Did you ever think you’d see the day when a machine designed to eliminate live music, and ultimately jobs, would try to pass itself off as the injured party? Well, my friends, that day has arrived. On March 4, approximately

Click here to view new scales and effective dates. Local 802 and the Club Date Musicians’ Committee reached an agreement with club date employers on April 19 for a new Single Engagement Club Date contract. After difficult negotiations with employers,

It should come as no surprise that Local 802 has endorsed Senator John Kerry for president. In this column, I explain exactly why we believe he is the best choice and what we in Local 802 can do to help

The Children’s Orchestra Society is now the eighth group of teaching artists to win a contract with Local 802. Here is the story of the formation of a union, told from a teacher’s point of view. Last fall during a

New scales and effective dates are shown below.   10/15/04 1/1/05 7/1/05 4/15/06 4/15/07 Saturday, 4 hours $275 $275 $280 $290 $300 Sunday, 4 hours $200 $205 $210 $216 $220 Weekday, 4 hours $187 $190 $192 $196 $205 Sunday, 3

On Nov. 13, faculty fighting to unionize in seven divisions at the New School sponsored a panel on their organizing efforts. 802’s Jimmy Owens was one of the speakers. As reported in November’s Allegro, part-time faculty at the New School

For the first time in decades, New York became a focal point of Super Tuesday. More often than not, the Democratic candidates are narrowed down to one frontrunner by the time March 2 rolls around. However, with John Edwards still

Three more theatres have prohibited the use of the virtual orchestra machine. The National Black Theatre , the Classic Stage Company and the Vineyard Theatre and Workshop Company have all agreed not to use the machine — and have put

During its June 2004 quarterly meeting, by unanimous vote, the International Executive Board of the AFM endorsed John Kerry for president of the United States of America. The board endorsed Kerry for his stance on labor issues and economic issues

We, the teaching artists of the Metropolitan Opera Guild (MOG), ratified our first contract on July 5. The ratification came after a year and a half that included many months of organizing, a petition, a strike, a labor board hearing,

First of all, thank you for electing me to the position of Recording Vice President. I look forward to serving the members of Local 802 and working with the other elected officers, President David Lennon and Financial Vice President Jay

Since the conclusion of the Broadway strike last spring, there have been two developments that point to the centrality of the live musical experience in the theatre. One is the fact that five shows have come in well above the

A group of musicians from Iraq’s National Symphony Orchestra traveled to New York in early April and worked with members of the New York Philharmonic as part of a cultural exchange program. Annie Melconian, 23, is the youngest member of

802 to Chair Affordable Housing Committee, Partner With Jets on Arts Education Initiative.Click here for update On June 1, Local 802 formally accepted an invitation to join the Hudson Yards Coalition. The Hudson Yards’ plans for Manhattan’s Far West Side

WHY ORGANIZE? For several decades, as union membership declined as a share of the American workforce, union leaders refused to acknowledge the problem. Union density, the percentage of the workforce that is unionized, was at its highest in the post

Negotiations for the new Hotel Users of Music Agreement concluded on Oct. 29. Local 802’s Executive Board approved the new Agreement and the rank and file ratified it on Nov. 20. Because of the economic downturn, which began prior to

The 31st annual International Association for Jazz Education Conference was held in New York on Jan. 21-24, with events centered in Midtown at both the Hilton and Sheraton Hotels — and, for the first time, a jam session at Local

Some musicians know that many years ago, Local 802 used to have a “hiring hall” where members could show up, meet contractors and try to get gigs. Eventually, this practice was discontinued because we learned that it’s not something we

See below article for breaking news, and chart that shows a sampling of area colleges and their union status. As part-time teachers at the New School continue their push to win a union, teaching assistants at Columbia University temporarily suspended

THE EVOLUTION OF SPECIAL SITUATIONS First implemented in the 1993 contract between Local 802 and the League of American Theatres and Producers, the Special Situations exception allows shows that qualify — under certain criteria — to utilize fewer than the

A conference that could have settled the differences between Local 802 and the Opera Company of Brooklyn ended in a stalemate on Sept. 28 when representatives from the employer showed up and claimed they were not empowered to negotiate. The

