PREMIUM SUBSIDY PURSUANT TO THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT In accordance with a law enacted on February 17, 2009, the Federal government now provides a 65% COBRA premium subsidy for eligible employees who are involuntarily terminated from employment between

In the 2009-2010 New York State Budget, Governor Paterson seeks to impose a $1 tax fee for every medical, dental, or vision claim or prescription drug benefit over $20. The New York State Budget must be approved by the New

PRESIDENT TINO GAGLIARDI: 933 ETHAN FEIN: 722 FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT JAY BLUMENTHAL: 944 RECORDING VICE PRESIDENT JOHN O’CONNOR: 924 BILL DENNISON: 704 EXECUTIVE BOARD (9) BUD BURRIDGE: 986 ANDY SCHWARTZ: 986 TOM OLCOTT: 981 MARTHA HYDE: 948 GAIL KRUVAND: 893

IN THE LONG RUN “The deficit worriers have it all wrong. Under  current conditions, there’s no trade-off between what’s good in the short run and what’s good for the long run; strong fiscal expansion would actually enhance the economy’s long-run

Photo by Paul Kolnik “I’d like to thank the committee for the new contract. I think everyone knows how important it is to have better benefits at this time. You guys did a great job!” — Bin Lu, violinist with

Publicity helps everyone. That’s something that a majority of Broadway musicians agreed upon when they ratified a new promotional agreement with Broadway producers on April 18. The agreement allows the promotional use of captured material from Broadway performances and rehearsals

Economists are calling the last ten months the worst economic downturn since the great depression of the 1930’s. In this setting Local 802 has been more important to professional musicians than ever before. Without a union contract, you are at

Supporters make a joyful noise at the Sept. 29 rally. Photos by Enid Farber. Amiri Baraka The city heard Local 802 loud and clear when we took our jazz campaign to Greenwich Village on Sept. 29. More than 100 area

VISIT ARMSTRONG’S HOUSE! Louis Armstrong’s longtime home in Corona, Queens, is now open to the public, offering guided tours six days a week. Come visit the home of the world’s most famous jazz musician!  The Louis Armstrong House Museum is

How often does your boss cry “rising health costs” as a main reason for denying you a raise? So often that it seems normal? Well, that’s what employers would like workers to believe. But the truth is that employers take

JAMMIN’! Local 802 member Wynton Marsalis dazzled and inspired his audience with a moving lecture mixed with performance titled “The Ballad of the American Arts.” The 22nd Annual Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts & Public Policy was presented to a

Harvey Mars, Esq. Max Roach’s drums (above) were found in a Tennessee barn, where they had been hidden. The Deputy Sheriff who had his hand on the top of the gun holstered at his side looked at me and said

Figure 6. Check out how health care premiums easily outpaced wages and inflation from 1999 to 2008. Back in 2000, premium rates for family coverage cost nearly $540 per month. By 2007, that figure soared near $1,010 per month (or $1,068

Broadway’s on TV and it’s going to be union. Local 802 has negotiated an agreement with Broadway Worldwide, Inc., an entity that plans to do full-length pay-per-view broadcast of Broadway productions. The organization is the inspiration of Bruce Brandwen, who

Are we on the Fringe? Yes, and we’re proud of it YOU’RE INVITED! Want to get connected? Come and network with new members at a special “meet and greet” on Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at

“Tony n’ Tina” musicians feel the union spirit. From left, Alden Terry, Tony Ventura, Sharon Kenny and Ray Grappone. Photo by Walter Karling. The wedding is back on! Local 802 has successfully settled a dispute with the new producers of

Robert Chausow and Carolyn Wenk-Goodman, members of the ACO. A new agreement has been reached between the American Composers Orchestra and Local 802. This agreement adheres to the same wages as the other major freelance orchestras. (See the Wage & Contract

