Greetings to all. The big news this month is that the musicians of the New York City Opera Orchestra are performing with special guests in a historic one-night concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21 at City Center. This

Thank you to everyone who attended our New York City Opera gala, with special guest Placido Domingo. You made the event a success and ensured that the union’s Emergency Relief Fund has enough money to distribute to musicians who are

I am writing this on Aug. 18, the afternoon after Local 802 and the Metropolitan Opera finally came to an accord at 5:45 a.m. These negotiations have been a long, arduous, and sometimes torturous journey. The outstanding issue was the

As spring turns into summer, let me give an update of Local 802 news and events. We continue to keep our focus on the musicians of the Metropolitan Opera as negotiations promise to be a challenge. At the final concert

As I write these words, I’m on the way to London, visiting our colleagues at the British Musicians’ Union. Among other things, we’re talking about how to protect live musical theatre from producers who are constantly trying to chip away

We lost a beautiful soul on Aug. 20, when violinist and Local 802 member Mary Whitaker was taken from us. We were shocked and saddened beyond belief when we learned that Mary was murdered by a pair of deranged thieves

  Green is good! We’re happy to report a milestone: the Broadway Green Alliance has now been around for five years. To celebrate, we have planned several activities for Earth Day (April 22) and Earth Week (April 21 to April

Three prominent endorsers of the union’s jazz campaign recently made an appearance at one of New York’s most lively and well-attended churches, where they spread the message about the need for solidarity around the issues faced by the jazz community.

Recently, Local 802 re-acquired a plaque, originally commissioned in 1947, honoring the 41 members of the union who died in World War II. Any member who may have information about them is asked to contact Bill Rohdin at (917) 405-5381

Almost two years ago, the theaters on Broadway closed in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy as it approached the New York area. Off Broadway shows were also cancelled and the new nightclub that was employing Local 802 members, 54 Below, announced

  On page 40 of the printed issue of Allegro is the audited financial report for the period Jan. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2013. As usual, these reports simply show a snapshot of our finances. In reality, our finances

This summer, Local 802 member Mary Whitaker’s life was taken from us. On this page, fellow musicians pay tribute to an extraordinary soul. The Local 802 community was shocked and horrified by the news of Mary Whitaker’s death. She was

Please note: Effective Oct. 1, 2014, the Local 802 health plan will undergo major structural changes to comply with the Affordable Care Act. The changes consist of both coverage and costs. For more information, see www.Local802afm.org/health-benefits. LS-1 forms are due

Happy birthday, Mozart! It’s been 258 years since the master was born, on Jan. 27. Recently, the Mozart Residence in Austria exhibited new research on historical photos of Mozart that uncovered some interesting surprises. There are, in fact, not many

Musicians in the freelance classical community have expressed legitimate alarm and complaint about the dwindling number of gigs in recent years. There remains the very real impression that work has steadily evaporated over time. Not only are members understandably upset

We are very excited to announce a new company that has been launched for the purpose of booking union bands and musicians for weddings, corporate parties, bar mitzvahs and other events. The company, First Choice Musicians, features a state-of the-art

As another year ends and a new year begins, it’s a good time to reflect on our goals for 2015 and beyond. Here’s my list. 1. Let’s fight for live music How good are you at advocating for live music?

The letter below that seven prominent jazz artists sent to the owners and management teams at the Blue Note, the Jazz Standard and Birdland illustrate the commitment that musicians are making to the Justice for Jazz Artists campaign. This letter,

May 1 is the deadline to apply for this year’s Anne Walker Scholarships. This is the 16th year that members of Local 802 and their children who are pursuing studies in music will have the opportunity to apply for these

My favorite music teacher was my great-great Aunt Hilda Johnston. I began playing the piano when I was four years old in a tiny community called Hub, Mississippi. Hub is about 10 miles from the town of Columbia, which is

  We are very excited to announce a new company that has been launched for the purpose of booking union bands and musicians for weddings, corporate parties, bar mitzvahs and other events. The company, First Choice Musicians, will feature a

As spring warms up the city, a very busy season for many of Local 802’s members arrives. As we all know, parties, weddings, concert seasons and special events throughout the city’s many parks bring a lot of employment opportunities to

The smiles tell the whole story. Inside Broadway recently presented another Creating the Magic event, bringing about 2,500 public school children into the Lunt Fontanne Theater to peek behind the curtain of “Motown, the Musical.” It was a fascinating and

Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to HsmLaborLaw@HarveyMarsAttorney.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or

  It’s hard to think of Pete Seeger as gone. A man who took up the landscape in a very large way for seven decades cannot easily slip away from the way we become accustomed to great living people. Pete

