Who are these guys? The past, present and future of Local 5! · Keynote 3rd Quarter 2014 3...

Volume 77, Number 3 3rd Quarter 2014

“Home of the Pros”

Offi cial Publication of the Detroit Federation of Musicians – Local 5, AFM, AFL-CIO

Who are these guys?The past, present and future of Local 5!

Details on page 16.

LIVE Links to What’s in This Issue

The Music Stand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

WindWords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Music Matters: “Right to Work”. . . . . . . 6

Youth Membership Resolution . . . . . . . . 8

Tempo Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

30/50-Year Party Photos & Info . . . .10-12

Local 5 Support Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Detroit Musicians Fund Gifts . . . . . . . . 13

Member Newsline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Welcome, New Members . . . . . . . .15-16

Member Directory Changes . . . . . 16, 17

DFM Referral Gigs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

MusiCares for Music People . . . . . . . . 17

MusiCares Free Dental Clinic . . . . . . . 18

MPTF/DPS Project Wrapup . . . . . . . . . 19

Classifi ed Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . 19

Comedy Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Executive Board Meeting Minutes . .21-27

About eBilling Notifi cation . . . . . . . . . . 26

30/50-Year Party Honor Roll . . . . . . . . 27

Closing Chord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

DFM Member Survey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Local 5 Offi ce Closings• Monday, September 1: Labor Day• Monday, October 13: Columbus Day• Tuesday, November 4: Election Day

September 1, MondayLabor Day Parade (details in “WindWords,” page 4)

September 9, TuesdayFree MusiCares Dental Clinic (details, page 18)

October 1, WednesdayDue date for 4th quarter dues

October 20, MondayOctober Semi-Annual Meeting (see details above)

October 29, WednesdayClosing deadline for 4th quarter Keynote materials

Calendar of Local 5 Events

• Youth Membership resolution to consider

• Networking to satisfy your social needs

• Refreshments to make your tummy happy

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20

7:00 PM

LOCAL 5 HOSPITALITY ROOM

Semi-Annual Membership Meeting

These fi ne folks helped bring you this issue of Keynote. Your support will assure their continued advertising.

Bugs Beddow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5David Horger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Detroit Musicians Fund . . . . . . . . . . . 20InAccord Ernest Rodgers Salute . . . . 24Johnny Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Kim Hawes, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Michael Weeden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13WSU Music Department. . . . . . . . . . . 9

Our Advertisers

Keynote3rd Quarter 2014

• Facts of life about “Right to Work” considered by a labor lawyer in “Music Matters,” page 6

• Text of proposed Youth Membership resolution to be voted on at Semi-Annual Meeting, page 8

• Local 5’s 30/50-Year Party photos, details about 2014 event presented on pages 10-12

Special Features in This Issue

Keynote ◆ 3rd Quarter 2014 ◆ 1

continued on page 2

A Tale of Two Contracts

“It was the best of times,

it was the worst of times....” No, just kidding, it’s really, “Summertime and the time is right for Dancing in the Street”! I’m more inclined to go with Martha Reeves’ idea of a good-time song, even after reading Mark Kurlansky’s Penguin Press book Ready for a Brand-New Beat: How “Dancing in the Street” Became an Anthem for a Changing America, as well as Suzanne E. Smith’s Dancing in the Street, Harvard University Press – both great sociological studies of Motown during the last century.

However, both of the tales I will talk about in this col-umn refl ect how perseverance and faith can result in the best of times. The contracts I am referring to are updates on two projects I have previously reported to you in this column – “Searching for Sugar Man,” 4th quarter 2012; and the “Cesar Chavez Story,” 1st quarter 2013.

Music to Our Ears

Before I start my tale, I would like to congratulate our great Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Opera The-ater, our many community orchestras, and the Detroit Jazz Festival Orchestra. I attended several concerts, and was part of few as well, and was so very proud of our performing groups out there – an awesome performance of Mahler’s Third Symphony by the DSO; magnifi cent productions of Turandot and A View From the Bridge by MOT; “The Music of Miles Davis,” presented by the Paradise Jazz series with the DSO; Dave Brubeck’s, The Gates of Justice, a 1969 ora-torio for choir, brass, percussion and jazz combo (written in the wake of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) by the Detroit Jazz Festival, and conducted by Norah Duncan IV; and outstanding concerts by the Michigan Phil-harmonic, Dearborn and Livonia Symphonies. And, no doubt, the Grosse Pointe, Warren and Redford Civic Sym-phony Orchestras likewise had equally great performances, all of which are on my list to attend in the near future. There has been so much great music around so far this year and it will continue on through the summer. We have a lot to be proud of.

Congratulations as well to all of our new 30-, 50- and 70-year members, and 75-year member Tony Russo! It was a thrill and an honor to present these awards at our party this past May. Thank you all for attending and to those who donated and helped in making it a special day, includ-ing Club Venetian, our staff, photographer Ray Riggs, tech support man Al Ayoub, and musicians Chris Nordman, Ralphe Armstrong, Pete Kahn and Jeff Trudell. We look forward to seeing you again next year.

Sugar Man Found!

This is really a tale of three contracts or B-4 forms, which I previously reported on, that were fi led in 1969 and 1973,

The Music Standby

George Troia, Jr.Local 5

President

Dennis Coffey, coproducer of the Rodriguez albums Cold Fact and Coming From Reality, poses with George Troia.

Rodriguez musician Mike Theodore, with President Troia, holds a copy of the now better-known album Cold Fact.


EditorGeorge Troia, Jr.

Managing EditorSusan Barna AyoubGraphic Designer

Virginia L. HuntPublished by

Detroit Federation of MusiciansLocal 5,

American Federation of MusiciansKeynote Ad Rates

Full page $225.00 2/3 page $155.00 1/2 page $120.00 1/3 page $80.00 1/4 page $60.00 1/6 page $40.00 1/8 page $30.00

25% discount to membersAll ads must be union compliant.

Call for rate card and full details.Materials deadlines: January 15,

April 15, July 15, October 15

LOCAL 5 COMMITTEESNote that Pres. George Troia is ex-offi cio member of all committees.Community Orchestra Committee: Susan Barna Ayoub, Dennis Carter II, Lydia Cleaver, Robert Hawkins, Mike McGillivray, Mike McGowan, Ray RiggsDSO Negotiating Committee: Bryan Kennedy; Peter McCaffrey; Karl Pituch; Robert Stiles; Ken ThompkinsDSO Orchestra Committee: Ethan Allen; Dave Everson, Bryan Kennedy; Haden McKay; Robert StilesFisher Negotiating Committee: Al Ayoub, Susan Barna Ayoub, Keith Claeys, Paul Onachuk, Cheryl ZetterholmMOT Negotiating Committee: Emily Barkaki, Chris Durham, Greg Near, Amanda Sparfi eld, Barbara Zmich MOT Orchestra Committee: Greg Near, chairman; Carrie Banfi eld-Taplin, vice president; Bill King, treasurer; Barbara Zmich, ROPA delegate; Charlotte Merkerson, secretary; Andrew Pelletier, member at large; Robert Reed, union steward

The Music Stand, continued from page 1

representing the 10 songs used for the soundtrack of what would be-come the Academy Award-winning documentary, Searching for Sugar Man, the story of one Sixto Rodriguez who would record the albums, Cold Fact (Tera Shirma Studio) and Com-ing From Reality (GM/Prosound), and then live in relative obscurity until his fame was revealed in South Africa.

This would be the basis of the doc-umentary, but the hitch for us, and particularly the eight Local 5 mem-bers involved, was that these albums were recorded on AFM recording contracts and subject to rules of the Sound Recording Labor Agreement and for new-use payments that were due. Now, after all this time, and much back forth between several companies and various attorneys, the claim has been paid and our musicians or their estates will receive payments for this new use.

Cong r a tu l a -tions all around to our musicians – Mike Theodore, Dennis Coffey, Dennis Kovarik, Eric Morgeson, Sixto Rodriguez, Danny Brucato, the late Bob Bab-bitt and the late Andrew L. Smith – and also to AFM President Ray Hair, AFM Counsel Jennifer Garner, AFM West Coast Electronic Media Department agent Peter Marroquin, and our own Sec/

Treas. Susan Barna Ayoub and Pres. Assistant Mary Johnstone, who actu-ally found the contracts.

In the end, it was the fact that these contracts existed and documented what took place, even nearly 50 years ago, that made this project and the results possible. We took a stand that these contracts would not be ignored. It should also be noted that our claim was against several of the entities that were responsible for licensing the product and not fi lmmaker Malik Bendjelloul, who recently and most tragically ended his life.

Cesar Chavez Academy

In the 1st quarter Keynote of 2013, I reported to you that a week after the so called right-to-work law was pushed through a lame duck session in the Michigan legislature, the staff at

the Cesar Chavez Academy in south-west Detroit voted to unionize and recognized the American Federation

continued on page 4

KeynoteKeynote

Local 5 President George Troia and Michigan Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer at an AFT rally.


PresidentGeorge Troia, Jr., ext. 1

[email protected] President

Douglas [email protected]

Susan Barna Ayoub, ext. [email protected]

Executive BoardRobert ConwayDavid DennistonRobert LymperisAlonza McKenziePaul N. Onachuk

A.F. of M. Convention DelegateGordon Stump

Michael McGowan – AlternatePresident Emeritus

Gordon StumpSecretary-Treasurer Emeritus

Byron X. TaylorAssistant to the President

Mary Johnstone, ext. [email protected]

Membership AdministrationMembership, ext. 6 & 0

[email protected] Referral AgentReferral Agent, ext. 4

[email protected] & Telephone

20833 Southfi eld Road, Suite 103Southfi eld, Michigan 48075

248.569.5400Fax Number

General Offi ce: 248.569.4716Website

www.detroitmusicians.netHours

Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pmHoliday Closings

New Year’s Day, M.L. King Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday,

Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Election Day,

Thanksgiving Day and Friday after, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day,

New Year’s Eve

All views and opinions expressed in Keynote articles by non-elected mem-bers are those of the authors them-selves and do not necessarily refl ect the opinions or policy of the Keynote staff or the Board of Directors of the

Detroit Federation of Musicians.continued on page 4

It may not be obvious to you, but I can tell you from inside Local 5

Headquarters: We are on a roll! From all of our technical improvements (the eKeynote, the new Facebook page and the new website), to the increas-ing number of new members, to you and your support of your union by voting for an increase in dues last year – the positive momentum is palpable. There is greater involvement on the part of the membership – whether we’re talking about use of the rehears-al facilities, committee work, support of the union by renting space in the building, donations to the Detroit Musicians Fund and TEMPO, phone calls and emails for input, advice and monetary assistance – I observe an in-crease in “traffi c” from you, the mem-bers. While the demands can at times be intense, it is also very exciting!

