NO MEETING/SLAP/POPS/SANTA BARBARA/GRAMMY INFO/COMMENTS/CONCERTS

I. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN YEARS, QUORUM NOT MET - NO LOCAL 47 MEETING
II. A FINAL SLAP IN THE FACE BY THE ESPINOSA ADMINISTRATION-
Auditorium Renovation done by NON-UNION Company
III. MORE ON THE PASADENA POPS/PASADENA SYMPHONY
IV. WATCH OUT SANTA BARBARA SYMPHONY MEMBERS!
V. MEMBER GRAMMY INFO!
VI. COMMENTS
VII. CONCERTS AND EVENTS

================

ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH, OUR NATIONAL ELECTIONS TAKE PLACE. HOWEVER YOU VOTE,… VOTE!

I. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN YEARS, QUORUM NOT MET - NO MEETING MONDAY NIGHT

There were 37 in attendance this past Monday. In January, 2007 there was a resolution
passed to require the board to open an immediate board meeting on the spot if there
was no quorum, so that the members in attendance can be heard.

A loophole exists however. if no Resolution is on the agenda the board can choose
to open a meeting but doesn’t have to. Especially with AFM Secretary Sam Folio
attending the meeting, we feel the right thing to do would have been to open a meeting,

As we have seen again and again, whenever this board with the current officers are
given the chance to be open or closed, they always choose to shut out the membership.
Monday was no different.

President Espinosa said that we could ask questions of the AFM Secretary individually,
with soon to be President Trombetta adding, “but he cannot do it at the microphone.’

Conduct that, while legal, is still shameless.

What could they have been afraid of having put on the record?

See below….

================

II. A FINAL SLAP IN THE FACE BY THE ESPINOSA ADMINISTRATION-
Auditorium Renovation done by NON-UNION Company.

A few weeks ago, papers confirming that the renovation of the Local 47
Auditorium was done by a non-union company, The Richardson Group,
were sent to: the AFM, Construction Locals (Carpenters, Electricians and
Plumbers) IATSE, AFTRA/SAG, THE PRODUCERS, DIRECTORS GUILD,
VARIETY, the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER and the LOS ANGELES TIMES.

Here is an excerpt from the Letter sent with the package:

————–

September 8th, 2008

Dear President Sweeney, AFL-CIO

Professional Musicians, Local 47-AFM-AFL-CIO, under the leadership
of President Hal Espinosa and the Local 47 Executive board and under
the direction of V.P Vince Trombetta have willfully chosen to use a
NONUNION construction company for the renovation of Local 47’s
building auditorium and adjacent lobby. The Richardson construction
group proudly displays on their website (www.therichardsongroup.com)
that they are a non-union construction company, thus sending the
message to prospective clients that since they don’t have to pay benefits
or a fair wage they are going to be cheaper.

It is egregious that a Local within the AFL-CIO would choose to use
non-union labor and thus make Union Brothers suffer by not earning
the fair wage and benefits had they done the job. President Espinosa
and his Executive Board have touted to their membership for many
years to only do UNION work. The board has even brought members
up on charges for doing non-union engagements. Furthermore, non-
union Musicians are not even allowed to rehearse or step foot on the
grounds of Local 47….

In Solidarity,
Outraged Brothers of Local 47

————

THE COVERUP

-A screenshot of the Richardson Group website on September 4,
2008 clearly shows that they list themselves as a NON-UNION
Commercial General Contractor. On their jobs page at the time
the logo of our Local was shown with the news of the awarding
of the Local 47 renovation contract.

then…..
-A screenshot of the Richardson Group website from September
22nd, shows the company’s description had been changed to
COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR, and all reference to Local
47 had vanished.

-Some days after that the website showed a 2nd change to the
company description, to that of a “Merit Shop”, which is another
name for a non-union company.

The minutes of the July 15th, 2008 Local 47 Board meeting (printed
in the September Overture) show that the contract for $325,000 for
the renovations had already been signed with the Richardson
Group, having gotten three competing bids. $325,000 of our union
membership dues paid to a non-union company through Club 47,
the owner of record of our building.

