10/29/16
I. LETTER TO THE EDITOR
II. LAST MONDAY’S LOCAL 47 NON-MEETING
III. LIKE TUBAS?
IV. EVENTS
…Absolutely guaranteed anonymity – Former Musician’s Union officer
…The one voice of reason in a sea of insanity – Nashville ‘first call’
scoring musician
…Allows us to speak our minds without fear of reprisal – L.A. Symphonic musician
…Reporting issues the Musicians Union doesn’t dare to mention – National touring musician
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I. Letter to Editor Local 47 – GENERAL ELECTION 2016
Dear Editor,
The AFM 47 Website says; “For the first time in recent history, all candidates
who submitted nominating petitions for the 2016 Local 47 General Election
were unopposed. On Sept. 16 the Election board declared all candidates
elected by acclamation.”
According to the Election Board Chair only one petition was obtained from
the Secretary-Treasurer and that petition contained a “slate” of all the
incumbents. That petition was circulated at both the Hollywood Bowl
and Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Subsequently, the Local 47 Secretary-Treasurer, Gary Lasley was
questioned about the fairness of the process .
1) The incumbents have access to obtain signatures where the
rank-and-file do not. Union officials can go to any rehearsal,
backstage or soundstage. Can the Union arrange for equal access
for those non-incumbents seeking signatures? ( It was just a few
years ago that the by-laws were amended prohibiting petition
signatures to be obtained at Local 47…where member musicians
gather to rehearse.)
2) Why was each person running for office not required to get
their own 50 signatures? This would require that persons seeking
to serve the membership actually interact with the rank-and file
on their own. Obtaining signatures in this instance of all incumbents
on a single “slate” forced the members to make an all or nothing
acceptance.
The answer from the Secretary-Treasurer was that making each
person get their own signatures would be disruptive to the workplace.
Obviously, the incumbents are getting their signatures in the
workplace and have engineered the rules to advantage themselves.
Further, the Secretary -Treasurer was very clear that any changes
would require a by-law amendment.
This situation makes it onerous for anyone not regularly in contact
with large groups of fellow musicians to collect signatures and run
for office. The incumbents have a clear and distinct advantage which
disenfranchises the rank-and-file.
Under Title 29 § 452.51 Election of Officers of Labor Organizations.
“A union may not adopt rules which in their effect discourage or
paralyze any opposition to the incumbent officers.”
Member, Local 47 AFM
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II. LAST MONDAY’S LOCAL 47 NON-MEETING
LOCAL 47 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
No quorum reached – 34. Peaked at around 40 around 8pm.
Parlitmentairan rattled off reasons for passing a resolution
related to benefits for Officers, Committee members and
Executive Board members.
“Since increase is to the position not the person it’s OK.”
Acosta should not be able to vote on his own rate. Nor should
the other officers.
Isn’t that what the salary review board is for?
Member: Need to listen to legal opinion, would the change
put the local in more monetary problems.
Member: Galled that the hourly wage is increasing to $45.
Turns out it is already $45.
Levy says – Amendment generally is passed to next term
if defeated, If it’s not voted on at a meeting
Salary review board – Hourly pay is currently $45, not
requesting an hourly rate change.
OUR dues now will pay for HMO Insurance for directors
and executive board members.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Gives floor to RMA head – More talk of protecting the
recording musician’s product. Much more complicated now,
considering platforms
Board member – if most AFM recording happens in Los Angeles,
why are the meetings in New York?
Answer – All the labels are based in New York.
Pasadena Symphony negotiations happening.
Metro and orchestra contract – turning out to be chaotic…
too many cooks.
Musica Angelica has relocated to Long Beach. Working out
details for dues.
Cabrillo Music Theater – CBA is with contractor, not theater.
Want to change that.
-Co-Sponsored event with Michael Giacchino on a LOST theme
at Ford Theater… Big Success.
Still in talks with Magic Castle.
-Went to ICSOM.
LA Phil member is now chair of ICSOM.
-Concluded low budget seminar – thanks to those involved.
-New music prep chart is on website.
-Film musician fund workshop happened.
-AFTRA looking to put on future workshop.
Organizing:
Member leader: Purpose is to make a more powerful Union.
– Asking for phone volunteers.
– Working to get better contracts.
– Currently focusing on Pasadena Orchestra contract.
– Trying to get more work on AFM agreements.
– Musical Theater – Trying to convene Theater folks to get a plan together.
– Asked for feedback and ideas.
At 8PM have 40 attendees.
BUILDING
-In and out of escrow several times, mostly by the Local’s choice.
Are currently in the 3rd Escrow October 28th is the deadline,
which would mean end of year transition out of the building.
-MEMBER: In previous article Acosta said we’d not sell, the building
till we have somewhere else to go…. Acosta: That is true.