A New Website for Local 5

Tah, dah!!! Yes – Local 5’s new web-site has been launched! For those of you who haven’t been there yet, the address is the same (detroitmusicians.net), but the look is different and de-lightful. There are many new features, including a member profi le. Your pro-fi le appears on your own page and can include your résumé, photos and sound fi les. And, you can edit your own page as often as you like. Pre-

fer for us to do it? No problem; we’re happy to help. As of this writing, the website is brand new and still under-going fi xes. So bear with us. We think you will love it.

A union is like any other commu-nity organization in that it depends on volunteer work and donations. Over the past year, Board Mem-ber Dave Denniston has donated an unbelievable number of hours to make this website a reality. While you may hear about how you can build a website easily and inexpensively, those terms do not apply to a site with the complexity of ours. Blood, sweat and tears are more like it. He produced this website for us at about 1/10th the cost of what we would pay to have the work done commercially. We all owe Dave a huge round of applause and debt of gratitude. As we continue to tweak the site, let’s make sure he knows how much his work is appre-ciated.

Youth Members Resolution

As we build on the momentum, it’s clear that we need to continue to in-vest in the future – meaning, invest in young musicians and their education about the importance of collective ac-tion. To that end, Local 5’s board made a decision to recommend that we take advantage of the AFM bylaw allow-ing locals to adjust the amount Youth Members (those under the age of 21) are charged for membership. On page 8, you will fi nd a resolution for your consideration at the October Semi-Annual Membership Meeting. We would like to make this part of an initiative that involves young people

by Susan Barna Ayoub,

Local 5 Secretary-Treasurer

AFM Local 5“Home of the Pros”


WindWords, continued from page 3

of Teachers as their bargaining agent. Well, after a very long struggle that resulted in illegal layoffs and fi rings, the fi l-ing of NLRB charges and a win of back wages and rein-statements this past April, on June 6, the 70th anniversary of D-Day, the AFT announced a contract between the Leona Group and the teachers of Cesar Chavez Academy. Congratulations to all involved, especially the teachers and Dave Hecker, whose perseverance was unwavering.

Attending an early morning rally where we initially thought we were going to protest unfair treatment, we were greeted with the news that there was a settlement. We heard from Michigan AFT President David Hecker, Mich-igan Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer

in the union in order for them to understand right from the beginning its importance to their careers throughout their lives as professional musicians. Please give this some thought and join us at the meeting on Monday, October 20.

A Labor Lawyer Looks at Right to Work

On page 6, we have reprinted an article (originally pub-lished in the Chicago, Local 10-208’s Intermezzo) by Kev-in Case. Kevin is the lawyer who represented the Detroit Symphony musicians at the bargaining table in their re-cently completed negotiations. Entitled “‘Right to Work’: Is It Really About Workers’ Rights?”, we strongly recom-mend you read this and vote thoughtfully in November. We are all in this together. And, speaking of together....

Marching Onward Together

Please join us to march in the Detroit Labor Day Parade on Monday, September 1! It’s a great way to begin your day of listening and/or playing at the Detroit Jazz Festival. We will assemble at Michigan and Trumbull at 8:30 am. The parade steps off at 9 am and marches to Hart Plaza. Wear your Local 5 T-shirt and comfortable shoes. If you don’t already have one, we have sizes M–3X this year. They are free if you march in the parade. We also have Performance T’s for sale. Feel free to stop by Local 5 Headquarters to pick up a shirt and picket sign.

30/50-Year Party Coverage

Looking back to the spring, on pages 10-12, you will see pictures from our most recent 30/50-Year Party – an event that becomes more successful and more interesting with each passing year. Those of you who have not been in the union for 30 years may well ask, what the heck is it? The party has happened annually for much longer than I’ve been a member. It takes place each May and honors those who have been committed to membership in Local 5 for at least 30 years. Would you like to check it out sometime? All that is necessary is to ask one of the older members if you can come to next year’s party as a guest and pay to at-tend. It’s a great way to become better acquainted with the union and its veteran members.

Another Free Dental Clinic

Finally, as you can see in the ad on page 18, Local 5 will again be hosting a free Dental Clinic for musicians on Tuesday, September 9. The ad contains details about the services that will be offered, as well as how and where to apply. It’s easy to qualify; participating musicians do not have to be union members. The cost of the clinic will be underwritten by MusiCares, the social services arm of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

I look forward to seeing you at some of the upcom-ing events or maybe just chatting with you on the phone or electronically. We appreciate you, your membership and your music! ... sba


Michigan Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer and Michigan AFT President David Hecker.



and a host of very grateful teachers. Thus, my tale of two contracts and taking a stand comes with the ringing in my ears of, “The people united will never be defeated, the people united will never be defeated. Si se puede! Yes We Can”!

Coda:

With my desire to end my column as above, I remind my-self daily of the prayer phrase, “Thy will be done.” Thus, I will report to you about two of our members who meant so much to our local.

Don Davis

Don was a musician and co-owner of United Sound Sys-tem, where he produced many hit records with his partner, Eli Fountain, for his Groovesville label and many other na-tional labels, including ABC/Dunhill, CBS/Electra, MCA/Universal and Stax. Don kept many a Local 5 member busy from the 60’s through the 80’s, recording for artists like Marilynn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. (“You Don’t Have to Be a Star”), Johnny Taylor (“Disco Lady”), both gold records, and many more – the Dramatics, Gladys Knight, Enchantment, George Clinton, Millie Jackson, Denise La-Salle, etc. Don turned to banking in the 80’s and founded the First Independence Bank.

To me, that little star on the map on many Motown records depicting Hitsville extended outward to include as least one if not two of the Pentacles representing the hits that Don produced. May God Bless!

Ernest E. (Ernie) Rodgers, Jr.

It is with celebration and grief that I write of the passing of our beloved member, Ernest (Ernie) Rodgers. He was so many things to so many of us – musician, Detroit Pub-lic Schools educator, administrator, coach, mentor, 60-year DFM member and member of the Detroit Federation of Teachers, and the Organization of School Administrators and Supervisors.

For me, he was fi rst a band mate in big bands, pit or-chestras and recording session bands (including Don Davis projects). Later, he would be my supervising teacher as I earned my Michigan teacher’s certifi cate at Northwestern High School.

I would often go to Ernie for teaching advice, equip-ment and music-sharing in my early years as a public school teacher. Until he became ill recently, you would fi nd him still performing, as well as leading the Wayne State Lab Band. On a recent Four Tops gig, he and Duke Fakir compared notes on their longevity in the business, each congratulating the other.

Finally, during both of my campaigns for the presidency of Local 5, Ernie was very supportive and I was very grate-ful for that support. Since his passing, so many have shared their memories of Ernie and what a profound effect he had on them.

Ernie truly had the Midas touch when dealing with people, and the gold that resulted was refl ected in the knowledge, skills, perseverance and inspiration he would pass on. He was a true inspiration to us all. In Ernie’s own words, “Miss me – but let me go. forever.”


— MUSIC MATTERS —

“Right to Work”:Is It Really About Workers’ Rights?

by Kevin Case of Case Arts Law, LLC

“ It is important to know what ‘right to work’ means, and who really benefi ts. It

isn’t what it sounds like.”

In politics, there is an art to manipulating language. The goal is to create a particular narrative or impression in

voters’ minds, one that often has little to do with the truth. Thus, the estate tax – a mechanism affecting almost ex-

clusively the fortunate inheritors of ultra-wealthy estates – is now the evil “death tax.” Similarly, most people sup-port the Affordable Care Act when its provisions are accu-rately described to them; but when described derisively as “Obamacare,” much of that support disappears. That is no accident: such labels gain traction as the result of carefully orchestrated, well-fi nanced campaigns.

But the masterstroke surely must be this: “right to work.” That is the phrase used to describe state-law legislation that has little to do with empowering workers or affording them actual “rights.” In reality, these laws operate primar-ily to benefi t employers, weaken unions, and ultimately drive down wages and benefi ts for employees.

It is important to understand what these laws do. That means fi rst understanding what happens without them. In the absence of a state right-to-work law, federal labor law governs the relationship between employers, unions and employees in the private sector.

Under federal law – and contrary to what right-to-work proponents often claim – no one is somehow precluded from being able to work. What happens is this: once an employer has recognized a union as the representative of the employees, the employer and the union can voluntarily agree to a “union security” clause. Broadly speaking, such a clause typically provides that within a certain time after an employee is hired, he or she will need to join the union; or, in certain cases, the employee is required only to pay work dues or a comparable “agency fee.”

Either way, the rationale is sound. All employees in the

bargaining unit receive the benefi ts of the union’s efforts to negotiate terms and conditions of employment. Because the union negotiates collectively on behalf of the employ-ees, the employees have more bargaining power and the resulting terms and conditions of employment are much better than the employees could obtain individually. Thus, allowing individual employees to enjoy those benefi ts without requiring union membership (or even an agency fee) would result in “free riders.”

So-called right-to-work laws do away with all that. They outlaw union-security clauses altogether – even where the employer and the union have agreed to it. Employees don’t

have to join the union and usually can’t even be required to pay an agency fee. What’s more, unions are still required by federal law to pro-vide the privileges of union mem-bership equally to all employees in the bargaining unit, whether they

are union members or not. That means employees are per-mitted to take full advantage of all the benefi ts of the union’s efforts on their behalf, while providing no support in return.