TIME TO ORGANIZE: Above, the SEIU’s Theo Jackson before he speaks at a rally supporting the Employee Free Choice Act in February. Photo by Kate Thomas/SEIU via flickr.com What time is it? Time to organize! And for the first time

I got an e-mail from our controller, Ira Goldman, several days ago. It was a two-sentence message: “What can be done about a membership drive? Numbers are declining.” Ira is looking at the problem of declining membership from purely a

In 2006, I was diagnosed with cancer when a large tumor was discovered in my chest. I remember my initial surgery following the discovery of the tumor. I had researched what the surgery would likely cost and discovered that the

For this year’s mayoral race, Local 802 endorses Bill Thompson. While the vast majority of the feedback we’ve received about this has been positive, a small group of members took us to task for not going with whom they perceived

Now that I have been serving as president of Local 802 for almost three years, I’ve developed a few opinions about the state of our union. It’s easy to place the blame for our conflicts on the events of the

Although the holiday season is upon us, the atmosphere is distinctly un-jolly. The stock market continues its gyrations, unemployment has begun to skyrocket and the call for a bailout for various segments of the economy continues. One can easily understand

He is a prince among men, a gentle and kind soul. I won’t identify him now, but he is the kind of player that has name recognition outside our membership. In other words, he has “star power.” He’s a little

If you’ve ever tried to sue someone in court — and then tried to collect on the judgment — you know what a hassle that is. Sometimes it’s impossible. But musicians who work under union contracts don’t have to worry

From left: Benny Powell, Jommy Owens and Sean Lyons. All photos by Walter Karling. Are you ready for Sept. 29? Local 802’s Justice for Jazz Campaign begins a major initiative on Sept. 29. It’s time for New York City’s jazz

JAZZ AMBASSADOR: What’s the mayor of Assisi, Italy (far right) doing with Paul Molloy, Christine Quinn and Douglas Purviance, the manager of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra? Paul Molloy explains: The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra has been traveling to Assisi every summer

‘Had the jazz community known more about pension, I’m sure that the legends – like Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Milt Jackson and Betty Carter – might have lived longer and better.’ In an open letter, bassist Bob Cranshaw spells out

Local 802 member and saxophonist Sean Lyons helped organize theaching artists at Midori & Friends, winning a union contract. After five sessions and over a dozen hours at the negotiating table, Local 802 and Midori & Friends — an educational

The Concert Department has been receiving a distressing number of calls from musicians who have not been paid for various jobs worked in the past year. None of these jobs were filed under a Local 802 union contract. What can

As the economy began to slide last year, and as recording work started a downward turn, Local 802’s Recording Department was still able to collect the most money for musicians in union history. The total number — which includes grievances,

One of the major challenges in this country is providing accessible health care for everyone. Fortunately, those in the entertainment profession have the Actors Fund, which offers programs, services and other useful resources for the exploration of affordable health insurance

Tan Dun composed the “YouTube Symphony.” Photo by Nan Watanbe. What’s one way to get the next generation excited about classical music? Put it on YouTube. The popular video site just completed its YouTube Symphony project, which let musicians upload

Earlier this year, members of the New York Philharmonic — including myself — were involved in judging entries for the “YouTube Symphony.” (Other orchestras participating in the process were the Berlin Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony and Hong Kong Philharmonic.) We

Click for flyer Members and friends are invited to Local 802’s annual holiday party on Wednesday, December 16, starting at 5 p.m. at the union. Make a donation and win a prize! Join us for refreshments, live music and holiday

IN A NUTSHELL • Musicians and other artists can earn $154.97 per school day for subbing in the New York Public Schools. • The subbing is through a special program where you can use your music as part of your

Local 802 mourns the loss of two members who died on Continental Connection Flight 3407 near Buffalo on Feb. 12. Saxophonist Gerry Niewood, 65, and guitarist Coleman Mellett, 34, were both members of the Chuck Mangione band and the Radio

