The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada is excited to once again be hosting a booth at this year’s National Association of Music Merchants Show, the industry’s largest stage uniting the global music, sound and entertainment technology communities.
Find AFM at Booth 9007, Hall B during the event’s three exhibit days, January 22-24 (view map).
Snag your 2026 NAMM badge here.
The Los Angeles Ballet, which closed a successful run of “The Nutcracker” at the Dolby Theatre, recently ratified their new successor collective bargaining agreement on December 27, 2025.
“The Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra Committee is thrilled to have ratified this CBA in collaboration with LA Ballet management and is excited to be a part of this innovative ballet company,” Marcia Dickstein, harpist and orchestra committee chair.
“I was very pleased with this negotation,” said AFM Local President Stephanie O’Keefe. “The new agreement clearly highlights LA Ballet’s recognition of the magic that happens when live music meets dance.”
Photo by Linda A. Rapka // AFM International President Tino Gagliardi stands with the YOLA Teaching Artists at the headquarters of Local 47 on December 8, following their filing for union representation.
Last month, teaching artists at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) won union representation by AFM Local Local 47.
YOLA at Torres, a performing arts magnet school in East LA, and YOLA at Inglewood teaching artists at the Beckmen YOLA Center were the first to receive recognition from the National Labor Relations Board in early December. YOLA at HOLA (Heart of Los Angeles), located in the Rampart district, followed with an overwhelming majority vote of its teaching artists the following week. Continue reading
Thank you to Life Member Sheldon Mehr for his generous donation of a Yamaha Synthesizer and hand-crafted wooden music table to the Rehearsal Rooms!
Our Rehearsal Rooms continue to appreciate all backline donations, especially:
For more information and to book a room, please visit afm47.org/rehearsals.
by Linda A. Rapka
Since founding the Kadima Conservatory of Music in 1983, AFM Local 47 member Beth Elliott has been active as its music director, dedicated to providing music education to underprivileged youth from underrepresented communities. The Conservatory has been operating in Pacoima for over a decade and has over 300 students of all ages enrolled in private lessons, three symphonic orchestras, chamber music, student recitals, and a mentoring program.
However, their efforts have been severely impacted by widespread operations of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, which continue to threaten our immigrant communities. Continue reading
Los Angeles, CA [January 6, 2026] — Members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 47 have elected a new slate of titled officers to lead the union into its next chapter. Marc Sazer will assume the Presidency, with John Acosta returning as Vice President and Gail Kruvand continuing in her role as Secretary/Treasurer. All three officers ran unopposed.
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.)
Open to all members in good standing
In-Person Location: AFM Local 47, 3220 Winona Ave. Burbank CA 91504
Virtual Location: Zoom
On the Agenda (subject to change):
– Approval of Minutes
– Outgoing Officer Reports
– Installation of New Officers
– Unfinished and New Business
– Presentation of 50-Year Pins
Musicians’ Club of Los Angeles Annual Meeting to immediately follow Inaugural Meeting
Continue reading
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.”