-Doesn’t one of the buildings have also an environmental issue,
a gas tank in the back. We’d have to spend money to do environmental
cleanup? True
-Another one of the buildings, for perhaps the same one, is actually under
lease into 2017. True,…. Formerly leased by Enterprise.
-MEMBER: The initial building on Alameda had three businesses in the
front parking lot. A big deal was made of the fact that the rents on those
businesses would pay the $120,000 per year property tax. That building
is out of the picture. Are the financial expectations being adjusted to
account for that?
-Must request extension if we’re not ready to go.
New Member – Why are we selling the building –
Answer given: Started campaign in 2015.
Campaign: Time is now – Several years of significant short falls
that caused us thinking to sell the building to insure our future
and stabilize the financials.
————-
-Checking out effect of Tax Incentive’s impact.
Health Care – Hand W fund is looking at accepting a migration of
contributions under the motion pictures plan. Have all contributions
go into one bucket.
It’s complicated. Data goes to utilization issues. What are people using
and buying? Are they buying top tier or lower tier.
Fund is looking at several different options. Traditional, Side by Side
Flex, etc.
What would be the most optimal path?
Member: Since Taft Harley funds flex plan, we cannot have any effect
on that use.
Will we continue to have our plan subsidized the members?
Fund is subsidizing less than it used to be.
Answer:
-Will protect Local 47-
AFM
Rochelle Skolink is new SSD Director
Legislative Agenda for AFM
-IEB for December will take on national nonunion recording issues.
-New In house counsel hired by AFM for West Coast Office
-Ongoing negotiations with Sound recording companies,
Live TV and Broadway League for touring Pamphlet B Show.
VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Attended Pamphlet B negotiations.
Talked about election.
3 day meeting for PRO 61 rally – that included Bernie Sanders.
Over 500 people here. Built stage, Brought in bus.
Member spoke on 61.
Golf tournament – Rick is new Chairman, Acosta president of
Music Fund of LA.
Former President Espinosa has moved to Connecticut.
Went to ASMAC lunch with Nathan Wong.
Personal note: 1st Wednesday of November ASMAC will be
honoring “Animaniacs” in the Auditorium.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Financials – 2nd quarter revue
Income $2,693,021
Outflow $2,251,728
Profit $ 441,293 dollars
Overture has won 6 awards this year – thanks to Linda Rapka.
Books signings on December 4th 3-6
Washington Rucker
And one other
Dec. 6th – Referral service will have next mingle event
-2016 Directory is available.
-Free notary available for members
-All union radio station 47.org/radio
-Check into the overture online.
PROMUSIC DB platform is up
1) Pro credits’ database – Digital platform – can validate the
information. Can fix Wikipedia problems. Create an archive.
Membership is a tax write-off.
2) Educational Platform for digital musicians. Teaching online
etc. Can use dropbox affiliated with the Promusic DB.
3) Can get you at other sites, they can put all your info together
for you in one spreadsheet.
Page is on Local 47 website – promusicDB.
COST of election – $20,000 dollars.
[ WHere did the $20,000 go? They didn’t spend our dues money
for the unchallenged campaign fees did they? There’s no need for
outside publication attention, only mention in the Overture.
So they must be talking about flyers and such, which THAT Slate
should have paid for.]
Resolution: Is it possible for the salary revue board to request a
vote at the next general membership meeting? YES
Request to postpose voting to next general membership meeting.
Board will either OK the delay or not. What will happen if they
do not allow it is not apparent. Board cannot, by our bylaws,
vote on their own salaries or benefits.
Must be voted on by the membership.
Meeting closed at 8:47.
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III. LIKE TUBAS?
Here is a rare TUBA Collection article for those who might be interested.
http://tinyurl.com/h8be4gl
=========================
IV. EVENTS
PHIL NORMAN CD
Now Available for Purchase
Since last months formal release by MAMA Records,
the Phil Norman Tentet’s newest CD has moved up
from #209 to #20 nationally by
JAZZ WEEK CHARTS
which weekly tracks & monitors jazz CDs radio airplay
To order this NEW CD,
simply e-mail your name and address to
PHIL NORMAN and we will mail you a copy.
Upon receipt submit your check for $20 – it’s that simple.
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From Bill Berry
For Your Consideration
Hi folks,
I want to share some exciting news. Many of the people in
our songwriting community, as well as a few talented friends in
New Orleans and Nashville, are eligible for nomination for a
Grammy award this year. And I want to tell you about them.
For starters, my album Awkward Stage is eligible for Best
Comedy Album and the track The Piano Tuner With The
Lazy Eye for Best American Roots song!
For those of you who are Recording Academy voting members,
and those who aren’t, here are some of the artists and writers
in our circle who could make it to the 59th Annual Grammy
Awards. You can click on links to listen to the eligible albums
and tracks!