Having worked 30 years as a full-time staff member at various unions, I have had to confront the stereotype of the corrupt and inefficient union. One doesn’t remain a union organizer for very long unless one can ignore that particular

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local

Who do you call when you need the best musicians to record for the biggest event on TV…with one week’s notice? Answer: New York City musicians. That’s exactly what happened for this year’s SuperBowl. According to reliable data, this year’s

My inbox receives a continual stream of junk mail that assures me that the one thing that is most lacking in my life is the condition of my resume, and that, if I will only pay them $29.99 a month,

CAN YOU HELP? More than three years ago — on Nov. 2, 2005 — Local 802 won a $33,015 federal court judgment against Broadway producer Marty Bell and his company Chef’s Theatre Holdings for wages and benefits owed to musicians for work performed

Photo by Carol Cohn The Orchestra of St. Luke’s and Local 802 have reached a tentative agreement over terms and conditions for their successor contract. In 2004, during their prior contract negotiation, St. Luke’s asked to do a four-year deal

If you work a nonunion recording session and get stiffed, sometimes the union can still help. When there’s no union contract to back you up, civil court can sometimes be an option. And often, Local 802 reps can accompany you

The following two resolutions have been submitted for the October membership meeting. Resolution #1 Whereas Article I, Section 7(n) of Local 802’s bylaws for forty years provided that any donations and contributions to any organization in excess of $100 per

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local

We’ll all retire someday. For those of us without any other health insurance, Medicare will be a lifeline. Below, Allegro continues its series on the ins and outs of Medicare. This month: how Medicare’s drug benefit works. Did you know

Musicians have ratified the successor agreement to Local 802’s hotel contract. The agreement currently covers more than 40 musicians who perform in more than a dozen Manhattan hotels, and is the standard for all other steady work taking place within

The Executive Board of Local 802 has accepted a settlement of a grievance for musicians who lost work as a result of the stagehands’ strike in 2007. Readers will remember that when stagehands walked out, Local 802 members were instructed

This fall, we will be entering a new election cycle at Local 802. I stepped forward in 2006 because I believed that this organization was on a wrong course. That is certainly not an opinion that is universally shared, but

As I write, I have just returned from Norfolk, Virginia where I attended the annual conference of the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians(ICSOM). This is the first year I have been able to attend and I think it

Are you a single musician looking for housing? We have some news! There’s a terrific new affordable housing opportunity for single adults who work in performing arts and entertainment. Studio apartments in the brand-new facility known as Schermerhorn House, in

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

On Feb. 4, I and some 25 other Local 802 members and representatives of arts organizations traveled to Albany to urge changes in Gov. Paterson’s proposed state budget. I spoke before a joint Assembly and Senate committee on the arts

Do you take the subway? The MTA has voted to raise fares by at least 25 percent on New York City subways, buses, Metro North and the Long Island Railroad. It took this step because our state legislators in Albany

In order to achieve results, we have to make our voices heard in D.C. The next few months may well determine if the United States will remain a third world country when it comes to its citizens’ health care needs.

Thinking about your health? Local 802 and the Actors Fund recently co-hosted a seminar on getting and keeping health insurance. A union rep explained how the Local 802 health benefits plan works, including an overview of what services are covered.

The French Quarter was deserted after Hurricane Gustav hit New Orleans. Three Years After Katrina – and Four Months After Gustav – Musicians in the Big Easy Tell Their Stories Last fall marked the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. New

It wasn’t official, but the Feb. 11 membership meeting stirred up vigorous debate and put out a lot of food for thought. The crowd was just a handful short of quorum — and indeed, the subject of quorum was one

Pete Seeger at 90 is still inspiring others. Photo courtesy Clearwater. The lifelong labor and music activist Pete Seeger turns 90 on May 3 and a star-studded group of his friends and fellow musicians will celebrate with him at Madison

Do you drink too much? How much is too much? Alcohol, when consumed responsibly, is not a bad thing. Wine can be a fine compliment to a meal; it can be part of a religious celebration or a special accent

