Allegro
Currently Browsing: May, 2017
Fighting for the Arts
President's Report
I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather and the beginning of a beautiful spring. There’s been a lot going on at Local 802 in the month since my last report, and I’d like to share all the news with
NYU on Unfair List
New York University and Vice Dean Ted Magder have been placed on the AFM International Unfair List due to their unwillingness to cover Local 802 musicians under any agreement. NYU employs Local 802 members as independent contractors in its film
Investment in the arts doesn’t cost us money – it MAKES us money!
I just got back from a rally at City Hall. It was organized by City Council member Jimmy Van Bramer to protest the proposed budget cuts to both publicly funded arts organizations (NEA, NEH and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting)
The NEA is ‘Wasteful’ Spending? These Audiences Beg to Differ…
Financial Vice President's Report
I found out recently that my very dear friend, Frank Donaruma, had scheduled a horn recital at the landmark Flushing Town Hall building. Many members know Frank. He has been a member since 1960 and has always been a strong
New York State has a Big, Ugly Budget
Music & Politics
Late in the evening on April 7, after months of speculation, missed deadlines, a budget extender and great amounts of frustration, Governor Cuomo stepped before cameras to announce that an agreement for the fiscal year budget had been reached. The
Call to Action
Tell Congress to pass H.R. 1695
Background As millions of musicians across the country know, copyright law, regulation and enforcement (or lack thereof) is a vitally important topic, impacting musicians’ ability to protect their artistic property and make a viable financial living through their recorded music.
‘Dear Broadway Musicians…’
It’s been my honor and privilege to have been the chair of the Broadway Theatre Committee for the last seven years, a time that I will always look back upon with great reverence. I first served as co-chair in 2009,
The next chapter of the Broadway Theatre Committee
Do you play on Broadway? If yes, then this is your committee! With meetings open to all Broadway musicians, including subs, the Broadway Theatre Committee serves as the liaison between Broadway musicians and Local 802 by addressing, discussing and voting
‘Oh, look honey…there’s an orchestra down there!’
It happened again the other day. A couple walked by the edge of the orchestra pit, looked down at the end of the show, and one half declared to the other, “Oh, there’s an orchestra down there! Look, honey! I
Bypass the AFM? Labor judges say no!
Legal Corner
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
Cinco de mayo – It’s Movement Time!
Cinco de Mayo is a cheerful holiday filled with margaritas, tacos and huge sombreros. In reality, 5 de mayo is an international day commemorating the Mexican Army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
Apollo musicians make gains
The Apollo Theater Foundation and Local 802 recently reached a successor collective bargaining agreement for the Apollo Theater Amateur Night Band. The three-year contract, which covers four musicians who perform weekly on Amateur Night at the Apollo, has been in
Free Spirit
Nina Stern on the majesty of the recorder and the power of reaching people through music
Nina Stern has carved a unique and astonishingly diverse career for herself as a world-class classical clarinetist and recorder player. A member of Local 802 since 1985, she performs widely as a soloist and as a principal player with the
The Musicians’ Voice
E-mail letters to the editor or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th Street, New York, NY 10036. Letters must be no more than 300 words. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of Local 802. MORE
A Tribute to Carmine Caruso
May 26 will mark the 30th anniversary of the passing of my great teacher, Carmine Caruso. (1904-1987) To commemorate that event and celebrate his life and legacy, I will host a tribute to the master on Tuesday, May 23, between
Executive Board Minutes
October 18, 2016 - November 1, 2016
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2016 Meeting called to order at 11:07 a.m. by Financial Vice President Olcott. Present: Recording Vice President Schwartz, Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Dougherty, Hyde, Kruvand, Sharman, Suttmann, Assistant to the President Bond. President Gagliardi absent on
Coordinating Advisory Committee Minutes
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
These minutes were prepared by CAC Secretary Bill Rohdin. These minutes were approved by the CAC on 10/22/16 by “reply all” e-mail. Meeting called to order at 1:06 p.m. in the Executive Board Room. Present: Roger Blanc (chair), Bill Rohdin
Find meaningful sideline work
News from the Actors Fund
The Actors Fund is your one-stop shop for almost any kind of service you can imagine. We offer counseling – both one-on-one and in groups – as well as information on all kinds of social services, including health insurance, housing,
The Band Room
May 2017
In one of my favorite stories in his autobiography, Louis Armstrong told about a musician who worked on the riverboat with him on a trip up the Mississippi from New Orleans. He said that the guy had a farm in
‘Why we joined the union’
I originally joined Local 802 after I was asked to join Jon Batiste and Stay Human, the house band at “The Late Show” with Stephen Colbert. It’s been an incredibly fun gig and so wonderful to learn all the benefits
‘Why we joined the union’
I joined Local 802 because I’m a strong believer in the power of collective bargaining. The union provides wages and benefits that would not otherwise be available to working people. By being a part of Local 802, I join ranks
‘Why we joined the union’
I joined Local 802 because I was invited to play in the Off Broadway show “Once Upon a Mattress” with Transport Group. I was very excited to have my first union gig! The show was so much fun to play,
‘Why we joined the union’
I joined Local 802 during my senior year of college at Harvard, while commuting to New York to work as a music assistant and copyist on the new Broadway musical “Waitress.” I had interned on the show at the American
‘Why we joined the union’
I joined Local 802 because I believe in professional musicians uniting for fair wages, rehearsal times, contracts, and business. I was born and raised in Brooklyn. A part of my pride in this city has to do with its wealth