In short, in a state with a right-to-work law, “free riders” are not only permitted, but encouraged. There is no incen-tive to join the union at all; after all, why would anyone join and pay dues, or an agency fee, if they don’t have to?

Which brings us to what is almost certainly the true purpose of right-to-work laws: eliminating unions and collective bargaining altogether. One way that happens is obvious, because if the union can’t collect dues, it will have no money to operate, will be weaker in bargaining, and ultimately won’t be able to survive at all.

But something else happens that is more subtle, but just as devastating. Here’s how it works: an employer is obli-gated to bargain collectively when it has been made clear, through an election or otherwise, that a majority of the


employees want to be represented by a union. Because right-to-work laws explicitly discourage union member-ship and incentivize non-membership, the result is fewer union members in the bargaining unit.

When that number dips low enough, the employer may determine that the union has lost majority support. If that is indeed the case, the employer is then permitted to with-draw recognition of the union and cease bargaining col-lectively altogether.

The result? Employees are unable to obtain the better terms and conditions of employment that they could bar-gain for as a group. The employer doesn’t have to negotiate in good faith with anyone, but can simply say, “this is what we’re paying you. Take it or leave it.” Job security vanish-es. Labor costs go down; the company’s profi ts go up; the shareholders make more money; and the CEO often gets rewarded with a fat bonus.

So what does all this have to do with making a living as a musician? Plenty. Musical ensembles are the ideal ve-hicle for collective bargaining. The bargaining unit is well

defi ned – it’s the musicians who perform – and because the whole point of the group is to work together toward a common goal, it makes perfect sense to establish common terms and conditions for all the musicians in the ensemble.

Conversely, without the ability to bargain as a group, musicians suffer grievously. Think about the competition for every open position in a good-sized orchestra, or the number of theater musicians who are available and willing to play a multi-week run of a show. If management were free to offer that work to whomever would accept the least amount of pay – which management can do anytime it wants if it no longer has to recognize the union – the result would be such a downward spiral in wages and benefi ts that it would be utterly impossible to earn a living as an musician. In addition, musicians working under a collec-tive bargaining agreement usually can be terminated only after an exhaustive process; but employees in a non-union workplace are most often “at will” employees who can be fi red anytime, for any reason.

continued on page 8

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JOHNNY RODRIGUEZLatin percussion:

Specializing in Salsa, Merengue, Classic R&B; withmastery of Old School Rock, Latin Jazz and Funk


Music Matters, continued from page 7

It is no accident that in states with the longest-tenured right-to-work laws – mostly in the South – wages for musi-cians are far lower than in more traditionally union-friend-ly states in the Northeast or the West Coast. In right-to-work states, it is certainly tempting for a musician to forgo union membership and avoid paying dues on already-low wages. But if the result, ultimately, is the disappearance of the union altogether, those wages will likely go even lower.

Could right-to-work legislation ever take hold in Il-linois? It seems unthinkable in a such a blue state. But then again, Michigan was always a union-friendly state, and in 2013 a well-planned effort by business interests and out-side anti-labor groups was able to force the enactment of

a right-to-work law. Our neighboring states of Iowa and Indiana have right-to-work laws as well (though Indiana’s is under court review at the moment).

Proponents of right-to-work laws have deep pockets, including the billionaire Koch brothers. Indeed, the cur-rent Republican candidate for governor of Illinois, quasi-billionaire Bruce Rauner, has expressed strong support for right-to-work laws and is currently leading in several polls.

This is an issue that musicians should take seriously. At the very least, it is important to know what “right to work” real-ly means, and who really benefi ts. It isn’t what it sounds like.

Article reprinted with permission from the July 2014 issue (Vol-ume 74, No. 6) of Intermezzo, published by the Chicago Fed-eration of Musicians, Local 10-208.

The following resolution will be voted on at the Local 5 Semi-Annual Meeting on Monday, October 20, at 7 pm. Let your voice be heard on this important issue.Whereas, young members are essential to the growth of Local 5 and its sustainability into the future, and

Whereas, the cost to maintain membership in the union is a particular burden for young musicians, and

Whereas, musicians under the age of 21 currently com-prise only 5 out of 930 members, and

Whereas, the Bylaws of the American Federation of Mu-sicians allow locals to adjust the periodic membership dues rate charged to Youth Members, defi ned in the AFM Bylaws as a classifi cation that enables people 20 years or younger to join the Local as Youth Members and remain in that classifi cation until their 21st birthday, and

Furthermore, whereas, the importance of enabling young people to learn more about what it is to be a profes-sional musician and – especially – to encourage familiarity with unions in a younger generation during this time in which the State of Michigan maintains the anti-union des-ignation of “Right-to-Work,” therefore, be it

Resolved, in accordance with Article 9, Section 3(b) of the Bylaws of the American Federation of Musicians, that Article II, Section 4(c) of the Bylaws of the Detroit Federa-tion of Musicians, which governs Youth Membership, be

amended to read as follows:

a. Local 5 shall establish a Youth Membership classifi cation, which shall enable musicians 20 years or younger to join the union as Youth Members and remain in that classifi -cation until their 21st birthday.

b. Youth Members shall have all of the rights and obli-gations that Regular Members have, and they shall be subject to all Federation and Local rules, regulations and Bylaws.

c. A Youth Member shall pay quarterly dues at the same rate as Regular Members rate of $24 per quarter (or $96 per year) as set by Local 5, and Work Dues where ap-plicable, but shall not pay Local or Federation Initiation Fees. In order to moderate the cost of Youth members to the Local, such members will receive electronic Keynotes and invoices only, not hard copies mailed via the US Postal Service.

Submitted by the Executive Board of the Detroit Federation of Musicians

7/11/14

Resolution No. 1: Youth Membership

TEMPO Contributions, 2nd Quarter, 2014

Paul BowlesRaymond Duk

Wallace Fitz

TOTAL = $31.00


Department of Music

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The Wayne State University Department of Music gives you access to excellence

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Study with members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Michigan Opera Theatre orchestra, as well as Detroit’s most acclaimed classical and jazz performers

Perform at the Max M. Fisher Music Center, home of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Keynote ◆ 3rd Quarter 2014 ◆ 10◆

Sylvia Mureddu

Norka and Phil Grameno

◆

Robert “Bob Allison” Allesee with Barry Schigelone

Minka and Doug Cornelsen

The Great

30/50-Year

Party of 2014

Federation Sponsors($100 and up)

Not pictured: Dave Everson, Ed Zelenak

Robert Cook (center) with Sonny Kendrick and Rudy Nero


PAR

TY

PH

OT

OS

BY

RA

Y R

IGG

S

Full listing of sponsors

and 30/50-year

honorees on page 27.

Club VenetianMay 19, 2014

Partnership Sponsors($75–$99)

P h

Sam TundoHarold Orr

Wendell West

Federation Sponsor and new 30-year member Chris Nordman is congratulated by another Federation Sponsor, President George Troia,

with Laura Larson looking on.

New 75-year member Anthony Russo with President Troia

The band: Jeff Trudell, Pete Kahn, Ralphe Armstrong and Chris Nordman.


Miscellaneous Members

DFM Executive Board 2014: President George Troia, Vice President Doug Cornelsen, Secretary-Treasurer

Susan Barna Ayoub, Al McKenzie, Bob Lymperis, Dave Denniston, Paul Onachuk and Rob Conway

Virgil Rodgers and Aaron “Little Sonny” Willis Nadine Deleury and Charlotte Merkerson

Charles Boles and George Benson

Christa Grix, with Greg and Helen Near

Penny Wells and Naima Shamborguer


The orchestras and theaters listed below support the musi-cians of Local 5 through collective bargaining agreements.The groups and individual players likewise comply with the Local 5 policy by fi ling contracts, steward reports and work dues. Please support all of them in return.

CLUB/SINGLE ENGAGEMENTSBugs Beddow Band

Aug. 17: Motor City Casino Chromatics Lounge, 866.PLAY.MCC; bugsbeddow.com

Detroit Jazz Festival

Aug. 29–Sept. 1: Hart Plaza & Campus Martius, 313.447.1248; detroitjazzfest.com

OPERA AND THEATER PERFORMANCES

Oct. 18–26: Michigan Opera Theatre, Elektra; 800.982.2787; michiganopera.org

Oct. 26–Nov. 16: Fisher Theatre, Motown the Musical; 800.982.2787; broadwayindetroit.com

ORCHESTRAL & OTHER CLASSICAL ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCESOct. 4: Michigan Philharmonic, “Beethoven,

Bridges and Blue Jeans”; 734.451.2112; michiganphil.org

Oct. 10: Dearborn Symphony, “Copland/Creston/Tchaikovsky,” featuring saxist Kenneth Radnof-sky; 313.565.2424; dearbornsymphony.org

Oct. 10–12: Detroit Symphony, “Bolcom/Barber”; 313.576.5111; dso.org

Nov. 9: Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings, “Rendering Beethoven”; 248.559.2095; detroitchamberwinds.org

Local 5 Support Line

THE MUSIC OF GIVING

Would you like to help support music scholarships or a fellow member of Local 5 who is struggling with an emergency situation? Members can make tax-deductible donations to the Detroit Musicians Fund in two ways:

Monetary giftsSend by mail to Local 5 Headquarters or through www.detroitmusiciansfund.org. For more informa-tion, you may contact the fund either via email at [email protected] or call 248-569-5400, ext. 3.

Non-monetary givingNote: As of January 1, 2014, the Detroit Musicians Fund is no longer accepting donated instruments.