Do you qualify for Medicaid? For the answer or for more information, call Local 802’s Musicians’ Assistance Program at (212) 397-4802 and ask to speak to Cindy Green, the union’s social worker. Times are tough. We are in an economic

Photo by Wire Image PETE SEEGER’S 90th BIRTHDAY BASH May 3 • Madison Square Garden Members of the “Saturday Night Live” orchestra performed as the house band. “Times have changed a lot since I was a kid, growing up in

As musicians, we constantly face the fear of repetitive stress injuries and hope that it never happens to us. Well, that fear came true for me four years ago when I was diagnosed with focal hand dystonia. About a year

Matt Weiers Suzanne Vega, a Local 802 member since 1984. Suzanne Vega, a Local 802 member since 1984, is not only a top-tier singer-songwriter but also an activist. She was part of the MusicFIRST coalition that recently lobbied in Washington,

Workers lose certain rights to sue for discrimination in court According to a new Supreme Court ruling, union workers who want to sue their employers for discrimination may have to do so through arbitration instead of in court. If a

I’m a Local 802 member who was recently involved in a health insurance emergency. I had a critical medical condition and no way to pay for it. My medical bills on leaving the hospital totaled just under $150,000, not including

From time to time, as space permits, Allegro will spotlight some new or readmitted members. I joined Local 802 to better network as a musician in the New York theatre scene, as well as to be an active part of an

Dr. Oliver Sacks has been fascinating readers for decades with vivid descriptions of his patients’ ailments. The eminent neurologist is the author of several books, including “The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat” and “Awakenings.” (The latter was

A bargaining history of the Local 802 health fund – what every musician should know Coping with the cost of health care is a difficult experience for every union in the country. One of the bedrock principles of unions –

Why did I join Local 802? It was time! I’ve been working in New York City for a long time, but almost never on union jobs. The perils of being a freelancer with no collective bargaining strength mount up over

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

FREE CONCERT The Senior Concert Orchestra will perform its annual free concert on Wednesday, June 17 at 2 p.m. at Merkin Hall, 129 West 67th Street. Get your free tickets at Merkin Hall during regular box office hours, or send

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

I landed my first tour because of a little blog I kept about playing keyboards on a cruise ship. I called it the Chronicles of a Cruise Ship Musician (CCSM). I’d only meant for it to be a casual way

I rejoined Local 802 because I was hired to play “Ragtime.” My musical goal is to have a nice run of the show and visit friends from my previous shows in New York. I live in Bethesda, Maryland, and last

The New Year is here and with it comes the opportunity for a fresh start. Everyone likes a clean slate and the New Year shines a light on new beginnings and fresh opportunities. We’re all enthusiastic at the start of

TALE OF TWO GRIEVANCES The Theatre Department has settled two outstanding grievances with the producers of “Tale of Two Cities,” which closed last November. One grievance concerned a rehearsal that was called on less than seven days’ notice before the

Angel Warner, an employee at a Rite Aid distribution center, sat next to me recently in a congressional briefing room and described what happened when she and her fellow workers tried to form a union in their California workplace. She

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2009 eeting called to order at 11:15 a.m. Present: President Landolfi, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Burridge, Fein, Giannini, Johansen, Schaffner and Jazz Advisory Committee Liaison Owens. Recording Vice President Dennison

A SIGN OF CHANGE The fight continues to keep recording in New York. Last month, Local 802 sent out a petition to save Legacy Recording’s satellite studio at 509 West 38th Street, one of only a handful of rooms capable

Geoffrey Clarkson, piano Edgar A. De Pool, saxophone Howard A. Kravitz, trombone/conductor/arranger Carmen Leggio, saxophone Michael Levin, violin Nathan Mash, drums Hal Militare, saxophone Manny Oquendo, drums Don Palmer, violin/conductor Kimberly Reeves, violin Myor Rosen, harp Carmen Leggio Carmen Leggio,

