CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT

ETHAN FEIN: I’m a guitarist, Executive Board member and activist. I joined the Broadway Theatre Committee in 1982, when I began an 18-year run at “Cats.” I became committee chairman and “Cats” house contractor, also playing club dates, concerts, recordings, television. At Cornell’s Union Leadership Institute, I co-organized 802’s political action committee. I am leading a new union venture, assembling a coalition of business, government and labor to promote live music as a means of NYC economic development. I’m deeply committed to improving opportunities and benefits for all musicians by long-term planning and smart negotiating. I will make your concerns my concerns.

TINO GAGLIARDI: MEMBERS Party presidential candidate Tino Gagliardi believes that only musicians with professional experience can truly understand musicians’ needs. He has worked in concerts, club dates, recording and on Broadway. Elected to 802’s Executive Board in 2003, Tino has been Theater Committee chair for several years, is secretary of RMA-NY, and studied at Cornell University’s Labor Relations Program. He was involved in amending 802’s Limited Pressing Agreement (improving musicians’ compensation in Off Broadway albums) and in negotiations for recording, and commercial and not-for-profit theatre. Tino is a tireless advocate for musicians and their total inclusion in contract negotiations.

CANDIDATE FOR FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT

JAY BLUMENTHAL: Serving as your financial vice president for the past six years has been an honor. I will continue striving to protect our union’s finances and pledge to work tirelessly on your behalf every day. Expanding work opportunities, maintaining contracts and growing our union are key objectives made more difficult by those (employers) who would exploit our divisions. Let us resolve to reconcile our differences and move forward, united in purpose and rededicated to our union values. This is achievable if we work together. Lastly, thank you for your continued trust and support. I value and treasure it.

CANDIDATES FOR RECORDING VICE PRESIDENT

BILL DENNISON: For 18 years, including the last six as recording vice president, I have proudly worked on behalf of New York’s professional musicians. I have been involved in our most difficult negotiations including hotels, club dates, jazz, and every Broadway negotiation since 1993. I helped found the Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds and organize the New School, securing benefits for music educators. I led the successful battle for tax relief for NY Jazz Clubs and the Justice For Jazz Artists campaign to provide benefits for jazz musicians. Unity among the entertainment unions and within our own is essential to our future.

JOHN O’CONNOR: Guitarist, singer and 35-year union activist, John was instrumental in unionizing folk musicians and, in 1993, chartering AFM Local 1000, the Federation’s only non-geographic local. He is dedicated to bringing union standards and benefits to jazz, rock and Latin musicians. A former 802 organizer and jazz representative, John facilitated creative agreements bringing jazz musicians health and pension benefits, including the first union contract for a touring big band, the Count Basie Orchestra. “A stronger, wider and deeper union works for everybody from defending standards in established bargaining units to organizing in new and untouched fields.”

CANDIDATES FOR EXECUTIVE BOARD

JOHN A. BABICH: A member of Local 802 since 1976, bassist John A. Babich has worked in every area of the music business, including classical, Broadway, recording, club dates, jazz, rock and chamber music as well as music education. A graduate of the NYC H.S. of the Performing Arts, John earned a B.M. in performance and education at Queens College (CUNY). A longtime union activist, John has served on the CAC, Trial and Executive Boards of Local 802. He has negotiated many contracts, and is currently on the committees of the American Symphony Orchestra and the Long Island Philharmonic.

JACK BASHKOW: As a candidate for Executive Board and member of Local 802 since 1972, I hope to help move our union into the future – recognizing the changes in technology and the economy while protecting our livelihoods. I work as a reed doubler in the club date, Jewish club date, Broadway, jingle, recording and teaching fields. Building on our successes and learning from our mistakes, I believe we can establish the vital, effective union that our members – who have made New York the music capital of the world – deserve. The Concerned Musicians candidates have the experience and knowledge we need going forward.

BUD BURRIDGE: After serving three years on the Executive Board, I’m convinced that Local 802’s survival hinges on our members’ involvement. The new 2010 administration must eliminate the adversarial relationship between 802 musicians and their leaders. We cannot repair this divisiveness by simply “making up,” as some have suggested. Meaningful change will only come from listening to our members. It requires communication, respect and, most importantly, absolute honesty from our elected officials. Collectively, the dedicated MEMBERS Party candidates possess the musical and administrative skills necessary to rebuild our union’s strength and integrity.

BETTINA COVO, organ, harpsichord. With an M.M. in harpsichord from the Juilliard School, Bettina has performed internationally as a harpsichordist and organist. She’s played the downtown clubs with her seven-piece electric band Chromatica and has composed for both theater and film. Bettina has had extensive experience at 802 as a Broadway rep and in the Music Prep Department, where she gained knowledge of the workings of many departments there. She wants to see 802 returned to its members and hopes that, under new leadership, “We can actively seek creative ways to reach the many musicians that need this union.”