Contributions in 2nd quarter, 2014Our sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who helped out fi nancially during the last quarter:

Susan Barna AyoubEmanuel BalosRaymond DukDaniel MaslankaBarry Schigelone

TOTAL = $265

The Fund received an additional $150 in memory of Alvin Score from the following donors:

Christa GrixGregory & Helen Near

Finally, Mrs Anne-Marie Matchulat donated $50 as part

of regular ongoing donations in memory of her late

husband, Ernie Matchulat.Th e Terry Jean Pollard Tribute Album

In memory of extraordinaire jazz pianist and vibraphonist Terry Jean Pollard, Babysoulove Productions are seeking song submis-sions for a very special Tribute CD in her honor. Selected songs will be a part of a 2-volume compilation CD series. All Detroit Local 5 Musicians and especially female musicians submissions are highly welcomed for consideration. For more information on this project, please email Michael Weeden at [email protected] or Dan Hosper at [email protected].

htt p://queenoft hevibes.wix.com/terrypollard

PLANNING TO BE AWAY TEMPORARILY?

Please let us know, because the post offi ce

charges Local 5 for returned issues of Keynote


Member Newsline

Membership Survey Feedback

Mike Mainguth reports that he strolls in a tuxedo with his violin and can play show tunes and music of all na-tionalities. He’s looking for more studio, wedding, party, reception and nursing home gigs.

Joseph Beels wants members to know that he joined Lo-cal 5 in January 2013. A former student of Local 5 member Maestro Gerald Goslin, he has many recordings of himself on youtube, playing Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Kuhlau, Cz-erny, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Rachmaninoff, Clementi and Kabalevsky. He is looking for work in clubs, studio, weddings, parties, receptions, malls and restaurants He is also seeking piano students.

The MOT Negotiating Committee at a working session: Emily Barkakati, Amanda Sparfeld, Gregory Near,

Barbara Zmich, George Troia and AFM Chief Field Negotiator Christopher Durham.

Dave Everson (far right), member of Local 5 and the DSO horn section, plays 1st horn at the LA recording ses-sion for the most recent Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. Reprinted from Local 47’s newsletter, Overture, by per-mission of Linda A. Rapka/AFM Local 47.

New AFM Booking Agent Dawn Tripp working with Sec/Treas Susan Barna Ayoub on her application to be sent to the AFM Touring, Travel, Theatre, Booking & Immigra-tion Department..

Supporting an AFL-CIO picket to Turn Off Fox 2 on be-half of NABET-CWA workers are Local 5 members Al

Ayoub, Susan Barna Ayoub and George Troia.

We want to hear your news, too. Simply contact Sue

Barna Ayoub. You don’t have to write a thing, but any-

thing you do write would be gratefully appreciated.


Welcome, New Members

Kasan Belgrave plays in the Marcus Belgrave Band. He loves playing music and making people happy. He is avail-able for additional gig opportunities. (See photo, next page.)

Donald “Reed” Capshaw is a member of Local 10-208 in Chicago and a busy freelancer in the Chicago area. He is a principal trombone player for the Elgin Symphony, the Lake Forest Symphony, the South Bend Symphony and is a mem-ber of the Chicago Philhar-monic Society. He also teaches at Roosevelt University at the University of Illinois–Chicago.

Allen Dennard, trumpet and fl ugelhorn, is a student at U-M and plays in the Pendulum Jazz Quintet.

Christina Fong plays violin in the Grand Rapids Symphony and the Rang-zen Quartet.

Stephen Grady, sax, clarinet, fl ute, piano, drums, is an un-dergraduate U-M Jazz Studies major. He reports that he composes and arranges and is expert in improvisation as well as being a good sight reader. He is especially seeking work playing jazz, funk, hip-hop, rock, blues and classical.

Will Haapaniemi is a new violinist withthe DSO.

Hae Jeong “Heidi” Han is also a new member of the DSO violin section.

Jack Johnson, saxes, fl ute, clarinet.

Alyssa Kochyan has music degrees from Michigan State University and Indiana University. She is look-ing for solo, orchestral and chamber ensemble performance opportuni-ties. She tutors music theory, clari-net and beginning piano.

Sean Mallare has experience reading big band charts and per-forming in jazz combos. He has a music degree from Oakland Uni-versity, where he studied under Local 5 member Dan Maslanka. Sean is seeking work playing jazz, theater and big band. Currently playing in the Jimmy Blues Trio, he is the son of Local 5 members Russ and Leslie Mallare.

Mary Beth Orr, French horn, piano, vocal coach and vo-calist, plays in the Variance Brass Band and Paradigm Brass Band. She seeks any and all legitimate performing work. Profi cient, dependable and easy to work with.

Jeffrey Pedraz, bass guitar/electric bass, string bass/dou-ble bass, tuba, violin, cello, piano, guitar, is versatile, obvi-ously, reliable and available for performance and teaching.

James Russell, fl ute, tenor sax, piccolo, plays in Plan B and the James Russell Project. He wants people to know that he “plays for Detroit” and believes there is still talent in the city. He attends the University of Michigan for Jazz Studies, is easy to work with and very reliable.

Virtis “Lady Vee” Taul sings with the In the Pocket group. She is available for a variety of music work and particularly enjoys playing festivals, casinos, weddings and opening acts.

Ursula Walker sings with the Ursula Walker and Buddy Budson Band.

Jenny Ann Wan plays violin with the Ann Arbor Sym-phony Orchestra.

Nolan Young, tenor, alto, soprano saxes, fl ute, clarinet, loves playing jazz. He is looking for additional jazz gigs, as well as other styles. (See photo, next page.)

Continues


New Members (4/1-7/19/14)

Belgrave, Kasan18235 MendotaDetroit, MI 48221313-410-5993; [email protected] sax, clarinet, piano, drumsCapshaw, Donald1627 N Mozart St, Apt 1-NChicago, IL 60647773-227-5804; [email protected], Allen13811 EdmoreDetroit, MI 48205313-245-2772; [email protected], fl ugelhornFong, Christina56 Monroe Center NW #4Grand Rapids, MI [email protected] Violin, violaGrady, Stephen30580 Hunters Drive Apt 22Farmington Hills, MI [email protected], clarinet, fl ute, piano, drumsHaapaniemi, Will3909 Woodward Ave, #515Detroit, MI [email protected], Hae Jeong3909 Woodward Ave.Detroit, MI [email protected], Jack464 East Cambourne StreetFerndale, MI [email protected] Saxophones, fl ute, clarinetKochyan, Alyssa39587 Westminster CircleNovi, MI 48375248-477-6711; [email protected], piano. music theory

Mallare, Sean21649 Castellana DrMacomb Township, MI [email protected], Mary5274 Bridle LnMt. Pleasant, MI [email protected] French horn, piano, vocal coaching, vocalistPedraz, Jeffrey328 W Chesterfi eld StFerndale, MI [email protected] guitar/electric bass, string bass/double bass, tuba, violin, cello, piano, guitarRussell, James1423 BroadwayAnn Arbor, MI [email protected], tenor sax, piccoloTaul, Virtis20520 Kingsville St.Detroit, MI [email protected], Ursula29771 Rambling RdSouthfi eld, MI [email protected], Jenny10044 E. Clements CircleLivonia, MI [email protected], Nolan871 W LewistonFerndale, MI [email protected] sax, alto sax, soprano sax, fl ute, clarinet

DON’T GO MISSINGWant tvo know what’s going on?

Want gigs? Want to keep in touch?

When you move, get a new phone number or email address, let us know.

Reinstated Members (4/1-7/19/14)

Resigned Members (4/1-7/19/14)Halajian, SarkisMcQueen, Garrett

Tafoya, John

Anderson, DaleBarrios, JavierBecker, JosephBeels, JosephBennett, Clarence Brinkley, McKinleyCasteel, RandyDonald, DenzelFairman, BradFilewych, KevinGold, BryanIvers, Joseph

James Peters, ArleneLee, CharlesLemke, AnnLivingston, AlfonzoMcMurray, David Pashenee, MichaelPokorney, BryanSheridan, DennisStrnad, RonaldThomason-Redus, CaenTian, Jack

Who are these guys? Nolan Young is at right; at left is his music buddy Kasan Belgrave, who plays alto sax, clarinet, piano and drums (and is the son of Local 5’s Marcus and Joan Belgrave).

Welcome, New Members, continued from page 15


MusiCares Foundation assists musicians, songwrit-ers, composers, recording engineers and other music industry professionals experiencing personal, medi-cal or fi nancial emergency. As one of The Recording Academy’s (GRAMMY’s) two charitable foundations, MusiCares reaches out to assist music professionals struggling with medical crisis, addictions issues, loss of livelihood, dental emergencies, HIV/AIDS and oth-er unforeseen crises. MusiCares’ assistance consists of emergency fi nancial grants, and/or referral to oth-er helping resources. The application process is quick and user-friendly, and respects the confi dentiality and the dignity of the applicant. For more information, contact Dee Dee Acquisto, M.S., Senior Director of Health & Human Resources toll-free at 877-303-6962 or visit www.grammy.com/MusiCares.

MusiCares for Music People

HOME ADDRESSDavid Ammer1617 Cambridge RoadAnn Arbor, MI 48104-3520Anthony Backos17964 Peters #2Roseville, MI 48066Robert Barris62 Fortune View DrWaynesville, NC 28786Cristina Buciu708 W Aldine, Apt. 20Chicago, IL 60657Ernest Davis1995 Beechmont St, #214,Keego Harbor, MI 48320Casimir Gacki47426 SanbornMacomb, MI 48044Carole Gatwood23762 Moonglow CourtRamona, CA 92065Daniel Hill (Mulvihill)18624 RenwickLivonia, MI 48152Michael Karoub22066 AudetteDearborn, MI 48124

Beth Kirton10524 Borgman AveHuntington Woods, MI 48070Charles Lee281 Whispering HillCommerce Twp, MI 48390Hong-yi Mo451 Village Green Blvd, #208Ann Arbor, MI 48105Bruce Nagy4034 Phillips AveBerkley, MI 48072Eun Park1946 Canary CtTroy, MI 48084Michael Pashenee3422 StoneleighLansing, MI 48910John Pierson5488 A1A SSt. Augustine, FL 32080John Putnam3744 Bowen Rd.Toledo, OH 43613Hektor Qyteti19971 Old Brook LnMacomb, MI 48044

Lisa Raschiatore515 E Elm AveMonroe, MI 48162Craig Rifel23762 Moonglow CourRamona, CA 92065José Riojas8810 Longworth StreetDetroit, MI 48209-4421Michael Robinson Jr1330 North Chestnut StreetLansing, MI 48906-4757Denise Root Pierce3896 Rowley RdWilliamston, MI 48895Caen Thomason-Redus978 Nottingham RdGrosse Pte Park, MI 48230HOME PHONEEdward Drazga734-858-7561Robert Murray248-249-2180CELL PHONEJoseph Beels586-625 7799Luther Bird734-718-5136.

