2\/3\/17
\nI.\u00a0 LETTER FROM CHARLES FERNANDEZ<\/p>\n
II. FROM THE 802 ARCHIVES – 2008<\/p>\n
III. MEMBER LETTER<\/p>\n
IV. COMMENTS<\/p>\n
V. EVENTS
\n…Absolutely guaranteed anonymity – Former Musician’s Union officer
\n…The one voice of reason in a sea of insanity – Nashville ‘first call’\u2028scoring musician
\n…Allows us to speak our minds without fear of reprisal – L.A. Symphonic musician
\n…Reporting issues the Musicians Union doesn’t dare to mention – National touring musician<\/p>\n
===================================<\/p>\n
I. A LETTER FROM CHARLES FERNANDEZ<\/p>\n
Colleagues,<\/p>\n
No doubt some will give each other high-5’s that the local is using
\nall it’s resources to financially damage a single member who has tried
\nto make the local more responsive, accountable and transparent for the
\nrank and file against it’s will.<\/p>\n
Here is a letter I have submitted to the Overture. In anticipation of
\nthere refusal to publish it, I share it here.<\/p>\n
If you would like to respond, please either respond directly to me,
\ntronec@charlesfernandez.com or through the responsible47.com site.
\nPro or con is of course welcome, and all comments will be published
\nunless you request it not to be, your name will of course not be included.<\/p>\n
As of this date, they still are not giving up on these bogus charges. Perhaps
\nif enough members call them out they will do the right thing.<\/p>\n
I thank you in advance,<\/p>\n
Here is the Letter:<\/p>\n
To the Editor,<\/p>\n
My name is Charles Fernandez. I\u2019ve been a Local 47 member and Emmy\/Annie nominated composer\/orchestrator\/conductor\/bassoonist since 1983. I am being targeted for conducting on an educational demo for an English music university. They brought students to Los Angeles to record with Los Angeles musicians. I arranged a connection with a contractor and left it to them. I was at the session to help students in whatever way they needed as an employee of the company. A couple of them needed me to conduct.<\/p>\n
Though I am being charged with conducting, conducting is NOT a union craft. The word \u201cconducting\u2019 does not appear in the local\u2019s bylaws. The charges are baseless.<\/p>\n
Two former employees informed me that they were told to include a conductor on a contract only IF they wanted to be. We all know why. If they had to enforce a non-existent rule about conducting they\u2019d have to charge a former RMA President who has worked in London countless times. In fact, he\u2019d have a stack of fines a foot high.<\/p>\n
Members of the executive board, trial board, all committees, orchestrators, \u201ca\u201d list members and copyists work non-union. They have no choice. My targeting is selective enforcement and designed to hurt me financially.<\/p>\n
The lawyer fees I have had to pay are above $10,000 at this point. The letters first came from Gordon Grayson, but now the letters are coming from Louis Levy\u2019s Law Firm.<\/p>\n
That means the Local is paying the hourly fees of a professional law firm out of member\u2019s money to target, not a company, nor a studio, nor an orchestra, nor a band, but to target a single member.<\/p>\n
A union member who actually played on the session was told they would be charged UNLESS they signed a letter stating they saw me specifically conduct. That is targeting.<\/p>\n
While one of the duties of the AFM is to protect members from warrantless harassment and targeting, the AFM has slow walked the process as much as the Local. I cannot get a fair hearing at the local OR the national.<\/p>\n
This is the type of conduct our local engages in if you dare speak up. They should be ashamed and are doing nothing but guaranteeing a counter suit for damages.<\/p>\n
If you find this as unacceptable as I do, please contact the Local.<\/p>\n
Thank you.<\/p>\n
Charles Fernandez
\nLocal 47 member since 1983<\/p>\n
=========================================<\/p>\n
II.\u00a0 FROM LOCAL 802 ARCHIVE<\/p>\n
{EC: Colleagues, Considering how bad things have gotten, this
\nletter from an 802 member from 2008 should let you how
\nbad it’s was even 9 yeas ago….)<\/p>\n
Archive: Volume CVIII No. 10 October, 2008
\nReaders Speak Out!
