CONSEQUENCES / 47 WORK DUES STATEMENTS / BAKER REMEMBRANCE / COMMENTS / EVENTS
I. MEETINGS AND CONSEQUENCES
II. CHECK YOUR LOCAL 47 DUES STATEMENTS FROM DECEMBER
III. A REMEMBRANCE OF ISRAEL BAKER
IV. COMMENTS
V. EVENTS
=================================
I. MEETINGS AND CONSEQUENCES
This month, the RMA meeting (January 19th) will precede the
Local 47 membership meeting ( January 23th).
The Rank and File of the RMA have a chance to set straight
a gross conflict of interest at their meeting, which will
include an election.
We would urge current RMALA president Pete Anthony
to realize the insurmountable conflict of interest he has
been involved in and is currently in and bow out of the
RMA election, but why should he?
After The Waterhorse: The RMA members did nothing
After Nanny McPhee: The RMA members did nothing
After the Hunger games:
We shall see.
AFM President Hair lambasted “The Hunger Games”
because it was being recorded overseas, whether
he knew the President of the RMALA Pete Anthony
was involved in that movie is unknown, but perhaps
its finally time for the rank and file RMA members
to stand up to the hypocrisy.
In fact, the AFM was planning to picket Lionsgate
yesterday (Thursday) Did Mr. Anthony have the
unmitigated gall to show up?
You deserve a president who will actually walk the
walk, not speak out of both sides of his pocketbook.
Do you, as the rank and file, have the guts and the
fortitude to speak up and put someone new in?… or are
you afraid you might find your work gone if you dare
do the right thing?
We’ll find out on January 19th.
TAKE ACTION
As long as the President of the RMALA disregards the
mission statement of the RMA, the AFM and BYLAW 15
working on NON-UNION films, anyone fined by the Local
or the AFM for working non-union should file suit
against the Local/AFM for selective enforcement and
NOT pay the fine, since any fine, in our view, is null
and void unless equally enforced on all members.
LATEST DEVELOPMENT: WEDNESDAY NIGHT, JANUARY 4th
We’ve been informed that the AFM/LIONGATE story was
picked up by the Hollywood Blog “DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD”.
You can read the story here:
http://tinyurl.com/7j7hkyh
Interestingly, there is information in the story we’d not yet had
or reported, so there’s action out there by others upset by the
situation as well. Could the membership be waking up?
Let’s all hope.
THE COMMITTEE
———————–
COMMENTS
This story really touched a nerve with our readers:
Here are comments we received about it:
So, the AFM will picket Lionsgate because they recorded
“Hunger Games” overseas. Perhaps instead they should
be in front of RMA-LA President Pete Anthony’s house
picketing the fact that he sold the rest of the membership
down the river to fatten his own wallet by taking money
to orchestrate for this film - a selfish move that directly
enabled Lionsgate to use overseas musicians playing
from Pete’s own orchestrations. Sadly, loyalty and
solidarity count for nothing with the RMA-LA, and this
selfish move has utterly undercut any hopes the AFM
has of any sort of meaningful protest against overseas
recording when THEIR OWN GUYS are working on the
same films.
Bylaw 15 is very clear - Pete Anthony is in direct violation,
and should be sanctioned by Local 47 immediately as a
signal to the industry that the AFM will not tolerate blatant
disregard for their most fundamental and important rules.
This guy has a long history of working on projects recorded
in Seattle and overseas, and it is the height of hypocrisy that
a mercenary like this be put in charge of the group that is
trying to keep recording in LA. What a joke.
———————-
Interesting timing of the Hunger Games thing in light
of the RMALA elections in 3 weeks.
All eyes will be on Vince and Ray now - will they
enforce Bylaw 15, or will they give the guys who
installed them both a “pass” and look the other way.
Will they even publicly rebuke Pete for working on this
blatantly non-AFM film? The “pairing” scheme that was
brought to light back during the Waterhorse incident
clearly shouldn’t apply here since the AFM President
has already condemned the studio for not using AFM
musicians.
