I. COMMENT FROM TWENTY-NINE YEAR LOCAL 47 MEMBER
II. RMA: NOT A LABOR ORGANIZATION
III. LETTER FROM CHARLES FERNANDEZ RE: STUDIO 47
IV. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
V. COMMENTS
VI. CONCERTS AND EVENTS

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

I. COMMENT FROM TWENTY-NINE YEAR LOCAL 47 MEMBER

Dear Friends,

As a member of Local 47 for the last 29 years, I have tried
to be a loyal member paying all my work dues and annual
fees in a timely fashion and supportive of a unified stance
for all musicians. It is apparent that the business model of
the music business is completely different than it was when
I joined in 1980.

Since the union still operates under an assumption that the
music business hasn’t changed since 1972 and refuses to
adapt to new business and technological realities of the
present, I am seriously considering the alternative of resigning
and continuing as a freelancer without being a union member.

The benefits of union membership are becoming less and less
apparent and everyone who continues to support it should
ask begin to ask themselves those very serious questions as
to the viability of its future under the same model.

Since the SELA contracts have now been taken away from
freelancers, there is very little reason to continue. Individual
musicians can just continue as as independent contractors,
and creating contracts with each employer that hires them,
negotiating their own wages, paying into their own SEP IRA’s,
buying into their own MSA health insurance. These items can
even be organized into a cooperative that might be able to
negotiate for lower rates collectively without paying the work
dues into the union.

These are just a few ideas to consider. Many of us already do
this because we don’t always qualify for the union’s program
and would allow us to keep vested no matter if it’s a busy year
or a year we would just have to pay into ourselves.

As far as our union pension goes, it has been a pretty successful
and well run retirement program. However, when one looks at
how the benefits have decreased in recent years and the payments
are totally dependent upon the investments that are chosen, I
wonder if many of us wouldn’t do better by putting a steady
amount into an IRA indexed to the total stock market without
all the fees associated with the pension administration costs.
With that, you can also decide what funds you care to put your
funds in and what kind of risk you are willing to take. You would
also be able to will the balance to your heirs upon your passing.
In a pension, it is a bet on how fast you will die before they will
have to stop paying you for retirement.

Also, just look at how our pension was recently invested in GM
bonds that were recently decimated after the GM reorganization.
Our pension had substantial holdings in GM bonds that were
worth 25 cents on the dollar after the federal buyout which our
union supported.

I know this is a little wonky, but for too long we have relied on
other well intentioned musicians to run a union that really needs
to be represented by people who have more experience in law,
investing, accounting and technology than retired freelancers to
represent those of us in the trenches.

I have not decided yet but I would be interested in hearing back
from others who might have some thoughts along these lines
or a good argument against it.

Fraternally yours,

(please withhold name)

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

II. RMA: NOT A LABOR ORGANIZATION

Comm. 47,

How about finding a place to insert Marc Sazar’s speech to the
ROPA convention? It was posted on the AFM Observer blog.
Read it and see what you think.

My own personal thought was that again they are trying to
sell anyone who will listen that they are being discriminated
against because they don’t have a seat at the table. Well,
that’s because they are not a labor organization, they are
chartered as a “business league” and according to their IRS
filings they are a 501 (c) (6).

In 2001 the RMA floated ideas to restructure to change that
status to Section 501 (c)(5) which is designation for a labor
organization. However, in October 2002, their counsel advised
them that to make that change could expose the RMA to past
taxes, penalties and interest.

Quote: “The IRS could very well determine that the RMA does
not qualify for Section 501 (c) (6) status because RMA is simply
not a labor organization (i.e. RMA is not a party to any collective
bargaining agreement, is not a certified/recognized bargaining
agent, does not represent a single person for purposes of that
individuals’ wages, terms and conditions of employment, does
not otherwise “deal directly’ with employers as to employees’
wages and conditions of employment, etc.)

“If this occurs, and the RMA has its Section 501 (c) (6) status
revoked at its request, RMA will not longer have any tax exempt
status”. Cry as they might that they think they should be in
charge of “their” work, they would have nothing if it were not
for the AFM.

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

III. LETTER FROM MEMBER CHARLES FERNANDEZ RE: STUDIO 47

To the Committee,

I understand from the local that UCLA held a recording session
in the local’s room six in the rehearsal room building some time
after my previous letter to the editor was written and sent. Keep
in mind that at the time my letter was written, sent and received
by the local everything said in it was true, though you can expect someone to “write” into the next Overture to say otherwise.