\nThe Musicians’ Voice: Recording at a Crossroads
\nThe Musicians\u2019 Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters published here do not necessarily\u00a0express the views of Local<\/p>\n
802. Letters must be 300 words or less.<\/p>\n
RE: RECORDING AT\u00a0A CROSSROADS<\/p>\n
To the Editor:
\nI\u2019d like to ask my fellow\u00a0musicians\u00a0a few questions. How many union film sessions have you done in the last year? Of those sessions, how many do you realistically think will pay any back end? One more question: Who is recording all the low-budget, indie, made-for-cable and foreign film sessions? The bulk of that work, when it actually uses live musicians, is recorded nonunion.<\/p>\n
We\u00a0need to\u00a0stop living in the good old days when every film was made in Hollywood and every session was with a major studio. Today\u2019s films are made all over the world and even in home studios. Many production companies are put-together operations that\u00a0don\u2019t have full-time accountants to track secondary markets year after year.<\/p>\n
There is a lot of work out there that we don\u2019t have, and we will not get it unless we change the way we do business.\u00a0I enjoy getting my special payments checks and I would push to strengthen those markets that are still healthy enough to support them. But we have our heads in the sand if we think that all of today\u2019s markets are the same and that one contract fits all.<\/p>\n
I am totally pro union. But we must be realistic and not repeat mistakes
\nmade by other unions in the past.<\/p>\n
Globalization is a reality. Do you have any idea how little European orchestras
\ncharge for recording? These are orchestras with world-class musicians.<\/p>\n
I strongly disagree with those who think that digging in our heels is
\nthe answer. The strength of our union will be in its ability to adapt
\nwith changing technology and its many markets, not with stubbornly
\nholding on to old practices that don\u2019t work anymore.<\/p>\n
==========================<\/p>\n
III. MEMBER LETTER from Dr. Len Bergantino<\/p>\n
Dear Local 47 Members,<\/p>\n
I spoke with Don Vappie a few weeks ago about the selling of Local
\n47 buildings and properties. Don in my view is the best tenor banjo
\nplayer alive today. Wanton Marsalis calls him from New York to play
\nat the Lincoln Center for Dixieland Jazz.<\/p>\n
As tradition\u00a0 would have it, Don’s father played in the New Orleans
\nLocal with Wynton’s father as did their grandfathers!<\/p>\n
Don is aware of the special nature of Local 47. I visited the New Orleans
\nLocal. Don had the following to say:<\/p>\n
They sold he New Orleans Local Building which was on Esplanade Street
\nfor One Million Dollars. Everybody was pissed. I hear they sold three
\nother Locals (he rattled off 3 cities which I do not recall, although I think
\nChicago was one of them.)<\/p>\n
Don and I both lamented about the tradition of Los Angeles and New
\nOrleans Locals having g the finest musicians in the world go through
\ntheir doors. From Louis Armstrong to my second trumpet teacher’s son,
\nthe great lead trumpet player Conrad Gozzo whose picture was on the
\nwall of Local 47 doing the 16 years I was a member.<\/p>\n
Sincerely,<\/p>\n
Dr. Len Bergantino<\/p>\n
===========================<\/p>\n
IV. MEMBER COMMENT<\/p>\n
The union only controls half of the pension fund fiduciaries.
\nIt seem that the only recourse we have to this terrible
\nperformance is to put pressure on them to resign and ask
\nRay Hair to replace them with members who have knowledge
\nof capital markets.<\/p>\n
We don\u2019t have any control over the employer appointed
\nmembers, other than pressure as employees.
\n
\n======================================<\/p>\n
\nV. EVENTS
\n———————————–<\/p>\n
DEAN AND RICHARD
\nare now at Culver City Elks the first \u2028Friday of \u2028every month.
\n7:30pm-10:30pm,
\n11160 Washington Pl.
\nCulver City, 90232
\n310-839-8891<\/p>\n
————————————-<\/p>\n
LA WINDS JAZZ KATS 584
\nNO COVER, NO MINIMUM.
\nEvery 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at
\nViva Cantina
\n7:30-10:00.
\n900 Riverside Drive, \u2028Burbank.<\/p>\n
Free parking across the street at Pickwick Bowl.
\nCome hear your favorite charts played the way
\nthey \u2028should \u2028be. \u2028\u2028We are in the back room called
\nthe Trailside Room. \u2028\u2028\u2028Come on down.<\/p>\n
Guaranteed to swing.<\/p>\n
—————————————–
\n2\/10\/17<\/p>\n
TALL AND SMALL!
\nPete Christlieb & Linda Small
\nwith the Ray Ohls Trio<\/p>\n
Friday, February 10, 2017 8:00 pm<\/p>\n
Brother Don\u2019s Bar & Grill
\n4200 Kitsap Way
\nBremerton, Washington 98310
\nDirections<\/p>\n
—————————————–<\/p>\n
2\/12\/17<\/p>\n
PALISADES SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
\nConductor Joel B. Lish<\/p>\n
Sunday, February 12,\u00a0 2016, 7:30 p.m.
\nMendelssohn: “Hebrides” Overture\u2028Mozart: Clarinet Concerto – Helen Goode-Castro, Clarinet Soloist\u2028Schumann: Symphony No. 4
\nAdmission is free; open seating
\nPalisades Lutheran Church\u202815905 Sunset Boulevard\u2028Pacific Palisades, CA 90272<\/p>\n
—————————————–<\/p>\n
2\/15\/17<\/p>\n
FREE ADMISSION GLENDALE NOON CONCERTS<\/p>\n
Wed. FEBRUARY 15, 2017 at\u00a012:10-12:40 pm at the
\nFree Admission Glendale Noon Concerts:<\/p>\n
The Music of Scott Joplin featuring
\nviolinist Yvette Devereaux, with
\nbassist Kevin O’Neal.<\/p>\n
Sanctuary of Glendale City Church,
\n610 E. California Ave. (at Isabel St), Glendale, CA 91206.