PATRICIA DOUGHERTY, bassist, has B.M. and M.M. degrees in performance, and a diploma in financial planning from NYU and certified financial planner (CFP) designation. After 10 years with the Indianapolis Symphony, she moved to NYC area, performing with Metropolitan Opera, ABT, LIP, ASO, NYC Opera and NYC Ballet, and in the recording field: MET CD’s; jingles; movies. She has extensive orchestra committee experience, including negotiating contracts for MET Opera Associates; Chautauqua Symphony. “We must rebuild trust in our union by assuring transparency, expanding membership in a union led by performing musicians and developing community awareness & appreciation of music.”

MAURA GIANNINI: I have served as member of the Executive Board since 1993 and have brought my experience as a violinist working on Broadway, concerts, recordings and my education as an attorney to my work on the Executive Board and numerous negotiations and committees. As a co-chair of the Broadway Theater Committee, I served on several Broadway contract negotiations, grievances and Special Situations panels. I have also attended three AFM national conventions as an elected Local 802 delegate. I would like to continue to serve on the Executive Board as an advocate for working musicians and to work for strength through unity.

JENNIFER HOULT: Local 802: nearly 30 years; professional harpist: 36 years; artificial intelligence software engineer: 10 years; member: NY & MA Bar Associations & MENSA; former NYC prosecutor and Law Guardian; Madison Square Garden negotiating committee; 802 Limited Pressing Committee; performs regularly in symphony, solo, Broadway, and studio work. Our work is critical to communication, catharsis, entertainment, illumination, social & political critique, and serves as a balm to all human suffering. Unionism critically protects the rights of workers in a capitalist economic system. Unless we solve the problems of globalization in our field, we will find ourselves extinct.

MARTHA HYDE, woodwinds. I am a woodwind doubler, a 28-year member of Local 802, delegate to the Theatre Committee since 2008, and trustee to the Health Fund for 16 years. We need better balance in decision making at Local 802. Officers and staff are increasingly setting the agenda while player committees are consulted but often feel shut out of the final process. The experts in the field are the musicians themselves; they should be setting the agenda in consultation with officers and staff. If you believe this too, please vote for me and the MEMBERS party on Dec. 1.

MARK JOHANSEN: I am a bass trombonist with many ballet, symphonic and Broadway orchestras, and a member of Local 802 for 26 years. I have served on the orchestra committees for Radio City Music Hall and American Ballet Theatre, taking part in contract negotiations for both groups. These negotiations have shown me the value of being tough yet pragmatic, and the necessity of seeing the big picture. I believe we have made progress over the last three years and I want to improve conditions for musicians as member of the Executive Board by advocating for the same strong and sensible course.

GAIL KRUVAND is assistant principal bass of the New York City Opera Orchestra and a member of the American Composers Orchestra, Riverside Symphony and Brooklyn Philharmonic. An 802 member since 1979, she has played numerous motion picture soundtracks, recording dates and other studio sessions. Chairperson of the NY City Opera Orchestra for the past two negotiations, Gail is also a member of the Coordinating Advisory Committee at Local 802 and is the current treasurer of the NY chapter of the Recording Musicians Association. She also serves as delegate to the United Nations representing the National Federation of Music Clubs.

MARY LANDOLFI: I have been a member since 1971, playing flute with ABT, Joffrey and other symphonic groups. Since 2007 I have served as president and would like to continue to be a resource for the union on the Executive Board. Before becoming president, I served on committees and as financial vice president. In that position I gained great experience in working with committees and conducting negotiations for ballet, symphony and jazz. I believe the current board has served the union well by re-establishing strong relationships with other unions and that the Concerned Musicians candidates will continue to serve the membership effectively.

JAN MULLEN: I have been a Local 802 violinist for over 30 years, playing on films, jingles, recordings and Broadway, where I am currently at “Phantom of the Opera.” I serve on the Broadway Theatre Committee, most recently on the negotiating committees for the 2007 contract and 2009 Broadway media negotiations. I believe that the union must look forward, not back toward the past. To best serve our membership, we must adjust our goals and strategies to respond to the changes around us. I will work on behalf of all members to ensure the union successfully navigates the challenges ahead.

STEVE NORRELL: I have been an 802 member since 1975 and a bass trombonist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra since 1981. Our orchestra has an excellent contract, but the current economic climate is challenging and we must be creative to win good contracts for our members. I am proud that our leadership has fostered good relationships with other unions and has the courage to face Local 802’s challenges directly and honestly. I believe Ethan Fein and the Concerned Musicians administration will continue to be effective in addressing change positively, and I look forward to participating in the development of union policies.