In October 2002, I called my record label – Knitting Factory Records – to buy some more copies of my disc, “Home Wreckordings.” I found out, to my great surprise, that the label had changed hands months earlier and none

Ninety-year-old woodwind virtuoso Al Gallodoro has had a storied career that virtually spans the history of modern American music. Best known for his work as alto saxophone, clarinet and bass clarinet soloist with Paul Whiteman, on recordings and as a

“Being a musician is not a profession and it’s not just a job, and it’s not something occasional — it’s the totality of your life and your devotion to something in which you believe profoundly. And, you have to believe

Preparations for the freelance orchestra negotiations are in full swing and orchestras are formulating proposals. The New York Pops committee already submitted its proposals to management at a meeting that took place on June 23. Since many musicians leave the

Rapid changes in technology have presented an interesting dilemma with which the AFM, locals and various orchestra managements are currently wrestling. Prior to the advent of the Internet, radio stations broadcast their signals over the airwaves. Today, in addition to

Standing up for your principles takes a special quality. Kiku Enomoto and her six colleagues at the Opera Company of Brooklyn have the right stuff that makes the union movement strong. Enomoto and her colleagues refused to play with the

The African American Jazz Caucus (AAJC) is reaching out to the greater community under the motto “Working Together Works.” We are currently engaged in increasing public visibility and membership in our organization. Our mission statement reads as follows: “The art

The AFL-CIO released a Cornell University study on Jan. 28 about Clear Channel, one of the country’s top largest media conglomerates and a lightning rod in the debate around media consolidation. The report — “The Clear Picture on Clear Channel”

The Anne Walker Scholarship Fund has awarded six scholarships for the coming academic year, to help 802 members or their children pursue studies in music. Fifteen musicians applied this year. PROFILES OF THE WINNERS Ariel Applebaum-Bauch is the daughter of

In perhaps the only hotel in Las Vegas without a casino, the 2004 ROPA conference began on Aug. 10. There are currently about 68 member orchestras and a substantial number of them were represented in the large conference room at

The following commentary was written by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and posted on the Web site of the AFL-CIO. Near the end of July, in a 3-2 party decision, the Republican majority of the Bush administration’s National Labor Relations Board

Local 802 members and other union workers rallied on Sept. 29 in support of the expansion and rehabilitation of the far West Side. The rally was sponsored by Local 802, Teamsters Joint Council 16, the Building and Construction Trades Council

Two staff members at Local 802 have been promoted. Joe Delia has been promoted to assistant to the president. Frances McDonald will be the new assistant to the financial vice president. JOE DELIA Joe Delia was hired by 802 in

Every year, when the labor movement marks Workers’ Memorial Day on April 28, we mourn those who have been felled by occupational injury and disease and we renew our efforts to make workplaces the safe and healthful environments that they

After more than twelve years of dedicated service to the members of Local 802, Long Island Regional Director Bob Gulluscio is retiring on May 31. His career with Local 802 began in 1992 as a business rep in the Long

The all-too-short annual conference of the Theatre Musicians Association was held at the Holiday Inn in St. Louis on Aug. 16-17. Most of the work of the conference took place on Monday, starting with introductory remarks by TMA President Vicky

Machinist Verna Baden, a 72-year-old grandmother from my hometown of Detroit, was fired in 1992 with five others after they voted to form a union at Taylor Machine Products. It took the National Labor Relations Board 11 years to order

The following resolution has been submitted for consideration at the membership meeting to be held on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 3 p.m. in the Local 802 Club Room. Whereas: The cost of legal counsel has increased since the adoption of

“Fewer and fewer people in this country entertain each other with verbal games, recitations, charades, singing, playing on instruments, doing anything as amateurs — people who are good at something because they enjoy it.” — Adrienne Rich. About a hundred

Two recent experiences over the last few months have brought renewed attention to the health care crisis that is closing in around all of us. Last year a young family’s infant was born with tragic health problems that will likely