———————-
When our union has a different set of standards for
a perceived different set of members…there is
trouble in River City.
A union that allows itself (gee go figure) to write
vague bylaws (that is always the excuse when the
“we know who WE are club” doesn’t have the votes
and then someone ..whom the regular meeting attendees
has never seen asks that the resolution be sent back
to committee… A brilliant no brainer becasue nobody
wants a fight on the floor and the “WKWWAC want to
go home), and interperate those bylaws in favor of
whatever outcome the ruling powerbase wants at a
particular time… is just what we get from
Washington.
It is why every word counts. Try and figure out what
the last set of Resolutions really did for our Biennial
Elections! It was very telling that only Lewis could
respond to any questions from the membership
present.
For the life of me, I can’t understand why Brian O’Connor,
Chair of the Election Board, couldn’t explain the
resolutions presented. Really? Is that a joke?
————————————
It would be interesting to see RMA vs AFM/Hair
over this issue. I would definitely buy a ticket
to that game!
————————————
stir it up - Ray Hair just made an enemy with
Lionsgate most likely - you cant go viral on
employers these days - you have to win their
friendship
==========================
II. CHECK YOUR LOCAL 47 DUES STATEMENTS FROM DECEMBER
COLLEAGUES,
Recently a letter was sent to some but not all work dues
paying members.
The letter explains:
Dear Member.~_
Due to a computer breakdown, the batch of monthly work dues
statements scheduled to be mailed on November were not printed
or mailed. If you normally receive your statement in the first week
of the month, you will not receive a statement in November.
Instead you will receive two months’ worth of statements in the
first week of December.
Any fines or late fees accruing during November will be waived
and I will be flexible if you need extra time to pay.
The problem has been fixed and statements are now going out
normally. Having said that, please accept my apologies on behalf
of Local 47 for the inconvenience. I very much appreciate your
patience and understanding. If you have any questions or wish to
discuss it, please don’t hesitate to call
——————–
THE PROBLEM?
Not all work dues paying members were sent the letter, and not all
work dues paying members had the November late fee removed.
You may very well have paid late fees on a statement you didn’t
get.
Like many of us, you might simply pay the bill without looking
closely enough.
Please check your dues statement to make sure you’ve haven’t
been overcharged.
With the recent problem of some employee’s checks being
shorted, we thought you should know immediately.
THE COMMITTEE
==========================
III. A REMEMBRANCE OF ISRAEL BAKER
Igor Stravinsky did not like to record without Israel Baker as his
concertmaster. Stravinsky once cancelled a whole day of recording
in NYC because his “concertmaster couldn’t make the trip” at the
last minute.
When the sessions did happen at Columbia’s 30th Street a few weeks
later, with Israel Baker in the concertmaster chair, I asked the
contractor the reason behind the previous cancellation…it was that
“Mr. Baker was called to be concertmaster on a four-day movie call
in Los Angeles, and Stravinsky told him to go ahead and do the
motion picture, even though the entire NY orchestra would have to
be payed for the sessions cancelled with 14 hours notice.”
That’s how highly Mr. Baker was considered by Igor Stravinsky.
I moved to LA about five years later, worked a lot of sessions with
Izzy, and we became good friends. I enjoyed hanging out with him
and talking stocks; he was a genius at picking the stock of the
movie company that had the next big blockbuster in the can,
perceptions garnered in the booth at recording sessions; he was
more often than not correct, and soon after the release and the
up move, Izzy would sell for a good profit.
At his home one day, after a nice lunch, he played me some
astounding violin tracks from a privately-released three-
LP box set entitled “Great Violinists Obscured by Heifetz”, of
course not telling me that some of the most beautiful violin
playing I heard that afternoon was his playing. I had to sneak
a look at the notes while he was in the kitchen to find that his
playing was included on several tracks of that impressive
compilation, because Izzy had been too modest to tell me
himself.
Once the Magic Contractor had decided to use her new concertmaster
from San Francisco on everything, Izzy stopped getting called for
sessions with leaders for whom he had been concertmaster, in some
cases, for decades.