Having spoken to someone involved in the session, apparently the
sound bleed from one of the other rehearsal rooms was horrendous.
(Remember, then VP Trombetta decided to save money by not having
the six rehearsal rooms in that building sound proofed.). In fact, I can
say from personal experience that if you are next to a rock or big
band, you’d better plan on playing something in the same tempo!

After speaking to some of the instructors at the extension courses,
I found that they will be doing quite a few sessions there into 2010.
Sounds good! The problem is however, the only way to make sure
there is no bleed for these sessions will be to either:

1) Sound proof room six;
2) Do what they promised and rebuild a bon fide studio 47 in the
downstairs clubroom (The clubroom itself being a compromise.); or
3) Not allow rehearsals in the other five rehearsal rooms at the
same time.

Apparently the last option is the one they’re using.

So,… there will be many bands excluded from rehearsing
in the other rooms on UCLA nights.

How many members will be denied the use of the facilities we all
paid for if all the rooms are shut down to accommodate the UCLA
recordings in room six?

If you’re one of these band leaders who is now told that the rooms,
‘arenâ•˙t available’ on some weekday evenings, this might be why.
Call the local and ask point blank.

The obvious solution would be to have the sessions in the downstairs
clubroom once a real studio is installed. That way no rehearsal bands
are excluded. Will they do that?,.. or deny members the use of the
rehearsal rooms on UCLA nights?

We need a dedicated Studio 47 for our members and for use by
wonderfully worthy groups such as the UCLA Extension courses,
courses I have played for and even taught on occassion. We don’t
need situations that will interfere with the members use of our
facilities, shutting down five of the six rehearsal rooms every time
a recording is done.

Call the Local and urge them to fulfill their promise of a dedicated
Studio 47 in the downstairs clubroom, a location that is in and of
itself a compromise location.

Charles Fernandez
Local 47 Member since 1983

[From the editor: If you are a group that rehearses at night and find
you are no longer able to, or are told the rooms aren't available,
please let us know.]

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

IV. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Colleagues,

There are many of our fellow musicians going for Grammy
Nominations this year. They are in various categories.

If you are a voting NARAS member, these CD’s are for your consideration.

—
— FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION—

-Jonathan Winters - “A Very Special Time”

On November 11 Jonathan will turn 84 years of age.
What a wonderful honor a GRAMMY Award would make
to bestow upon this legend of the entertainment industry.
Perhaps our last chance to recognize him for his fine
performances here. Recorded during a crucial time in the
legendary actor’s life: his wife of 60 years, Eileen Schauder
Winters, passed away only a week or so after he completed
this album.
Hear selected tracks from the new album at
www.myspace.com/jonathanwintershimself
or hear all tracks for purchase at:
http://mp3.rhapsody.com/jonathan-winters/jonathan-winters-a-very-special-time

—
— FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION—

“Nigun” from the October 2008 CD released on Laurel Records ‘Music for
Viola by Ernest Bloch’

Karen Elaine, solo viola & arranger
Kathleen Robertson, 1st violin
Cameron Patrick, 2nd vioin
Darrin McCann, viola
Matthew Cooker, violoncello
Bruce Monical, engineer and producer
Aaron Walk, Protools editing
John Gilbert, producer

Recorded August 1, 2008 at Capitol Records in Studio B

—
— FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION—

- From artist FAWN SONGIRL
GRAMMY/NARAS members For your consideration “Wish You Love” By Fawn
Winner of JPF Award Best Dance Song 2009.
https://www.masterbeat.com/#release/hd014Â

Thank you for listening and for considering!!

—
— FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION—

- Charles Fernandez’ new CD “Sentimental and Animated”

Several Tracks on my new CD, “Sentimental and Animated”, will
be eligible for Grammy nominations this year. You can hear snippets
of the eligible works and the rest of the CD at CD Baby.

You can listen to snippets at CD Baby:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/fernandez2

The works eligible are:
- RATSO SCHERZO
for Piano and Orchestra
Alan Steinberger, Piano; Charles Fernandez, Conductor;
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
and
- ANIMATUS EVENTUS (Suite in a Cartoon Style); Charles Fernandez, Conductor
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

It’s a three movement orchestral homage to cartoon styles of the
last 70 years. While it certainly stands on it’s own, if you really
know cartoons you’ll hear a lot of references.

