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AFM 660 to Celebrate 100 Years
The Central Pennsylvania Musicians’ Association (American Federation of Musicians Local 660), headquartered in State College, PA, will celebrate its 100th anniversary on January 19, 2013. A luncheon will be held at the University Club, 331 West College Ave., from 12 to 3 PM, including live music and a recognition ceremony. Memorabilia from the union’s history will be on display.
To mark the anniversary, the local is encouraging new memberships by waiving the initiation fees through March of 2013. New members or returning members who join by December 31 may attend and bring a guest to the celebration on January 19. “This is a seventy-five-dollar savings,” says Debbie Trudeau, AFM 660 treasurer and violinist with several local classical ensembles. “It’s a great opportunity for those who have been thinking of getting involved or rejoining.”
“I believe in music,” says Marilyn Haugh, avid supporter of several Central PA musical groups and AFM member since 2007. “I’m looking forward to celebrating the local’s anniversary in January. I’m dedicated to musicians and feel that they should be paid well.” Marilyn has been a close observer of Local 660 as the wife of the late Hubert Haugh, a member and officer from 1976-2007. She also served on the board in her husband’s stead.
About the Central PA Musicians Association
According to John Kovalchik, an officer since the 1970s, “We represent many hard-working, qualified, and talented members who are working diligently to improve the local music scene. Our local leaders work for the good of the membership, to keep them performing for decent wages.”
One notable recent AFM Local 660 initiative addressed the issue of musician pay by recognizing and promoting “Fair Trade” venues that pay a sustainable living wage to all performing musicians on site. Music at McCann, Music at Penn’s Woods, the Saloon, Bar Bleu, the Autoport, and the Central Pennsylvania Ballroom Dance Association are among the local organizations recognized.
The Central PA Musicians’ Association also sponsors the Olin Butt memorial scholarship, which donates five scholarships annually to fund private lessons for recommended high school students in Centre County. “We need to get more young people interested in music,” says Haugh. “The AFM provides a vision and a purpose for them.”
AFM 660’s current active roster includes 69 musicians ranging in age from 21 to 92 and playing all styles of music, from classical and folk to rock and jazz. Its territory spans Centre, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, Snyder, Montour, Northumberland, and Columbia counties. Originally headquartered in Tyrone, PA, Local 660 relocated to State College in the early 1970s. Records dating to the 1960s list 389 former members, although hundreds more once belonged during the union’s early years.
In addition to the initiatives mentioned above, the AFM also provides legal support for musicians under contract, and marketing assistance for members through this website, www.afm660.org.
Members Select New Executive Board Member
Andre LaVelle was nominated to the Executive Board position formerly held by Eli Byrne, who declined to be nominated for another term. Since he was unopposed, LaVelle will assume his three-year term beginning January 1, 2013.
Chris Lee and Phil Jensen each retained their respective positions as President and Vice-president of the Central Pennsylvania Musicians Association for 2013, as they were also unopposed after being nominated at the October 21st meeting.
Central Pennsylvania Musicians Association
Awards Scholarships to Student Musicians at Five School Districts
(State College, PA) – The Central Pennsylvania Musicians Association presented a new award and scholarship grant to student musicians at five Centre County school districts at the recent Centre County Band and Chorus Festival.
Before a packed audience in the Philipsburg-Osceola High School auditorium on April 13, Association President Christopher Lee and Scholarship Chairman John Kovalchik presented each student with the Olin F. Butt Music Achievement Grant of one hundred dollars each toward their personal music instruction.
“Our goal is to make central Pennsylvania a destination for music audiences and this is one way to have high quality music locally,” said Lee, adding, “We appreciate the music teachers in the five school districts bringing these gifted aspiring musicians to our attention. Teachers play an important role in supporting the future of music in Centre County.”
The late Olin Butt was a renowned music teacher and band leader and, as owner of the Music Mart in Bellefonte and State College, provided musical instruments and supplies to hundreds and thousands of student musicians from 1948 to 1975.
The five Centre County school district awardees were: Zach Spaw from Bellefonte, Emily Kizina from Philipsburg-Osceola, Jonathan Permi from State College, Megan Duck from Penns Valley, and Matthew Blaylock from Bald Eagle Area.
L.R: Scholarship Chairman John Kovalchik, Zach Spaw from Bellefonte , Emily Kizina from Philipsburg-Osceola, Jonathan Permi from State College, Megan Duck from Penns Valley, Matthew Blaylock from Bald Eagle Area, and CPMA President Christopher Lee.
Local 660 Turns 100 Years Old in 2013!
We will have our General Membership Meeting
Celebrating 100 years
at The University Club of State College
More details to follow...
New Executive Board Member for 2012
AFM Local 660 welcomes Stacy Tibbetts aboard as our newest Board member. Stacy took over the seat vacated by long-time 660 activist Andrew Jackson.
Tibbetts was nominated for the open Board position at a meeting held October 30, along with Don Keat, Christopher Lee and Phil Jensen. Lee and Jensen were nominated for the positions they currently hold as President and Vice-President, as was Don Keat for his current seat on the Executive Board.
Since there were no other nominations, so all nominees were unopposed. Therefore, in accordance with Federation bylaws, no formal election was required, and all nominees will took office on January 1, 2012.
The President and Vice-President terms of office go for one year each, the board positions are held for three years.
Local 660 Programs Support Music and Grow Audiences
The Central Pennsylvania Musicians Association, aka AFM 660, has assembled a program to support music and grow audiences. Elements include:
1) Sustainable Music Venues program: a list of AFM 660-designated bars and other venues who have agreed with AFM 660 to pay all musicians at least the per-person minimum wage established by AFM 660 and to offer written contracts to all musicians. No more last-minute cancellations! (See button on left)
2) "Listen to the Music" jam sessions to bring musicians of all ages and levels together to connect for success and just for fun.
3) An AFM 660 newsletter with news and interviews about the local music scene. Join the story of the music scene as it evolves.
4) Legal Representation: State College lawyer Phil Masorti has agreed to provide pro-bono legal services for member-musicians.
5) A new Code of Ethics - how professional musicians behave. (See button on left).
6) A new Wage Scale - the minimum per-person pay for gigs -- based on a market survey (See "Documents" button on left)
Local 660 Newsletters are now published quarterly
2nd Quarter 2011 Newsletter now available
Please visit the Newsletter page
see more photos, music, and blogs at myspace/afm660
Upcoming Meetings and Events:
General Membership Meeting
100th Anniversary Luncheon
11:00 am, January 19, 2013
University Club, State College PA
Executive Board Meeting
Sunday, November 18, 2013, 1:30 pm
Boal Mansion Museum
AFM National Convention
July 22-29, 2013
Riveria Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada
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