After a few months of this he decided to call the new guy to tell him
that it was customary in Hollywood to at least call the former, newly
replaced concertmaster, let him sit in the section if he wanted, and
earn scale, benefits, etc. So he made the call, and this is what Izzy
told me the new guy said to him: ” I can’t do that. You’re just one of
250 violinists in this town.”
That’s how highly considered the legendary Israel Baker was by the
new guy and the Magic Contractor. She knows so little about music
that she probably never had the slightest inkling of the fact that the
new guy COULDN’T SHINE MR. BAKER’S SHOES, as they say.
Things sure changed a lot when she took over, eh?
——————-
An obituary has been put online at the following address:
It was written by Israel’s daughter.
http://www.violinist.com/blog/laurie/20121/13033/
=================================
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.
————————————
Hi,Committee: Happy Holidays to you too, but I cannot feign
comprehension of your special message? Maybe Pakistani/Yiddish/
Olde-Indo-European/High German/Norwegian(i.e.Kristinjet?)/
Indonesian/South-African Swahili,…
I just don’t know to be honest with you! It reminds me of the one about
Nimrod and the Tower of Babel in Judaeo-Christian tradition, but your
guess is as good as mine. Enough for diversity and freedom of religion!
Best wishes for New Year’s and the coming year!
Colleagues,
Here are the languages included in the Greeting
(MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR)
Not all had direct translations.
Maayad-ayad nga Paskwa - AKEANON
Gezuar Krishtlindjet e Vitin e Ri - ALBANIAN
E gueti Winachte un e gleckichs Nej Johr -ALSATIAN
Shnorhavor Amanor yev Surb Tznund - ARMENIAN
Carciun harios si ti multa-anji Anlu Nau! - AROMANIAN
shubho noboborsho - BENGALI
i’taamomahkatoyiiksistsikomi - BLACKFOOT
shengdan kuaile xinnian kuaile - CHINESE
Nadelik Looan ha Looan Blethen Noweth - CORNISH
Haid Joule ja Head Uut Aastat - ESTONIAN
Maligayang pasko at manigong bagong taon! - FILIPINO
Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig Nieuwjaar - FLEMISH
Froue Weihnacht’n, und a guad’s nei’s Joah - GERMAN
Schoni Faschttag / Schoni Wienachte - GERMAN (SWISS)
und e guets neus Jahr / en guete Rutsch is neue Johr - GERMAN (SWISS)
Schoni Wiehnachte und es guets Neus - GERMAN (SWISS)
Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau’oli Makahiki Hou - HAWAIIAN
Beannachtai-na Nollag - IRISH (GAELIC)
QlSmaS botlvjaj ‘ej DIS chu’ botlvjaj - KLINGON, yes, KLINGON!
Ya’at’eeh Keshmish - NAVAHO
Glaed Geol and Gesaelig Niw Gear - OLD ENGLISH
A Blythe Yule an a Guid Hogmanay - SCOTS
Krismasi Njema / Heri ya krismas - SWAHILI
————————————
Without commenting on hearsay, here is an interesting website:
LABOR RACKETEERING - The use of a union, benefit plan (i.e.
pension plan,) contractor, and/or industry for personal
benefit by illegal means. This abuse may take the form of
collusive arrangements between union officials and
employers that occur at the expense of union members
or corruption within the unions themselves. It also
occurs when organized crime groups infiltrate unions.
http://www.oig.dol.gov/hotlinereport.htm
————————————
on the Ray Hair VIdeo:
pretty flat, whiney video, I must say.
The only solution is an international union.
————————————
One note: one of the few live performances which a member
is allowed to perform without a Union contract is: at their
church. This ruling came several years ago. I use it on occasion.
===============================
V. CONCERTS AND EVENTS
1/11/12
CONCERTS AT THE [Canoga Park] BOWL!
