I. WE NEED YOU AT THE JANUARY 25, 2010 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING!
II. THE SHIV IS IN
III. LA OPERA GET THE CALL
IV. COMMENTS
V. EVENTS

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

I. LOCAL BOARD TRIES TO POTENTIALLY DISENFRANCHISE MEMBERSHIP:
WE NEED YOU AT THE NEXT MEETING JANUARY 25!

At the last general membership meeting, there was a resolution
presented that would forbid the collection of signatures on nominating
petitions to run for Local 47 elected positions anywhere on the Local 47
property. The membership sensed there was something fishy about this
resolution and turned it back to committee.

PREVIOUS PRACTICE

The previous practice that has established itself over the years is:
You cannot collect signatures in the Local’s main building or the
rehearsals rooms, but the parking lot is fair game.

This is the most logical and fair system and believe THESE
are the terms that should be placed into the bylaws.

THE LAW

The law (see the Department of Labor-LMRDA) attempts to make
elections a fair playing field for ALL of the MEMBERS i.e. “rank and
file” who seek to participate in their union governance. While there
are laws regarding the use of union facilities by candidates, our
bylaws are not violative of the LMRDA or any other administrative
regulation. The mere presence of a RANK and FILE member on the
property to collect petition signatures DOES NOT and has not,
“under Federal Law”, meant that a member should be prohibited
from collecting signatures for election on Local 47 property. Indeed
this has been the past practice at our local.

Ask yourselves why this resolution has been put forward?

OUR PROPERTY

Our Local 47 property, is a unique property. Unlike and differentiated
from the carpenters union, the electricians union, or the plumbers
union…WE MEET TO WORK…on Vine Street!

The Local 47 facilities that WE PAY FOR contain our Rehearsal
Studios, and the Auditorium and are used for PROFESSIONAL
purposes.

As long as it is the policy of the Federal oversite agencies that
all parties are TREATED EQUALLY…it is absolutely fair that the
“rank and file” can collect signatures on Union property. Any
changes to the bylaws should make it easier to participate in
the governance of our Local, not harder. This resolution is an
attempt to restrict participation and disenfranchise members.

FAXING SIGNATURES

While electronic media is now being used in business and law,
including being able to sign your name, why is it we cannot use
fax signatures for petitions? We have heard the union’s attorney
use the argument that we have to do things a certain way because
much of the membership live a great distance from the local. Isn’t
that a good reason for candidates to be able to accept fax signatures
on their qualifying petitions?

Our incumbent elected officials have access to large groups of
musicians, e.g. backstage access to Los Angeles Philharmonic;
Hollywood Bowl Orchestra; all soundstages and theaters, etc. It is
not an even playing field now when it comes to getting signatures.
Not to allow the membership to “meet and greet” potential signatory
supporters where they can be found is a blatant attempt to restrict
participation and that is not the intent of Federal law, nor the true
ideals of unionism.

Protect your Local 47 colleagues rights! WE NEED YOU at the
meeting on January 25th, 7pm at the Local to stop the shutting
out of the membership.

If there is no quorum at the meeting on the 25th the board will
decide for all of us at their board meeting the next day.

One guess as to what they will decide.

When it comes to elections, members deserve a level playing
field with the present power structure.

Don’t let them tilt the field. Show up and be counted.

THE COMMITTEE

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

II. THE SHIV IS IN

The RMA has proven very effective at identifying opposing
factions within the AFM, polarizing them then using them
for their own purpose.

The most recent example is the taking of New York
Local 802 by those sympathetic to the RMA agenda. The
RMA expertly manipulated the already polarized factions
of New York Local 802 members stemming from disagreements
over a recently failed strike concerning Radio City Music Hall.

Those forcing the strike never admitted any fault in the strike’s
failure, but blamed others, just as the RMA never admits their
mistakes, only continuing to blame Tom Lee for whatever goes
wrong because of their own actions.

ICSOM AND ROPA (ORCHESTRAL MUSICIANS CONFERENCES)

RMA officers have been speaking at virtually every ROPA and
ICSOM conference recently, and are making some pavlovian
progress with some of their members. The RMA officers
whine about not having their voices heard, when their own
actions have resulted in such situations, not the least of which
are the costly lawsuits against the AFM.

THE QUESTION

It must be asked, however, why are ROPA and ICSOM even
giving the RMA the time of day?

A rumor has been spreading, saying that the AFM had a list
of candidates for the head of the Symphonic Services Division
(A position vacant for nine months) and ignored the list, putting
in their own person. Another rumor has the list at six candidates
and another rumor a list of nine. In all cases, the rumors go,
the AFM ignored the list and put in their own person.

We sent an email to most of the members of the ROPA and
ICSOM boards asking them what they had been told.