This is the debut of the Organizing Department’s column, “Organizing Matters.” To reach the department, call Organizing Director Joe Eisman at (212) 245-4802, ext. 191. Politics matter. Every American of voting age should be keenly aware of the direct role

The Recording Department has begun a scanning project that will preserve in digital form all of the sound recording contracts filed at Local 802 dating back to1986. These paper documents, filed and stored in the basement at the union headquarters,

Invariably, a conversation about the merits of obtaining recognition through a card check (as opposed to NLRB elections) leads to the question, “Well, aren’t secret ballot elections a good thing?” Well, imagine what this November’s election would look like were

When I first left classical music to pursue my calling as a songwriter and healer, I found myself in the typical position of a 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. musician, performing in whatever club would have me – basement music

Last fall, I was offered the chance to lead a brass ensemble in Duffy Square to let people see live musicians playing live music and enjoying themselves. Gotham Wind Ensemble was born. On Oct. 20, 2003 we rehearsed each piece

The United States National Health Insurance Act (H.R. 676) establishes a new American national health insurance program by creating a single payer health care system. The bill would create a publicly-financed, privately-delivered health care program that uses the already existing

The most important element is that Bush is for big business, which is usually anti-union. He has fashioned his entire presidency on CEO management style. Basically the Republican agenda does not give one iota about the concerns of working-class America;

“Stop Bush! Take Back America!” is the message that thousands of workers and unionists will spread at a protest and rally on Sept. 1. The rally, which starts at 4 p.m., also coincides with the tail end of the Republican

Dozens of musicians and their supporters, a marching band, and the inflatable rat were present at an Aug. 14 protest in front of the Knitting Factory. The club’s recording division — Knitting Factory/Instinct Records — has been violating its artists’

What are the biggest issues affecting women in the professional music scene? Below is a sampling of responses from both women and men. WOMEN RESPOND I think that most of the issues for women are the same as for men

Will a middle class survive in New York City? The answer depends on many factors, but the availability of quality housing is perhaps the most important. At this moment, the city government has a unique opportunity to dramatically expand the

As far as the do’s and don’ts with contractors go: DO let them know you’re out there, even if you don’t know anyone who works for them who can recommend you. (But if you can get a recommendation from someone

So you’ve got a gig on Broadway, or you play with a symphony, but you get a call to play a wedding on a Saturday night. The pay sounds great — $300 (cash!) for a one-hour ceremony, so you book

To my Local 802 family: After 20 years of service to Local 802, the time has come for me to say “Adios.” I am retiring. After all this time, some of us know each other, some of us have become

Offhand I can think of several very good reasons why a musician would want to be covered by a union contract. A union agreement provides both management and employees with a standardized set of rules, obligations and entitlements concerning terms

We’ve all had bad nights, when we toss and turn, unable to fall asleep. Persistent sleep problems can lead to a loss of productivity, irritability, diminished pleasure in daily life, and increased health problems. Sleep is not simply a “time

State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer announced a deal on May 4 with the nation’s top recording companies that returns nearly $50 million in unclaimed royalties to thousands of performers. The agreement comes after a two-year investigation by Spitzer’s office found

President Hughes delivered the following speech to the 700 delegates and guests attending the 30th Constitutional Convention of the New York State AFL-CIO following his reelection on Aug. 9, 2004. Who could have imagined, when we last met four years

Local 802 has reached a two-year collective bargaining agreement with the Bay Street Theatre that includes a ban on the virtual orchestra machine. Bay Street is a nonprofit 299-seat theatre on Long Wharf in Sag Harbor (Long Island). Founded in

Broadway on Broadway is the theatre community’s annual season kick-off event, co-produced by the League and the Times Square Alliance. This free outdoor concert on Sept. 12 gave audiences a sneak preview of this fall’s new musicals, plus performances from

New York City’s workers have been hard hit during the past three years. Unemployment has reached deep into every community, with more than 240,000 jobs lost since the start of the recession. But the unemployment insurance (UI) system has failed

I was extremely flattered to be invited by Local 802 to write a piece for the Women’s History Month issue of Allegro. In preparation for this piece, I began to reflect on both the significant gains in equal rights made

