(New York, NY) A three-judge panel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has affirmed that the Musical Arts Association (MAA), which runs The Cleveland Orchestra, violated federal labor law by refusing to bargain with the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) regarding terms and conditions of employment related to electronic media productions. The NLRB rejected MAA’s argument that it had complied with the law by making media proposals to AFM Local 4 (the Federation’s affiliated local in Cleveland). The NLRB affirmed Administrative Law Judge Eric M. Fine’s earlier finding that having signed media agreements with the Federation for many years, MAA was not free to shift media negotiations to a local basis.

By Pete Vriesenga

Richard Kolacny, who joined the DMA in 1947, recently called the office to pay his annual dues. I was privileged to take his call and personally thanked him for 64 years of dedicated support for causes of professional musicians.

As president of Kolacny Music, a family-owned business since 1930, Richard Kolacny’s dedicated support to our local community shines bigger than life. I join many thousands of music professionals in thanking the Kolacny family for more than 80 years of service to our community. How many lifetime friendships and associations have been forged over this time, and how do we put a price on that?
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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.