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AFM BROTHERS AND SISTERS,
We hope you found our conventions updates helpful. We’re now
going back to our regular schedule.

I. ALLYN FERGUSON PASSES
II. REMINDER: FMA CALL TO ACTION THIS TUESDAY
III. FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE CONVENTION
IV. COMMENTS
IV. CONCERTS AND EVENTS

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I. ALLYN FERGUSON PASSES

Colleagues, we have lost a dear friend and composing legend in
ALLYN FERGUSON.

He wrote and/or collaborated on countless films and series from
1962 to 2008 including: The Monkees; Bewitched; The Andy Williams Show;
Starsky and Hutch; The New Dick Van Dyke Show; Barney Miller;
Big Hawaii; A.E.S. Hudson Street; Hallmark Hall of Fame; The Rookies;
Murder, She Wrote; The Incredible Hulk; Diagnosis Murder and even
such shows as the Benny Hill Show!

He will be dearly missed.

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

II. REMINDER: FMA CALL TO ACTION THIS TUESDAY

From: Lisa Haley
President
Freelance Musicians Assn- L.A.

Hello Everyone:

I just received a request from Secretary Leslie, asking me to
attend the EB meeting on Tues June 29, 2010 concerning the
dissolving of the Referral Service Committee. I would greatly
appreciate it if you were present as well.

Appointment time TBA, probably late morning.

Unfortunately, as you know we had a “bad influence” with ulterior
motives in our FMA Leadership when the Passed Motions were drafted,
who convinced us to put the words:
“Local 47 Executive Board be URGED TO’
rather than “Local 47 Executive Board MUST”
- carry out the Passed Motions #II and III.

I fully expect the EB to grind us on this point.

In our favor, there is no wording in the Passed Motions allowing
the EB to dismiss the Referral Service Committee under any
circumstances, especially only after the implementing of our website.

We can argue that since most of the issues prompting the Passed
Motions are still outstanding, the RS Committee must continue.
I am also going to push the point that there were 453 Members
total in attendance at this meeting, and that the Passed Motions
were passed unanimously.

I have heard from another RS Committee member that they are
also very displeased at being “dismissed” following the completion
of our website, which was only one point of the Passed Motions.

It’s going to be a fight.

If there is anyone else who feels as we do, please email me
and plan to attend as well.

Regards,
Lisa Haley

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

III. FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE CONVENTION

Regardless of the outcome of our most recent convention, as we
all get involved with the trials and conflicts of our immediate Local
circles, it’s refreshing to come to the AFM convention and realize
just how many wonderful, competent, hard-working and honest
officers, members and delegates there really are in the brotherhood
and sisterhood of the AFM.

All of the Committees were extremely impressive, with a fair number of
members from every area on each. The beauty of such a diverse group is
that no one can walk in with an overt agenda and bully or coerse the
group into doing anything other than what they believe is best for the
ENTIRE membership. If they do, they’re quickly put in their place and
exposed for who they are.

It was such a joy going into the convention hall and automatically having
faith that the committees will have the best interest of all the
membership in mind (Until the last Recommendation I, that is)and not
owned by any special interest group, unlike Local 47. It is something
every member should do at one time or another, so they can see how real
democracy can work and how competent officers act.

Unfortunately, with so many smaller locals unable to attend because of
the economy, the RMA has taken over our federation. Gone is the
possibility of real forward looking contracts that will bring work back to
everyone. It reminds us of the final scene of the most recent Star Wars
film, where the dark side has taken over.

We’re not sure if Ray Hair really knew who he was getting in bed with
when he signed onto the RMA agenda, but he’ll find out the moment
he doesn’t follow RMA orders.

HERE’S OUR BIGGEST QUESTION

The RMA has been the major cause of over 60% of our recording work in
the last 8 years. Everyone’s work is leaving and only between 100-150
recording musicians get anywhere near regular work.

Since the elites don’t have enough work themselves, having to invade
orchestras, demo sessions and church gigs from those who used to do
those jobs, what could they have possibly offered the gullible in
Nashville, New York and Boston to drink their Kool-aide? It cannot be
work, the RMAers themselves don’t have enough.

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.

————————————

Unions were created to protect workers from depressed wages &
deplorable working conditions. Who is going to protect us from the
Unions?

————————————

Dear Committee:
Thanks for posting my rant. I didn’t mean to be offensive or anything.
It’s just that these days anything resembling factual assessments of
any employment/economic issues is either ignored or suppressed.
By mainstream media and far too many people. What’s happening with
47/AFM is a reflection of what’s happening in the country. Where we’re
at (as a Union/nation) is so horribly bad that if the true ramifications were
understood by a majority of Members/public, there would be riots in the
streets. But I digress……….

The fact remains unless AFM has some written contracts stating the studios
will use “x” number of Members for “y” number of soundtracks (like the CBC/AFM
Canada deal), there’s nothing compelling studios to use Members to track
scores.