On Halloween 2002, John Sweeney appointed Stewart Acuff as director of organizing for the AFL-CIO. Before coming to Washington, Acuff had been the AFL-CIO’s deputy regional director in the Midwest and the president of the Atlanta Central Labor Council. Executive

Let’s face it: most of us are in debt. In fact, in any given month, Americans owe $594 billion to bank credit card issuers. Despite the negative connotations of the word “debt” — and the horrifying images stirred up by

At this time, Local 802 is negotiating new agreements with the major freelance orchestras. Until the union arrives at a new master single engagement classical scale, employers may sign a memorandum which stipulates the following: A raise in the expired

Major film studios have found a new way to cut their costs — and take away money from musicians at the same time. The new practice involves bypassing the AFM’s motion picture agreement in at least two different ways. The

Linda Ronstadt was asked not to return to a gig at the Aladdin casino in Las Vegas after she made positive remarks about Michael Moore during a performance on July 17. Before singing “Desperado” for an encore, the 58-year-old rocker

(This article, submitted by a Local 802 member, contains advice and suggestions intended to improve one’s health and well-being. Local 802 and Allegro offer no endorsement or recommendation regarding the efficacy or safety of any of the remedies suggested, and

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The views expressed here do not express the views of Local 802. Please keep all letters to 300 words and send them to Allegro, c/o

A series of training sessions for Local 802 staff, supervisors, and rank-and-file committee members began in April. The first session was limited to 802’s Organizing Department, plus some additional staff. On April 26, an all-day program was held for committee

With all the fanfare and controversy surrounding the Democratic and Republican conventions, and the upcoming presidential election, I thought that it would be a good idea to devote this month’s article to union representational elections. Just how is it that

A Local 802 member has submitted an interesting question involving an all-too-frequent scenario encountered by musicians. This member wrote: Recently, I went out on the road with a company. Payment for the tour was based on a “performance/rehearsal” basis. The

The statistic is front page news. Women make up more than 50 percent of AIDS cases worldwide. The Women’s H.I.V. Outreach and Education Program at the Actors’ Fund exists to support all women in the music and entertainment industry who

“Making it” in New York City as a musician can be very challenging. Between practicing, auditioning, working, and trying to earn enough money to pay your bills, it is often near impossible. For many, a large portion of income must

Milton Charles, a member of Local 802’s Organizing Department for the past three years, has been assigned to serve as the union’s jazz rep for the next three months. Current jazz rep Natasha Jackson has been granted a three-month leave

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The views expressed here do not express the views of Local 802. Please keep all letters to 300 words and send them to Allegro, c/o

If you’ve fallen off your health insurance and need help paying your COBRA continuation premiums, you may be in luck. After years of lobbying, a coalition of entertainment unions — including Local 802 — has succeeded in getting a new

802 SHINED A LIGHT Zomba is now a union label. This is one victory in 802’s “Shine a Light on Dark Dates” campaign, which we initiated to support the AFM’s efforts to unionize Zomba. We asked members to report Zomba

MALE-FEMALE PAY GAP PERSISTS LIVING WAGE AT LITTLE COST MALE-FEMALE PAY GAP PERSISTS New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney and Michigan Rep. John Dingell released the results of the new General Accounting Office (GAO) study showing that the gap between men’s

Local 802 has reprinted the New York State AFL-CIO’s progress report on the current status of bills in the New York State Legislature affecting working families. On Feb. 24, several bills important to the New York labor movement were moved

New York City is now home to over one million immigrants of voting age who are not yet citizens. That means that one out of every five New Yorkers of voting age can’t vote! As residents of this city they

“Regime Change Begins at Home,” by Charles Derber (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2004). In “Regime Change Begins at Home,” Boston College sociology professor Charles Derber analyzes the changes in America’s political climate since Civil War days with emphasis on the present era’s

CLUB DATES Chancellor Music. A successor agreement has been reached with Jay Leonhart covering all engagements performed by employees of Chancellor Music. The contract ties all performances and engagements to already established Local 802 agreements and provides for health and