When it comes to live music, Local 802 puts its money where its mouth is. Each year, the union co-sponsors “Piano in the Park,” which provides gigs for our members under a union contract and allows passersby to enjoy the

  I am constantly reminded that Local 802 represents an amazingly diverse array of performers. A list (that is way too short!) includes: Elite headliner recording musicians Commercial and TV performers Broadway musicians (including musicians who double as actors) Concert

One of the most effective tools for counterattacking the great disparity of wealth that has risen in this country is the movement for raising the minimum wage in many states and major cities. Recently, Gov. Andrew Cuomo made news by

Let the roasting begin. Local 802 and the Justice for Jazz Artists campaign recently staged two highly effective demonstrations to pressure Danny Meyer, a major jazz club owner in NYC, to negotiate over pension and other benefits for musicians. For

We all need health care, but health insurance recently got more complicated – especially for freelance musicians. The Affordable Care Act (otherwise known as the ACA, or Obamacare) just ended its first open enrollment period, and with it one of

I was 16 years old when I first heard Pete Seeger at a concert in Detroit. His message of peace, freedom, and human rights seemed to pierce the clouds that hung over our country in the dark days of McCarthyism.

Woodwind doubler Spencer Bruno, a member of Local 802 since 1973, has paid his dues in more ways than one. He is the executive director and owner of the Lester Lanin Orchestra, the top society band. Spencer worked with Lester

More than a half a million people took to the street at the People’s Climate March, which took place in New York City and all across the globe on the first day of fall. As Local 802 musicians performed, protestors

Styra Avins has been a member of Local 802 since 1961. She is the author of “Johannes Brahms: Life and Letters” (Oxford University Press, 1997/2001) as well as many articles and book chapters concerning Brahms’s life, his correspondence with members

Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to HsmLaborLaw@HarveyMarsAttorney.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or

 

Two factors hampered black musicians from becoming professional musicians in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. First, black musicians did not have the same access to musical education and organization as white musicians. Though African Americans were admitted in

In order to have a voice, you’ve got to show up. I recently joined union colleagues at the Future of Music Policy Summit at Georgetown University, an annual event that brings together aspiring musicians, representatives from the music industry and

LADY GOT CHOPS: The Jazz Foundation recently hosted a women’s history month music jam at Local 802 as part of a month-long festival in NYC called “Lady Got Chops.” Featured were Dinah Vero (piano), Julie Bluestone (sax), Monnette Sudler (guitar),

After Nelson Mandela died on Dec. 5, it made me think of a time back in 1990, a few months after he was released from prison. It was one of those indelible events that make the mundane moments of life

I was fortunate to grow up in an environment where creativity was a daily event and music education was a priority and strongly supported. I try to pass this along to the more than 100 students I teach every day

Fellow musicians flocked to St. Peter’s Church on Jan. 4 to take part in a musical tribute to Frank Wess (1922-2013), who died last Oct. 30 at the age of 91 after being a Local 802 member since 1956. Allegro

“Music has to be recognized as an agent of social development in the highest sense, because it transmits the highest values – solidarity, harmony, mutual compassion. And it has the ability to unite an entire community and to express sublime

Most everyone can agree that musicians face some challenging times. We’ve seen the music business become much more complex and a much more difficult place to make a living. But for those of us still grinding away, there is one

In my work performing on so-called “ethnic” flutes and woodwinds for live and recording projects, the same questions always come up as I collaborate with composers, orchestrators, and copyists to get a piece ready to be performed or recorded. What’s

The online health insurance marketplaces of the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) have been live for almost six months. In our region, New York and Connecticut are running their own, while the New Jersey and Pennsylvania marketplaces are being run by

One of the most sensitive subjects in the labor movement is union dues. Any of us who have argued with anti-union friends or relatives has heard the line, “Unions are only after dues; that’s all they want.” But of course

  “We have to go and show these people what classical music is. We say sometimes that classical music has a small audience, but it’s because people don’t have the chance to be closer to it.” – Gustavo Dudamel “I

Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to HsmLaborLaw@HarveyMarsAttorney.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or

As technology advances, finding music gets more and more convenient for consumers. Music fans today have a wide variety of user-friendly platforms through which they can access their favorite music at the click of a button. Internet radio stations offer

The composer and pianist William Bolcom has won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Medal of Arts and two Grammy Awards, among numerous other accolades. He has been a member of AFM Local 76-493 (Seattle) since 1957. Recent orchestral programming is