TOM OLCOTT: I am a MEMBERS Party candidate for: 1) 802 Executive Board; 2) AFM Convention Delegate; and 3) NY CLC Representative. I graduated from Yale, Juilliard and Cardozo Law School. I am a trombonist with ABT, Radio City, and other freelance organizations, and am a licensed attorney, with extensive negotiation experience. 802 must re-affirm its commitment to union democracy, and truly listen to its members while crafting policy in a complex world. Our current administration has lost sight of those basic values. An independent Executive Board with a wide variety of experience and thought will best express 802’s powerful collective voice.

KEN RIZZO: I am a bassist and 28-year union member working in club dates and on Broadway. I have B.S. & M.A. degrees in music, and a B.A. in political science. I have also studied organizing and the social impact of the union movement. I believe that the current administration serves the membership effectively and I want to continue to lead Local 802 in a constructive and increasingly unified direction. By being proactive and forward-thinking, we will prepare ourselves and the union for the future in order to maintain our livelihoods in the face of many challenges certain to come.

MAXINE ROACH: I have been a freelance violist for over 30 years, playing in Broadway shows (including “Dreamgirls,” “The Sound of Music,” “La Boheme” and “Young Frankenstein”), chamber orchestras, jazz, recordings and concert tours. I was elected to the Executive Board in 2006 and completed my Union Leadership Institute certificate. The last three years have brought positive change to Local 802, particularly the Justice For Jazz Artists campaign. I want to continue building a union that serves all its members. I believe in healing and rebuilding solidarity at Local 802 and I believe the Concerned Musicians candidates are working toward these goals.

JAY SCHAFFNER: As both Executive Board member and Recording Department Supervisor, I have a record of honesty and effectiveness. After 19 years working on the front lines for our members, I also have experience, knowledge and valuable institutional memory. I have represented Local 802 at national negotiations, while also recovering monies and securing improved contracts and benefits for local musicians. Together we can navigate the challenges of new technologies and a changing culture. We must effectively administer and enforce current agreements, while simultaneously increasing our reach in a shifting industry. I am proud of the progress we have made in challenging times.

ANDREW SCHWARTZ: A member of 802 for 37 years, Andy has extensive experience as a freelance recording. touring, and Broadway guitarist, and is currently onstage at “Hair.” He serves on 802’s Executive Board, on the board of directors of the RMA/NY, and served two terms on the Trial Board. Andy received his music business M.A. from NYU in 2003 and spent five years at Sony Music, holding the title of associate director, A&R administration. He teaches music business courses at NJCU. “802’s future lies in a return to its core values: serving the membership, organizing, and protecting our collective bargaining agreements.”

CLINT SHARMAN, trombone. An 802 member for 35 years, Clint has performed as a studio musician, recording jingles, albums, and television shows. A member of 12 Broadway orchestras, he has been a Theatre Committee delegate on several of them. He has played with Liza Minnelli (25 years), Frank Sinatra (three years) and many others. As a soloist and clinician, he has appeared at many colleges and universities. “My vision for Local 802’s future is the MEMBERS Party and an Executive Board that returns accountability to 802 – an Executive Board ‘of the musicians, by the musicians, and for the musicians.’”

CANDIDATES FOR TRIAL BOARD

ROGER BLANC, guitar, music prep. Presently a member of 802’s Trial Board, I have been an 802 member, working in music prep, since the mid-1980’s. My work includes feature films (“Untouchables,” “You’ve Got Mail”), live/television (“Saturday Night Live,” 2006 Super Bowl), recordings (Paul Simon, Melissa Errico, many others) and jingles (GE). I am currently president of the NY chapter of the Recording Musicians Association (RMA) and I have served on boards of the RMA locally and nationally over the past 15 years. I have participated in negotiations for the AFM jingle, sound recording and TV/videotape agreements.

BOB CRANSHAW: Since joining Local 802 in 1960, I have played bass with artists from Ella Fitzgerald to George Peterson to Sonny Rollins, and as a regular in the “Sesame Street” recording band. I was a founding member of the Local 802 Jazz Advisory Committee, where I’ve worked as an activist to help other musicians. I want other jazz musicians to know how much the union can benefit them. The current administration has continued the work started by Bill Moriarity on behalf of jazz musicians; that work can continue under Ethan Fein. I urge you to vote the Concerned Musicians ticket.

