Allegro
Currently Browsing: November, 2008
SAVE THE STUDIO!
Act Now to Save New York's Recording Industry
This petition to save Legacy Recording Studio was signed by nearly 600 Local 802 members in the span of a few days last month in an effort to save one of New York City’s last large recording studios. A developer
Weathering the Storm
Turbulence in the Financial Markets Continues
REPORT ON ROPA In this article, Jay Blumenthal references the ICSOM conference. On a related note, Local 802 member Anthony Scelba attended the annual conference of the Regional Orchestra Players’ Association (ROPA) this summer and filed a report for Allegro.
Jazz Teachers Win 12 Percent Raise
Pension rises to 10 percent, up from 7 percent
Saxophonist Arun Luthra, an member of the negotiating committee. Jazz lives! Ten years ago, jazz instructors who teach at the New School University became the first group of jazz teachers in the country to win a union contract. At the
Fighting for New Gigs
Tax incentives could give a push to hire more musicians
Step by step, we can improve opportunities for musicians. On Sept. 16, New York City Councilmember David Yassky announced two pieces of legislation designed to make it far more attractive for production and post-production companies to bring their projects to
President’s Report
Keep the Audience Coming
As I write this article, the news from the national stage is not good; in fact, it’s downright alarming. In the midst of our presidential election cycle, we are experiencing an economic upheaval not seen in nearly 80 years. On
What Happened in Houston
A Report on the 2008 ROPA Conference
Hot, wet, and hot. But that was the weather reported for last November. I haven’t yet found the words to describe Houston’s weather in July and August, when I was there attending the annual Regional Orchestra Players’ Association (ROPA) conference.
Disabled? New Protections for Disabled Musicians and Other Workers
Legal Corner
Imagine you are a musician who uses a hearing aid. Other than that, you play perfectly (or close to perfectly!) Let’s say your conductor doesn’t like the fact that you use a hearing aid and fires you. Are you protected
Musician with Vision Loss Gets Another Chance
Royce Twitchell, Local 802 member. Royce Twitchell always pictured herself playing the piano until she was 90. A lifelong pianist and former music director of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Royce was an experienced pit musician, playing for many
Time Will Tell
Financial Vice President's Report
Turbulent times for the nation have left us all reeling over the magnitude of the financial crisis — a situation that was clearly avoidable. The bailouts required to keep the whole financial system from imploding are staggering. At last count
Looking Back at the First Six Months of 2008
Controller's Report
The increase in net assets of $393,163 in June 2008 compared to $513,884 in June 2007 is a sign of tightening the belt. The income of $3,182,480 compared to $3,173,222 for June 2008 and June 2007, although showing a small
You’re Retired. You Need Health Care. Now What?
Three months or so before the happy occasion of your 65th birthday, you will receive a gift from the federal government — a little red, white and blue Medicare card. If you do nothing, you will be automatically enrolled in
The Musicians’ Voice
The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters published here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local 802,
Take the Stress Out of Holidays
Musicians' Assistance Program
The holidays are approaching and once again it seems that we are thrown into a whirlwind of activities — holiday parties, family obligations and shopping. While the season is meant to bring feelings of peace and joy, it can also
Negotiations & Grievances
AMERICAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA A grievance settlement was reached with the American Symphony Orchestra involving the cancellation of five musicians from several rehearsals and performances at Bard. The musicians had been paid for the cancelled services but their pay did not
Why Did You Join the Union?
From time to time, as space permits, Allegro will spotlight some new or readmitted members. I joined Local 802 to further my skills as a trombonist as well as to become a stronger music professional in general. James D. McCaughey Jr. I
Executive Board Minutes
September 9, 2008 -- October 2, 2008
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 Meeting called to order at 11:00 a.m. Present: President Landolfi, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Burridge, Fein, Johansen and Roach. Recording Vice President Dennison distributed the minutes of September 2,
Breaktime Answers
Crossword & Sight-Sing
Sight-singing answer: “Taps.” Across 1- Knife STAB 5- Disney dog SCAMP 10- Sparkling wine ASTI 14- Swan lover LEDA 15- Data structure ARRAY 16- Competed VIED 17- Russian motorcycle URAL 18- Reed condition, usually MOIST 19- Airline to Ben Gurion ELAL
Bill Crow’s Band Room
In the early 1970’s, Bill Zinn’s Ragtime String Quartet booked a media concert held at O. Henry’s Steak House in Greenwich Village. Dick Hyman was to be their special guest, but when he arrived, they discovered that there was no