Carole Gatwood248-635-8896Michael Pashenee248-219-0339.Caen Thomason-Redus734-474-6009EMAIL ADDRESSWilliam [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Directory Changes (4/13-7/23/14)

HOW TO STAY IN GOOD STANDING

To avoid being expelled, be sure to pay your mem-bership dues during the fi rst month of each quarter. Your next payment is due on Wednesday, October 1. On Monday, November 3, all members who have

not paid their dues will be suspended.

Expelled Members (4/1-7/19/14)Black, UreyChandler, VincentDeShazor, LeslieMartin, KassiaMcKeever, ShaneMick, Christopher

Newsome, Charles IVRainey, PeterScott, NicoleTurner Houk, RachelWilburn, JamesWilliams, Jeff

DFM Referral Gigs

Date Leader Players City4/23 Cliff Erickson 1 Denton, TX5/9 Pamela Wise 1 Troy5/24 Pamela Wise 1 Warren5/25 Darryl Roenicke 2 West Bloomfi eld


Final Detroit Public Schools Performance ScheduleDate Leader School11/20 Joan Belgrave Detroit School of Arts12/6 Bill Grasty Pasteur Elementary12/10 Joan Belgrave East English Village Prep12/16 Bill Grasty Martin Luther King, Jr Ed Ctr12/17 Bill Grasty Coleman A Young Elementary1/7 Joe Podorsek Bagley Elementary1/7 Joe Podorsek Bagley Elementary1/31 James Tatum Ludington Middle School2/12 John Putnam Munger Elementary2/13 José Riojas Munger Elementary2/13 José Riojas Maybury Elementary2/14 Robert Budson Martin Luther King Sr. High2/26 Joe Podorsek Ann Arbor Trail Magnet 2/26 Joe Podorsek Ann Arbor Trail Magnet3/2 Bill Grasty Davison Elementary3/3 Bill Grasty Davison Elementary

Date Leader School3/7 James Tatum John R King Perf Academy3/7 Joe Podorsek Dixon Elementary3/14 James Tatum Spain Middle3/20 Steve Wood Cody High3/25 John Putnam Carver Stem Academy3/26 Glenn Andersen Blackwell Elementary3/26 Marion Hayden Bates Academy3/26 José Riojas Clippert Elementary3/27 Marion Hayden Spain Elementary3/28 Joe Podorsek Edison Elementary4/2 Steve Wood Martin Luther King Jr High4/4 James Tatum Marcus Garvey Middle4/8 Joan Belgrave Blackwell Elementary4/29 Robert Budson Cass Tech High4/30 Steve Wood Cass Tech High

Music Performance Trust Fund/DPS Project Wrapup

During the 2013-14 school year, 31 performances took place at 26 DPS schools, presented by 10 groups of 4-6 musicians each. This project was made possible by a gift

of $18,000 from the Music Performance Trust Fund, Dan Beck, Trustee, plus $2,000 and payroll services from the Detroit Musicians Fund.

— Comedy Corner —Q: How much does a grand piano cost?A: $1,000.I was fi red from my job selling amplifi ers. I didn’t achieve the suffi cient volume of sales.I miss the good old days when song lyrics meant something. I still live my life by the credo “Na na na na, na

na na na. Hey, hey, hey. Goodbye.”A Bb, a Db and an F walk into a bar. Bartender says, “Sorry, we don’t serve minors here....”The Db leaves, and the Bb and the F have an open 5th between them.Support bacteria ... they’re the only culture some people have.

Our “Comedy Corner” editor is Joe Podorsek. If you have a comedy item you would like to submit for

consideration, please email Joe at [email protected].

This is a free service to Local 5 members. Cost to others offering or seeking musical products or services is 30¢

a word. Submit to Susan Barna Ayoub at Local 5 ([email protected]).

FOR SALE: Black Robin 5-string electric bass, $500; German roundback doublebass, $5,000; Roger Lotte French bow, $500; Sunn 200s bass amp & 2-15" speakers in cabinet, $400; twin Tannoy redbud 15" speaker cabinets, $1,000; Harmon Kardon 520 AM/FM multi-purpose amp, $300. Call 313.386.9211.IN MEMORY of extraordinaire jazz pianist and vibra-phonist Terry Jean Pollard, Babysoulove Productions are seeking song submissions for a very special Tribute CD in her honor. Selected songs will be a part of a 2-volume compilation CD series. All Detroit Local 5 Musicians and especially female musicians’ submissions are highly wel-comed for consideration. For more information on this project, please email Michael Weeden at [email protected] or Dan Hosper at [email protected]. http://queenofthevibes.wix.com/terrypollard

Classifi ed Ads


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To learn more:[email protected]

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Minutes: Executive Board Meeting, 3/10/14

The regular monthly meeting of the Executive Board was called to or-der at 11:07 am, President George Troia being in the chair, as well as Vice President Douglas Cornelsen and Secretary-Treasurer Susan Barna Ayoub being present. Also present were Executive Board Members Rob-ert Conway, Robert Lymperis, Alonza McKenzie and Paul Onachuk.

President Troia announced that the normal order of the agenda would be dispensed with in order to have suffi cient discussion about the budget and keep a quorum for the upcoming fi scal year.

On motion by VP Cornelsen, seconded by Mr Conway, to approve the agenda, it was approved unanimously.

11:17 am David Denniston joined the meeting.The next meeting of the Executive Board will take place on

Wednesday, April 30, at 11:15 am. [Subsequently rescheduled for Tues-day, April 29, at 11:00 am]

The board had an extensive discussion period about the projected budget for the new fi scal year – FYE2015. The offi cers are projecting that Local 5 will be back in the black for the fi rst time in several years with a small surplus of $4,000-$9,000. The largest positive that cropped up in the current fi scal year is the change in the offi cers’ health insur-ance. That combined with the increase in membership dues, approved by the membership at the semi-annual meeting in October, provide an almost $25,000 boost to our fi nances in the new fi scal year. Additional good fi nancial news include the early ratifi cation of the new DSO con-tract; increased and stable income from offi ce space rental – highlighted by the arrival of Mr McKenzie’s music school and charitable organiza-tion In-Accord into space that opened up; a signifi cant reduction of $3,000 in annual printing costs, due to the number of members who have opted to receive the e-Keynote only; and, a general increase in live performance work dues.

The offi cers talked about the work that is accomplished by the part- time staff in the offi ce, who have not received raises because of the tight fi nances at the union. President Troia and Sec/Treas Ayoub asked the board to consider a raise of $1.00/hour for both staff members. This increase had already been included in the proposed budget and would not impact the projected surplus. On motion by VP Cornelsen, seconded by Mr Onachuk, to approve the requested raise for staff, it was approved unanimously.

On motion by Mr Lymperis, seconded by Mr Denniston, to approve the proposed budget, it was approved unanimously.

President Troia talked about lapel pins he had previously purchased from the AFM. Members have commented that they especially like the pins, so he asked the board to consider adding lapel pins as a token of appreciation to 30-year members. Also, last year’s 30-year party had raised a bit more money than the actual cost of putting it on. After discussing the fi gures, on motion by Mr Denniston, seconded by Mr Onachuk, to purchase 300 lapel pins, it was approved unanimously.

On motion by Mr McKenzie, seconded by Mr Denniston, to ap-prove the minutes of the previous meeting as presented, they were ap-proved unanimously.

President Troia gave the following report:Sixteen performances in the Detroit Public Schools funded by

MPTF have taken place with 14 more on the schedule. All that have taken place to date have been paid.

Both union and management have agreed on a successor agreement for the Detroit Jazz Festival and are awaiting a fi nal document.

A fi nal list of proposals has been drafted by the Community Orches-

tra Committee and contact has been made with most of the participat-ing orchestras, in preparation for negotiations to begin.

President Troia reminded the board members of the annual mem-bership meeting, scheduled for Monday, March 17, at noon.

President Troia also reported that Local 5’s Facebook page is up and running. Photos and various announcements have been posted, and the page is getting a lot of traffi c.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented reports of Monthly Income, Cash Dis-bursements and Comparative Fiscal Year-to-Date. On motion by Mr Onachuk, seconded by VP Cornelsen, to receive the reports, they were received unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented the Payroll reports. On motion by Mr Lymperis, seconded by Mr Denniston, to approve the reports, they were approved unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented the Offi cers’ Expenses and Charge Cards reports. On motion by VP Cornelsen, seconded by Mr McKenzie, to approve the reports, they were approved unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented a report of New Member Applica-tions from Brooks Barnes, Anthony Backos, Elliott Zelenak, Raymond Trammell Jr and Shelly Rouse-Freitag. On motion by Mr Onachuk, seconded by Mr Lymperis, to accept the applications, they were ac-cepted unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented a report of member reinstatements, resigna-tions, suspensions/expulsions and deaths, as well as a Local Census report.

In New Business, the members of the board discussed an issue that arose for the Porgy and Bess musical that came to the Detroit Opera House recently. The traveling company sent ahead PDFs of the parts, as well as a video fi le of the conductor conducting the show. At the rehearsal, he asked the musicians who among them had practiced with the video and then proceeded to chastise those who did not. The video appears to be an alternative to enough paid rehearsal time. Mr Ona-chuk suggested that our theater agreements need language to address this. Vice President Cornelsen recommended that management get a letter about this new development.

12:59 pm Vice President Cornelsen left the meeting.Mr Denniston commented that, if this practice is the new norm,

the video needs to be of usable quality. Mr Conway asked whether the musicians who were recorded for the demos were compensated. Mr Onachuk felt this should be a committee topic during this year’s ne-gotiations with the managements of the Fisher Theatre and the Detroit Opera House.