Each year, as the tax season approaches, Allegro publishes these updated tax tips for musicians provided by Local 802’s accounting firm, Gould, Kobrick & Schlapp P.C. OVERVIEW AND HIGHLIGHTS The following outline focuses on aspects of the tax law that

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. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

  “Music can change the world because it can change people.” – Bono When the power of live music is combined with the power of education, not just change, but actual transformation ensues. Eliciting and encouraging this transformation is the

I joined the New York City Ballet Orchestra as timpanist/percussionist in October 1950. I played there until February 2014 and was also orchestra manager from 1972 until 2012. We performed at New York City Center until 1964, when the company

How do you write something that sounds traditionally ethnic? First, it goes without saying that “ethnic” or “indigenous” compositions of any kind benefit greatly from the input of musicians who are very experienced in those given styles. That’s not to

What happens when money, politics and music all get mixed together? Financial Vice President Tom Olcott’s column in our January issue has ignited the passions of our members. In his column, Tom referred to the billionaire Koch brothers. He wrote,

If you earn less than $16,000 per year as a musician, you may be eligible to deduct business expenses as an “above the line” deduction, meaning that it can reduce your adjusted gross income. This could be an advantage for

This summer, music lovers flocked to Washington Square for extraordinary free concerts that featured Local 802 musicians playing under a union contract. Presented by the Washington Square Music Festival, the series offers adventurous programming and unusual instrumentation. The Music Performance

Photos by Jimmy Katz Artistic passion may sometimes seem like a secondary consideration today, especially when faced with a society that rarely rewards originality. But while Rufus Reid’s talents as a bassist – and composer – have continued to win

Spanning almost half a century, Stan Applebaum’s career has been rich and diverse. His compositions and arrangements have earned him numerous awards, including 35 top-ten hits and several number-one singles for extraordinary artists such as Ben E. King, Bobby Vinton,

Bebop and scat…blat! Diz…”it’s ‘bout what not to play” Ella was the Queen! Lester and Billie Which one was which, could you tell? Tones…moaning…bending. Bird! Did you hear that? “Blew notes…as they’d never been” Dorough, thanks…you heard! Is there another?

Alfred Brown Alfred V. Brown, 84, a violist, violinist, producer, arranger and contractor, died on Nov. 17. He had been a member of Local 802 since 1950. Mr. Brown was a musical trailblazer. He was one of the first African-American

Can musicians deduct massage therapy? According to IRS Publication 502, medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and the costs for treatments affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include

  What happens when you combine the wonders of live music with the power of live theatre? Magic! Recently, over 3,000 public school children were treated to a special holiday gift – a look behind the curtain into the inner

– by Jason Haaheim, principal timpanist It was about 11:40 p.m. on Saturday night, May 3, 2014, and the sweat was already beading up on my forehead. We had just finished our eighth performance of Mozart’s “Così fan Tutte,” and

Amiri Baraka (1934-2014) by Todd Bryant Weeks April is jazz Appreciation Month, so it’s an appropriate time to remember Amiri Baraka, who died on Jan. 9 at the age of 79. He was poet laureate of New Jersey and an

I joined Local 802 for the solidarity of belonging to a union in this very competitive business. After working as an agent and producer for many years, I want to encourage fellow musicians to negotiate better-paying gigs for themselves and

The Local 802 softball teams played their hearts out this season. As usual, we competed in the Performing Arts Softball League, which is a 12-team league composed exclusively of Broadway unions and other entertainment professionals in New York City. To

Local 802 and other music industry experts were part of a recent roundtable discussion co-hosted by New York State Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol (D-North Brooklyn). The talks aimed to better understand how the Empire State Music Tax Credit should be

Photos by Walter Karling.    

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013 Meeting called to order at 11:15 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Cutler, Dougherty, Hyde, Kruvand, Schwartz, Sharman, Assistant to the President Boyle. Minutes from

In June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court struck down section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The decision has many tax implications. The federal government now recognizes legally married same-sex unions that were performed in states or foreign

Abe (“Glenn”) Osser, 99, a member of Local 802 since 1936, died on April 29. In tribute, we’d like to reprint below an edited version of an article we first published about Mr. Osser in the June 2001 issue of

Harvey Mars is counsel to Local 802. Legal questions from members are welcome. E-mail them to HsmLaborLaw@HarveyMarsAttorney.com. Harvey Mars’s previous articles in this series are archived at www.HarveyMarsAttorney.com. (Click on “Publications & Articles” from the top menu.) Nothing here or

Local 802 member Ken Robinson was born and bred in the Greater Philadelphia area. Both his parents are musicians and have had professional careers as music teachers. Ken started playing the clarinet when he was seven, the saxophone at 12

