On November 4, 2025, the Executive Board approved the 2026 Live/Music Prep Wage Scale Book with no increases throughout both Live and Music Prep and no additional language. All amounts remain unchanged from 2025.
A digital copy of our Wage Scale book is posted in the members-only section of our website at ensemble.afm47.org. (If you have not yet logged in to our new system, please review the instructions here.)
Composer Nathaniel Blume recently completed a recording session for his EP, “nootbar,” featuring a 33-piece string ensemble of AFM Local 47 members at the historic Warner Bros. Eastwood Scoring Stage. The session took place on July 20, under an AFM Limited Pressing Agreement, ensuring that union musicians were central to the project’s creative realization. Continue reading
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.)
“No contract, no coffee!” On October 29, we proudly rallied alongside Starbucks Workers United members at a practice picket in Burbank. Continue reading
At our October 27, 2025 General Membership Meeting, members voted to fill a vacancy on the Salary Review Board and on 3 Resolutions to amend the bylaws. The results of voting are as follows:
Special Election to Fill Vacancy on Salary Review Board
Paul Sternhagen: 44
Luanne Homzy: 17
Resolution 1: Proposed Salary Reductions
Yes: 19
No: 40
Resolution not adopted
Resolution 2: Organizing
Yes: 42
No: 10
Resolution adopted, as amended
Resolution 3: Electronic Membership Meetings and Voting
Yes: 47
No: 3
Resolution adopted
An updated set of the Local 47 Bylaws reflecting these amendments may be found in the members-only section of the Local 47 website, ensemble.afm47.org (click the “Documents” button). (If you have not yet logged in to our new system, please visit afm47.org/e2/account for instructions.)
Life Member & AFM Local 47 Secretary/Treasurer Emeritus. String Bass
4/9/1921 – 10/4/2025
by Leslie Baker
Thank you, Serena. My lifelong friendship with Serena Kay Williams began before I could remember. She informed me many years later that she met me as a 6-year-old holding the hand of my piano-playing father, Dick Baker. I was just starting piano lessons then. My Dad played piano in Earl Williams (Serena’s husband) band, Serena played bass in Earl’s band. She watched me grow going through countless gigs to become a pro bassist. Serena encouraged and loved so many of us musicians. That was her way. Serena is liked, loved and respected by many. There are decades of memories of times with Serena. Let me describe perhaps the most important: When Serena decided her favorite bass, the last one made by Mr. Robles himself in 1962 (he was over 90 when he made this bass) had sat unplayed for too long (her playing days were behind her as she took on her role as a top officer in the Local 47 Musicians Union), she let me know it was for sale. She offered me the chance to have it for a week to decide if it was right for me. After a few days of trying it out we made our deal. Continue reading
Former Member. Keyboard
8/5/1952 – 9/5/2025
South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Stephen Charles Croes died peacefully on September 5, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV, surrounded by his loving family. Continue reading
Former Life Member. Composer
3/4/1932 – 10/7/2025
Studio City, CA resident, Ian Freebairn-Smith, best known for his Grammy-winning arrangement of Barbra Streisand and Paul Williams’ hit song “Evergreen” from “A Star is Born” (1976), passed away on October 7, 2025. He was 93 years old. Continue reading
Earlier this week, Governor Newsom and the California Film Commission announced 52 approved Feature Film projects to be eligible to receive the California Film and Television Tax Credits. Continue reading
Life Member & AFM Local 47 Secretary/Treasurer Emeritus. String Bass
4/9/1921 – 10/4/2025
by Judy Chilnick
Serena Williams — So many have expressed how much Serena inspired and supported them. She guided them through the ups and downs and the joy of our life of music. Continue reading