Thank you so much for taking the time to listen and please pass it on!

Musically yours,
Charles Fernandez

—
— FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION—

Please consider the debut album of Courtney Fortune “SPEAK LOVE”:

This album, produced and arranged by Chris Walden, is a diverse
mix of original songs written by Fortune and Walden as well as
standards, stylistically ranging from jazz and folk to pop.

Accompanied by such accomplished musicians like Dean Parks,
Christian Jacob, Kevin Axt, Gregg Field, Till Brönner, and many
more. Hailing from the small town of Bellingham, Washington,
twenty-one year old Courtney Fortune began cultivating her
musical niche and crossover style at an early age while performing
at venues in Seattle. As her music blossomed she found a loyal and
enthusiastic following in Japan and the UK, playing sold-out shows
in Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe and an array of clubs across London.
For sample tracks please visit: www.courtneyfortune.com.—

—
— FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION—

About JUMPIN’ & JAMMIN’
“JUMPIN’ & JAMMIN’ Â keeps the party going starting with the first
track and title song JUMP & JAM.Kids will be clapping along and
stamping their feet to the great rockin’ feel that will have parents
dancing along too… But what stands out to me on this recording
is the outstanding musical arrangements and world-class musicians
who keep things interesting and enjoyable for the adults listening.”

CHICAGO PARENT 2009 - Fred Koch
About GREG & STEVE
With the release of their 18th album, Jumpin’ & Jammin’, Greg &
Steve will soon be celebrating their 35th year of entertaining and
educating young children. They have sold over 4 million recordings
and received numerous awards including 9 Parents’ Choice Awards.
They have played in front of millions of children, parents and
teachers. If you have children, or nieces and nephews, they have
probably heard Greg & Steve’s music in their schools or seen them
perform.

What people are saying:
“The duo’s beat heavy, infectious tunes demand waving, shaking,
stomping and singing along… Teachers say the key to Greg & Steve’s
music is the physical interaction their rock-flavored songs virtually
require.”
TIME MAGAZINE - Jeffrey Ressner

“In the great tradition of Simon & Garfunkel and the Everly Brothers,
Greg & Steve play to sold-out crowds of 4 to 9 year olds… which
allows the two Los Angeles based musicians to teach principals of
reading, writing and ‘rithmetic through rock and roll.”
THE WASHINGTON TIMES - John Wall

NARAS Members may preview song clips at
http://www.gregandsteve.com/store.php

—
— FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION—

I am very excited to share the good news that DOUBLE GRANDE
with Deborah Johnson & Wayland Pickard is a GRAMMY CONTENDER.

All are accessible from the front page of the websites
www.DoubleGrandepianos.com
www.DJWorksMusic.com
and can be downloaded at
iTunes, Amazon.com and CDBaby.com

Thank you for your consideration and support!

—
— FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION—

-Hi All!

MESSAGE FROM ROSS WRIGHT

If you are a Voting member for the Grammy’s you should have
received your ballot within the last few days. Elvis Schoenberg’s
Orchestre Surreal and other of Rue de la Harpe artists will be
running in many categories.

You can hear some tunes at: http://www.myspace.com/osurreal

Much thanks!
Ross Wright AKA Elvis Schoenberg (on behalf of RDLH Records)

CDs:
The ORCHESTRE SURREAL: Manic Voodoo Daddy
THE SLOW CLUB QUARTET

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

V. 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.

——————————–

Canceling SELA is the masterstroke in their endgame. For many
members this will be the last nail in the coffin.

Some Health & Welfare Fund background:

The Health and Welfare Fund is a COMPLETELY separate entity
from Local 47 and the AFM. (Actually the AFM is out of the picture
altogether on this. There is no H&W at the AFM level.) It was
established to collect health insurance benefit contributions
through Local 47. It is controlled by the H&W Fund trustees,
three from the union, three from management. The union trustees
are not the trustees we elect every two years. The H&W trustees
are appointed for an indefinite term. The current union trustees
are Hal Espinosa, Vince Trombetta, and Jay Rosen.

These trustees are legally bound to make decisions that are
best for the fund, whether or not those decisions are in the
best interest of Local 47 members! A huge built-in conflict. For
all we know (because this is a virtually secret organization) they
may have canceled the SELA contract because one or two
bandleaders messed up.