———–

THE EXCUSES

We’ve heard of two excuses for the hiring of the non-union company:

1) Well, there were union AND non-union workers involved.

That’s rather like an orchestra with both Union Members and
core status musicians, isn’t it? The difference is, core status musicians
pay approx. 87% of their union dues, including the portion that goes
for building upkeep and renovations, though Hal and the gang refuse
the core status folks access to the building. On the other hand, they
gladly grant access to totally non-union workers and pay them with
our dues.

2) We were fulfilling our fiduciary responsibility to the membership!

In other words, they either could not afford, or chose not to hire a
union company because they were too expensive. Sound Familiar?

How is that different from a film company going out of town or
non-union to save money on their film score? It ISN’T. it is exactly
the same. A more blatant example of hypocrisy we cannot think of.

————-

A QUESTION TO ASK

-Since the contract was signed before it was reported in the July 15th
board meeting, did VP Trombetta inform the board members that the
company our Local was giving $325,000 to was non-union?

We should be ashamed that those renovations were apparently done by scab labor
with the full knowledge and support of our UNION OFFICERS! More accurately,
the OFFICERS SHOULD BE ASHAMED, but as we’ve seen from their actions the
last few years, shame’s got little to do with it.

And to think, the incumbent leadership is unopposed in our upcoming election.

THE COMMITTEE

===================

III. MORE ON THE PASADENA POPS/PASADENA SYMPHONY

We received this very well documented comment from a concerned member.

To the Committee:

here is a blog on the Pasadena Symphony situation:

http://www.violinist.com/blog/laurie/200810/9222/

also some facts:

Neither the Pasadena Symphony (or the Pasadena Pops, until it was a
last minute attempt to save the orchestra) is in ROPA.

If the Pasadena Symphony WAS in ROPA, their music director, Jorge
Mester, would be the 2nd highest paid conductor (Pacific’s Carl St.
Clair is #1) and Pasadena by far has the fewest number of services
of the 70+ orchestras in ROPA.

Is Jorge Mester giving back any of his salary (in 2005-2006, it was
$218,000+) for the cancelled concerts? At least two of his scheduled
peformances are cancelled (November, and January). That works out
to a significant amount of money. Also of note is all the money raised
from a benefit concert (in September 2008) conducted by John Williams.
According to sources it raised over $700,000 yet where did the money
go? I hope the musicians are insisting on an audit. After all, this is a
non-profit organization and has to be transparent.

A quote from Tom O’Connor, ONE the Executive Directors (there are
2 ED’s with this organization):

“It was ‘fortunate’ that most symphony players also earn a living as
studio musicians. So they work with us out of the love of working
with (conductor) Jorge Mester, doing concerts that stretch them, so
I don’t think this will have a significant financial impact on them.”
a previous quote from O’Connor:

“The two institutions are stronger together than apart,” O’Connor said.
“The merger gives us a more efficient infrastructure while maintaining
two distinct products.”

Stronger? the Pasadena Pops never had to cancel 50% of it’s season
when it was alone. There is also no mention of the fact that O’Connor
had already displaced dozens of musicians by firing them from the Pops
Orchestra when they merged. His salary in 2005-2006 was $100,000.
You would think the prime directive of his orchestra, would be to actually
have, well, concerts.

-END COMMENT-

sources for quotes in this comment:

http://www.adaptistration.com/?p=1248

http://www.ropaweb.org/component/option,com_dbquery/Itemid,113/

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/star/ci_10712251

http://theorchestras.org/cpage.asp?id=3

http://www.guidestar.org/

http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jun/18/entertainment/et-pasadena18

—————

THE COMMITTEE’S TAKE:

The quote above from Tom O’Connor confirms what we’ve said previously.
The Pasadena Symphony was at least partially taken over by a number of
recording musicians once their recording work started to diminish. That
also explains once again why the Local 47 officers gave little more than
lip service to helping the POPS. The symphony didn’t count on a loyal
Pasadena audience that would boycott the interlopers, nor the funders
jumping ship.

We’ve seen in recent years more and more “recording” musicians displacing
existing musicians in area orchestras. the latest may be coming in
Santa Barbara.

