Book Review: ‘I Have Hundreds of Stories, Some of Them True’ by Russell Garcia

garcia book‘I Have Hundreds of Stories, Some of Them True’

Author: Russell Garcia

In a unique refreshing style, world-renowned composer/arranger/conductor Russell Garcia relates the stories of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood during his many years writing music for films and television in his posthumously released book, “I Have Hundreds of Stories, Some of Them True.”

His inimitable, delightful sense of humor comes through even when he’s winning World War II single-handed. This is a wonderful inspiring book by a legendary icon who spent some 70 years in the music business. As a young boy in school, he taught himself to play trumpet and organized his own little band.  Fortunately, in high school, he had teachers who recognized his genius and encouraged him to write music. He later studied with Ernst Toch, Edmond Ross and Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. His break came when he substituted for an ill colleague on a radio show. Subsequently, he went on to become a composer/arranger at NBC Studios for television, and his work can still be heard today on such shows as “The Twilight Zone,” “Laredo,” “Fame is the Name of the Game” and “Rawhide.” Continue reading

Free Orchestration Classes Return to Local 47

Norman 2015

Saturday Mornings 10am – 1pm
@
Local 47 Serena Kay & Earl Williams Auditorium

Courses offered paired or individually FREE to Local 47 members in good standing

Taught by Dr. Norman Ludwin, an active session bass player for film and TV, composer, and orchestrator who has recently worked on “Jurassic World,” “Inside Out,” “Tomorrowland,” and “Zootopia”


Part of Local 47’s continuing series of free classes for members, in his paired Orchestration I and II course Dr. Norman Ludwin offers members a unique hands-on learning experience, taught by an industry professional. For both classes students will have access to online resources with an interactive website that includes essential class materials, scores and listening samples. Even if you have limited or no experience in orchestration, all members are strongly encouraged to attend these free classes to learn this important craft that can boost your career. Space is limited; RSVP required: rsvp@promusic47.org

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Finance Committee Nominations Now Open!

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Nominations are now open! The Executive Board announced at the Feb 16, 2016 meeting they are seeking further nominations to round out the new Finance Committee recommended by President Acosta.

We are seeking members who have a background in investments, finances, and related fields.  Members of the Finance Committee will work with the Board and Trustees on developing Investment Guidelines and Policies and Procedures for monies relating to the pending sale of the Vine Street property.

If you are interested in serving, or would like to nominate a member, contact President Acosta at john.acosta@promusic47.org or 323.993.3181.

Send in your Music Performance Trust Fund application by April 1

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The Recording Industries’ Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) fiscal year ends April 30. Now is the time for potential grant applicants to send in letters requesting assistance for your group, ensemble or orchestra.

Changes to the MPTF require that all grant applicants have a Federal ID number (e.g. non-profit organization, local business, etc.) and assume all employer responsibilities; Local 47 is no longer responsible for preparing the payrolls as in years past. Applicants accepted for an MPTF grant are responsible for direct payment to all musicians, including benefits, work dues and the proper filing of union reports with Local 47. Once all the necessary paperwork and proof of payroll is submitted to Local 47, the documents will be sent to MPTF headquarters in New York. Once verified and processed, your grant check will be mailed directly from MPTF. Continue reading

ASMAC Presents ‘The Art of Music Preparation’

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7pm – 10 pm, Wednesday March 2, 2016
Free Event for Members of Local 47 and ASMAC, $10 for guests
AFM Local 47 817 Vine St. Hollywood CA 90038
RSVP here

ASMAC continues the First Wednesday’s tradition with The Art Of Music Preparation Act II on March 2, this time in the Local 47 Serena Kay & Earl Williams Auditorium. Continue reading

YOLA Harmony Project Goes Live at Super Bowl 50

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Student youth orchestra performs with Coldplay during the big game’s halftime show

Classical music gained some major cool points on Super Bowl Sunday when members of Harmony Project’s Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA) led by Maestro Gustavo Dudamel performed during the halftime show with Coldplay. Continue reading

H&W: Handy Blue Shield App for Your Phone

A message from the Professional Musicians, Local 47 and Employers’ Health & Welfare Fund:

GoogleNexus5_flier_mergedIn today’s on-the-go-wireless world, many of us rely on phone apps for almost every daily need. Well, it was only a matter of time before health insurers would get into app development and releases.

For Blue Shield, that time has arrived and if you are a Fund participant who has enrolled for the Blue Shield coverage, you can download the Blue Shield Mobile App for your smart phone (assuming, of course, your phone is compatible with the app). As they say: “There’s an app for that!” Continue reading