Symphonic Shorts
Organizing Victory in Daytona Beach
Seaside Music Theater, founded in 1977, has grown into a major regional player in the theater world. One of only a few summer theater companies with a live pit orchestra, Seaside has premiered new musicals by composers such as Milton Granger and Steven Schwartz and was one of only five theaters given the rights to perform Miss Saigon this past season.
On October 9, as a result of an NLRB-run election, Local 389 of the AFM became the sole authorized bargaining agent of musicians of the Seaside Music Theater Orchestra in Daytona Beach.
It all began with a grumbling amongst musicians...long rehearsals, little pay, management’s disregard for the concerns of musicians-even the ones that would save the company money. A number of musicians got fed up and quit; a number of musicians were never asked back because management did not show as much loyalty as the players have over the past twenty years. But what can one do?
First, musicians tried to form an orchestra committee. Little success there...what management gives, they can take away.
Two years ago, an idea was brought up to enlist the aid of the AFM. This summer, musicians return...more fed up and ready for action. Those walking the fence realize there’s not much to lose and much to gain by working together with the AFM’s support. So the struggle begins. Lots of talk amongst musicians after hours…questions are answered, misconceptions are cleared up. Union Representation Authorization cards are signed by an overwhelming majority but management refuses to agree to a count by a neutral third party to verify the musicians’ desires. The Union requests a mail-ballot election run by the National Labor Relations Board, and this time management cannot legally refuse.
Why did this happen? Because musicians took destiny into their own hands and realized that together, they can make a difference in their lives.
Now that musicians have secured union representation, the next step will be to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement. We congratulate them and wish them luck!
FPO Musicians Donate Salaries to Save Orchestra
With the announcement of an anticipated $2.1M deficit this season at the already financially-troubled Florida Philharmonic, musicians participated in a task force to find ways to protect the future of the orchestra. Musicians agreed to give up 4 weeks’ salary this season and next, and will participate in an Artistic Advisory Counsel to find ways to increase the FPO’s revenue and cut expenses.
Judd Resigns; Silverstein to Take Over at FPO
FPO music director since 1987, Judd unexpectedly announced his resignation, effective immediately. The FPO has announced that Joseph Silverstein will be Interim Music Director until a permanent successor is found. Silverstein was formerly concertmaster of the Boston Symphony and Music Director of the Utah Symphony.
News & Announcements
Florida Philharmonic Music Director James Judd conducted the Oregon Symphony as this season’s first candidate to replace James DePriest in 2005...Neil Birnbaum has been appointed operations director of the Florida Philharmonic...
Musical Chairs
Florida Philharmonic:
Steve Sigurdson, Principal Cello
Iris Van Eck, Associate Principal Cello
Michael McClelland, Assistant Principal Viola
George Speed, Bass
Palm Beach Opera:
Riuben Frometa, Violin 1
Carla Fabiani, Violin 2
Andrew Nolen, Cello
Cornelia Bode, Principal Cello (1-yr position)
Margaret Butler, Principal Oboe (1-yr position)
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