So whatever Pres. Hair tries to do will just be a useless act for the benefit
of the “magic 150″. There’s no discussion of a new business model to fit the 21st
Century situation we find ourselves in. More than likely it will have to be some
sort of independent contractor code that may not even be enforceable. We all well
know most of what passes now for popular music doesn’t require the same skill
set as “back in the day”. Music itself has lost much of its former monetary value,
and digital downloading is only one of many causes. So unless we immediately
begin the painful discussion of what are we going to do for the future, the entire
“musicians’ union” thing may become another dinosaur.

The majority of the public cares about “music” mostly as a soundtrack for a lifestyle,
not for its artistic/”spiritual” value. And we can always be undercut by amateurs
desperate for “exposure”.

Thanks for tolerating my rants. Sorry, M8s. I’m just really frustrated others
don’t/won’t see what’s so blatantly obvious to me.

————————————

Dear Committee:

You recently stated the following:

“We remind you here, that if not for the economy and 30% of the
Locals not being able to come because of it, we believe the
election results would have been far, far different.”

Please back this figure up to your readers with an actual list of
the locals you “believe” could not attend because of the “economy.”
You must have one since you arrived at the “30%” figure.

Also, please provide to your readership written proof (e.g.
endorsements) that the delegates from said locals were indeed planning
to vote for Mr. Lee since you say the results would have been
“far, far different.”

Also, proof to your readership of written apologies to Tom
from the locals as to why they could not attend the convention
stating that “economic hardship” was the reason would be
appreciated.

Hmmmmmm. I personally would like to know why all these locals
could not afford a cheap advance purchase plane ticket to Vegas
and 4 nights in a less the average hotel for their delegates.
After all, they had 3 years to save up from the last convention.
In a nutshell, I believe that if they can’t afford and plan for
these expenses for a critical election which comes every 3 years,
they shouldn’t be running their locals in the first place.

[Editor's Comment: Yet another clear example of the elitist RMA mentality]

————————————

And yet ANOTHER from the RMA commenter

[Editor's Comment: Did it ever occur to you that we were ALSO
talking about AFM Officers salaries?]}

Apparently, you are unable to even read what YOU write. You DO
include “those of Local 47 and Local 802.” It occurs to me that
your education is incomplete. However, your marginalization IS
complete.

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

V. CONCERTS AND EVENTS

———————————

MESSAGE FROM BILLY MITCHELL

Dear friends and fellow educators,

The SAPPA program continues to open programs
for youngsters in underserved areas. We are
in need of orchestra instruments (violins and
violas, any size, any condition).

If you have any instruments that you would like
to DONATE please contact me at
626-574-5040.

Thank you for your support!
MITCH
BILLY MITCHELL-SAPPA
www.sappa.net
www.youtube.com/sappaprogram
sappaprograms@gmail.com

———————————–

6/27/10

MALIBU COAST CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Join us for our “Spectacular Season Finale” and Barbeque

Sunday, June 27th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Concert, BBQ with a Silent Auction at 5:30!

Featuring the
MALIBU COAST CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
(Malibu’s award-winning professional orchestra)
Scott Hosfeld, Conductor
Also featuring:
Malibu String Academy Directors:
Maia and Steven Zander, solo violinists,
performing Vivaldi’s brilliant “Double Concerto in A Minor”

Make June 27th your most spectacular start of summer ever!
Here at MAHMA we take great pride in bringing you:
Not Just Concerts but EXPERIENCES!

This
“Spectacular Season Finale”
and Barbeque will take place in our
Indoor\Outdoor Festival Space (IOFS).
In case of chilly weather, please bring your favorite
warm coat or a blanket. Heating and a
number of house blankets will be provided .

To make a reservation please call
(310) 589-0295
or visit our website at
www.malibufriendsofmusic.org

Malibu Friends of Music | 6307 Busch Drive | Malibu | CA | 90265

———————————

6/30/10

Canoga Park Bowl and the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra present
CONCERTS AT THE BOWL

Wednesday Evenings at 8:30pm
In the Royal Room

June 30th
Jennifer Bliman
on French Horn
Playing Film and TV Themes
and Music from Broadway

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

———————————

7/22/10

2010 ASMAC Golden Score Awards
at the Universal Hilton is July 22, 2010.

We hope you’ll all join us.
The Golden Score Awards (previously scheduled for April 29th) will
now take place on Thursday, July 22, 2010. We are honoring Marc
Shaiman and Sammy Nestico (yes - they’ll both be with us), and have
already reconfirmed Rob Reiner as our host. Our other guest participants
are all being reconfirmed at this time and will be announced shortly.

The event will include personal and musical tributes for our honorees,
a silent auction, and amazing live entertainment. All funds raised will
benefit ASMAC’s educational programs, workshops, master classes,
and fund several scholarships

If you’ve already reserved, your reservations are still confirmed.
If you haven’t yet, please SAVE THE DATE and participate in the
event through sponsorship, reservations or a tribute ad to our
honorees. We will be sending out NEW PRINTED MATERIAL
shortly, but for more information, please call our office at
818/994-4661.

In advance, please accept our warmest thanks and appreciation
for your support.
Please make reservations by July 15th @ 818/994-4661
or by email to asmac@theproperimageevents.com

Check us out at www.asmac.org

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

UNTIL NEXT TIME,

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

This entry was posted on Friday, June 25th, 2010 at 7:37 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.