To date (Six days later, Friday, January 8th), none of them have replied.

We do, however, have our own reliable sources in the AFM and ROPA
and here is what they told us:

1) The Initial list of candidates was approximately 12-14.
2) That list was sent to ICSOM/ROPA
3) ICSOM/ROPA returned a list of six candidates they would find
acceptable.
4) President Lee chose from that list of six. (Chris Durham)

SYMPHONIC SERVICES DIVISION

For those who do not know the choice, Chris Durham has been
a symphonic contract negotiator for the AFM for the past 20
years. In addition, he has been a local officer, a rank and file
bargaining representative, a performing orchestral musician and
was one of the individuals who helped organize ROPA. He has
talked the talk and walked the walk.

He and colleague Nathan Cohen, who is also a performing musician
and along with Chris one of the original organizers of ROPA, have
crisscrossed the US and Canada many times over negotiating
contracts for AFM orchestras (mostly ROPA, but some ICSOM) that
don’t have the funds to hire expensive professional negotiators.

According to most of those we talked to, nobody is more imminently
qualified to head the SSD than Mr. Durham. He has done excellent work
in the AFM trenches for a long time, he is well known to ROPA and
ISCOM, and he has been highly regarded by the last several AFM
administrations.

The bottom line is that the orchestral player conferences have an
advisory or consultation role on who should be named SSD Director.
But the final decision is ultimately the President’s. He needs to
choose someone that he has faith in and can work with. He must
pick someone who will work well with local officers and has proven
experience in negotiations and contract administration. The SSD
Director must also be someone who can work with the rest of the
AFM staff already in place.

Mr. Durham, being so well established and in serving the AFM rank
and file membership for so long, might be less likely to be swayed
by the RMA propaganda, and therefore not someone the RMA converts
would want.

WORKING THE CONFERENCES

At the conferences the RMA has done their best to turn the player
conferences against the present AFM administration. They try to
convince the player conference officers that the process is broken.
The RMA contends that since President Lee didn’t pick the player
conferences unanimous choice for SSD Director the process is broken.
The fact is that Lee did pick someone on the list given to him by the
player conferences. Lee didn’t have to pick anyone on the list but he
did and the final decision on who is picked rests with him.

The RMA is trying to convince the player conferences by using their
own rhetoric saying “They’re not listening to you and are doing the
same to us!” The RMA is working hard to split the orchestral player
conferences from the AFM. But that is nothing new. The RMA has
been trying to do that for years.

VIDEO GAMES AND REPRESENTATION

The RMA propaganda machine should be running out of steam. We
hear the video game totals for 2009 are not a failure (as the RMA
says) but hover close to a total payout of $1.5 million dollars in
wages and benefits. That is 3 or 4 times as much as the early years
when the RMA promulgated a 33 page agreement for the Federation
to use.

Another RMA myth is that they have no representation on negotiating
committees. Again, this is easily checked by looking at the attendance
sheets that are taken at each negotiating session. At the recently
completed film negotiation, there were at least twelve or more RMA
members attending every negotiating session. And there is always
RMA representation at all of the major Federation negotiating sessions.
As we often say, don’t believe us, look it up yourself.

THE REAL DANGER

The player conferences should be very careful about buying into the
RMA’s propaganda. So far the RMA leadership has broken the bylaws
by not paying the work dues on back end payments. Some of those in
the RMA leadership have filed frivolous lawsuits against the Federation
and then accused the Federation of not trying to settle the lawsuits.

Let’s get this straight!

Some RMA musicians have filed frivolous lawsuits and they expect
the Federation to simply kneel down and give in. None of our AFM
leaders should or could allow that to take place. The AFM video
game business continues to grow in spite of the RMA rhetoric.

Here is the real danger. Member apathy and the RMA’s effectiveness
at riling up disgruntled and ill-informed musicians delivered locals
in LA, NY and Nashville into RMA sympathists’ hands. Only three
locals, fair enough, but ICSOM and ROPA represent hundreds of
orchestras in HUNDREDS of locals. Typical rank and file apathy, plus
the RMA’s ability to effectively spread their propaganda means
hundreds of locals could fall to small motivated groups of those
who’ve bought into the RMA mindset. In one fell swoop the face
of the Federation could change. and more importantly to us, deliver
the AFM into the RMA’s hands.

The members of all our locals need to wake up to the threat and the
Lee Administration needs to wake up to the seriousness of the
repercussions of not dealing with the RMA propaganda head on,
if they haven’t already. They cannot let the RMA propaganda and
lies fester. After all, as the old saying goes, “A lie can travel
around the world before the truth gets its pants on.”

THE COMMITTEE

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

III. LA OPERA GETS THE CALL

We’re happy to report that the calls for the Joffrey finally went out to the
LA Opera members, though at the far lower scale the members were
afraid of.