SARA CUTLER: I am chair of the New York City Ballet Orchestra Committee and harpist with the American Symphony and the Orchestra of St. Lukes. I have subbed for many Broadway shows, am on the faculty of Bard College Conservatory, and have recorded dozens of jingles, film scores and CDs. A member of 802 since 1977, I strongly believe in the empowerment of musicians and in our ability to act on our own behalf. This is why I support the MEMBERS Party and am running for re-election to the Trial Board on their slate.

LUCY GOERES: For over 30 years as a member of Local 802, I have worked as a flutist on Broadway and in classical orchestras. Chairing the Orchestra Committee of the Long Island Philharmonic, I participated in contract negotiations and attended a negotiating seminar at Cornell University. I was a member of the 802 Trial Board and Coordinating Advisory Committee, a ROPA delegate at a national AFM Unity Conference, and traveled to Albany with Local 802 Power Builders to lobby for NYS Cultural Arts funding. Local 802 needs to become more politically active to develop and maintain allies for the future.

ERIC GOLETZ: I have been a Local 802 trombonist for 24 years, appearing with such artists as Buddy Rich, Dizzy Gillespie, Jon Faddis, Tony Bennett, Franki Valli and Bernadette Peters, and working extensively on Broadway and club dates. I was first elected to the Trial Board in 2001 and have served three consecutive terms. I’ve witnessed great progress by our local over the last three years. We must continue this work by unifying our membership and look toward the future rather than the past. I believe Ethan Fein and the Concerned Musicians candidates are the best choice to lead our union.

TONY GORRUSO: As a 25-year member of Local 802, I have been a versatile musician working in virtually every field of music: classical, jazz, club-dates, jingles, records and movie soundtracks. During that time I have also been a regular orchestra member of four Broadway shows, acting as a Theatre Committee delegate, alternate, or substitute delegate at three shows, including “Miss Saigon,” “42nd Street” and “Spamalot.” As a member of the Broadway Theatre Negotiating Committee I sought out unbiased and reasonable solutions to difficult contract issues. I believe these attributes qualify me as a candidate for 802’s Trial Board.

BARRY KORNFELD: I am a guitarist who has worked principally in the recording field as well as in almost all of the areas represented by Local 802. Originally part of the coalition that defeated Max Arons, I have held both local and national union positions, including Local 802 treasurer and computer systems director and AFM assistant secretary-treasurer. As Local 802 treasurer I was responsible for Recording Department administration and participated in all recording contract negotiations. I wholeheartedly support the Concerned Musicians slate; I urge you to do so, too. It is time to come together under effective leadership.

EUGENE MOYE, cello. Ranked as “one of the foremost cellists of his generation” by the NY Times, Gene is premiere cellist on the NY classical music freelance scene. Principal cellist of American Symphony Orchestra, American Composers Orchestra, Opera Orchestra of New York and Westchester Philharmonic, he is also prominent in NY chamber music. A longtime member of the NYC Ballet Orchestra, he has premiered cello concertos with the NY Philharmonic, American Composers and American Symphony Orchestras. Gene is an advocate for all musicians and a member of the committees and negotiating teams for virtually every group of which he is a member.

SUE PANNY: An active freelancer and Local 802 member for 23 years, Sue Panny continues her 15-year tenure as a member of the NY Pops Orchestra Committee. In 2007 she was elected to the Trial Board as a Concerned Musicians candidate. Sue has been pleased with the progress of the Landolfi administration, which has successfully restored credibility, honesty and fiscal responsibility to our union. She has observed the tremendous dedication and initiative taken by Ethan Fein, who she feels will best represent the needs of all 802 musicians in the years ahead. Please vote for Sue Panny, independent Trial Board candidate.

ERWIN PRICE: I am a long-time union activist and have served Local 802 as recording vice president from 1995-2003, a member of the Executive Board from 1983-1995, a member of the Trial Board since 2003, and a member of the AFM IEB since 2007. I was an active trombonist in the orchestral field, television, Broadway and recording. I have participated in many negotiations at Local 802 and the AFM, including those that won the 50% substitution rule on Broadway. Concerned Musicians and this administration brought moral, fiscal and political integrity back to Local 802. We must continue on this positive path.

MARILYN REYNOLDS, violinist, has been a successful concert and Broadway performer for many years. Currently serving on the Trial Board, she now seeks another term on that board. Ms. Reynolds is a longtime member of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, with whom she has recorded and toured. Concertmaster for many Broadway shows, she is currently playing “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.” Marilyn believes strongly in the MEMBERS Party mission of keeping democracy central to union activity. The name of the party says it clearly: the union should be all about membership input and should not be run from the top down.