\nFor more information, email glendalesda@gmail.com
\nor call (818) 244- 7241.<\/p>\n
Thank you!
\nJacqueline Suzuki
\nCurator, Glendale Noon Concerts
\n818-249-5108<\/p>\n
——————————————<\/p>\n
2\/16\/17<\/p>\n
THE ORCHESTRE SURREAL
\nFebruary 16th 8:00
\nEl Portal Theater<\/p>\n
The Orchestre surreal will be performing and filming
\nour\u00a0up coming concert at the historic
\nEl Portal Theater in North Hollywood.
\nThis is a special event.
\nIf you are receiving\u00a0this email then you are\u00a0on our\u00a0special list.
\nWe want to recognize your loyalty and connection
\nwith the Orchestre and offer you 1\/2 price tickets.<\/p>\n
For 1\/2 price tix\u2028Use the\u00a0Code Word\u2028ELVIS.
\nHere is the link\u2028https:\/\/web.ovationtix.com\/trs\/pr\/961811\/prm\/ELVIS<\/p>\n
——————————————<\/p>\n
2\/24\/17<\/p>\n
DON’T MISS THE
\nTHE PHIL NORMAN TENTET
\nAT THE
\nNEWPORT BEACH JAZZ PARTY<\/p>\n
February 23rd thru February 26th
\nMarriott Hotel & Spa
\n900 Newport Center Drive
\nNewport Beach, CA 92660<\/p>\n
Tentet’s performance
\nFriday, February 24th @ 2:30pm<\/p>\n
For Tickets: 949-759-5003
\nwww.newportbeachjazzparty.com<\/p>\n
Remembering the classic sounds & variations of
\n12 jazz legends to include:<\/p>\n
The George Shearing Quintet
\nThe Dave Brubeck Quartet
\nThe Modern Jazz Quartet
\nThe Cal Tjader Quintet
\nthe Ahmad Jamal Trio
\nMiles, Dizzy and more<\/p>\n
——————————————
\n3\/18\/16
\nSFV SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
\nMar. 18, 2017 \u2013
\nAgoura Hills\/Calabasas Community Center
\nTuttle: By Steam or By Dream Overture
\nInaugural Performance
\nProkofiev: Symphony #1 in D major (Classical)
\nBen-Haim: Pastorale Vari\u00e9e for
\nClarinet, Harp and Strings
\nGeoff Nudell, clarinetist
\nBeethoven: Romance for Violin and Orchestra
\nRuth Bruegger, violinist
\n++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
\nOther concerts in the series<\/p>\n
May 13, 2017 \u2013 Agoura Hills\/Calabasas Community Center\u2028\u2028Saint-Saens: Bacchanale from \u201cSamson and Delilah\u201d
\nTchaikovsky:\u00a0Orchestral Suite No. 2 in C major
\nEgizi: Orchestral Suite \u2028\u201cIn Memoria di Mio Padre”
\nInaugural Performance<\/p>\n
Programs subject to change
\n——————————————<\/p>\n
3\/26\/17<\/p>\n
LOS ANGELES SYMPHONIC WINDS
\nSubscription Concert 3 \u2013 Calabasas High School
\nStars of the Los Angeles Symphonic Winds
\nRevel in the artistry of some of the LA Winds\u2019 most
\nacclaimed performers.
\n-Geoff Nudell and Parker Gaims (now a member of the US Marine Corps Band) play Felix Mendelssohn\u2019s virtuosic Two Concert Pieces. Also on the program will be two works by the LA Winds\u2019 resident composer,
\n– Charles Fernandez\u2028\u2022 Sunday March 26, 2017\u2028\u2022 2:30 p.m.\u00a0 Performing Arts Education Centers.<\/p>\n
——————————————
\nYou can read all previous offerings at:
\nhttp:\/\/www.responsible47.com
\nUNTIL NEXT TIME,\u2028\u2028THE COMMITTEE FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLE LOCAL 47<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
2\/3\/17 I.\u00a0 LETTER FROM CHARLES FERNANDEZ II. FROM THE 802 ARCHIVES – 2008 III. MEMBER LETTER IV. COMMENTS V. EVENTS …Absolutely guaranteed anonymity – Former Musician’s Union officer …The one voice of reason in a sea of insanity – Nashville ‘first call’\u2028scoring musician …Allows us to speak our minds without fear of reprisal – L.A. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-349","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-committee-newsletters"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/349","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=349"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/349\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=349"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=349"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=349"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}