In light of many institutions and organizations shifting their current stances toward diversity, equity and inclusion programs, Local 802’s DECIBAL Committee — which stands for Diversity, Equity, Community, Inclusion, Belonging, Access and Leadership — affirms its support of historically and currently under-represented musicians. We remain committed to working internally at Local 802 and with our grassroots partners to remove barriers of entry, amplify marginalized peoples’ voices, and create a supportive community for all musicians.

We have formed a steering committee to better plan and carry out our efforts. The steering committee consists of:

• Martha Hyde (she/her), multi-woodwind player and 802 Executive Board member
• Matthew Jaimes (he/they), French hornist, educator and activist
• Neil Johnson (he/him), saxophonist and woodwind player
• Liz Rosa (she/her), multiple woodwind player and composer
• Peter Saleh (he/him), drummer/percussionist, teacher and author

DECIBAL has hosted and co-hosted events to raise the visibility and appreciation of our diverse community. It has shared the racial histories of many AFM locals around the country. The inclusion of all members of this union is incomplete without the knowledge of how we got here and recognizing that many of us have historically been marginalized. DECIBAL is dedicated to listening to voices that are different to our own so that we can build a stronger, more diverse union. We affirm that all are welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, age, national origin, creed, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual preference, military status, pregnancy status or disability. We are pursuing equity in access, protections and community for all musicians.

Watch this space for future events and please read the article on Nadia Boulanger celebrating Women’s History Month in this issue of Allegro.

To reach DECIBAL, contact Martha Hyde at mhyde@local802afm.org or you can reach out to any steering committee member above.