The Grammy Nominations will be announced on December 6th, 2016.
Don’t forget to vote!
-Bill Berry
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DEAN AND RICHARD
DEAN AND RICHARD are now at Culver City Elks the first
Friday of
every month.
7:30pm-10:30pm,
11160 Washington Pl.
Culver City, 90232
310-839-8891
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LA WINDS JAZZ KATS 584
NO COVER, NO MINIMUM.
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at Viva Cantina
7:30-10:00.
900 Riverside Drive,
Burbank.
Free parking across the street at Pickwick Bowl.
Come hear your favorite charts played the way they
should
be.
We are in the back room called the Trailside Room.
Come on down. Guaranteed to swing.
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10/29-30/16
HARVEST MUSIC FESTIVAL
RESERVE YOUR SEATS NOW
OCTOBER 29th – 30th at 7:30 PM
HARVEST MUSIC FESTIVAL 2016
Intimate Musical Soirees with Old World Hospitality and
Charm Presenting Extraordinary Concert Artists and
Distinguished Speakers
Two Evenings of World Class Music Making
Each Concert Featuring Unique Programming & Artists.
Tickets and Reservations are available
at: www.malibufriendsofmusic.org
or call: (310) 589-0295
Saturday, October 29th at 7:30 pm
MONTGOMERY ARTS HOUSE FOR MUSIC AND
ARCHITECTURE Music Room
“BRINGING IN THE HARVEST”
Musical Works to Display the
Warmth of the Human Spirit
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Sunday, October 30th at 7:30 pm
MONTGOMERY ARTS HOUSE FOR MUSIC AND
ARCHITECTURE
Music Room ”SPOOKY SONORITIES”
The Sacred and Secular (And a CRAZY Haunted House)
Featuring Harvest Festival Artists
Performing Exceptional Works of Johannes Brahms, Gioachino Rossini,
Rebecca Clarke, William Bolcom , Bela Bartok, Max Janowski and Maria Newman
2016 Harvest Festival Artists:
Christina Borgioli, soprano
Diana Tash, mezzo soprano
Nandani Maria Sinha, mezzo soprano
Wendy Prober, pianist
Maria Newman, violinist and composer
Scott Hosfeld, violist
Paula Hochhalter, cellist
MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Samuel Thatcher
For more information on the Malibu Friends of Music
please visit: www.malibufriendsofmusic.org
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11/2/16
Free Admission Glendale Noon Concerts:
Wed NOVEMBER 2, 2016 at 12:10-12:40 pm
Ergo Musica Baroque Ensemble will perform
J.S. Bach’s Cantata BWV 152.
Website: http://www.glendalenoonconcerts.blogspot.com
Thank you!
Jacqueline Suzuki , Curator, Glendale Noon Concerts
818-249-5108
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11/4/16
Charlie Ferguson Sextet
performing at
East Los Angeles College – S2 Recital Hall
1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez
Monterey Park, CA 91754
Friday, November 4, 2016
8:00 PM-9:30 PM (1 set)
$12 general admission, $6 students w/ ID
Charlie Ferguson – piano
Billy Kerr – tenor saxophone
Michael Stever – trumpet
Jacques Voyemant – trombone
Chris Conner – bass
Nate Laguzza – drums
Contact (323) 265-8894 for more information.
11/19/16
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SFV Symphony Orchestra
Nov. 19, 2016 – Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center
Bizet: Carmen Suite #1
Bizet: Symphony in C major
Fernandez: Oboe Concerto
– Francisco Castillo, oboist
Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minor, 1st mvt.
Thompson Wang, violinist
Contact: Roberta Hoffman, publicist ([email protected])
www.sfvsymphony.com
Program information:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Other concerts in the series
Jan. 21, 2017 – Tutor Family Center at Chaminade West Hills
Schumann: Manfred Overture
Mendelssohn: Symphony #3 in A minor (Scottish)
Belling: Music Madly Makes the World Go Round
Inaugural Performance
Cary Belling, violinist
Mar. 18, 2017 – Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center
Tuttle: By Steam or By Dream Overture
Inaugural Performance
Prokofiev: Symphony #1 in D major (Classical)
Ben-Haim: Pastorale Variée for Clarinet, Harp and Strings
Geoff Nudell, clarinetist
Beethoven: Romance for Violin and Orchestra
Domine: Frankenstein Fantasy
Ruth Bruegger, violinist
May 13, 2017 – Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center
Saint-Saens: Bacchanale from “Samson and Delilah”
Tchaikovsky: Orchestral Suite No. 2 in C major
Egizi: Orchestral Suite
“In Memoria di Mio Padre”
Inaugural Performance
Programs subject to change
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You can read all previous offerings at:
http://www.responsible47.com
UNTIL NEXT TIME,
THE COMMITTEE FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLE LOCAL 47