MICHAEL ROBERTS: In over 30 years as a pianist-vocalist in the hotel field, I’ve remained dedicated to the ideals of Local 802 and seen the benefits union affiliation brings to my musical colleagues in all fields. Although formerly a member of the opposition, I am proud to join the CM slate and support this administration. I have previously served as both chair of the Hotel Musicians’ Committee and on the Trial Board for 12 years. I graduated from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and received my master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music. I will serve the membership impartially and with fairness.

MADELYN RUBINSTEIN, keyboard. A keyboard player on Broadway for nearly 20 years, I have worked at “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” “Legally Blonde” and many others. I have been a voting member of the 802 Theatre Committee. My experience on the 2006 Broadway negotiating committee opened my eyes to union politics and the current administration’s lack of respect for its members. I am running for Trial Board so that I can bring common sense, non-spin resolutions to union problems. The needs of musicians, not the interests of our elected officers, must be the first priority of our union.

DAVE SCHNECK: I have played professional trumpet in all fields for 36 years. I led an organizing campaign at the Westchester Symphony Orchestra as committee chair. Attending as a rank-and-file delegate at the last AFM Convention, I was responsible for a bylaw that mandates locals be members of their Central Labor Council or state AFL-CIO. I initiated organizing training, completed a two-year AFL-CIO/Rutgers University Union Leadership Program and served an internship with the New Jersey Department of Labor. We have made progress these last three years. I will continue to listen to our members and protect our livelihoods.

STEVE SHULMAN: I’ve been a member of Local 802 for 30 years as an active freelancer in symphonic, opera, chamber music, big band, and Broadway settings. Since 2000 I’ve been in the sub pool for the Radio City Music Hall orchestra. I’ve been a member of the New Philharmonic of New Jersey (since 1996), New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (1988) and Greenwich Symphony (1981). I’ve had orchestra-committee experience for 10 years. I will be impartial and nonpartisan in serving on the Trial Board. I believe that the MEMBERS Party is the best choice for our better future!

BOB SUTTMANN, trombone. We need leaders who are in tune with musicians. I believe we have given away too much with the recently negotiated media agreement. Local 802 is union of musicians with high intelligence, passion, dedication and solidarity. Union officers should appreciate and listen to their members. A union member since 1982, I have worked in many areas of the industry. I’ve subbed on nearly 50 Broadway shows and helped negotiate the first CBA with Big Apple Circus in 2004. I have also worked with a large number of New York Club Date offices and with many Latin bands.

WALLY USIATYNSKI: I have been a member of Local 802 for 25 years and recently concluded six years as the percussionist at “Hairspray.” I was elected co-chair of the Broadway Theatre Committee for three consecutive years and have served on the Industrial Promotional Agreement subcommittee and the Media Negotiating Committee. I’ve listened to many people in our union and it is not as polarized as some think. I’m willing to listen to all opinions and work in the interests of all musicians. Yes, there are differing opinions but they must be presented with respect. Otherwise there is just noise.

ROY WILLIAMS: I’ve been a member of Local 802 for 20 years, playing trumpet in Latin and club date bands and copying for Broadway and television. My union activism began in response to the failures of the Lennon administration. I served on the 2007 Broadway Negotiating Committee that obtained superior health benefits and modest wage increases. The entire media landscape is changing: the union cannot afford to be bogged down by unproductive disagreements about by-laws and charges. This administration has made tremendous progress in just three years; we will continue to successfully meet our future challenges.

DAN WILLIS, woodwinds. An 802 member for 17 years, I have performed as a reed doubler in many musical areas, from recordings (classical to hip-hop), jingles, TV and film soundtracks and 13 Broadway shows, to the NY Philharmonic, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and NY Pops. I have been a Theatre Committee delegate for two years. Serving on the “Legally Blonde–MTV” negotiating committee, I saw how our administration disregards the concerns of musicians. If elected, I will bring my experience as a working musician, not as a politician. I believe that the MEMBERS Party has the better plan for our future.

DELEGATE CANDIDATE

(NOTE: Many candidates are running simultaneously for a union office as well as for a position as a delegate of some kind. When you vote, the ballot will have the exact information on each race. One candidate, listed below, is running only for the position of delegate to the AFM Convention.)

JIMMY OWENS: I am a jazz trumpet player, and have appeared and recorded with Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus and Billy Taylor. Equally important to me is my work as a jazz advocate at Local 802; improving benefits for jazz musicians and jazz educators, including organizing the New School and the Justice for Jazz Artists campaign. I believe we must respond to the conditions present in the entertainment industry today and realize that we have only begun to reach out to fields underrepresented by the union. The Concerned Musicians ticket has proved itself to be a progressive voice for the future.