We don’t know if the COMMITTEE made difference in the outcome,
(We think not), but it WAS vital that the members had an outlet to
express their frustration anonymously to their colleagues, and for
that we will happily take credit!

It’s what we’re here for.

Meanwhile, the Local has continued to refuse to reveal the identity
of the person who caused the hold up. Perhaps if some of you
protest the lack of information, you’ll get it and let us know.

THE COMMITTEE

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

IV. COMMENTS

The comments below and elsewhere in this mailing represent the
typically 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.

———————-

god bless us all for 2010 - when is something gonna give? - I just
had the best year ever (most folks are down) but it wasn’t fun most
of the time because of the struggles - not to mention that a lot of my
recording work is non union recording - I’m dealt this from the
composers - but I have to take what I can get - there just is not
enough union AFM work anymore - and whatever there is -
it’s scooped up by the older players.
__________________

Lennie Moore speaks a great truth - and should be commended for
putting his name on his comments - BRAVO Lennie - at this point
capturing any kind of AFM work back in to LA’s pockets is a god
damned WIN…….and Eric Hosler can go take a hike - I hope he
can live off his secondary markets fund……the one that Phil Ayling
- RMA past president says will be your only form of retirement
due to the ticking down of the AFM pension fund payout formula
- what a bunch of jerks - BRAVO TOM LEE for trying to get AFM
players back to work - he just needs to listen to LA players not
controlled by the RMALA now - LA needs to re-capture the title for
the recording capitol of the world again - I’M READY…..and many
ready, willing and VERY able players are ready as well - move over
RMALA - head in the sand old schoolers…….we need an damn
over throw here…….local 47 is controlled by RMA - period…..so -
rank and file - I say start talking it up to just get back to work -
the local and the AFM cannot do a damn thing to you for supporting
yourselves any way you see fit………..working and making
relationships and securing them is the POWER -

———————-

Dear Mr. Blanc,

Interestingly enough, under our previous administration here in
New York, there was no interest in suggestions that came from
the rank and file committees (like the RMA). Ideas fell upon deaf
ears or were flat out resisted. These people didn’t want to hear
from musicians that actually work in the field.

Our new administration offers us a dramatic change in how things
will be handled at 802. There has already been an exchange of
some ideas that will affect the outsourcing of some of our recording
work. And guess what? The ideas don’t require musicians to lower
their fees to bargain basement prices. They do require cooperation
on the national level and will require our AFM president to participate
and to surrender to good ideas that might come from the rank and
file, (that would include the RMA) or anywhere else.

Good leadership will have a profound effect on your concern about
the stability of the AFM. Interestingly, I have personally written many
letters to our representatives on the IEB and have only ever heard from
2 of them. I can confidently say that it is not an indication that they
care (even if they disagree).

More later lf you wish.

David

———————————-

Why does Mr. Blanc have to bring Obama and his partisan
politics into the discussion?

Joe Mitchell

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

V. CONCERTS AND EVENTS

1/10/09

A Tribute in Remembrance of
STACY ROWLES
Sunday, January 10, 2010
11:00 AM until “…Stars Come Out at Night” *

Musicians Local 47 Union Hall
817 No. Vine Street, between Gower & Cahuenga
Hollywood, Ca. 90038
323-462-2161

BUFFET TABLE: Please be our guest, we’ll be serving tri-tip and
chicken with beer, wine and softer things at the bar. If you
make a dish you are proud of, you are welcome to bring a
taste for the table. One of the rules of the house when
Stacy entertained was ‘nobody leaves hungry’, and we
never did!

Please, join us as we celebrate all the good in the life of Stacy Rowles!

Schedule
11:00 DAVE ANGEL SAXETTE
11:45 MIKE PEAK EXPERIENCE
12:20 SANDY GRAHAM et al
12:55 JAZZ BIRDS
1:25 VR and PUTTER SMITH
2:05 TALL & SMALL - Pete & Linda Christlieb
2:45 YVETTE and JIM HUGHART et al
3:10 BRIAN O’ ROURKE solo piano
3:35 JIMMY SPENCER/KAREN HERNANDEZ et al
4:05 EL CID GROUP
4:40 MAIDEN VOYAGE Ann Patterson et al, with special guest Barbara Morrison
5:20 CHARLIE/SANDI SHOEMAKE
6:15 Sydney Lehman/Paul Kreibich/ Darek Oles
* We are starting early to accommodate those musicians who must
leave early, and we’re staying until we hear all who want to play!
For further information, contact Stephanie Rowles 805-610-6890.