Mr Denniston commented that he is still working on the scheduling of the PR workshop for the members.

President Troia handed out information about a group that ap-proached him about giving presentations to the members on fi nancial planning. Mr McKenzie commented that talking about investing and retirement funds might be the most useful topics.

1:20 pm On motion by Mr Denniston, seconded by Mr Conway, to adjourn the meeting, it was adjourned.

IMPORTANT REMINDERPlease keep your life insurance benefi ciary

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The regular monthly meeting of the Executive Board was called to order at 11:10 am, President George Troia being in the chair, as well as Vice President Douglas Cornelsen and Secretary-Treasurer Susan Bar-na Ayoub being present. Also present were Executive Board Members Robert Conway, Robert Lymperis and Paul Onachuk.

To facilitate the organization of the meeting, Mr Conway asked to have his report about the Wayne State University Music Department awards added to the top of the agenda. On motion by Mr Lymperis, seconded by VP Cornelsen, to approve the agenda, it was approved unanimously.

11:14 am Mr Denniston joined the meeting. The next meeting of the Executive Board will take place on

Wednesday, May 28 at 11:00 am. Mr Conway reported that he attended the WSU student awards

ceremony at which Scott Hawkins, son of Local 5 member Robert Hawkins, received the Kaplan Scholarship from the Detroit Musicians Fund. The awardee is determined by the department scholarship com-mittee. Scott had recommendations from several professors in addition to a high grade point average. Mr Conway handed around the cer-emony program.

President Troia informed the board that the MOT Negotiating Committee would be joining the meeting. He reported that, in the past, Local 5 has paid for expenses only for AFM Negotiator Chris Durham when he has acted as lead negotiator on behalf of the musi-cians of the Michigan Opera Theatre. This year there will be a higher cost to the local, now that the AFM will charge symphonic work dues for use of his services – .55% of the work dues paid to the local by the

MOT musicians. 11:31 am Special Orders: Members of the MOT Orchestra Com-

mittee Gregory Near, Amanda Sparfeld and Barbara Zmich joined the meeting.

Introductions were made all around. Chairperson Near spoke to the board, mentioning the names of the committee members not in attendance – Charlotte Merkerson, Bill King and Andrew Pelletier. He mentioned that making an appropriations request to the Local 5 board is fairly new for the MOT committee, a sign that things are growing for them. He invited Ms Zmich to speak about the history of MOT’s use of an AFM negotiator.

Ms Zmich reported that this year the union will be paying .55% in symphonic work dues to the AFM, a new fee for the services of an AFM negotiator. MOT has been a member of ROPA for almost 15 years. She gave a history of per-capita and work dues payments made by locals to the AFM, saying in essence that, the drop in freelance work dues leading up to the 1991 convention resulted in an increase in AFM per capita and a discontinuation of the universal AFM Federa-tion Work Dues, which were replaced with work dues on all recording work, Pamphlet B (touring theatrical) work, and local symphonic work that met certain thresholds currently described in the AFM bylaws. The Michigan Opera Theatre orchestra joined ROPA in 2000. She gave a history of ROPA orchestras, some that historically meet Symphonic Services guidelines (as spelled out in the AFM bylaws) and some that do not. There are also ROPA orchestras that from time to time meet the guidelines and sometimes not.



4/29/14 Executive Board Minutes, continued from page 22

Ms Zmich commented that Ken Shirk, Assistant to the AFM Presi-dent for the Western United States, aided her with the history she is reading. AFM Director of Symphonic Services Division Jay Blumenthal told her that the new policy (since late 2011) of charging symphonic work dues for the use of AFM negotiators has not appeared to act as a deterrent; 75 orchestras fall into this category. Ms Zmich spoke of the time her job with MOT was threatened in 1999. She asked for SSD help. The use of Mr Durham was instrumental in saving her job. The MOT musicians have now completed several negotiations using his ser-vices, adding that AFM negotiators are in a position to help identify cur-rent trends and bargaining tactics among ROPA orchestra managements.

Mr Near handed out and read the committee’s appropriations re-quest, mentioning that their previous negotiation was completed right before the new AFM symphonic work dues policy was instituted.

Ms Zmich reported that the Ann Arbor local (of which she is the Secretary-Treasurer) will split this summer’s ROPA conference expens-es with Local 5, since she will be representing the Ann Arbor Sympho-ny, in addition to MOT. There was some discussion about the AASO’s history of using a variety of AFM SSD negotiators for their contract negotiations.

Mr Onachuk asked whether MOT negotiations had begun yet. Mr Near responded no. VP Cornelsen asked whether MOT would be add-ing an additional production next season. Mr Near responded yes, but that the production would involve a very small orchestration. President Troia commented that the negotiation paperwork had not yet been fi led. Mr Dennistion commented that the MOT committee brought a lot of good news to the board pertaining to the development of the opera company. VP Cornelsen mentioned that President Troia has com-mented to the board on how good the MOT orchestra is sounding.

Ms Zmich moved on to talk about Local 5’s new online Commu-nity Orchestra calendar. AASO was asked to participate but declined until such time as the calendar may expand to include other regional orchestras, such as the Flint, Saginaw and Toledo orchestras. Mr Den-niston commented that input from AASO about the calendar had been constructive. Mr Near commented that the committee sees the calendar as a good thing because a number of the same musicians play in many of the groups. President Trioa mentioned that Local 5 member David Daniels had hoped the calendar would also include non-union groups.

12:08 pm The members of the MOT committee left the meeting, which was recessed briefl y.

12.20 pm Meeting resumed. Discussion ensued about the MOT committee appropriations re-

quest. On motion by VP Cornelsen, seconded by Mr Denniston, to approve the request, it was approved unanimously. Since the union’s previously approved budget for FYE2015 did not take into account SSD work dues payments to the AFM on behalf of the MOT musi-cians, the offi cers will present an amended budget at the next board meeting for approval.

On motion by Mr Onachuk, seconded by VP Cornelsen, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting as presented, they were approved unanimously.

President Troia gave the following report:Almost all of the DPS performances funded by the Music Perfor-

mance Trust Fund have now taken place, totaling 31.The union has a fi nal signed document from the Detroit Jazz Fes-

tival, pending ratifi cation by the board. After discussion, on motion by

Mr Lymperis, seconded by VP Cornelsen, the DJF agreement was rati-fi ed unanimously.

Negotiations for a successor Fisher Theatre agreement will be tak-ing place this year. The negotiating committee will be made up of Lo-cal 5 members Alan Ayoub, Keith Claeys, Paul Onachuk and Cheryl Zetterholm, in addition to President Troia and Sec/Treas Ayoub. The committee will meet within the next two weeks. Mr Conway asked whether the committee would be visiting the conductor cam issue. Mr Onachuk replied yes.

A fi nal list of proposals has been drafted by the Community Or-chestra negotiating committee and contact has been made with the participating orchestras. A tentative meeting is scheduled for May.

A tenured member of the Livonia Symphony has complained about being passed over for hiring for a chamber music concert in favor of three non-tenured players. A settlement was proposed and agreed upon between the union and the Livonia Symphony. President Troia attended the concert in question and met Livonia Symphony President Rose Kachnowski, Executive Board member Charlie Mahoney, Conductor Volodymyr Shesiuk and Personnel Manager Linda Ignagni.

The Metro Detroit AFL-CIO Executive Board has endorsed pre-sumed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer. Board Member Paul Onachuk, Reverend Willie Anderson and President Troia attended a rally on March 19 to announce the endorsement, which Candidate Schauer accepted.

President Troia thanked the members of the board for attending the March Annual Membership Meeting.

President Troia reported that he attended funerals and/or visitations for deceased Local 5 Members Hugh Myers Jr, Raymond Battani, Cecil “Van” Cephus and Frank Lozano.

1:05 pm Alonza McKenzie joined the meeting.Sec/Treas Ayoub presented reports of Monthly Income, Cash Dis-

bursements and Comparative Fiscal Year-to-Date. As discussed earlier in the meeting, the previously approved budget for FYE2015 will be revisited at the next meeting in light of the approved MOT appropria-tions request. On motion by Mr Onachuk, seconded by Mr Lymperis, to receive the reports, they were received unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented the Payroll reports. On motion by Mr McKenzie, seconded by VP Cornelsen, to approve the reports, they were approved unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented the Offi cers’ Expenses and Charge Cards reports. On motion by VP Cornelsen, seconded by Mr Onachuk, to approve the reports, they were approved unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented a report of New Member Applications from Tracy Dunlop, John Gonthier and Alexander Colista. On motion by Mr Conway, seconded by Mr McKenzie, to accept the applications, they were accepted unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented a report of member reinstatements, res-ignations, suspensions/expulsions and deaths, as well as a Local Census report.

President Troia reported that membership pins to be presented at the 30/50-year party have been ordered.

Status of the new website: Mr Denniston came to the Local 5 offi ce to instruct offi cers and staff on how to create and update member pro-fi les for Detroit Musicians Entertainment and the calendars on the new website. He also gave Sec/Treas Ayoub an email to send to members that updates them on the website progress.

2:00 pm On motion by Mr Onachuk, seconded by VP Cornelsen, to adjourn the meeting, it was adjourned.

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The regular monthly meeting of the Executive Board was called to order at 11:10 am, President George Troia being in the chair, as well as Vice President Douglas Cornelsen and Secretary-Treasurer Susan Bar-na Ayoub being present. Also present were Executive Board Members Robert Conway, Robert Lymperis and Paul Onachuk.

On motion by Mr Lymperis, seconded by VP Cornelsen, to approve the agenda, it was approved unanimously.

On motion by Mr Onachuk, seconded by VP Cornelsen, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting as presented, they were approved unanimously.