LABOR GOES TO THE MOVIES For an alternative to the usual winter movie fluff, check out “Finally Got the News,” a documentary about radical black activists who pull off a wildcat strike in 1968 to protest racist conditions in the

The Local 802 Health Benefits Plan is pleased to announce that effective May 1, 2004 we will be changing HMO providers from MagnaHealth to Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield Direct HMO. Here are some of the benefits of Direct HMO:

MERRICK SYMPHONY Negotiations with the Merrick Symphony have concluded, resulting in across-the-board increases in wages and benefits. While this is an orchestra with a very limited budget that only performs occasionally, it is the goal of the Concert Department to

When I first met Joe, he was a burly two-fisted Scotsman, with very little patience for nonsense. He also had one of the gentlest approaches to the baritone sax that I had ever heard. As with many a musician, his

During the last four days before the election, a number of Local 802 Executive Board and rank-and-file members joined together with other volunteers from the AFL-CIO to phone voters in swing states on behalf of John Kerry. It was a

Cornelius Bumpus – Tenor Saxophone Don Cornell – Guitar Alfred Correale – Piano Morris Gaer – Drums Bernard Halpin – Electric Guitar William M. Keller – Bass Don Lamond – Drums Nicholas Marano – Piano Wes Mcafee – Piano/Conductor Nicola

Just reading the headlines in the newspaper can be enough to raise my blood pressure these days. The world we live in is so complex, and stress can seem such a part of our daily lives, that we’re often unaware

THEATRICAL AGREEMENTS Except where noted, the following agreements include health benefits of $7.25 per call (capped at $58 per week), doubling premiums of 12.5 percent for the first and 6.25 percent for each additional, a synthesizer premium of 25 percent,

TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2004 Meeting called to order at 11:10 a.m. Present: President Lennon, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Gagliardi, Gale, Landolfi, Schaffner, Shankin, Whitaker, Assistant to the President Delia and Jazz Advisory Committee

BYLAW RESOLUTION PASSED The bylaw resolution printed in the February and June issues of Allegro was unanimously passed by the Executive Board. Since a quorum of members did not attend the June 29 membership meeting, the Executive Board had the

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The views expressed here do not express the views of Local 802. Please keep all letters to 300 words and send them to Allegro, c/o

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The views expressed here do not express the views of Local 802. Please keep all letters to 300 words and send them to Allegro, c/o

SHORT-TERM JOB RATE IS UP SHAVING TIME OFF WORKERS’ PAY CALL TO INCREASE WORKERS COMP RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE SHORT-TERM JOB RATE IS UP In March, payrolls grew vigorously after nearly three years of net job losses and seven months

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2004 Meeting called to order at 11:05 a.m. Present: President Lennon, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members, Babich, Gale, Gagliardi, Giannini, Landolfi, Shankin, Controller Bogert, Jazz Liaison Owens. Lennon reported to the

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice. Perfecting your skills as a musician takes enormous determination and focus, and a drive to excel can be very helpful in maintaining the discipline required to succeed. Sometimes, however, our focus on

NEED A LICENSE TO DANCE? NOT ANYMORE… New nightlife license eliminates cabaret law The city’s Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) has announced a proposal that would abolish the cabaret law and institute a new nightlife license. New York has a

REGISTERING TO VOTE HAS CHANGED FROM MORE PAY TO NO PAY STOP OVERTIME PAYCUTS ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR A TAX CREDIT? REGISTERING TO VOTE HAS CHANGED Voter registration forms have added new identification requirements. Currently, if you need to register

OVERTIME PROTECTION GETS SUPPORT On May 4, the U.S. Senate approved an overtime pay guarantee for workers who stand to lose their overtime pay under new rules issued last month by the Bush administration. The 52-47 vote on an amendment

Gloria Agostini – Harp Doug R. Allen – Percussion Ida Appelman – Guitar Theodore P. Arentz – Piano Charles Barney – Trumpet Arthur Bogin – Violin Robert De Ceunynck – Piano Eugene Cines – Piano/Arranger/Copyist Al De Crescent – Piano

HOW DID UNION MEMBERS VOTE? Local 802 members came out in record numbers for this year’s presidential race. Over 100 musicians contributed to 802’s get-out-the-vote operation by reaching out to union members during our many phone banks and assisting in

