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Palm Springs Symphony

Palm Springs Symphony Signs First-Time CBA With AFM Local 47 

Just days before the first concert of their inaugural season, the Palm Springs Symphony signed its first collective bargaining agreement with AFM Local 47, which saw 42 musicians performing on the stage of the newly refurbished Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs on December 7, 2025.

“Thanks to all the members who stepped up, asked the employer for a contract, and worked closely with the Local to bring this contract to fruition,” said AFM Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe. “We were able to reach an agreement less than 72 hours before the first rehearsal. The entire process was a great reminder of what we can accomplish when we all work together.”

AFM Local 47 2025 Election Results

Congratulations to all candidates, and thank you to all members who voted, in our 2025 General Election.

TRUSTEE (3 elected)
Alex Iles – 173
Phil O’Connor – 163
Bonnie Janofsky – 155
Steve Dress – 141

DELEGATE TO THE AFM CONVENTION (3 elected)
Allison Allport – 160
Phil O’Connor – 159
Meredith Snow – 153
Bonnie Janofsky – 140
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Statement From AFM Local 47 Regarding YOLA

We are extremely pleased to announce that the teaching artists at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) at Torres and YOLA at Inglewood are now represented by the American Federation of Musicians Local 47.

We thank the leadership of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association for their continued support of high-quality music for the students, parents, and teaching artists of the East Los Angeles and Inglewood communities.

“There is no way to overestimate the value of music education to a child, to a society, and to a culture,” said AFM Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe. “As a former music educator, I am so happy to support these teaching artists.”

Membership Dues flyer

Membership Dues Increase for 2026

As approved by the membership at our July 2025 General Membership Meeting, membership dues will increase in the New Year:

Regular Member Annual Dues
$220 due January 1

Regular Member Semi-Annual Dues
$115 due January 1 & July 1

Life Member Annual Dues
$115 due January 1

Inactive Life Member Annual Dues
$95 due January 1

Note: Reinstatement fees for suspensions and expulsions have been reduced to $25, down from $75.

In the Pit: LA Opera’s ‘La Bohème’ @ the Dorothy Chandler

On the afternoon of November 20, 2025, we paid a visit to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles to enjoy a dress rehearsal of LA Opera’s “La Bohème,” joining hundreds of LAUSD students for the special program.

Photos by Linda A. Rapka // LA Opera orchestra contractor Brady Steele poses in front of the pit at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion moments before a special dress rehearsal peformance of “La Bohème,” attended by hundreds of LAUSD students and co-sponsored by the Music Performance Trust Fund.

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December 2025 Overture E-Magazine: Holiday Concert Guide

Inside This Issue:

  • Cover Story – Holiday Concert Guide
  • AFM Local 47 2025 General Election Day is December 9
  • How to Cast Your Ballot
  • Prohibited Campaigning Reminders
  • Member Spotlight: Hannah Hooper
  • ATTENTION: Membership Dues Increase for 2026
  • ‘Tis the Season – Spread Joy With a Toy! Donate by December 15
  • In the Pit: LA Opera’s ‘La Bohème’ at the Dorothy Chandler
  • Starbucks Baristas Fight for a Fair Contract
  • Great News for L.A. Renters: LARSO Caps Pass!
  • Update From the Entertainment Union Coalition: 17 television projects selected in latest round of expanded Film & Television Tax Credit Program
  • Rest in Power: Kent Wong, Labor Leader
  • Final Notes: Cleto Escobedo III
  • Have You Been Impacted by ICE Raids? Tell us your story
  • Audition Notices: Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, Long Beach Symphony
  • and more!

Browse our full Overture pdf archives here.

For exclusive members-only Overture content — Executive Board minutes, CBAs, Local 47 Wage Scales, Bylaws, Suspended/Expelled member lists, and more — log in to your new E2 member account at ensemble.afm47.org and browse the “Overture” section on the Documents page. (New to E2? Visit our E2 FAQ here.)

Keep CA Rolling

EUC Update: 17 New Television Projects Announced

A Message From the Entertainment Union Coalition:

Our Entertainment Union Coalition (EUC) continues to work collaboratively to ensure the success of the application of our expanded and modernized Film and Television Jobs Program, as well as championing the efforts to keep production both within our State. 

Just last week, Governor Newsom announced 17 Television Projects that have been recently awarded tax credits expected to generate $1.2 billion in statewide economic activity.  Continue reading →

Elementary students send messages of thanks to Saturday Night Bath for MPTF performance

Students at Della S. Lindley Elementary in Thousand Palms sent in an envelope filled to the brim with thank-you letters expressing their delight at the jazz band Saturday Night Bath, led by Local 47 member Howie Rich, for their performance at the school in September 2025. 

The musicians’ performance was generously co-sponsored by the Recording Industry’s Music Performance Trust Fund, which is committed to offering free, live music to the public.

All MPTF concerts are presented free to the public. If you are interested in presenting a free concert in your community through MPTF, please visit afm47.org/mptf to learn more.