What do you really think of 21st century repertoire?

802 NOTES: the electronic newsletter of Local 802

This edition: Aug. 28, 2013

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How do you really feel about 21st century repertoire?

In many ways, the future of classical music depends on the repertoire. But, as a musician, what do you really think of new work? What do you like most about performing new compositions? What drives you crazy about them? How do you think 21st century repertoire speaks (or doesn't speak!) to audiences? What's it like when a composer is present at a rehearsal and gives comments?

Allegro is planning a story on what our members think of 21st century repertoire -- both the good and the bad. We'd love to hear your thoughts, because you represent the front line. Composers and audiences need to hear your point of view. If you're interesting in learning more about participating in this project, click here.

VOTE FOR BILL DE BLASIO ON SEPT. 10

Local 802 has endorsed Bill de Blasio for mayor of NYC. Election day is Tuesday, Sept. 10.

To find out where to vote, or with any questions about voting, you can call 1-800-FOR-VOTE, or visit www.elections.ny.gov, or contact Local 802 political and public relations director K.C. Boyle at (212) 245-4802, ext. 176.

Tonight: jazz demo and rally!

The Justice for Jazz Artists Brass Band is hitting the streets once again! Tonight (Wednesday, Aug. 28), we will be leafleting several locations owned by Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality group, the owners of the Jazz Standard nightclub.

Join us as we tell NYC jazz club owners that we are not going away, and that jazz musicians deserve fair working standards!

WHEN: Tonight! (Wednesday, August 28th) at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Madison Square Park, at the corner of 23rd Street and Broadway, in front of the statue.

WHY: To demand pension contributions, pay scales and protections on recordings at NYC clubs.

FOR MORE INFO ON THIS EVENT OR THE JUSTICE FOR JAZZ ARTISTS CAMPAIGN,

CLICK HERE.

RELEASE TENSION AND PERFORM BETTER

Announcing a free workshop for musicians, but space is limited! Do you play with tight shoulders or a stiff back? Does being a musician mean you have to deal with chronic aches and pains? Ever wish that your conservatory education taught you exercises to relieve tension? If you are a musician and answered yes to any of these questions, you are invited to a FREE SESSION to help you learn simple exercises that can release tension and make you stronger. The goal of the workshop is to help you have a pain-free performance experience, improve your body comfort, and increase your performance endurance. The workshop will be led by Karin Fantus, a certified Pilates instructor, who has created exercises and techniques to help artists relieve their body of stress and tension. Space is limited for this workshop, so register now!

DATE: Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

COST: Free, but registration is required! (See below.)

LOCATION: Local 802

If interested, e-mail Siena Shundi by clicking here. The deadline to register is Sept. 1. If you are a Local 802 member, please include your union number. Sponsored by Local 802, the Musicians' Assistance Program and the Actors Fund.

GIVE ME MY COPYRIGHT BACK!

It appears that 2013 may be a watershed year for recording artists. Under a little known provision of the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, recording artists have the right to reclaim ownership of sound recordings they licensed to record labels or others. This may provide substantial leverage to recording artists who want to renegotiate recording contracts they signed 35 years ago. In fact, such artists could stand to profit tremendously.

Many in the recording industry claim that this is a potential game changer, since record companies stand to lose huge amounts of revenue. On the other hand, skeptics say that only a few recording artists will be able to take advantage of this law, since many recording contracts grant the record label the right to use the recording in perpetuity.

Read the full story here, as written by Local 802's lawyer Harvey Mars and published in the April 2013 issue of our union magazine Allegro.

ARE YOU READY FOR MEDICARE?

There is one advantage to reaching the age of 65: free health care! But how free is Medicare? Do you know how Medicare works? Do you know how to apply for it? What happens to your Medicare coverage if you're already on the Local 802 health plan? How does prescription coverage work under Medicare?

You don't want to miss our comprehensive story on Medicare and musicians that was published in the February 2013 issue of our union magazine Allegro. The story was written and extensively researched by Local 802 member Martha Hyde, who is a multi-woodwind player, Broadway musician and trustee of the Local 802 Health Benefits Fund.

Click here to read the story now.

Do you know any friends who are close to age 65? They need to know about Medicare too.

Click this box to share the story with your friends and musical colleagues:

Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here.

Musicians: do you have a legal concern? Click the link below to reach Local 802's lawyer Harvey S. Mars:

Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here.

To respond to this newsletter directly or to give any comments, click here

To reach Local 802 by phone, call (212) 245-4802. For more information on our services and departments, see www.Local802afm.org

Paid ads in 802 NOTES support your union and keep your costs down. You can advertise here and reach thousands of your peers. E-mail Allegro@Local802afm.org for more information.

Local 802 AFM

322 West 48th St
New York, NY 10036
(212) 245-4802

Mikael Elsila is the editor of Allegro magazine and the 802 NOTES electronic newsletter. He can be reached at: Allegro@Local802afm.org

THE CURRENT ISSUE OF ALLEGRO IS AVAILABLE ONLINE

Don't miss our special feature on music teaching.