Read below, THEN PUT YOUR ORCHESTRA COMMITTEES ON NOTICE!

==================

IV. WATCH OUT SANTA BARBARA SYMPHONY MEMBERS!

Here are a few facts:
-Who is the contractor for the Pasadena Symphony? Polly Sweeney
(Assisted by her son, Ryan Sweeney)
-Who is the contractor for the “new” pops? Polly Sweeney
(Assisted by her son, Ryan Sweeney)
-Remember that the 67 musicians fired from the Pops had
contracts. Their contracts didn’t protect them.
-Both orchestras have had a good number of their seats taken
over by recording musicians, displacing their former musicians.

-The Santa Barbara Symphony has hired a new conductor.
-The new conductor is hiring new musicians, moving many established
members back in the sections.
-The former contractor for the Santa Barbara Symphony resigned.

MOST IMPORTANTLY:
-Who is the new Contractor for the Santa Barbara Symphony? Ryan Sweeney,
son of the contractor for the Pasadena Symphony AND Pasadena Pops, both
groups heavily seeded by recording musicians.

The writing is on the wall, folks. DON’T BE SHEEP,… SHEEP GET SHEARED.
You can either go on the offensive for your jobs, or be shoved aside by a group
of musicians who feel entitled to have the next best jobs when they are not
working in the recording studio.

The choice is yours.

===============

V. MEMBER GRAMMY INFO

CAL ARNOLD

An album I (Cal Arnold) played bass on is up for the Zydeco/Cajun Grammy
in the Folk category. Please consider Lafayette’s Bayou Boys - Gumbo Zydeco
if you are a Grammy voter, and if not, take a listen. You can hear it at
Myspace.com/GumboZydeco

————

PEGGY DUQUESNEl

I am very excited to share the good news that my new gospel CD “Show Me
Your Way” is on the 51st Grammy ballot. Two songs from the CD are also on
the ballot!

If you are a voting member of NARAS I would be grateful if you would consider
voting for my music.The CD and songs are available to listen to on my website
www.peggymusic.com and can be downloaded
at iTunes, Amazon.com and CDBaby.com

Thank you for your consideration and support!

Peggy Duquesnel
www.peggymusic.com
562-290-8027

******************************************************

Here is the information for voting on the ballot:

Field 11 - Gospel

Category 51: Best Gospel Performance
#054 Help Me Choose
Artist: Peggy Duquesnel

Category 52: Best Gospel Song
#060 The Greatest Miracle
Songwriter: Peggy Duquesnel

Category 54: Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
#024 Show Me Your Way
Artist: Peggy Duquesnel

—————–

GIULIO FIGUEROA

Hello to all,
My Album “Two Brothers” Live at Canal 52 has been entered into
the “1st Round” for the 51st Grammy Awards and is running for
Best Latin Jazz Album-Category 50 (Vocal or Instrumental)
This is the first step in a 2 step process towards the finals.
If you are a member of Naras please consider it when casting
your votes. You are also welcome to stop by our My Space page
to check out the music.
http://www.myspace.com/twobrothersfigueroapinheiro

Two Brothers
Julio Figueroa & Thiago Pinheiro
Live at Canal 52
Also featuring: Cliff Hugo, Hussain Jiffry, Dave Thomasson,
Gerhard Joost, Thiago Alves and Michael Angel)
Label: Discos Pampa

Thanks and all the best,
Julio Figueroa

Giulio Figueroa
julfig@hotmail.com
www.myspace.com/juliofigueroa
www.juliofigueroa.com

—————–

ALEX SHAPIRO

Hello friends,

For those of you who are voting in this initial onslaught… uh, I mean
nomination round, of the Grammys, (!) a piece of mine that has fallen
into the hands of many well-meaning yet unsuspecting contrabassoonists
is up for a nod, and all of us associated with it would be thrilled if
it were to land a nomination. It’s called “Deep,” and is composed for
the oh-so-common combination of solo contrabassoon and prerecorded
electronics. It was brought from the depths to the light on this
recording by bassoonist Leslie Lashinsky, and appears on my latest CD
for Innova Records, “Notes from the Kelp.” The piece was originally
commissioned and recorded by Carolyn Beck, includes the contributions
of the late percussionist Dan Morris, and has received a lot of
attention this past year for which I am quite grateful. The specific
ballot info:

Field 30
Classical Category 104 - Best Chamber Music Performance
#144
SHAPIRO, ALEX: DEEP

If you are curious about “Deep,” you can hear an audio clip, and see
the blush-inspiring reviews, including Kyle Gann’s comment that,
“Surely this is the best solo contrabassoon piece ever written…”. Do
you know how much money I had to pay him to write that?? Thanks, Kyle.
You can even watch the video that contrabass clarinetist Marco Mazzini
created of the piece. C’mon, click here:

http://www.alexshapiro.org/Deeppg1.html

Many thanks to you all for your consideration!
Your friend in the kelp forest,
Alex

—————

SCOTT WHITFIELD

First round entry ballots have been mailed to all NARAS members,
and we are reaching out to all (GRAMMY) voters to please consider
the following entries from Ginger & Scott’s “Dreamsville” for a
GRAMMY NOMINATION:

General Field:
Category 3 (Song of the year):
Entry # 377: “Lorelei” by Bebe Herring and Scott Whitfield.
Entry # 479: “Pardon Me While I Fall In Love” by Ginger Berglund & Scott Whitfield.

Field 10 (Jazz):
Category 46 (Best Jazz Vocal Album):
Entry # 030: “Dreamsville” (Ginger & Scott).

Category 47 (Best Jazz Instrumental Solo):
Entry # 163: “Dreamsville” (Jennifer Leitham, soloist).
Entry # 340: “On A Slow Boat To China” (Scott Whitfield, soloist).

Field 23 (Composition and Arranging):
Category 87 (Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists):
Entry # 056: “Dreamsville” (Jennifer Leitham, arranger).
Entry # 128: “Listen, Little Girl” (Bob Florence, arranger).
Entry # 153: “On A Slow Boat To China” (Scott Whitfield, arranger).

SPECIAL NOTE: For those Grammy voters who have not yet heard the
album, please email me, and I will send mp3 files of any and all tracks
that interest you.

===============

VI. COMMENTS

The comments below and elsewhere in this mailing represent the
uncensored views of the readers and not necessarily those of the
COMMITTEE. In the faith that freedom of expression allows for the
birth and ascendancy of the most beneficial ideas, all sentiments
expressed are welcome, subject to the bounds of good taste and
decorum. If you disagree with an opinion expressed by any contributor,
we encourage you to rebut it here.

—————

CONCERNING OUR ENTRY ON THE PASADENA POPS/SYMPHONY:

Amen!

——————

To the freelance drummer relocated to LA: The RMA is supposed to be
under the umbrella of the AFM, just like 3 other organizations at Local
47: the free lance musicians, theater musicians and symphonic musicians.
RMA is a secondary organization and is a result of the AFM. You can be a
member of the AFM and not belong to the RMA. But you can’t be a member
of the RMA and not be a member of the AFM.

—————

From Rick Blanc

Imagine it is Kristallnacht, and as the Gestapo arrives at your doorstep you
ask, a la Rodney King, “Can’t we all just get along?” We know that the
question is dangerously naive. We know that because we understand something
about the character of National Socialism.

What I have noticed lately, also here in Nashville, is a certain degree of the
same naivete. ‘Can’t we, the AFM and the RMA, just get along?’

The answer is no, and for the same reason: the character of RMA (LA) leadership.
I’m not known for mincing words and I’m not going to start now. RMA-LA leadership
is ruthless, power-hungry, corrupt, devious, and without concern for either the
consequences of their actions or the common welfare. They are utterly without
integrity. They are about their narrow interests, i.e., power and money. Period.

Rick! How can you say that? Yadda yadda. The RMA will use you if you let them,
or they will stick a knife in your back in an LA minute if it is politically expedient.
You don’t believe me? Hopefully you will one day.

The important thing here is to understand that the RMA-LA poses a very real
and dangerous threat to the stability and future of the AFM. They also threaten
the music industry in the United States. They want to control both the AFM and
the industry from the top down. How many of you are naive enough to believe
that is going to be beneficial?