———————————-

1/14/09

BATTLE OF THE TENORS! (SAX THAT IS) -
Gil Bernal (Lionel Hampton band, Spike Jones)
vs.
Pat Chartrand (Harry James, Dorseys)
with:
Tom Owens, piano;
Harold Mason (Horace Silver), drums;
Richard Simon, bass
Lighthouse Cafe, 30 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach 90254
5:00 pm to 8:30 pm

NO COVER

———————————-

1/16/09

Los Angeles Pierce College Department of Music Presents

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
James Domine, Music Director

Saturday evening Jan. 16, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Pierce College Performing Arts Theater

Mozart
Symphony #1 in Eb major

Haydn
Symphony #9 in D major

Handel
Water Music Suite

Domine
Amsuite Serenade

This special concert is a fundraiser to benefit
San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra

General Admission: $25
Students and Seniors: $20
Children under 12 years: $15

For concert information call (818) 347-4807
www.sfvsymphony.com

———————————-

12/16/09

Ventura Baroque
presents
THE BAROQUE CHAMBER PLAYERS
Lou Pruneda, Music Director/Flute
Paul Schneider, Violin
James Gilmore, Oboe
Cavit Celayir-Monezis, Bassoon
Dr. Janice Foy,’Cello
Mark Holmstrom, Cembalo

Saturday .January 16, 2010 at 7 p.m.
in the beautiful Heritage Square Chapel Hall
731 ‘A’ Street (between 7th and 8th)
Downtown Oxnard, CA

There is ample free parking in and around the Square.
Admission is Free - a freewill donation is suggested

Works to be featured:
G. F. Handel’s: Trio Sonata in D for Violin, Oboe and Continuo (Cello and Cembalo)
and his Trio Sonata in C minor for Oboe, Violin and Continuo
G. P. Telemann’s: Trio Sonata in C minor for Flute, Oboe and Continuo
A. Vivaldi’s: Concerto in G minor for Flute, Oboe, Bassoon and Continuo and his
Concerto in G minor for Flute, Oboe, Violin, Bassoon and Continuo

THE BAROQUE CHAMBER PLAYERS
is a dedicated group of professional artists
who have prepared the present program with great enthusiasm and candor.

Join us following the program for some light refreshments

———————————-

1/17/09

The Los Angeles Pierce Symphonic Winds
presents their concert:

STARS OF THE LA WINDS
Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010 at 1pm and 4pm
Pierce College Performing Arts Theater

Music will include:
-MUSIC FOR A FESTIVAL by Gordon Jacob

-ADAGIO E TARANTELLA by E. Cavallini
featuring the LA Winds clarinet section

-SCHERZO by Edwin Franko Goldman
featuring Neil Jansen, Euphonium

- SCHERZO for French Horn and Wind Band by Charles Fernandez
WORLD PREMIERE, featuring Jennifer Bliman, Horn

-STONEHENGE by Michael Kibbe
WORLD PREMIERE

-TRIBUTE FOR ROBERT GOMEZ
Paul Witt

-WINDSOR PROCESSIONAL by Charles Fernandez

For more info and tickets contact:
nfo@lawinds.org
tickets@lawinds.org

———————————-

FREE ADMISSION GLENDALE NOON CONCERTS
(every FIRST & THIRD WEDNESDAY at 12:10-12:40 pm)

JANUARY 20, 2010
BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 10 in G Major Op. 96
Jacqueline Suzuki - violin
Rosa LoGiudice - piano

Glendale Noon Concerts
First Baptist Church of Glendale
209 N. Louise St. (at Wilson)
Glendale Ca 91206
818 242 2113
http://www.glendalenoonconcerts.blogspot.com

Thanks!
*****************************************
UPCOMING CONCERTS in the same series:

FEBRUARY 3, 2010
Music for violin & piano by composer HANNE HELLEDIE
Frances Moore - violin
Hanne Helledie - piano

FEBRUARY 17, 2010
Chamber music by composer BEVAN MANSON
Catherine Del Russo - oboe & English horn
Bevan Manson - piano

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

———————————-

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

Jan. 13th: The Symphomanics
Ruth Bruegger, violin, James Domine, guitar,
Glen Grab, cello and Larry Muradian, bass

Jan. 20th: The Screaming Clams
Summer of Love

Jan. 27th: Blues at the Bowl
Dave Reo, Jimi Dee & Friends

Feb. 3rd: Jennifer Bliman, French Horn

Feb. 10th: Instrumental soloist

Feb. 17th: The Screaming Clams
Songwriters’ Forum

Feb. 24th: Blues at the Bowl
With Dave Reo, Jimi Dee & Friends

Admission Free
20122 Vanowen St., Winnetka, CA
Persons under 21 years of age not admitted.

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

UNTIL NEXT TIME,

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

This entry was posted on Friday, January 8th, 2010 at 4:01 pm and is filed under Committee Newsletters. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.