CANNED ‘CLEOPATRA’ IN DALLAS We don’t think Cleopatra would be amused. AFM Local 72-147 (Dallas-Ft. Worth) is protesting the use of canned music in the ballet “Cleopatra.” The Texas Ballet Theatre paid $30,000 for the National Ballet of China to

IS IT POSSIBLE that after almost two decades, orchestrators and copyists have recently achieved increases in wages that were long overdue? Yes! Earlier this spring, I received a call from the administrator of our Health Benefits Department, Gloria McCormick. She

From time to time, as space permits, Allegro will spotlight some new or readmitted members. Joining Local 802 is a part of my musical goal in New York City. As a freelance violist, expanding and being part of the network is

From time to time, as space permits, Allegro will spotlight some new or readmitted members. I’m primarily a jazz drummer. My reasons for joining Local 802 are the same as my musical goals in New York City: to create music with

In recent months, people have been coming to the Musicians’ Assistance Program telling us how hard it is to find work. During these tricky financial times, it can become more and more challenging to make a living doing the work

From time to time, as space permits, Allegro will spotlight some new or readmitted members. Having just moved to New York City to pursue my career in music, I thought joining Local 802 would be a great way to familiarize myself

Drummer Wade Barnes, pianist Bertha Hope, vocalist Siena, 802 Jazz Rep Todd Weeks, bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Jerome Jennings gather last spring in honor of legendary bassist and longtime 802 member, Leonard Gaskin (seated). Gaskin, 88, died on  Jan.

Photo by Chris Lee GOING OUT IN STYLE New York Phil clarinetist sets Guinness record New York Philharmonic Principal Clarinet Stanley Drucker, who will retire from the orchestra at the end of the 2008-2009 season concluding a 60-year tenure, has

Henry Addler, drums Stanley Block, violin Louise Caso, guitar Jane Cochran, oboe Sol C. Consor, saxophone Gayle Dixon, violin/arranger Bill Gaffney, oboe Louis Guss, trumpet Tina Hafemeister, arranger/copyist Herbert Harris, percussion Lionel Kilberg, bass Alice McDaniel, violin Odetta, actress/guitar/vocalist Studs

Gene Allen, saxophone Gerald Chernofsky, bass Elias Dann, violin/conductor Herman Fleet, piano George Perle, piano Charles A. Rampino, guitar Mary L. Schour, guitar Louis Terrone, guitar Harry Wells, drums Zane P. Zacharoff, clarinet Harry Wells Harry Wells, 80, a drummer

I came to New York for graduate school and am planning to stay in the city after graduation. Joining the union just made sense. My goal is to play as much as I can. I don’t have a regular gig

Buddy Christian, drums Howard J. Crawford, saxophone George R. Davis Jr, guitar Hyman Jaffe, saxophone Donald Lituchy, clarinet John E. Nicholas Jr, organ James E Reid, trumpet Sigmond “Siggy” Singer, drums Harry Wells, drums Buddy Christian Buddy Christian, 91, a

Marlene Verplanck sent me a nice interview with her late husband Billy that had been published in the Jersey Jazz Society’s monthly newsletter. Telling of his days as a big band trombone player, Billy described his time on the Jimmy

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2008 Meeting called to order at 11:10 a.m. Present: President Landolfi, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Burridge, Fein, Johansen, Rizzo, Schaffner, Schwartz and Jazz Advisory Committee Liaison Owens.  Recording Vice President

INSIDE BROADWAY MUSICIANS WIN RENEWAL A new two-year agreement has been ratified for Inside Broadway, a nonprofit entity that presents theatre to school-age children. In the new agreement, the wages are frozen for the first year and increase by 3

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2009 Meeting called to order at 11:10 a.m. Present: President Landolfi, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Burridge, Fein, Giannini, Johansen and Roach.  Recording Vice President Dennison distributed the minutes of January