RMA members have for the most part already made up their minds. But the rest
of you out there — the rank-and-file trying to survive and plan a future in music —
should understand that the RMA, like a disease, must be contained. It is a wrecking
ball; the most threatening organism to hit the AFM in a long time. Do not allow the
RMA to take control of and corrupt your local as they have in Los Angeles.

Rick Blanc, member Local 257 (please attach name)

—————-

Concerning Rick Blanc’s previous offering:

It might be worth noting that at the time Rick Blanc wrote his commentary about
“The Nashville Situation” he had been a member of Local 257 for less than a week.

[EDITOR'S COMMENT: It is our understanding the Mr. Blanc moved to Nashville
some time ago. We must also point out that if someone is determined to get the
real lay of the land, including talking to the board and Local members, a week is
plenty of time to assess the situation.]

—————–

I have two questions/concerns…
Why don’t you simply join the RMA and vote for some new leadership? The RMA
is visible, they have meetings and elections. You have some very interesting
points that might be well received by some RMA members…So join up and
change things if you feel they are evil.
And why does the San Fernando Valley Symphony, a non union orchestra (as
far as I know) that could certainly sign a Metropolitan agreement, get to
advertise in the “Responsible 47″ newsletter repeatedly? Wouldn’t it be more
responsible to keep the newsletter in solidarity with pro-union efforts? If the
San Fran Valley Sym doesn’t want to go union, fine. But why should they get
to advertise on an email list that is supposed to be promoting responsibility.
I doubt you’d tolerate a non-union concert being posted in an RMA newsletter.

[EDITOR COMMENT: Several points to make here. First, many members of the
COMMITTEE are members of the RMA, and until their last election, few dared
even challenge the "PICKS" of the RMA leadership for fear of retaliation. That
the last election had more people challenging the status quo shows that the
vice grip of fear to speaking up is being lessened. Eventually the need to pay
bills overpowers fear.
Secondly, we will advertise ANY MEMBERS' concert or event. Further, to believe
that the RMA advertises ONLY union concerts is distinctly nieve. If you pay them
the $50 (fifty) dollars they'll advertise your event. Do you really believe all the
big band or small jazz gigs they send out emails for are union? Of course not.
Why the writer chooses to target the Valley Symphony is anyone's guess, but few
community orchestras are union,.. and even fewer (i.e. NONE) university groups are.

Lastly, we find it far more PRO-UNION to fight to improve our Local for all members
and keep it's officers honest rather than create an organization (The PMG) that by its
very nature is destructive and anti-union, wouldn't you agree?]

===============

VII. CONCERTS AND EVENTS!

Message from Composer Sharon Farber

It is my great pleasure to announce the release of the soundtrack of
“When Nietzsche Wept”(Millennium films). It’s been long time in the
making and I invite you to visit
http://www.moviescoremedia.com/nietzsche.html for excerpts and more information.

The CD is available on itunes and Amazon.

Yours truly,
Sharon

—————-

11/1/08

The American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers
PROUDLY PRESENT

A Master Class with Golden Score and
Grammy Award winning Composer/Arranger

BILL HOLMAN

November 1, 2008 - 10am to 1pm

LA Valley College - Band Room 112
5800 Fulton Avenue
Valley Glen, CA 91401

This is rare opportunity to spend a few hours with the legendary jazz arranger,
Bill Holman. We will look at his scores covering the last 40 years beginning with
Kenton and Basie, through his own current band.

A moderator will interview Bill and all in attendance will be invited to ask
questions. This could easily be an inspirational turning point in your creative
journey.

All attendees will receive a DVD containing samples of Bill’s music and scores.

Please make your reservation today for this event.

Master Class Registration Fee:
ASMAC Members $20 - Students $25 - Non-Members $35

Please make reservations by calling:
ASMAC office (818) 994-4661 OR David Blumberg (310) 454-3963
Or emailing asmac@theproperimageevents.com

NOTE:
This class was originally scheduled for October 25th and is now set for
November 1st.