Our current trustees, all three of them, since the inception of the
SELA contract have voiced opposition to its implementation.
And now Trombetta sends out an official email crying about his
concern for the members? …Somewhere there is an envious
crocodile.

—————————

I was shocked when an assistant pastor was yanked from my
parish two weeks before Xmas while the pastor was in a hospital
dying of prostate cancer. Trying to get a grasp of the SELA
suspension I must ask “Why” as I did when the assistant was
yanked out of the parish two weeks before Xmas.

I do know that H&W and Pension is a priority to a full time musician;
however, if something wasn’t working kosher a brief suspension is
proper and would not hurt the priority plans. Thirty (30) some years
back having five years at a restaurant, we started out in cash until the
owner’s accountant advised that in order to claim entertainment write-
offs a money trail was necessary. So the employer wrote out checks.
Our local did not have a pension plan, but if it did, a money trail to that
plan would be necessary. If bandleaders want to avoid a money trail,
so be it. I would not put myself in a position with IRS.

The Labor Department is checking locals throughout the country.
Then next they will be checking those who hire musicians whether
it be restaurant owners, etc.,etc.or band leaders. No one will be able to
hide. I may be off the wall and off the subject matter of SELA. The moral
of the story is to be KOSHER in all that is done musically. Have a
pleasant Fall/Winter.

Bob Bell
President Emeritus
Local 336 AFM
Burlington, NJ

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

VI. CONCERTS AND EVENTS

9/26/09

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
James Domine, Conductor

MTAC Concerto - Competition Winners
James Domine - Symphony #1 in D Major
Richard Egizi - Portraits of Rochelle

General Admission: $25
Student and Snrs: $20
Children under 12: $15

For ticket info call (818)347-4807
www.sfvsymphony.com

——————————–

9/27/09

“Maganda at Oto-Genic 3″ on Sunday, September 27 at 7:00pm.

Event: Maganda at Oto-Genic 3
“New songs and new sounds from Maganda”
What: Concert
Start Time: Sunday, September 27 at 7:00pm
End Time: Sunday, September 27 at 11:00pm
Where: 2nd St. Jazz

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=132646243198&mid=11cd68aG2d9f0742G350a733G7

——————————–

9/27/09

Tomas Janzon Trio
featuring:
Albert “Tootie” Heath-drums
Jeff Littleton-bass
Sunday September 27, 4 PM

Alvas Showroom
1417 W. 8th Street
San Pedro, CA 90732

Reservations are recommended, please call (310)519-1314
$15 suggested donation

www.tomasjanzon.com

——————————–

10/3/09

THORNHILL-LEBOW-MEYER TRIO

Dear Friends,

I’d like to invite you to an evening concert of chamber
music by the Thornhill-Lebow-Meyer Trio

MARGARET THORNHILL clarinet, ROGER LEBOW cello, TWYLA
MEYER piano Romantic, Classical and Contemporary Trios
by Zemlinsky, Beethoven, and Daniel Schnyder

Saturday, October 3 - 8PM
Santa Monica Unitarian Universalist Community Church
1260 18th Street (at Arizona)
Santa Monica, CA 90404-1206
Street parking.

Program:
Alexander von ZEMLINSKY Trio, Op. 3 (1896)
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN, Trio in B-flat, Op. 11 (1797)
Daniel SCHNYDER (b. 1961) “A Friday Night in August” (1996)

TICKETS: $20 general - $10 students and seniors, at
the door, cash or check only.

ADVANCE PURCHASE online through Brown Paper Tickets (available
through 10.02.09, credit card ok), specially priced:

$10 general - $5 students and seniors (plus $1.99 service charge.)

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/82875

——————————–

LISA HALEY
on BLUE FIDDLE RECORDS
GRAMMY Nominee by the grace of God
www.lisahaley.com
www.bluefiddle.com

SAT 10/3/09: HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - GRAMMY MUSEUM - 10AM
GRAMMY in the Schools presents: “What is Zydeco?”
for tickets and info please visit:
http://grammymuseum.org/interior.php?section=education&page=familyprograms

——————————–

10/4/09

Richie Hayward - Little Feat drummer - benefit concert.

To let everyone know there is a Benefit Scheduled on October
4th 2009 in Agoura Hills at the Canyon Club to raise money
to assist Richie Hayward in his medical expenses. Richie has
been diagnosed with cancer of the liver, the website
www.richiehaywardbenefit.com has been created to help.

Also, Bruce Barber and Leslie Butts have contacted a number
of companies to get involved with door prizes and other items
for the auction.