JIM CHAPIN Jim Chapin, 89, a jazz drummer and educator, died on July 4. He joined Local 802 in 1939. Mr. Chapin’s 1948 drum instruction book is still in print today and is arguably the most important drum set text

The following resolutions have been submitted to the June 10 membership meeting. RESOLUTION #1 Whereas: Until 1983, Local 802 Executive and Trial Board Members also worked as staff members and supervisors and, Whereas: Up to that time, most Executive Board

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2009 Meeting called to order at 12:30 p.m. Present: President Landolfi, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Fein, Giannini, Johansen, Norrell, Rizzo, Schwartz and Jazz Advisory Committee Liaison Owens.  Member Marc Ribot

SIGHT-SINGING ANSWER: Fugue in C-minor from the Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1. (J.S. Bach) Across  1- Editor’s mark STET 5- Humid DAMP 9- It’s shaped like an F on basses HOLE 13- Pakistani talk URDU 14- Hold back DETER 15- Negative

SIGHT-SINGING ANSWER:“With a Little Help From My Friends” (The Beatles) CROSSWORD ANSWERS Across 1- Movie actress Theda BARA 5- County ____ SEAT 9- Flood SPATE 14- Persia after 1935 IRAN 15- Bassist Walter PAGE 16- Reads avidly PORES 17- Set aside

SIGHT-SING CHALLENGE: “Summertime” CROSSWORD PUZZLE Across  1- Out-of-tune string? BADE 5- Reindeer name CUPID 10- Shrinking sea ARAL 14- Regan’s father LEAR 15- Pianist Gary or his father? APACE 16- Regal address SIRE 17- “____ and the Man” ARMS 18-

Date Event Time Location 10/5 Mon. JAZZ FOUNDATION JAM SESSION 7:00 PM Club Room 10/6 Tue. CHORUS 802 6:45 PM Club Room 10/7 Wed. THEATRE COMMITTEE* 5:15 PM Exec. Bd. Room 10/12 Mon. CLOSED: COLUMBUS DAY     10/13 Tue.

Offices will close for business at 2:00pm Wednesday, December 23rd 2009 & remain closed through Friday, December 25th in observance of the Christmas holiday. Offices will close for business at 2:00pm Thursday, December 31th 2009 & remain closed through Friday,

Date Event Time Location 7/3 Fri. CLOSED: INDEPENDENCE DAY     7/6 Mon. JAZZ FOUNDATION JAM SESSION 7:00 PM Club Room 7/8 Wed. THEATRE COMMITTEE* 5:15 PM Exec. Bd. Room 7/13 Mon. JAZZ FOUNDATION JAM SESSION 7:00 PM Club Room

The union offices will be closed on the following holidays: Friday, January 1 New Year’s Day Monday, January 18 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday, February 15 Presidents’ Day Monday, May 31 Memorial Day (observed) Friday, July 5 Independence

I had a long day at the office recently, and that same evening I was playing some quiet jazz up in Westchester with Carmen Leggio’s trio. During Hiroshi Yamazaki’s piano solo, I nearly nodded off, catching myself just as I

Many years ago I was invited to a press party at a midtown loft. There were people there from the worlds of jazz and the Broadway theatre … musicians, writers, actors and dancers. The room was packed from wall to

Marlene Verplanck sent me a nice interview with her late husband Billy that had been published in the Jersey Jazz Society’s monthly newsletter. Telling of his days as a big band trombone player, Billy described his time on the Jimmy

Years ago, Josh Siegel was playing English horn with the American Symphony Orchestra on a tour backing a rock show by Rick Wakeman and his crew. Josh says the orchestra’s function was to sit there in their tuxes and provide

I lost my old friend Carmen Leggio in April. A heart attack took him away just two days after we played our last gig together, with pianist Hiroshi Yamazaki, at the Red Hat on the River, a lovely restaurant up