President Troia gave the following report:The union has paid half of the printing costs of the expiring DSO

agreement and are in the proofreading stages of the new agreement, which goes in effect September 1, 2014. He also extended his con-gratulations to the following retiring DSO musicians who have shared their talents by being esteemed members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and exemplary members of the Detroit Federation of Musi-cians, AFM Local 5:

• Violinist Beatrice Budinszky-Staples (50 years)• Oboist Donald Baker (41 years)• Violist Cathy Compton (41 years)• Violinist Bruce Smith (39 years)• Trombonist Tanny Gurin (36 years)• Oboist Shelly Heron (29 years)• Principal clarinetist Ted Oien (26 years)The Michigan Opera Theater concluded its spring season with a

magnifi cent production of Turandot. At the fi nal performance, Artis-tic Director Dr. David DiChiera announced that concertmaster Char-lotte Merkerson would step down from that post, one she has held for 33 years. Management, the Orchestra Committee, and the DFM have agreed to terms for her to fi ll a vacancy in the fi rst violin section. The MOT Negotiating Committee and Management will meet in the fi rst week of July to negotiate a successor agreement. The Committee con-sists of Emily Barkakati, Chris Durham, Greg Near, Bill King, Amanda Sparfeld, George Troia and Barbara Zmich.

11:23 am Alonza McKenzie joined the meeting.The Fisher Theatre Negotiating Committee met on Thursday, May

22, 2014, to discuss the structure and timeline of the negotiations as well as formulate proposals. The Committee consists of Alan Ayoub, Susan Barna Ayoub, Keith Claeys, Paul Onachuk, George Troia and Cheryl Zetterholm.

The Community Orchestra Negotiating Committee and Manage-ment met at Local 5 on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, to discuss a successor agreement. The union committee declined an initial proposal to extend the agreement two years. The committee proposals were read, consid-ered, and responded to by management with a proposal to extend for one year. The union has declined the offer to extend and submitted a counter proposal.

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meetings, during which Mr. Pollard would explain why the AFM needs their support to help close a loophole in the current legislation that allows fi lm companies to offshore post-production work on movies that use tax incentives for their production. Currently, only 75% of post production expenses must stay in the US; the new legislation would make that 100%. The Detroit Metro AFL-CIO Executive Board and delegate body have also endorsed the AFM Listen Up! campaign that protests this problem, targeting Lionsgate Productions. If members have not signed the online petition, please go to the AFM website link and sign it.

The online petition is also on Local 5’s Facebook page. President Troia mentioned that the documentary Standing in the Shadows of Mo-town is now owned by Lionsgate – meaning no future backend pay-ments will come from its use. AFM International President Ray Hair is very appreciative of Local 5’s efforts on this issue. Mr Conway men-tioned an issue that, in the past, composers who received NEA grants chose to record their product overseas – a potential area to investigate. President Troia also pointed out that there was no AFM bug in the end credits for the movie Lincoln, though the Chicago Symphony recorded the score. President Troia has been asked by David Elsila and David Hecker to serve on the committee of the Labor Legacy Project Inc., which will take up the task of raising funds to restore the Labor Legacy monument.

President Troia thanked the members of the Executive Board and Local 5 for attending the 30/50-Year Party and for their support in making it a great event. S/T Ayoub reported that approximately 166 people attended the party. Donations totaled $4,904.00. The cost of the party was $3,529 (Club Venetian) and $470 (gold cards), totaling $3,999. The party made a profi t of $905.00. Mr Conway thanked Mr McKenzie for his words at the podium during the party program, en-couraging people to make donations to Detroit Musicians Fund.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented reports of Monthly Income, Cash Dis-bursements and Comparative Fiscal Year-to-Date. On motion by Mr Lymperis, seconded by Mr Conway, to receive the reports, they were received unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented the Payroll reports. On motion by Mr Onachuk, seconded by Mr McKenzie, to approve the reports, they were approved unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented the Offi cers’ Expenses and Charge Cards reports. On motion by VP Cornelsen, seconded by Mr Lymperis to approve the reports, they were approved unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented a report of New Member Applications from Christina Fong and Ursula Walker. On motion by Mr McKenzie, seconded by Mr Onachuk, to accept the applications, they were ac-cepted unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented a report of member reinstatements, res-ignations, suspensions/expulsions and deaths, as well as a Local Census report.

Moving to Old Business – In light of unanticipated AFM Sym-phonic Work Dues that will begin to be paid during this coming season on behalf of the musicians of the Michigan Opera Theatre, the offi -cers presented an amended balanced budget for FYE2015. On motion by Mr Lymperis, seconded by VP Cornelsen, to approve the amended budget, it was approved unanimously.

In New Business, President Troia read to the board a letter he had received from Bo Karpinsky – a Democratic candidate for the 30th

District of the Michigan State House of Representatives, including the city of Utica and parts of Sterling Heights and Shelby Charter Town-ship. Mr Karpinsky supports putting working families fi rst and creating policies that fi ght outsourcing of jobs. He is a member of the American Federation of Teachers and a past president of the Hamtramck Federa-tion of Teachers. He has the endorsement of the AFL-CIO and is also the brother-in-law of Local 5 board member Paul Onachuk. Mr Kar-pinsky is asking for Local 5’s endorsement. On motion by S/T Ayoub, seconded by VP Cornelsen, to approve the endorsement of Mr Karpin-sky by Local 5, the endorsement was approved unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub spoke to the board about Local 5’s Youth member-ship category, which allows people 20 years or younger to join with-out the obligation of paying national and local initiation fees. Other-wise, Youth members have the same rights and obligations as regular members. Though Local 5 charges members in this category the same amount as members who have not earned a reduction as a result of age and/or years in the union, the AFM does allow locals to adjust the rate charged to Youth members.Sec/Treas Ayoub calculated the cost to the local for these individual members to be just under $24/quarter, if they do not receive hard copies of the Keynote or invoices.

Since there are currently only three Youth category members in Local 5 and the offi cers/board are always looking for ways to interest young musicians in the union, she put forward the idea of dropping the Youth rate to $24/quarter (or $96/year). Much discussion ensued. Mr McKenzie thought that would be an attractive price to parents but also suggested that there should be valid benefi ts geared specifi cally to young musicians.

VP Cornelsen talked about the challenge and importance of getting them to stay in the union and whether they and their parents would want to be able to earn enough to offset the cost of being in the union. He also asked whether youngsters would start asking for scale for per-forming in situations that would otherwise be for gaining experience. Sec/Treas suggested that the union would sell the Youth membership on the intangibles of being in the information loop, enabling them to learn more about what it is to be a professional musician.

Mr Conway thought the act of lowering the cost of joining should be accompanied by outreach efforts in the schools and other musical organizations for young people. President Troia asked Mr McKenzie whether his students who come to Local 5’s building for lessons ask about joining. He replied yes. Sec/Treas Ayoub reminded the members of the board that, since this would be a resolution pertaining to fi nan-cial matters, it would need to be voted on by members of the union at a membership meeting. President Troia suggested the board revisit the subject at the July meeting. He also mentioned that New York City Local 802 is starting to represent teachers because of the prevalence of music being taken out of the schools.

Sec/Treas Ayoub read a thank you letter to the board from Scott Hawkins, son of Local 5 member Bob Hawkins and grandson of de-ceased member Robert Hawkins. Scott recently was awarded the Ka-plan Scholarship – a $1,000 scholarship from the Detroit Musicians Fund for a music student at Wayne State University. Winners of the Kaplan Scholarship are chosen by members of the WSU music faculty. His well-written letter told of the importance of his having grown up in a musical union family.

The next meeting of the Executive Board will take place on Friday, June 27 at 11:00 am.

12:37 pm On motion by VP Cornelsen, seconded by Mr Lymperis, to adjourn the meeting, it was adjourned.

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The meeting was preceded by a moment of silence in remembrance of Local 5 member Ernest Rodgers and former Local 5 member Don Davis – both recently deceased.

The regular monthly meeting of the Executive Board was called to order at 11:17am, President George Troia being in the chair, as well as Secretary-Treasurer Susan Barna Ayoub being present. Also present were Executive Board Members Robert Conway, David Denniston, Alonza McKenzie, Robert Lymperis and Paul Onachuk.

On motion by Mr Onachuk, seconded by Mr McKenzie, to approve the agenda, it was approved unanimously.

On motion by Mr Lymperis, seconded by Mr McKenzie, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting as presented, they were approved unanimously.

The next meeting of the Executive Board will take place on Friday, July 11 at 11:00am.

President Troia gave the following report:MOT Negotiations are planned for next week starting Monday

morning.President Troia has had preliminary discussions with Alan Lichten-

stein about possible meeting dates for negotiations on the Fisher The-atre Agreement.

President Troia reported that he and the Community Orchestra Committee are still waiting for a response to the last counter proposal, which was made on May 23.

President Troia reported that he has found Sugar Man in the form of new use that has been pursued by the union for the last two years. The AFM West Coast offi ce received a payment for $22,780.80 for the new use, pension, and processing for the 10 songs used as the sound track for the Academy Award-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man. Eight musicians or their estates are receiving payment for the tracks they are credited with. Included in this group are members Dennis Coffey, Mike Theodore, Danny Brucato and Eric Morgeson, deceased members Andrew Smith and Bob Babbitt, and former members Dennis Kovarick and Sixto Rodriguez. Many thanks to all connected with this project – Dennis Coffey and Mike Theodore, AFM President Ray Hair, AFM counsel Jennifer Garner, AFM Electronic Media West Coast Rep Peter Marroquin, Local 5 Sec/Treas Susan Barna Ayoub and Local 5 staff person Mary Johnstone. President Troia commented that the pay-ment happened primarily on the strength of the contracts themselves. Sec/Treas Ayoub added that President Troia’s persistence had been cru-cial to making this happen.

President Troia attended an informational picket on Friday, June 6, 2014, at 6:45 am, which turned out to be the formal announcement of the fi rst contract for the Cesar Chavez Academy in Detroit. Michi-gan AFT President David Hecker, had announced that this school had voted to unionize one week after Michigan became a so called “right-to-work” state. Michigan gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer was in attendance as well quite a few supporters from the Detroit Metro AFL-CIO. President Troia will provide more details in his next “Music Stand” column.