Companies that are already involved are, Drum Workshop,
Sabian, Zildjian, Pearl, Gretsch, Yamaha, Tama, Mapex,
DDRum, Guitar Center, Modern Drummer, Drum! Magazine,
LA Weekley, Southland Blues Magazine, and many others
and more to be named.

Please forward this email to those musicians you think might
want to know about this event. The website is updated continuously.

As you receive this email and you want to find out about
possibly playing at the benefit or have additional questions,
please feel free to email either Bruce or Les or call them at
the information below. Time is critical so please donâ•˙t wait.

I thank you and look forward to seeing everyone there on
October 4th.
All The Best
-Garrison

Bruce Barber
Drums4hire@sbcglobal.net
310-493-5302

Leslie Butts
ljbutts@roadrunner.com
818-559-2992

——————————–

10/7/09

Relax during your lunch hour with live music.
Light lunch created by ANGELA’S BISTRO available for $6 after concert.

LOCATION:The Chapel at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF GLENDALE
209 N. Louise St. (at Wilson)
Glendale CA 91206
818 242 2113
Map & venue info http://www.fbcglendale.net
More info email teena.frazier@fbcglendale.net

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

OCTOBER 7, 2009
Works for BASSOON & CONTRABASSOON
including selections from
ALLEN SAVEDOFF’S NEWEST CD
STANDING ON CHAIRS
Allen Savedoff- bassoon & contrabassoon
Timm Boatman - percussion
Artist website:
http://www.savedoff.com/

OCTOBER 21, 2009
In Recital:
Works for VIOLIN by J.S. BACH & ANTONIN DVORAK
Johana Krejci - violin

CONCERT UPDATES:
http://www.glendalenoonconcerts.blogspot.com

——————————–

Latest upcoming shows with Lisa Haley and the Zydecats
LISA HALEY
on BLUE FIDDLE RECORDS
GRAMMY Nominee by the grace of God
www.lisahaley.com
www.bluefiddle.com

SUN 10/11/09: COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA - ORANGE
COUNTY ACCORDION FESTIVAL! -
12:45PM
at Orange County Marketplace
http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/2990016/

————————

Canoga Park Bowl and the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra present
Concerts at the Bowl
Wednesday Evenings at 8:15 pm

In the Royal Room

Oct 7th:
James Domine and the Symphomaniacs
Ruth Bruegger, violin, Glen Grab, cello and
Larry Muradian, bass

Oct. 14th:
Agnes Schwartz, violinist with Matthew Alcazar, pianist.
Beethoven: Sonata, op. 47 in A major (Kreutzer)

Oct. 21st:
Chamber Music

Oct. 28th:
Tamara Gyulnazarova, violinist
with Zhanna Gyulnazarova, pianist.
Paganini: Violin Concerto #1 in D major

Nov. 4th:
Jennifer Bliman, French Horn

Nov. 11th:
Jazz at the Bowl

Nov. 18th:
The Screaming Clams Tomahawk Reunion Show
Featuring Members of the Original Cast

Admission Free
20122 Vanowen St., Winnetka, CA
Persons under 21 years of age not admitted.
Visit our web site: www.sfvsymphony.com

————————

MESSAGE FROM GRAMMY WINNING SONG-WRITER MICHAEL SILVERSHER

Hello, everyone,
Silversher Productions has been having a lot of fun working
with the Jim Henson Company this past year.!

This Monday, September 7th, PBS/Kids is premiering a new
Jim Henson show, “Dinosaur Train”.

The show will air on your local PBS station with a two-hour,
eight episode mini-marathon, and then in a regular half-hour
time slot Tuesday-Friday. The following week it’ll be on
Monday-Friday in its half-hour time slot. Check your local listings.

PBS has already had 2.7 million hits on the DinoTrain website
and the reviews so far have been great!

So, check it out and listen real closely to the score; composed,
arranged and produced by Michael Silversher, beginning with
the fifth episode “Flowers For Mom”.

—

Also check out the new release of Henson’s “Pajanimals” soundtrack!

All songs written and produced by Michael and Patty with
additional lyrics by Alex Rockwell and Judy Rothman Rofe.

Available for purchase as a CD or individual download-able MP3s
exclusively from Amazon.com.

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

UNTIL NEXT TIME,

THE COMMITTEE FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLE LOCAL 47
Visit us at www.responsible47.com

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