Allegro
Currently Browsing: November, 2017
Why We Are Voting NO
President's Report
As Allegro goes to press, there are only a few days before the Nov. 7 general election in New York. We urge you to vote for our endorsed candidates (see www.local802afm.org/political-endorsements) and we also urge you to flip your ballot
The Musicians’ Voice
E-mail letters to Allegro editor Mikael Elsila 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
What’s in a Name?
Big donors have choices: name a building after yourself, or support dozens of ensembles for years to come
What’s more important to the artistic health of New York City: a flagship concert hall or a thriving network of smaller ensembles? The answer to that question is open to debate, but it could make all the difference. As most
A Constitutional Convention Isn’t What It Seems
Music & Politics
It’s November. Baseball season is over. Thanksgiving approaches. Elections are upon us. Though many New Yorkers may feel that this is yet another election with little at stake, that could not be further from the truth. In a democracy, elections
‘If I Were a Musician’
YUH-LINE NIOU Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou (Assembly District 65) was first elected to the State Assembly in 2016 and quickly established herself as an important advocate for labor protections and as a leader in Lower Manhattan’s diverse community. As the chair
The Big Picture
When Marin Alsop conducts, she looks to tell a story. Her own musical journey follows a fascinating arc as well.
This article from the November 2017 issue of Allegro magazine...
‘Do I really need a manager?’
Jazz Mentors 11
One of the most commonly asked questions in the music business is, “Do I need a manager?” Earlier this fall, the 11th Jazz Mentors program convened at City College’s upper Manhattan campus to explore answers to that question and others.
Musicians earned $11K in Times Square concert series
Out of the Pit
Broadway’s outdoor music series is done for the year after a successful five-month run of weekly music performances. Every week from mid-April through September, Local 802 musicians braved the elements to take a turn in the spotlight, entertaining locals and
Obamacare is Still Here
Despite all the attempts this year to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (otherwise known as Obamacare), most things have remained the same. Open enrollment still begins Nov. 1. There’s still a penalty if you don’t enroll in health
When is a past practice binding?
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
The American Classical Orchestra plays early music with grace, style, and a union contract
Photo Feature
Described as “simply splendid” by the New York Times, the American Classical Orchestra is the city’s premier period instrument ensemble, and is the only early music orchestra with a collective bargaining agreement with Local 802. The orchestra is devoted to
How music education is crucial to the future of live music
Member to Member
I’m no genius. I’m just a musician who cares about the future of live music. I make my living as a music educator, but I consider myself a musician first, teacher second. And I think I might have a plan
‘How do you write a song?’
Member to Member
Allegro’s “Member to Member” column invites musicians to submit their own personal thoughts on music. We’ve recently received essays from members who are also songwriters. Below, Local 802 member Robert Grusecki and his creative partner and wife Anya Turner discuss
Local 802 vs. Local 802
But in this game, everyone's a winner
The Local 802 softball teams played their hearts out this season. As usual, we competed in the Performing Arts Softball League, a 12-team league composed exclusively of Broadway unions and other entertainment professionals in New York City. In the course
Top Talent: Senior Concert Orchestra of New York
Musicians at Work
David Gilbert conducted the Senior Concert Orchestra at its annual recital at Carnegie Hall in October. The ensemble is composed of the most experienced professionals in New York City, many of them former musicians with the New York Philharmonic, MET
Executive Board Minutes
April 18, 2017 - June 13, 2017
NOTE: The Executive Board did not meet on May 23, 2017. TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2017 Meeting called to order at 11:08 a.m. by Financial Vice President Olcott. Present: Executive Board members Brandford, Burridge, Cutler, Dougherty, Hyde, Suttmann, Assistant to the
Bylaw Amendment
The following bylaw amendment will be proposed and voted on at the Local 802 membership meeting on Feb. 7, 2018: New language is underlined below: Article III, Section 5, Paragraph (a): “…A further portion of the amount thus collected by
‘Why we joined the union’
In 1970, I left the oppressive reigns of communism that had engulfed Hungary. I arrived in NYC, obtained asylum, and thereafter U.S. citizenship. My diploma from the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest enabled me to enter Juilliard and earn a
‘Why we joined the union’
I joined Local 802 because I feel that unions are more valuable than they ever have been, especially in this climate. My instrument is the Great Highland bagpipe. While some may call it a folk instrument or something you hear
‘Why we joined the union’
As a woodwind doubler, I felt New York offered the most diverse and robust market for my skill set. I joined Local 802 because it has long been a dream of mine to play Broadway shows, and succeed in New
‘Why we joined the union’
I joined Local 802 to network with other musicians. My musical goal in NYC is to share my music with other people through performing. My most favorite and recent gig was a solo show at the Bitter End where I
‘Why we joined the union’
As a pianist/conductor who splits time between Chicago and New York, it just made sense for me to join Local 802. My pursuits are broad, but the union is always a relevant part of my scene. And it’s a connection
‘Why we joined the union’
I joined Local 802 because I love New York music and working with other musicians! As a member of both SAG-AFTRA (I played clarinet for stalwart director Danny Strong on the set of his feature film, “Rebel in the Rye”)
The Band Room
November '17
Many years ago, Lou Caputo and the late Joel Perry were playing a wedding in Arizona on a horse ranch. During the cocktail hour the waitress kept coming over to them and offering them drinks of what she called “cactus