The Canoga Park Bowl and the
San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra
Present Concerts at the “Bowl” in the Royal Room
Wednesday Evenings at 8:00pm;
Friday Evenings at 8:30PM
Wednesday, January 11, at 8:00pm
TBA
20122 Vanowen Street, Winnetka, CA
For information, call 818-347-4807
Free Admission/One Drink Minimum
Persons under 21 years of age not admitted
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
OTHER CONCERTS IN THE SAME SERIES
Wednesday, January 18, at 8:00pm
The Symphomaniax
Perform ”Bach, Vivaldi, & Original Compositions
& Arrangements,” featuring
James Domine, guitar;
Ruth Bruegger, violin;
Glenn Grab, cello; and
Larry Muradian, bass
——–
Wednesday, January 25, at 8:00pm
The Screaming Clams
Perform “Rock ‘n Roll” music of the ’60s & early ’70s,
featuring
Jimi Dee, lead guitar;
Joel Domine, keys and guitar;
Larry Muradian, bass guitar and
Steve Hartman, drums
————————–
1/15/12
From FUNG HO:
Dear Friends & Colleagues:
It is my pleasure to announce the up-coming
concert of the CalStateLA Symphony Orchestra/
Olympia Youth Orchestra on January 15, 2012 at
3PM. It will be FREE & OPEN to the public at the
historic
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse,
320 S Mission Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776.
14 year old violinist, Hao Zhou who won the
special prize at the ASTA- LA String Competition
Finals during the Spring of 2011, will be the
featured soloist performing the 1st movement
of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. Other works
will include Schubert’s Rosamunde Overture and
Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.
Everyone is invited to this concert. Please bring
your friends and family to enjoy the artistry of
these talented young musicians ages 12 through
college.
Looking forward to see you there.
Sincerely,
Fung Ho
————————————-
1/18/12
FREE ADMISSION GLENDALE NOON CONCERTS
Every FIRST & THIRD WEDNESDAY at 12:10-12:40 pm
JANUARY 18, 2011
VICTOR DE ALMEIDA - viola
VICENTE DITTO - piano
Johannes BRAHMS Sonata in Eb Major, Op.120, No.2
Maria NEWMAN “The Ninth Hour of Divine Office” for Piano and Viola
http://www.youtube.com/user/ViolaDeAlmeida
Thank you for your help promoting the Glendale Noon Concerts!
The series is entering the 4th year of presenting
free admission concerts every first and third Wednesday
for Glendale and the Southland community.
RELAX DURING YOUR LUNCH HOUR WITH LIVE MUSIC
Light lunch to go prepared by ANGELA’S BISTRO
available for $6.
Please place your order before the concert by 12:10 pm;
your order will be delivered by 12:40 pm.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LOCATION:
The Sanctuary 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
*************************************
UPCOMING CONCERTS in the same series:
(every FIRST & THIRD WEDNESDAY at 12:10-12:40 pm;
programs subject to change)
FEBRUARY 1, 2012
THE MALKIN - TRYBEK DUO
Iris Malkin - mezzo-soprano
Edward Trybek - guitar
http://www.myspace.com/themalkintrybekduo
FEBRUARY 15, 2012
ADRIANA ZOPPO’S ERGO MUSICA
http://ergomusica.com/
MARCH 7, 2012
Clarinetist JAMES SULLIVAN & Friends
http://www.jsullivanclarinet.com/
————————–
1/22/12
NACUSA/L.A.
presents
THE DEBUSSY TRIO
Sunday, January 22nd, 2012 at 4pm
Works for Flute, Viola and Harp
by
Adrienne Albert
Mark Carlson
David Lefkowitz
Nicholas Omiccioli
Deon Nielsen Price
Greg Steinke
Duane Tatro
The concert will take place at
FANCIFULL GIFT BASKETS
5617 Melrose Ave. Hollywood, CA
Admission: $20 by Telephone or at the door
Cheese, Wine and Chocolates at 3pm!
For reservations call: 1(800)350-4437
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UNTIL NEXT TIME,
THE COMMITTEE FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLE LOCAL 47
Visit us at www.responsible47.com
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