THE UNFAIR LIST: DO NOT PERFORM FOR THESE EMPLOYERS!

The current AFM UNFAIR LIST can be found here. AFM musicians are prohibited from working for these employers.

HOW OLD IS TOO OLD?

Have you ever lost a gig because your client or bandleader thought you were too old? What can you do about it? Click here to read the article that everyone is talking about, from the February 2013 issue of our union magazine Allegro. Let's blow the lid wide open on one of the most taboo subjects in the music industry: age discrimination. Tell us your story of age discrimination -- or give us feedback -- by sending us a confidential e-mail here .

Have you visited the Local 802 FACEBOOK PAGE yet?

If not, you've missed out on exclusive stories and announcements.

Get special tips, and network with other musicians on our Facebook page. Click here to get started.

WATCH OUT FOR AUDITIONS ON BROADWAY!

It has come to the attention of the Theatre Department that some Broadway musicians and substitute musicians are being asked to audition for theatrical productions on Broadway. Auditions are not allowed for Broadway shows without the full cooperation and notification of the Local 802 Executive Board. If you are asked to audition for any position on a Broadway show, contact the union immediately. Auditions have only been allowed in the past under very special circumstances after approval of the Local 802 Executive Board and only if the appropriate wages, including pension and health benefit contributions, are made to the musicians involved. Please let us know immediately if you are asked to audition on Broadway. Your anonymity and confidence will always be respected and ensured. Call (212) 245-4802 and ask for the president's office or the Theatre Department.

ALLEGRO

CLASSIFIEDS

Do you want to see the BEST DEALS on used instruments and other services for musicians? Click here to check out the Allegro classifieds. To purchase a classified, click here.

LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING?

Did you know that there's a housing project for musicians where the rent is only $635 a month? Click here to learn more!

AND: Click here for information on a new housing lottery that just opened up!

LOOKING FOR MUSIC WORK?

When someone calls the union to hire musicians, our referral service handles the call. We match up our members with prospective clients. If you're a Local 802 member, signing up for the referral service is easy. Send an e-mail to Steve Singer by clicking here or call (212) 245-4802, ext. 156.

Also, from time to time, movie and TV producers call the union looking for musicians to perform on camera. If you're interested in being considered for this kind of work, ask about sideline work.

If you are a Broadway musician and your show closes, can you apply for unemployment? Yes. While you are collectingunemployment, can you sub on other Broadway shows, teach lessons, and play other freelance gigs? Yes, but your unemployment check may be reduced.

What if you're a club date musician and your leader or office hasn't booked you on a wedding gig in months? Can you apply for unemployment in that case?

For the answer to that question and more information on musicians and unemployment benefits, click here to read a story written by Local 802's counsel Harvey Mars with the Workers Defense Fund.

WANT TO HELP MUSICIANS, MAKE CONNECTIONS AND HAVE FUN?

Interns at Local 802 make a tremendous impact on the lives of musicians while gaining valuable experience and connections. You or someone you know can help us make a big difference. The union is now accepting applications for interns. Spread the word and click here for more information!

DO YOU HAVE YOUR COPY OF THE LOCAL 802 DIRECTORY?

The Local 802 Membership Directory is available for members only. Pick up a free copy on the second floor of the union building. Or for mail delivery, contact the Membership Department by clicking here. (You must be an active member to get a directory, so be sure to tell us your union card number!)

NEED FINANCIAL AID?

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND?

The Emergency Relief Fund helps musicians in need. Financial assistance is provided in the form of a directed grant to the musician's creditors; for example, to a landlord, physician, etc. The eligibility requirements are:

A minimum of two years' membership in the union;
Union membership in good standing, with all dues paid;
"Dire need" as defined by the fund's trustees. This can include: threat of gas, electric or telephone cutoff; eviction; medical debts; costs incurred due to the theft of instruments; auto repairs vital to continued employment; and other emergencies.

To apply, contact the union's social worker Siena Shundi by clicking here or calling (212) 245-4802, ext. 180. Cindy can also help you apply for other financial help from sources like the Actors' Fund and other relief organizations.

Click the ad above for info.

JAZZ JAM!

There is a jazz jam on most Mondays at Local 802 (322 West 48th Street), from 7 to 9:30 p.m. For more information, call Joe Petrucelli at the Jazz Foundation of America at (212) 245-3999, ext. 10, or click here.

DO YOU HAVE MONEY WAITING FOR YOU?

Somtimes the union may have a check in your name, but no way to get it to you because your address is outdated. To see if there's money waiting for you, click here.

Paid ads in 802 NOTES support your union and keep your costs down. You can advertise here and reach thousands of your peers. For more information, click here.

Click the ad above for info.