the Associate Musicians of the Metropolitan Opera for the past three years. I am seeking a seat on the Trial Board so that I can provide my fellow musicians with the protection of a fair and impartial fact-finder. Local 802 has supported me throughout my career, and negotiating alongside Adam Krauthamer made clear, once again, how powerful a force the union can be to change our working conditions and our careers for the better.

Warren Odze

I have been involved in the business of making music for the past 50 years, recording and performing with numerous artists, orchestras and Broadway shows. Having major concerns with the stewardship of our pension which was in crisis in 2018, I ran for Trial Board with Musicians for Change. I knew for our union to survive in the future we needed a change in leadership and direction. MFC was elected and helped find a solution to the pension crisis while navigating the Covid crisis. Now I am running again to build on that progress for the next three years.

Suzanne Ornstein

I am a graduate of the University of Michigan and the Yale School of Music. As a founding member of the Arden trio, which was launched after winning the Concert Artist Guild competition, I toured with them for many years. I’ve served as concertmaster for many of the city’s ensembles and for a number of Broadway productions, all of which has yielded an extensive discography. Impressed with how the MFC administration managed the myriad of crises brought on by the pandemic, I am hoping to join them in expanding on their many initiatives.

Gene Perla

My career positions me with knowledge and experience to adjudicate varied complaints. 10 years classical piano, 5 years trombone, Locals 535 & 802, bassist with Miles Davis, Woody Herman, Elvin Jones, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Joni Mitchell, Sonny Rollins, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan. Toledo University (engineering & business); Berklee College of Music Mentors: Herb Pomeroy, John LaPorta, Elvin Jones (music) Bill Krasilovsky (music business) Lehigh University & New School Jazz Professor, Music Publisher (ASCAP), PM, Plug & Booty Records owner, Broadway Sound Design “City of Angels,” “Beauty & The Beast,” “The Lion King,” New School Jazz 802 Steward.

Dan Willis

In my 29 years as a member of Local 802, I’ve had a diversified career across a variety of musical genres. I’ve performed with the NY Philharmonic, Orchestra of St. Lukes, NYC Ballet, NY Pops, 22 Broadway shows, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and toured with Michael Brecker, Don Henley and Liza Minelli. I’ve contributed to numerous film scores, jingles and recordings. I served for 2 terms on the Trial Board and I am on the Board of Directors of the RMA-NY. I will bring an experienced, fair and impartial approach in full support of our members and By-Laws.

CANDIDATES FOR DELEGATES TO THE AFM CONVENTION

Hollis (Bud) Burridge

This candidate is also running for Executive Board. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Executive Board.

Karen Fisher

This candidate is also running for Financial Vice President. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Financial Vice President.

Javier Gándara

This candidate is also running for Trial Board. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Trial Board.

Bill Hayes

This candidate is also running for Trial Board. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Trial Board.

Martha Hyde

This candidate is also running for Executive Board. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Executive Board.

Gail Kruvand

This candidate is also running for Financial Vice President. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Financial Vice President.

Adam Krauthamer

This candidate is also running for Executive Board. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Executive Board.

Harvey Mars

This candidate is also running for Recording Vice President. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Recording Vice President.

Joanna Maurer

This candidate is also running for Executive Board. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Executive Board.

Caryl Paisner

This candidate is also running for Executive Board. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Executive Board.

CANDIDATES FOR ALTERNATE DELEGATES TO THE AFM CONVENTION

Lynne Cohen

This candidate is also running for Executive Board. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Executive Board.

Aaron Korn

This candidate is also running for Trial Board. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Trial Board.

Gregory Riley

This candidate is also running for Executive Board. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Executive Board.

CANDIDATES FOR DELEGATES TO THE NYC CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL

Bill Hayes

This candidate is also running for Trial Board and Delegate to the AFM Convention. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Trial Board.

Joanna Maurer

This candidate is also running for Executive Board and Delegate to the AFM Convention. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Executive Board.

Caryl Paisner

This candidate is also running for Executive Board and Delegate to the AFM Convention. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Executive Board.

Caitlin Warbelow

This candidate is also running for Executive Board. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Executive Board.

CANDIDATES FOR DELEGATE TO THE NYS FEDERATION OF LABOR

Lynne Cohen

This candidate is also running for Executive Board and Alternate Delegate to the AFM Convention. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Executive Board.

Martha Hyde

This candidate is also running for Executive Board and Delegate to the AFM Convention. Candidate’s photo and statement listed above under the category of Executive Board.

CANDIDATES FOR DELEGATE TO THE HEBREW TRADES

No candidate announced