The 52nd ICSOM conference will be held in Los Angeles, August 25–28. President Troia stated that he feels players’ conferences are im-portant to Local 5 and the AFM. He would like to attend the ICSOM conference if his negotiation schedule allows and is offering to cover a portion of the expenses himself in order to do so.

Finally, President Troia attended the visitations for Don Davis and Ernie Rodgers. He also attended Ernie Rodgers’ funeral, at which he spoke and presented the family with a certifi cate for his 60 years of membership, as well as a Local 5 Bible. A number of members of the union, including himself, Susan and Al Ayoub, performed in Ernie’s fu-neral procession. Mr McKenzie was among the performers on the altar during the service. Mr McKenzie reported that the Rodgers famiy has decided to create a scholarship in Mr Rodgers’ name to Wayne State University, to be administered through Mr McKenzie’s charitable or-ganization In-Accord. The offi cial launch of the scholarship will occur within the next few weeks.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented reports of Monthly Income, Cash Dis-bursements and Comparative Fiscal Year-to-Date. On motion by Mr Denniston, seconded by Mr Onachuk, to receive the reports, they were received unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented the Payroll reports. On motion by Mr McKenzie, seconded by Mr Conway, to approve the reports, they were approved unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented the Offi cers’ Expenses and Charge Cards reports. On motion by Mr Lymperis, seconded by Mr Onachuk, to approve the reports, they were approved unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented a report of a New Member Applica-tion from Jeffrey Pedraz. On motion by Mr Onachuk, seconded by Mr Lymperis, to accept the applications, they were accepted unanimously.

Sec/Treas Ayoub presented a report of member reinstatements, resigna-tions, suspensions/expulsions and deaths, as well as a Local Census report.

Moving on to Old Business, the Board resumed discussion begun at the previous meeting about Local 5’s Youth Membership category and the possibility of lowering the cost for musicians under the age of 20, as well as creating value specifi cally for those young musicians. Mr Mc-Kenzie stated that special workshops and perhaps trips to the symphony would be important. Mr Denniston commented that the union needs to be doing surveys, a typical marketing tool, to fi nd out what our members want most. Mr McKenzie restated his opinion concerning the importance of having partnerships, saying that a partner can provide a mailing list and perhaps an alternate venue. The Guitar Center and the Steinway Piano Gallery are two of many possibilities. Mr Conway suggested a presentation at the Detroit School for the Arts. On motion by Mr McKenzie, seconded by Mr Onachuk, to draft a resolution to the membership, proposing a change to the Youth Membership category by lowering membership dues for that category to $24/quarter (or $96/year) – dues that would raise to the regular rate when a musician

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reaches the age of 21 – in order to bring more young people into Lo-cal 5 and to generally encourage familiarity with unions to a younger generation, it was approved unanimously.

President Troia reported that he received a thank you letter from Democratic candidate for the 30th District of the Michigan State House of Representatives Bo Karpinsky for the endorsement he received from the Board of Local 5. Mr Onachuk reported that Mr Karpinsky has also been endorsed by the AFL-CIO and the MEA. President Troia added that both he and Sec-Tres Ayoub made personal contributions to Mr Karpinsky’s compaign.

Sec/Tres Ayoub gave a brief report on the recent Local 5 workshop, entitled “The Importance of Presenting Your Image.” Photographer and horn player Tony Cleeton of AFM Local 15-286, Toledo. gave a fi ne presentation. There were 11 attendees. Though this represents an increase in attendance over the previous workshop, members of the Development Committee will continue to look for the best days and times for members (and non-members) to attend. This workshop was scheduled very close in time to the actual presentation, thereby not in a timely enough way to appear in the Keynote. Members who have not given the union an email address would not have known about it in order to attend themselves nor to share the info with others.

President Troia passed around a thank you note from the family of deceased member Johnny Allen. Sec/Treas Ayoub read a note from Local 5 member “Saucy” Sylvia Mureddu, thanking the offi cers, board, membership and staff for the article in the most recent Keynote about her induction into the Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame – referring to the Keynote as her favorite paper.

Mr Onachuk mentioned that members are asking about not receiv-ing continuing payments from the use of “Reach Out (I’ll Be There)” on the Detroit Medical Center. President Troia will look into it.

12:34 pm On motion by Mr Lymperis, seconded by Mr McKenzie, to adjourn the meeting, it was adjourned.


30-Year MembersMark Abbott

Randy Casteel

James David Jr

Anthony DiMaria

James Frobe

Daniel Harris

Mertis John Jr

Randall Knight

Laura Larson

Naomi Levine

Laurence Liberson

Haden McKay

Alonza McKenzie

Chris Nordman

*Gregg Powell

Constance Price

Robynn Rhodes-Poole

*Theodore Smith

Eric Totz

Robert Tye

Brian Ventura

50-Year MembersLanny Austin

Charles Bernadich

Gordon Camp

Dayna Hartwick

Richard Holstine

Bobbie Lasister

Donald Lewandowski

Joseph Maltese

Earl Marshall Jr

Stevland Morris

James Pashkot

Gerald Richardson

Jay Valle

Wallace Wood

70-Year MembersBetty Carroll

Joseph Messana

Thomas Zelenak

Donald Slaughter

75-Year MemberAnthony Russo

LOCAL 5 HONOR ROLL 30/50-Year Party Sponsors New 30/50 (and More) Members

*30-Year Member by virtue of new Bylaw, Article II, Section 2(a)

Federation Sponsors$100 and upSylvia Mureddu

Stevland “Stevie Wonder” Morris

Robert Cook

Phil Grameno

Bob “Allison” Allesee

Doug Cornelsen

Dave Everson

Chris Nordman

George Troia

Ed Zelenak

Partnership Sponsors$75–$99Harold Orr

Sam & Peggy Tundo

Wendell West

Friendship Sponsors$50–$74

Clarence Witkowski

Tony Russo

Susan Ayoub

Charles Bernadich

Keith Claeys

Earl DeForest

Ray Duk

Laura Larson

William Robertson

Dave Skotarczyk

Mike Skrzynski Jr

Special thanks to the donors who lightened the 30/50-Party load on Local 5’s budget. We extend our

gratitude and appreciation to all of you angels.

Ray Riggs was photographer. See all his party photos at: http://rayriggsphotography.smugmug.com/Other/DFMparty14/ 41441649_DPbdg6 (with no space, of course)

• LOCAL 5 HONOR ROLL •

Keynote is your newsletter, now available in COLOR via email and at

www.detroitmusicians.net.We value your input and welcome your

articles and ideas. Contact us at 248.569.5400, ext. 0.


Steven L. King passed away on June 3, 2014 at the age of 56. He was born on May 14, 1958 in Detroit and affi liated with Local 5 in 1989. A 25-year member, he played the guitar, bass and keyboard. The Grammy-winning recording engineer is best known for his work with Eminem. The in-house engineer at 54 Sound in Ferndale, he worked with acts ranging from Aretha Franklin to the Winans, Patti Smith, George Clinton, Kem and Juan Atkins. In the 80’s, he got his start, working with and learning from musician-producer Don Was. Beginning with the punk rock band the Pigs in the late 1970s, Steve ultimately made his big-gest mark in hip-hop, funk and R&B as the engineer at 54 Sound. This led to work with rappers including 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks and Nas – part of a career that included hit rock (Sponge), gospel (Selected of God) and jazz (Stanley Clarke) recordings. More recently, he continued to per-form with M.L. Liebler & the Coyote Monk Poetry Band. His hospitalization before his death forced him to bow out of an Israel tour with the group.Ernest E. Rodgers died on June 10, 2014 at the age of 80. He was born on March 31, 1934 in Monroe, MI and af-fi liated with Local 5 in 1952. A 58-year member, he played saxophones and clarinets. A list of his professional awards, as well as the musicians and entertainers with whom he per-formed, would fi ll an entire page of this publication. Born into a “show biz” family, his parents were dancers; Ernie made his fi rst appearance on stage at the age of 8 months. Later, he and two brothers (including Local 5 Member Vir-gil Rodgers) had a tap dance act that performed through-out North America with their parents. Graduate of Cass Tech and teacher in the Detroit Public Schools system, he was DPS Swim Coach of the Year while at Northwestern HS, in addition to taking the Northwestern HS Jazz Band to Europe three times. (Please see an additional tribute to Ernie in the “Music Stand” on page 5, and note that there is an upcoming InAccord event honoring him; see page 23.)Arlene A. Seaman passed away on May 3, 2014 at the age of 96. She was born on January 21, 1918 in Pontiac and affi liated with Local 5 in 1943. A 71-year member, she played the cello and piano – and was considered by her friends to be vital to Detroit area students of music.George N. Taswell passed away on April 15, 2014 at the

Closing Chord � �age of 83. He was born on September 11, 1931 in Surry County, VA and affi liated with Local 5 in 1984. A 28-year member, he played the piano, organ and keyboard. George came to Detroit from Virginia with the band Gentlemen and Their Ladies.

Detroit Federation of MusiciansMember Survey

To get listed in the Local 5 Intune database as a performer or teacher, you must submit your information. The easi-est way right now is to fi ll out the form below and email, snail-mail or fax it in.

Local 5 Membership Survey(please print)

First/last name: ________________________________

Email address: __________________________________

Website: ______________________________________

What do you want known about you as a musician?

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

What kinds of work might you be looking for?

Theater ❑ Symphony ❑ Club ❑ Studio ❑ Weddings ❑ Parties ❑ Receptions ❑

Other________________________________________

I give private lessons on the following instruments:

_____________________________________________

Clip and mail or fax this survey to Local 5 at:Detroit Federation of Musicians20833 Southfi eld RoadSouthfi eld, MI 48075Fax: 248.569.1393Email: [email protected]

The Detroit Federation of Musicians respects your right to privacy and will not sell or otherwise distribute this information to any third party..

Who are these guys? The past, present and future of Local 5! · Keynote 3rd Quarter 2014 3...

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