Category Archives: All News

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.”

Great News for L.A. Renters: LARSO Caps Pass!

In November 2025, the Los Angeles City Council approved an update to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, using a new formula that will set allowable increases for roughly 650,000 units at 4% and remove additional charges for electricity and gas — the most substantive changes to the policy in more than four decades. Continue reading →

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
Continue reading →

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.

2025 Holiday Toy Drive

‘Tis the Season: Spread Joy With a Toy!

The holidays are approaching rapidly, and thousands of families will have to decide whether to buy food, pay rent, or keep the heat on in their homes during the winter nights. Without our help, many of our union sisters, brothers and siblings will be unable to afford holiday presents for their children. Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.)