I. GET YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST FORM NOW!
II. AFM/RMA SUMMIT
III. OPERA PACIFIC CLOSES DOWN
IV. COMMENTS
V. CONCERTS AND EVENTS

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

I. GET YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT NOW!

Colleagues,

The time window for getting your absentee ballot, receiving it, voting and
getting it back to the voting company in time for our election IN December
is fast closing!

You can get a printable PDF of the absentee ballot request form from the Local
47 website, under headlines, or from our website, www.responsible47.com.
You’ll find it in the list to the left of the main screen.

Once again, our endorsements are:
Dr. Bobby Rodriguez - Director
Charles Fernandez - Director
Ron Hess - Director and Delegate
Ira Nepus - Director

These are the new faces needed to help bring balance to our Local 47 board.

————-

MAKE SURE THE CANDIDATES HAVE EARNED YOUR VOTE!

As we hear often, actions speak louder than words. If you do not like the choices
on the ballot or how the board members have used their positions, don’t give
them your vote. Every vote for those you don’t really support reduce the chance
for change and balance.

Our recommendation: If you don’t like the officers running, leave that area blank.
It does in fact send a message.

If you only support four or five of those running for various positions, vote for
only them.

We need to have more diverse, TRUE representation on our board and only you
can deliver it. Please help us help you.

THE COMMITTEE

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

II. AFM/RMA SUMMIT

From the information we’ve gathered, the AFM/RMA summit held a couple
of weeks ago in LA was a bust. We understand that the RMA said all the
AFM’s “problems”, apparently referring to the recording musicians lawsuit
and other issues, would go away if the RMA was given control of the West
Coast AFM operations. This after the RMA insisted they had nothing to do
with the current lawsuit by recording musicians.

The day after the summit concluded, recording musicians war-chest Fareplay,
Inc. head Rafael Rishik sent a letter to recording musicians calling the 2%
work dues on special payment funds an “illegal tax”, saying legal action was
imminent to prevent recording musicians from having to pay these dues,
and encouraging a “wait and see” attitude to musicians regarding payment of
these dues.”

(see Fareplay letter below)

———————

October 24, 2008

Dear Fellow Recording Musicians:

Many of you will have received a letter and a bill from the AFM this week.
The bill is for work dues on your Sound Recording Special Payments Fund
distribution for 2008. We feel strongly that the imposition of work dues on
this distribution violates the law in a variety of ways.

We are working closely with legal counsel. Counsel has advised us that legal
action is imminent to stop the AFM from collecting these unfair and illegal
taxes. Counsel recommends that for the moment we take a “wait and see”
position, and stand back as the legal process plays out. This will take a
while and we are fully prepared for a long process of litigation on your
behalf. It now appears unlikely that the AFM will be able to bill us for
work dues on the Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund. However, if they
ever do get around to billing us, we will respond appropriately.

These are some of the ways in which FarePlay, Inc. is looking out for your
interests. Our mandate is to protect the rights of recording musicians, and
we will continue to do so in all the ways that we can.

Of course, our ability to fund work on your behalf depends on the financial
support you give us. We are well on the way to achieving our financial
goals, and that is due to the commitment and generosity of musicians all
around the country.

But we need to do more.

Our mission to defend decades of collective bargaining continues. The AFM
should be keenly aware of the fact that in this time of economic upheaval,
scoring political points at the expense of it’s membership is
counterproductive. Pitting one group of union members against another for
financial gain is just plain wrong. We know these are difficult times, but
we do need your continued support. No donation is to small or to large, so
please give what you can. As FarePlay continues to fight on behalf of
recording musicians throughout this country, we know that our cause is just
and that we will prevail.

Please visit www.fareplayfund.com. You can make a donation through PayPal
securely from the website, or drop a check in the mail. The address for your
check or money order is:
FarePlay, Inc. 2633 Lincoln Blvd. #726 Santa Monica, CA 90405 United States

Thank you so much for your support,

Rafael Rishik
FarePlay, Inc.