The following bylaw resolutions have been submitted for the Feb. 19 membership meeting. RESOLUTION #1 WHEREAS, Local 802 bargaining units have requested that the amount of attorney’s fees available from the Members Legal Services Fund, (MLS Fund) Article III, Sections

Susan Jolles has enjoyed a long and varied career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral player, teacher and arranger. A founding member of the Jubal Trio, she also appears with her daughter, violinist Renee Jolles, as the Jolles Duo. Jolles

I was a Local 802 member for over 35 years. Work for me dried up and I allowed my membership to lapse. But recently I was at a political rally and realized that one of the few remaining positive political

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. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

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. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

The office of the Musicians’ Assistance Program is your one-stop shop for musicians’ health. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, housing, food stamps

The Executive Board did not meet on April 8, 2014. TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2014 Meeting called to order at 11:07 a.m. by Financial Vice President Olcott. Present: Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Branford, Burridge, Cranshaw, Cutler, Dougherty,

May 1 is the deadline to apply for this year’s Anne Walker Scholarships. This is the 16th year that members of Local 802 and their children who are pursuing studies in music will have the opportunity to apply for these

BENJAMIN ALTMAN Benjamin Altman, 95, a violinist and a Local 802 member since 1936, died over the summer on June 25. Mr. Altman was born in the Bronx to Russian immigrant parents. He studied at Curtis, where one of his

TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2014 Meeting called to order at 11:05 AM. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Cranshaw, Dougherty, Kruvand, Schwartz, Sharman, Assistant to the President Boyle. Minutes from May

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 Meeting called to order at 11:05 a.m. Present: President Gagliardi, Financial Vice President Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Cranshaw, Cutler, Dougherty, Hyde, Kruvand, Schwartz, Sharman, Assistant to the President Bond. Minutes

Life as a musician can be exciting and creatively fulfilling, but there’s a lot of unpredictability, which can cause stress. Bands break up, shows close down, work dries up… but rent is still due and life still has to go

Do you know someone who’s a user? Research estimates that substance abuse is common in about 10 percent of the general population. But the percentage is much higher in the music industry. Musicians are particularly at risk for substance abuse

After touring the country for a couple of years with a few musicals (“Catch Me If You Can,” “Shrek” and “South Pacific”), I decided to settle in NYC and join Local 802. I’m also a member of AFM Local 72-147

Bassist Ken Rizzo often did travel dates with Julie Budd during the late 90s, usually with Kenny Hassler on drums and Art Weiss on keyboard. He took an offer to fly to Cleveland, hoping to visit the newly opened Rock

If you have called the Recording Department at Local 802 lately, you have probably noticed that the young women answering your calls have a slight foreign accent. The three newest members of the staff there, and one of the new

I joined Local 802 after hearing great things about the union from other musicians. I was also intrigued by the benefits and services that come with being a member. I’m always trying to make my presence known in the New

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. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th

Pete Seeger left a large footprint when he went away. I first knew him from a record I used to own, “Darlin’ Corey.” I loved his singing and his driving banjo line. I met him when the group that made

The late Joe Wilder, who died on May 9 at the age of 92, was the “gentleman of jazz,” dearly loved by everyone who knew him. Ed Berger’s new book on Joe, titled “Softly, With Feeling,” is a fine tribute

Back in the 1950s, when I was with Gerry Mulligan’s quartet, we played a week at the Village Gate opposite Dizzy Gillespie’s quintet. Woody Allen was the comedian on the bill, just starting his career as a standup. When Woody

I re-joined Local 802 because I was asked to play with the Trinity Baroque ensemble at St. Paul’s Chapel, and the job requires union membership. My musical goal in NYC is to help further the early music scene, where historically

When musicians are front and center, it’s better for everyone. Local 802 musicians were recently featured in costume and on stage for an Off Broadway revival of Brecht’s “The Threepenny Opera” at the Atlantic Theater from March 12 to May

The late Frank Wess, who died last Oct. 30 at the age of 91, was nicknamed “Magic” by his colleagues. He certainly worked wonders with his saxophone and flute. I first met him when I was at Birdland with the

The office of the Musicians’ Assistance Program is your one-stop shop for musicians’ health. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, housing, food stamps

A few years ago, Howard Danziger had a solo piano gig in the lobby of the Grand Hyatt Hotel on 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue. The hours were 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., a “power breakfast” session. The piano was

The jazz world lost master guitarist Jim Hall in December, and it struck close to home for me. I had a deep connection with Jim both musically and personally, and I’m overwhelmed by the loss. We met when he came