Allegro
Currently Browsing: October, 2014
Remembering Mary Whitaker
President's Report
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
Free Concert!
Enjoy a free concert by the Local 802 Senior Concert Orchestra on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. at Carnegie Hall (in Zankel Hall). Musical director David Gilbert will conduct a program featuring the top musicians in NYC, including a
In Our Hearts
Tributes to Mary Whitaker
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
Why we should care
It's time to take a stand on gun violence
On April 20, 1999, I remember watching the news from the comfort of my couch in my apartment in Boston, being broadcast from a high school in Columbine, Colorado. Fifteen young students and teachers were killed by disturbed children with
How do the new Local 802 health plan changes affect you?
Change is here. As of Oct. 1, the modifications to the Local 802 Health Fund went into effect. In this article, we’d like to review some of the changes, answer some questions, and announce some news. First of all, here’s
Jazz musicians take the fight to City Hall
Jazz artists may soon have a new ally on their side: New York City Council. Supporters of Local 802’s Justice for Jazz Artists campaign gathered in mid-September to testify before a council committee in support of Resolution 207-A. The resolution,
Marching for the Climate
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
The Musicians’ Voice
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
Why Pension Matters
Recording Vice President's Report
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
Fighting Digital Exploitation
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
Passionate About Music
Allegro interviews Anthony McGill
From early lessons in Chicago to a top career in New York City, Anthony McGill has kept his focus, his drive and his energy. Anthony McGill is one of the classical music world’s finest solo, chamber and orchestral musicians, and
Want to Play Percussion on Broadway?
Want to play percussion on Broadway? The NYU Percussion Studies Program, under the direction of Local 802 member Jonathan Haas, recently hosted the eighth annual NYU Broadway Percussion Seminar and Summit. The event brings together an array of renowned Broadway
Sharing the Pie
How a new approach to bargaining could save more orchestras
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
The Trip of a Lifetime
Innocents abroad at the Wagner festival in Germany
When I developed a fascination for all things Wagner several years ago, a visit to the Festspielhaus opera house in Bayreuth, Germany to see a performance was something I planned for my next life, along with a full-time cook and
‘Why we joined the union’
I joined Local 802 after I won the Waldo DeMayo Competition and performed the Elgar violin concerto with the Local 802 Senior Concert Orchestra, directed by David Gilbert. My musical goal in New York City is to enjoy, collaborate and
Executive Board Minutes
August 5, 2014 - September 9, 2014
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 Meeting called to order at 11:03 a.m. Present: President Gagliardi, Vice President Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Schwartz, Sharman, Assistant to the President Bond, Political and Public Relations Director Kremen. Political
Stressed Out?
Social support can ease the pain. Here's how...
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
October ’14
The Band Room
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