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

III. OPERA PACIFIC CLOSES DOWN

from the OC Register, Tues., Nov 4:

Opera Pacific closes down, likely for good
Orange County’s only major opera company is a victim of the
economic downturn.
By TIMOTHY MANGAN
The Orange County Register

Three days after its final performance of Rossini’s “The Barber of
Seville,” Santa Ana-based Opera Pacific, the county’s only major
opera company, announced Tuesday that it will cancel the
remainder of its 2008-2009 season and will likely close down
operations for good.

The economic downturn is to blame, according to Robert C.
Jones, president and CEO of the company.

“All I can say is that at this moment there are no plans for next
season,” Jones said, shortly before leaving the office on his last
day on the job.

Read the full article here:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/opera-company-jones-2217667-pacific-county?slideshow=1#slComments

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

IV. 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.

—————–

Has anyone heard that the Opera Pacific is folding? This orchestra
will be out of much work and I wonder about the “coincidence” of this
happening the same month that Pasadena Symphony is shutting down.
It would not be unthinkable that this could be a sham way to “reconstitute”
these groups next year, this time with the nifty 150 occupying the seats.
Considering the rumors of the RMA working to take away all tenure in the
local orchestras, this might all add up. Anybody know more about this?
Just wondering?

[EDITOR'S COMMENT: That the RMA leaders are trying to get rid of orchestral
tenure is not conjecture or rumor, it is fact. As we reported some time ago,
the RMA leaders themselves discussed their desire to do exactly that a few
RMA meetings ago. However, not even we believe that their influence is
that wide. Time will tell.]

—————–

I am wondering how it is that Local 47 came across the Richardson
Group. What kind of incentives does the Richardson Group offer to potential
clients? Was it really cheaper to use non-union labor? Who’’s palm got greased?
Is there a record of who the competing bids were? Were any of the bids from
union contractors? What is the AFM’s postion? It’s not like you can boycott Local
47 for hiring non-union workers. I doubt the Richardson Group is “Made in the
U.S.A”. But then again, Lou Levy is waiting for Obama to get elected to correct
egregious situations just like this, right?

“The greatest problem in communication
is the illusion that it has been accomplished.”

- George Bernard Shaw

- motto on the web site of the The Richardson Group

——————-

I hate to bring gloom & doom, but I am seeing this in festivals nationwide.
Sponsors are withholding monetary commitment until they know how high
their taxes are going, or just pulling out altogether in advance. This means
sports teams, TV shows, etc will also be feeling the pinch.

It’s time once again to go fill out those Grant forms and get tax-funded
grants, like we did in the 90’s… endless paperwork for the artist.

——————-

I’ve read your paranoid conjectures with amusement for a couple years, but your
latest Pasadena Symphony/Pasadena Pops/ Santa Barbara Symphony conspiracy
theories are, for me, the final straw.

You know virtually nothing about any of the Pasadena Symphony’s travails over the
last two years. By the way (not that it would make a difference to the committee, since
it is omnipotent) I’ve played in the Pasadena Symphony for 36 years.

You take a few tidbits of information:

(A) The so-called merger with the Pasadena Pops.

(B) Newspaper quotes from the executive director of the Orchestras of Pasadena
(oh yeah, he’s got his hand on the pulse of the musicians).

(C) The indisputable incompetence and clumsiness in which every aspect of the
Pasadena Symphony’s business has been handled by its board and executives
for the last two years.

(D) The Violinist.com’s informed and legitimate questions on the whole situation.

And you conclude, voila!…the recording musicians did this.

Well, of course, who else could it be?

Facts:

1. The members–RMA or otherwise–of the Pasadena Symphony found out
about the “merger” from the Pasadena Star-News newspaper. We knew nothing
about it before then and were, almost to a man (or woman) aghast at the prospect
of playing pops. (Not the gig we signed up for, “elites” that we are.)

2. Many (if not most) of the members of the Pasadena Symphony, rather than
coveting the Pops gig, refuse–even now– to play it.

3. The reason the members of the Pasadena Pops lost their gigs is this: The
organization they played for–”THE FOOTHILL FRIENDS OF MUSIC’–dissolved.
The non-profit ceased to exist. The Pasadena Pops musician’s contracts expired
within a month of said dissolution. The group doesn’t exist.