————-

11/6/08

DR. JIM SITTERLY RECITAL

New Music @ DMOA proudly presents
An unaccompanied violin recital
And the premiere of “Gypsy Dreaming”
Featuring violinist, Dr. Jim Sitterly

Thursday, November 6th, at 7:30 p.m.
At the Downey Museum of Art
(http://artscenecal.com/DowneyMsm.html)
10419 South Rives Ave., Downey, CA. 90241
Phone: (562) 861-0419
Admission: $10 Students/Seniors $5

Violinist Dr. Jim Sitterly will present a program of solo violin pieces
combining the baroque music of Telemann, 20th century music of Debussy and
21st century music written by Mr. Sitterly. Featured on the program will
be a new unnacompanied violin piece, 5 years in the making, composed by
Dr. Sitterly, called “Gypsy Dreaming”.

—————

11/7/08

JOHN ALTMAN QUARTET

John Altman plays a rare quartet gig in LA on Friday 7th November from 8pm at
Spazio in Sherman Oaks. Joining him on piano will be legendary West Coast Jazz
star Frank Strazzeri whose career encompasses working with the likes of Billie
Holiday and Woody Herman, the great Harvey Newmark on double bass whose
credits include Cal Tjader and Anita O’Day and Frank Sinatra’s legendary drummer
Frank De Vito, who was also part of the Hollywood Wrecking Crew in the 60s.
Promises to be quite a night of music at a terrific restaurant

Start Time:
Friday, November 7, 2008 at 8:00pm
End Time:
Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 12:00am
Location:
Spazio
Street:
14755 Ventura Boulevard
City/Town:
Sherman Oaks, CA

Hope you can make it down - should be a fun night”

—————

11/8/08

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SYMPHONY
Nov. 8, 2008 Concert, 8PM at the PIerce College
Performing Arts Building
Franck: Symphony in d minor
Zaninovich: Concerto for Orchestra
Domine: Concerto for Violin, Viola and String Orchestra
Ruth Bruegger, violin
Agnes Schwartz, viola

General Admission - $25
Students/Senoirs - $20
Under 12 - $15

For info call (818) 347-4807

Relevant links:
www.sfvsymphony.com
http://www.sfvsymphony.com
http://www.myspace.com/molayband

————–

11/9/08

LOS ANGELES PIERCE SYMPHONIC WINDS AND JAZZ BAND

Featuring singer/songwriter Sonny Hilden & the Jazz Ensemble
“The Last Season Concert of the Year. Don’t Miss it!”

Sunday, November 9 at 1 pm and 4 pm
Pierce College Performing Arts Building

———–

11/17/08

KIM RICHMOND CONCERT JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Please mark it on your calendar and come by to see this remarkable large
jazz ensemble, presenting unique, inventive, wonderfully player and often
dramatic arrangements and compositions (which includes a French horn section).

November 17, 8 PM and 9:30 sets
Typhoon Restaurant and jazz venue, Santa Monica Airport,
3221 Donald Douglas Loop S.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 390-6565
Great food!
Who: Personnel:
Woodwinds: Alex Budman, Phil Feather, Glen Berger, John Yoakum, Bob Carr
Trumpets: Jeff Bunnell, Jon Papanbrook, Steve Huffsteter, Jonathan Dane
French horns: Jean Marinelli, Stephanie O’Keefe
Trombones: Charlie Morrilas, Joey Sellers, George McMullen, Morris Repass
Rhythm: Tom Hynes, guitar; Andy Langham, piano; Dan Lutz, bass; Ralph Razze, drums

————————-

11/22/08

VIOLINIST

JAY ZHONG

in a Violin Recital
with
VALERIA MORGOVSKAYA AT PIANO
Program includes works by
Beethoven, Sinding, Milstein, Liszt, Sarasate, Stravinsky, and Gershwin

November 22, 2008 7:30 PM
Admission Free
Congregation Church
9659 Balboa Boulevard
Northridge, CA 91325

———————–

11/29/08

UPCOMING LISA HALEY/ZYDECATS CONCERTS

SAWDUST WINTER FESTIVAL - 12 noon
Laguna Beach, CA
http://www.sawdustfestival.org

============

UNTIL NEXT TIME,

THE COMMITTEE FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLE LOCAL 47

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