Life Member. Composer
3/28/1941 – 5/30/2025
by Pam Gates
I was lucky enough to have worked with Alf and “The Simpsons” TV show orchestra for 12 years!
Alf was a magnificent composer and held wonderful AFM sessions. First and foremost he took care of business. He absolutely knew what musical result he wanted from his players and his crew accomplished that! Continue reading
Member. Violin
10/17/1967 – 4/9/2025
Roberto Cani, an internationally acclaimed violinist whose artistry and dedication to music inspired audiences across the globe, passed away on April 9, 2025. Known for his extraordinary talent and devotion to the violin, Roberto leaves behind a legacy of beautiful artistry and a deep passion for music. Continue reading
Life Member. Cello
2/26/1938 – 3/4/2025
by Daniel Kelley
Ray Kelley had the cello career any musician would covet: a member of the Utah Symphony, Dallas Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, followed by decades of nonstop studio work during a golden era for records, jingles, live TV and motion pictures. But I would rather write about who he was. Continue reading
Life Member. Viola/Conductor
3/11/1935 – 3/5/2024
Violist Joel Lish graduated from Verdugo Hills High School when he was just 16. He enrolled in the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music and then later enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his last two years in the Air Force Joel was stationed in Okinawa. At the request of some of the local musicians he started a small group of string players and taught himself to conduct. Many years later Joel was quite surprised to learn that after he left Okinawa in 1957 this group continued and eventually evolved into the Okinawa Symphony, and that Joel is considered the founder of that orchestra! Continue reading
3/27/1943 – 6/5/2024
Life Member. Acoustic/Electric Guitar
Terry Evans, jazz guitar extraordinaire, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, on June 5, 2024. Continue reading
Life Member. Drum Set
1/11/1944 – 5/7/2024
John Perett passed away as a result of advanced dementia in Portland, OR on May 7, 2024. John was 80 years old. He was born in Cambridge, MA on January 11, 1944 to Constantino A. and Patricia D. Perett. Continue reading
Life Member. Piano
10/28/1938 – 2/16/2024
Ben Lanzarone, a native of Brooklyn, New York, celebrated composer/arranger/musical director/pianist, has passed away at the age of 85 at his home in Los Angeles. Continue reading
2/11/1975 – 11/17/2023
Member. Percussion
It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that Daniel Adam Savell has died. He passed away November 17, 2023, succumbing to injuries suffered in a sports accident. Dan was born February 11, 1975, in Newton, Massachusetts and was co-founder and co-owner of L.A. Percussion and Backline Rentals in Santa Clarita, California. Continue reading
Life Member. String Bass
12/5/1940 – 3/4/2024
Donald James Baldini, 83, of Westminster, Vt., died at home in the bed he made himself, just as he wished.
He was tenacious in his love for life, music, food and friends while he navigated the ups and downs of cancer for the past eight years. He will be remembered by all as a charismatic storyteller, world-class bass player and engaging teacher. Continue reading