Is that a bad thing? Hell yes. But guess what? It’s a freelance town. It happens.

Orchestras I belonged to that dissolved over the decades: California Chamber
Symphony. William Hall Chorale. Los Angeles Radio Orchestra. Probably more.

The Pasadena Symphony had cooked along, effortlessly for 40 years or more,
playing nice concerts, perfectly within demographic scale to the Pasadena arts-
receptive population, a very good orchestra, a conductor the band liked, a nice
scene. Then the board of directors decided to absorb a dying Pops Orchestra.
And the story since then? Lose–lose–for everyone.

But what the hell? Blame the RMA, they’re the demons.

The absurdity of this is so self-evident, if one were to extrapolate the logic-
laziness further, it would make every argument you make vis-a-vis RMA vs.
AFM laughable on its face.

And the next bit of ridiculous paranoia…The Santa Barbara Symphony.

Now, I’m the first to admit I know next to nothing about the Santa Barbara
Symphony–never played it–not going to play it. But the idea of a conspiracy
of recording musicians taking over the orchestra?

Are you serious?

Picture it: The “priviledged recording elites” that you constantly demonize
wanting to drive 3 or 4 extra hours a day to dislodge players from their jobs
two counties away. Perhaps, at this point, the question to the committee should
be, “Are you totally insane?”

The “evidence” of this diabolical conspiracy is that the son of the current
personnel mgr. of the Pasadena Symphony is the new Santa Barbara Symphony
personnel mgr. Okay…so what?

From what I’ve observed, the personnel mgr. of the Santa Barbara Symphony is a
talented young player, recently out of music school, knows a lot of good young
players, seems well respected and quite bright. Sounds like the perfect resume’
for personnel mgr.of a growing Metropolitan Orchestra to me.

But, no, the committee (the only person(s) in Local 47 history to assasinate the
character of Local 47’s beloved, respected and trusted icon Serena Kay Williams)
has decided this fellow is a fiendish devil, firmly in the pocket of the RMA…without
one speck of evidence. Since the committee knows nothing about him –but has
a forum to destroy people’s reputations–why not burn him at the stake?

Funny, though, I’ve never seen him on a studio session. Since I’m one of the all-
powerful “nifty 150″ he must not be a demonic studio elite like me.

I await your rebuttal of innuendo, hearsay, outright fabrications and character
assasination.

Psst…I heard the recording musicians were on the Grassy Knoll in Dallas on N
ovember 22, 1963…. Pass it on.

Use my name, –Ed Meares

[Editor's comment: Mr. Meares, every "fact" you relate above, and all others similar
to yours, have already been rebutted in previous offerings. You can find them at
www.responsible47.com.

Our information came from members of the Pasadena Symphony, the original Pops
and the Santa Barbara Symphony.

We have a question for you, Mr. Meares. Besides the advent of technology, whom do
you blame for your own loss of work? The COMMITTEE? Tom Lee? Joe, the Plumber?
Couldn't be that you just became overpriced for the market, could it? Who controls that,
Ed? Do you dare lay blame where it belongs and hope you keep your present work at
the same time?]

——————-

From Rick Blanc:

Yes, I spent a couple months in Mississippi after leaving LA and had been in
Nashville a short time when I wrote my initial comments. So what? Is it
interesting that I am new to Nashville and if so, why? Rather than commenting
on my schedule I think comments concerning the substance of what I have
written would be more interesting and relevant. I invite my Nashville (and LA)
colleagues to join me in contributing comments of a substantive nature. If you
believe I am wrong — and maybe I am — tell me how. Tell us all.

Rick Blanc, member 257 (please attach name)

——————-

Following up on your response to my concerns over the San Fernando Valley
Symphony and electing change at the RMA.

Re: The RMA. I wasn’t necessarily addressing “the committee” when I suggested
that people join the RMA. This newsletter seems to have a loyal following of
disenfranchised freelance musicians, if a good number of these people joined
the RMA than you could affect change with simple volume. The contention I
have read here for a long while is the RMA is controlled by an “elite” few.
Seriously, why not encourage the readership to join the RMA?