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2003 Meeting called to order at 11:30 a.m. Present: President Moriarity, Recording Vice-President Price, Financial Vice-President Hafemeister, Executive Board members Blumenthal, Crow, Gale, Giannini, Rohdin, Shankin, Weiss, Controller Bogert, Assistant to the President Dennison, Assistant Director Lennon,

Salvatore V Agosta – Tenor Saxophone Arthur (Artie) Baker – Saxophone Longin A Buinis – Violin Robert E Curtis – Piano/Arranger/Copyist Joseph F Eterno – Saxophone Paul Litrenta – Trumpet Vincent Zummo – Guitar Abner Zwickel – Tenor Saxophone Arthur

TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2004 Meeting called to order at 11:10 a.m. Present: President Lennon, Recording Vice President Dennison, Executive Board members Gagliardi, Gale, Landolfi, Shankin, Weiss and Controller Bogert. Recording Vice President Dennison distributed minutes of July 13, 2004. Local

Musica Viva. Musica Viva Musicians unanimously ratified a new contract as they prepared for the 2004-2005 New York season at All Souls Church. The term of the agreement is Feb. 11, 2004 through Feb. 10, 2007. The new contract includes

NEW YORK POPS Local 802 and the New York Pops management have settled a recent grievance with regard to personal days. Three Pops members were denied their request to take a personal day for a rehearsal even though their requests

Buddy Arnold – Piano Elden C. Bailey – Drums Joseph Blozis – Saxophone Francesca Corsi – Harp Dorothy Denny – Piano Rod Derefinko – Piano Joseph H. Dumas – Bass Arnold Germansky – Trumpet Roy D. Glasser – Saxophone Edward

“Dream A Little Dream.” Local 802 reached closure on a grievance with the Nederlander Organization for music prep work in its production of “Dream A Little Dream.” The last performance of “Dream…” at the Village Theatre was held over a

Dennis W. Brooks – Saxophone Virgil Caruso – Oboe Leo De Betta – Saxophone V. Richard De Cicco – Trumpet Albert Gabay – Accordion Joseph Giorgio – Saxophone Manny O. Grodman – Piano Joseph B. Habig – Trombone/Producer David Kates

This article from the December 2004 issue of Allegro magazine...

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2003 Meeting called to order at 11:25 a.m. Present: President Moriarity, Recording Vice-President Price, Executive Board members Blumenthal, Crow, Gale, Giannini, Landolfi, Rohdin, Shankin, Weiss, Controller Bogert, Assistant to the President Dennison, Assistant Director Lennon. Local 802

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2004 Meeting called to order at 11:30 a.m. Present: Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members, Babich, Gagliardi, Gale, Giannini, Landolfi, Shankin, Weiss, Whitaker, Controller Bogert, Assistant to the President Delia and Jazz

Jack Block told me about his early days in New York, hanging around the Village jazz clubs to listen to Al Cohn and Zoot Sims. He said, “Zoot’s playing gave me more joy and pleasure than anyone I’d ever heard,

I got a call last summer from a leader who said, “I have a gig for a Dixie trio that I can’t do. Do you want to do it?” He told me the date and hours and the money, and

I was chatting on the phone with Vinnie Zummo last year, and we discovered a mutual interest…the legendary trumpet player Don Joseph. I knew and played with Don during the 1950’s, and Vinnie knew him during the last years of

During the 1947-48 season with the Pittsburgh Symphony, William Zinn shared a room with the orchestra’s piccolo player. They hung out together, and wherever they went, his friend carried his piccolo in his jacket pocket. Whenever the spirit moved him,

Bill Elton saw a story in one of my recent columns about his old trombone section mate Tommy Mitchell, which reminded him of this one: Bill and Tommy were playing a six-week gig at the Statler Hotel with Tex Beneke’s

Back in the 1950’s, when Dave Lambert and I were living on West 10th Street in the Village, Dave was scuffling to survive a rough spot in his career. (This was before he met Jon Hendricks and formed Lambert, Hendricks