The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jay Blumenthal as director of Symphonic Services and as the Federation’s Assistant Treasurer.

“Jay’s outstanding relationship-building abilities have produced unparalleled excellence in the symphonic employment sector,” says AFM President Ray Hair. “He is well known for promoting open, honest discussion on difficult issues, in difficult times, in a manner that encourages respect and problem-solving.”

Duties and responsibilities: Conduct Elementary Strings, determine seating, select repertoire, mark bowings, coordinate with staff and volunteers, recruit students (this program is dependent on a minimum enrollment of 11 students).

Duties and responsibilities: Conduct Concert Orchestra, oversee Prelude Chamber Ensembles including coaching and hiring of coaches in consultation with Music Director, implement artistic direction as defined by Music Director, judge auditions, determine seating, select repertoire, mark bowings, coordinate with staff and volunteers.

This year I attended the 73rd Western Conference of Locals in Vancouver BC along with our delegate Don Prorak. With 38 delegates representing 34 locals, new AFM President Ray Hair addressed the conference in his usual dynamic style. President Hair reported on settlements with the Recording Musicians Association and Disney productions. He went on to discuss the situation with the Detroit Symphony. A couple observations by President Hair stuck with me:

My wife, Mary Louise, is a professional musician….so we know firsthand how musicians struggle to make a living, while giving pleasure to thousands. I am aware of the concerns Denver’s professional musicians have in the face of orchestral budget cuts, and I look forward to working with you to ensure that Denver’s fine musicians command the compensation they deserve. As Mayor, I will initiate discussions, locally and regionally, to review arts and culture public funding policies, to ensure that fair competitive practices are maintained.
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Professional musicians should know that I’m a strong supporter of a vibrant arts and cultural community. I also recognize that commercial and nonprofit music industries are invaluable assets that provide considerable economic impact. DMA members are responsible for creating this economy, so it’s only fitting that this same economy must provide and grow employment opportunities for professional musicians. If elected Mayor, I can assure you that a strong partnership between the City of Denver, the Arts and related music industries will continue and grow.
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The Greeley Philharmonic (GPO) welcomes applications for the position of Executive Director, available in the early summer of 2011.

The Executive Director is responsible for the management of all human and financial resources needed to achieve the GPO’s mission. The Executive Director reports directly to the board of directors and implements policies set by the board of directors. The Executive Director is the chief fundraising professional for the organization. The Executive Director oversees and coordinates all artistic and production aspects of the performances.
Application Deadline: June 1st, 2011

Professional musicians continue to suffer substantial loss of income because of SCFD’s non-competitive practices while taxpayer dollars are irresponsibly damaging our economy. In his May 3 letter to me, SCFD board Chair James Harrington defends that SCFD is creating jobs and meeting its statutory requirements. My May 5 response to Mr. Harrington states my position as I’ve stated for 15 years … that none of this is true.

The Cherry Creek Chorale has engaged the Boulder Symphony Orchestra (BSO) for concerts scheduled on October 14, 2011 and May 18, 2012. Sadly, freelance musicians are again learning the hard way that they cannot possibly compete against two publicly-funded organizations that choose to pool their resources in this manner. Under the baton of Maestro Devin Hughes, the Boulder Symphony has hit the ground running by undermining the local industry with their SCFD-funded ‘pay-to-play’ business model.

DENVER – April 19, 2011 – The Colorado Symphony today announced that it has ratified a new three-year agreement with the Denver Musicians Association – Local 20-623 of the American Federation of Musicians in Denver, Colorado – on behalf of the musicians of the Colorado Symphony. The new agreement paves the way for the Colorado Symphony to finish institutional visioning work and launch an intensive long-range planning process. In addition, new community-focused concerts and educational programming will remain a focus, all the while continuing plans for the renovation of Boettcher Concert Hall and the search for a new music director.