Re: Non-union gigs…I singled out the San Fernando Valley Symphony because
I have been seeing their advertisements frequently on here. I also know that
there is the “metropolitan” agreement that is catered to community orchestras,
and by looking at Local 47’s site you’ll see that many community orchestras are
acting responsibly.
I don’t agree with your policy of promoting non-union events on a forum like this.
If your contention that the RMA advertises non-union events is true, I’ll be on
their case as well.
Finally, while criticizing Local 47 when they do wrong is laudable, and forming
a splinter group is not, you can be an even more effective agent of change by
leading by example.
Why shouldn’t musicians get benefits by playing with SFVS? Why can’t Maestro
Domine find a way to make that happen for his musicians? He should be on the
phone asking for a meeting with Hal. And if Hal doesn’t make time for him,
report that here. But I think he would.
Part of making Local 47 more responsible is monitoring our officers– but we
have to monitor ourselves as well…we need to actively promote union dates.
Because that benefits us all. We need to get back to the core value which is
“we can do better collectively.” Again I say, while non-union events are a reality,
we don’t need to celebrate them here.
The writers of this newsletter are in a great position. They’ve forged a voice in
the chaos, what will they do with it?
In solidarity.

—————–

Here’s a thought. Maybe they found the non-union building contractor through
our “amazing” Local 47 referral service?

—————–

IS A CONTRACTOR REQUIRED TO BE A PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN???????

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

V. CONCERTS AND EVENTS!

11/16/08

CELA concert

Composers Ensemble Los Angeles (CELA) will be featured in concert at 2:00,
Sunday afternoon, November 16, 2008.

Location is the residence of Alan Kay, 655 N. Bundy, in Brentwood California.
(310) 472-4241 Admission is $10 at the door.

The strong suit of this group is the great diversity of musical styles represented.
Jazz, contemporary “Concert,” film style, cartoon style, you name it! Most of the
12 performers in CELA are active composers or arrangers, as well as being
performers of the first rank.

Composers being heard in this concert include Marcy Vaj, Harry Gilbert, Robin
Ross, Charles Fernandez, Ron Hess, Robert Anderson, Larry Tuttle, Kim Richmond
and Michael Kibbe.

for more info Call (310) 391-2722

——————

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

————————-

11/19/08

SAXOPHONIST HARVEY WIREMAN TO APPEAR AT
TUSCANNY’S DINNER CLUB ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH.

Area resident Harvey Wireman will be apprearing for one night only, performing
with his quartet, “The Legal Eagles” at Calabassas night spot Tuscanny’s.
Wireman, a long-time L.A. attorney and now retired, will be performing jazz
standards from the Great American Songbook, as well as music that he recorded
for the Disney film “The Little Mermaid VI: Ariel and Sebastians Big Fat Greek
Wedding” [readers take note: you may remember from previous emails that this
film was recorded in Bolivia, another loss to our local musicians]. Wireman will
be joined by Los Angeles chanteuse Margaret Gray, singing songs from the movie
such as “Opa, Opa, Opa!” and “It’s Wet Down Der’ (under the sea)!” Cover charge
is $25, which includes 2 drinks and a 10% off coupon to Tuscanny’s sister
restaurant, Ted’s of Beverly Hills.

————————

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

———————-

12/7/08

“L.A. Drummer Jeff Dowder will be appearing with his band
ROCKnOUT
Sunday, December 7, at 9:30pm
Hollywood dance club “Le Grooverie” on Sunset Boulevard.

Dowder, who many know as a local radio personality
and professor at Cal Tech, will be, together with members of the band,
signing copies of the bands latest CD “Bitchin!” which explores the
intricacies of five four rhythms and was dedicated to Dowder’s friend,
the late Toby Ashland of Wrightwood, California.

Tickets will be sold at the door and cost $20. See you then!!!”

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

UNTIL NEXT TIME,

THE COMMITTEE FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLE LOCAL 47

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