Allegro
Currently Browsing: March, 2020
DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE MARCH 2020 ISSUE OF ALLEGRO (CLICK THE LINK BELOW)
Download a PDF of the March 2020 issue of Allegro
STRENGTHENING OUR UNION COMMUNITY IS OUR PRIORITY
President's report
In mid-February, my office sent out an e-mail blast to all members of Local 802 about a Josh Groban gig that was taking place at Radio City Music Hall. Here’s what we sent out: AFM members are advised that the
Small, tangible steps can lead towards larger goals
Women of 802
If you were to interview the few thousand women and women-identifying members at Local 802, the largest local of the AFM, you would have thousands of perspectives on what it is to be a musician in any given field, thousands
DCINY musicians are united for a fair contract
DCINY musicians have been very busy since the last time we reported in Allegro. As many of you know, Distinguished Concerts International New York has been operating as a producer and presenter of music out of Carnegie Hall and Lincoln
CENSUS 2020: Every New Yorker counted!
The 2020 census is here! For various reasons, in past years a significant number of New Yorkers have not participated in the census. Without a complete count, our city’s fair share of congressional representation is at stake, as are billions
NY Phil unveils largest women-only commissioning initiative in history
‘Project 19’ commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment
One hundred years ago, American women legally gained the right to vote with the ratification of the 19th Amendment. It was a much-needed victory, but only a partial one — poor women and women of color were still denied their
EQUAL ACCESS
Women in jazz come together
March is Women’s History Month and this year we are also celebrating the 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement. While female jazz performers are not a novelty anymore, they still make up only one fifth of the field. As
A PIONEERING WOMAN FOR LABOR RIGHTS
It’s never been more important to remember the visionary work of Frances Perkins
“‘Social justice’ is more than a shibboleth with her; it has been the maxim of her life, and if it carry her far, no one can say that the need is not great.” — New York Times editorial, 1933 On
THE RHYTHM OF BROADWAY
In honor of Women’s History Month, eight percussionists share their inspiring stories about playing on Broadway
Thanks to Janna Graham and Mariana Ramirez for suggesting this story and reaching out to their colleagues with terrific questions. If you have your own story to share, please e-mail Allegro@Local802afm.org. Tell us a little bit about your musical history
MEET MY MANAGER
Clara Schumann’s surprising role in the career of Johannes Brahms
By Styra Avins Clara Schumann just celebrated her 200th birthday! Most people know her as the wife and muse of Robert Schumann, as one of the very great pianists of the 19th century, and the center of the emotion-ridden triangle
SOLIDARITY AT THE TABLE: Bargaining committees and union negotiators need to stay united
Legal corner
The primary concept of unionism is solidarity, which is premised upon the principle that there is strength in numbers. While it may be impossible for a single worker to effect workplace change, a cohesive group of workers acting together with
EMPOWERING THEATRE MUSICIANS
An update from your Broadway Theatre Committee
Do you play on Broadway? If yes, then the Theatre Committee is your committee! Our meetings are open to all Broadway musicians, including subs. If you have any business or concerns you wish to be discussed, contact us at BroadwayTheatreCommittee@gmail.com.
STAMFORD FOREVER!
With loyal musicians, a strong committee and a dedicated management, the future of the Stamford Symphony looks brighter than it’s ever been
By Peter Weitzner It seems that an orchestra is just like a farm. The practice of running a farm can be like riding a roller coaster. Some years the weather doesn’t cooperate. In other years, fields must be left barren
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
MLK Day 2020
This winter, Local 802 members Kyle Hoyt, Joshua Zarbo, Sita Chay, Kyra Sims and David White participated in a day of service on MLK Day, where they got the chance to mentor aspiring young high school musicians. Here’s what they
WHY MUSICIANS NEED UNION STEWARDS
Notes from the field
What good is a contract if you can’t enforce it? One of the great benefits that comes with having a union is the protection of collective bargaining agreements. But arguably what’s even more important is the ability to enforce them
LET’S KEEP ABORTION SAFE AND LEGAL
Guest commentary
March is Women’s History Month, and this year is also the 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision granting women the constitutional protection to access abortion. On this monumental anniversary, it is clear that the right
OWN YOUR POWER
Winning on stage
Even though I’m an eternal optimist, I know that mistakes are inevitable. Live musical events often happen in less than ideal conditions. There are many factors involved that can result in random accidents and unforced musical errors. Accidents are unwelcome
‘Why we joined the union’
Colleen Ruddy
I joined Local 802 to be part of a larger network of great musicians and to be able to perform in union productions here. I would love to be involved in more touring opportunities of all different styles — but
‘Why we joined the union’
Alejandro Senior
I joined Local 802 because I wanted to be a part of a larger arts community and have access to a supportive network of talented musicians. I have decided to dedicate my career to both music and theatre, and I’ve
‘Why we joined the union’
Avigail Malachi
I re-joined Local 802 last year after I was offered an opportunity to join the Off Broadway production of “Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish” on Stage 42. I’m so glad that I had the privilege to be part of
‘Why we joined the union’
Napoleon Revels-Bey
I first joined the union when I was 16 and recently renewed my membership in Local 802. I see music as part of my soul’s journey, and my ongoing musical goal is to make the best contribution to the arts
‘Why we joined the union’
Nicole Patrick
I joined Local 802 after getting some work opportunities through the union. I hope to continue meeting wonderful people and making music with the support of the union. I recently returned from a three-week artist residency in Melbourne, Australia, with
‘Why we joined the union’
Harry Mackenzie Inglis
I hail from sunny South Africa, but I studied in the midwest and earned my master’s degree in viola performance here in NYC. Apart from playing the king of instruments, I love jazz piano, politics and long-distance road cycling. I
Executive Board Minutes
January 14, 2020 - February 4, 2020
Monday, January 14, 2020 Meeting called to order at 11:12 am by President Krauthamer. Present: Financial Vice President Fisher, Recording Vice President Schwartz, Executive Board members Davis, Donovan, Frawley, Hoyt, Kainuma, Paisner, Shankin. Minutes of January 6, 2020 reviewed. It
The Musicians’ Voice
Jonathan Tunick recalls Buster Williams’ lush sound To the editor: Thanks so much for Peter Zimmerman’s interview with Buster Williams in the February issue of Allegro. I would like to add to the list of Buster’s many accomplishments the year
THE BAND ROOM
Back in the 1940’s, there was a club on Times Square called the Zanzibar. It featured headliners like Nat Cole and Louis Jordan. At the time, I was serving in the Army, based in Maryland, and got the chance to