Allegro
Currently Browsing: July, 2015
When Musicians are Replaced, We Must Fight Back
President's Report
Summer is here and there’s a lot to report this month. First of all, our article in the May issue about the American Symphony Orchestra and Bard College went viral, attracting the most views of any article we’ve published in
Local 802 wins first major agreement with a NYC nightclub
Local 802 announced in early June that the union has entered into a collective bargaining agreement with New York venue 54 Below. The agreement, which is the first of its kind between Local 802 and a major NYC nightclub, formally
The American Ballet Theatre Celebrates 75 Years
Photos: Walter Karling I joined ABT in the late 70s. It was not the coveted job that it is now. Orchestra members worked very hard to improve working conditions and salaries over the years, but that’s the kind of progress
This World is Our World
Unions roll up their sleeves to fight for climate justice
When Local 802 musicians led the labor contingent of the People’s Climate March last September, they were part of an event that sparked an already growing mass movement to pressure the leaders of this country and the rest of the
Musical Awakening
It’s time for the annual iPod drive on Broadway to bring the power of music to Alzheimer’s patients Everything has gotten too complicated these days!” That is the familiar refrain of my father. You see, he is now in his
‘Always Be Flexible’
Clarinetist John Moses, a member of Local 802 since 1966, is at the top of his game. He’s performed with virtually every major ensemble in the area and is currently the first clarinetist with the American Composers Orchestra, the New
Stars in the Alley
Live musical theatre sounded great at the Broadway League’s annual revue called “Stars in the Alley,” which took place in the heart of the theatre district. The free outdoor concert included excerpts from over 20 shows. Local 802 members performed
Musical Connections
Using creativity and live music to inspire others
“Where are you from?”, I ask one of the seven or so teens in the small, echoey box of a room. “Far ROCK.” “How about you?” I ask another. “Far ROCK.” I have never been to Far Rockaway, a neighborhood
A Victory for Free Speech
The Supreme Court rules that even the creepiest Facebook posts aren’t criminal unless the writer intended a true threat. This ruling protects perverts…but it also protects songwriters, artists and anyone using avant-garde imagery in their writing… Anthony Douglas Elonis is
Bylaw Amendments
The following three bylaw amendments will be presented at the Oct. 14 membership meeting. Words that are struck through indicate deleted language. Words that are underlined indicate added or new language. 1) ARTICLE VI: ELECTIONS. Section 1. Beginning with the
‘Why we joined the union’
To join Local 802, call our Membership Department at (212) 245-4802 or visit www.afm.org/join As a bandleader, professional flutist and native New Yorker, I rejoined Local 802 because the union provides a venue for networking with booking agents and musicians
Executive Board Minutes
March 31, 2015 - April 7, 2015
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 Meeting called to order at 11:02 a.m. by Financial Vice President Olcott. Present: Olcott, Recording Vice President O’Connor, Executive Board members Brandford, Cranshaw, Cutler, Dougherty, Hyde, Kruvand, Schwartz, Sharman. President Gagliardi absent on union business. Minutes
‘How do I help my friend?’
Musicians' Assistance Program
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, food stamps and
July/August ’15
The Band Room
I drove out to Glen Cove, Long Island, to say goodbye to my old friend Marty Napoleon, who passed away on April 27 (see obituary). His body was there in the casket, but his spirit was on the other side