Happy Birthday to Us! Local 47 turns 118

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On March 15, 2015, Local 47 turns 118. To celebrate, here’s a look back at the humble beginnings of the musicians union of Los Angeles.

While searching the Local’s archives last month we stumbled upon the November 1941 issue of the Overture which featured an article by former president C. L. Bagley titled “47 is 47: Local No. 47 Has a Birthday.” Therein Bagley described in detail some interesting historical aspects of the very beginnings of our union, much of which is shared in this post. Click on the images in this post to view scans of the original documents.

On March 15, 1897, Local 47’s charter and affiliation was approved by the American Federation of Musicians. This monumental day marked the end of a long struggle musicians in Los Angeles who tried, then failed, and ultimately succeeded in effectively organizing with the union we belong to today. Continue reading →

Next ‘Star Wars’ Film to Score in Los Angeles for the First Time in Franchise History

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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LOS ANGELES, CA (MARCH 24, 2015) — The Force is with Los Angeles musicians: For the first time in the film saga’s history, the musical score to “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” will be recorded in Los Angeles by members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 47.

Composer John Williams—himself a Life Member of Local 47—is currently at work writing the music for this seventh installment in the “Star Wars” franchise. Williams has composed the music for every film in the series since its 1977 debut. While previous films were scored at Abbey Road with the London Symphony Orchestra, “The Force Awakens” marks the first time a “Star Wars” score will be recorded in the United States. Continue reading →

Bing Crosby, Maestro Burns Named Members of Local 47 (from the archives)

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#TBT – This Throwback Thursday post goes WAY back: This article originally appeared in the April 1941 issue of the AFM Local 47 Overture!

DR. CROSBY AND MAESTRO BURNS NOW MEMBERS OF LOCAL 47

Members of Local 47 take a great deal of pleasure in welcoming two of the finest gentlemen they know into their Association: Bing Crosby and Bob Burns. Continue reading →

Orchestration Classes with Dr. Norman Ludwin

Norman 2015

Free courses for all Local 47 members

RSVP: 323.993.3179, jeff.surga@promusic47.org

Orchestration I: July 18-Sept 5, 2015

Participants are introduced to orchestral instruments and their usage. Two areas are covered: instrumentation, which deals with the construction, sound production, range, notation, and playing techniques of each instrument; and orchestration, which is the actual process of scoring music for orchestra. Groups of instruments examined include brass, strings, woodwinds, keyboards, harp, and percussion. Class sessions involve score study, instrumental demonstrations, and performance and discussion of student assignments. Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of music fundamentals; e.g. notes, keys, scales, meter, etc. RSVP: 323.993.3179, jeff.surga@promusic47.org

Orchestration II: Sept 12-Oct 31, 2015

Students will learn composition and elements of form by looking at contemporary styles of music, score study, analysis of different composers’ methods of orchestration, score reduction (e.g. learning how to reduce an orchestral score to a piano part, or reducing to a five-line staff), and possible guest lecturers. The ending course project is a recording of students’ original compositions by the Symphony 47 orchestra.

Meet the Wrecking Crew!

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LA studio musicians who recorded the soundtrack of the 1960s profiled in Denny Tedesco’s feature documentary

By Linda A. Rapka

You may not know their names, but you know their music.

The soundtrack of the late 1950s and 1960s was largely recorded by a group of Los Angeles studio musicians known as the Wrecking Crew. The Beach Boys, Frank and Nancy Sinatra, Sonny and Cher, Jan & Dean, Elvis Presley, the Monkees, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, the Mamas & the Papas, Simon and Garfunkel, the Tijuana Brass, Ricky Nelson, Johnny Rivers, and even Alvin and the Chipmunks are but a small few of the hundreds of popular artists for whom the Crew recorded, though more often than not were left uncredited on the album sleeve. Continue reading →

Support the Local 47 Political Action Committee Fund

local-47-pacCHECK THE BOX

Let’s take our voices straight
to City Hall!

Your voluntary contributions will allow us to take our concerns directly to City Hall by supporting candidates and legislation that furthers the goals of professional musicians in Los Angeles.

Donate Today!

  • Check the “Local 47 PAC” box on your Dues Statement and write in your desired donation amount.
  • Send a check payable to: “Local 47 PAC” 817 Vine St. Hollywood CA 90038.
  • Log in to your member account at afm47.org/user/login (Payments > Funds Payments)

March 2015 Overture Online: Meet the Wrecking Crew!

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Overture Online: March 2015

NEW ISSUE OUT NOW – Read the Overture Online on your smartphone or tablet available from the App Store or Google Play.

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While Overture Online is optimized for reading via the app versions, readers may also access the new issue on your web browser here.

Continue reading →

Final Notes: Neil LeVang

Neil LeVangLife Member. Violin
(1932 – 2015)

By Mark LeVang, son

My father, Neil LeVang, the noted studio guitarist whose list of credits includes hundreds of television and film dates as well as a 23-year career with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra, died at home, peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 26. He was 83. Continue reading →

Final Note: Donald Waldrop

Note TreeLife Member. Bass Trombone
(1940-2014)

By Miles Anderson

As many of you may know, Don was an excellent all-round musician capable of performing in quite diverse musical genres. Today, this ability is pretty much taken for granted, but 40 years ago, not so much. Don was also ahead of his time in doubling on bass trombone and tuba. Today, it’s an economic necessity. (He was also an outstanding copyist of the pre-Finale era.) Don’s curiosity and intelligence went well beyond music, and contributed much to our lively friendship. RIP Don.