Labor protests in Wisconsin and across the Midwest have shown once again that public protest is often our only tool to reverse bad policy & legislation. There’s no shortage of bad policy that is dragging our local industry down and the worst offender continues to be the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). As in Wisconsin, we have no option but to stand up collectively to SCFD’s anti-labor practices or suffer the consequences as work opportunities continue to erode. The occasion for our show of solidarity will be a public SCFD meeting on Thursday, March 24 at 1:00 PM. We need as many DMA members to show as we can possibly turn out.
Labor, Local Discussion, The Denver Musician
By Steve Eulberg
Like many musicians, I have found teaching to be the butter for the bread of performance. Truthfully, the balance between performing and teaching helps me survive as a working musician. I simply love sharing the music with public and private audiences, and equipping them to participate in the creative process.
When I began my private studio I was teaching unusual instruments (mountain and hammered dulcimers, mandolin, bowed psaltery, Irish Bodhran and African hand percussion) as well as guitar. This has turned out to be a good niche for my interests, skills and experience and led to my establishment of the annual Colorado Dulcimer Festival in Fort Collins, which just completed its 7th year. I am also on the road teaching at festivals across the US about once a month, which I link with performances to, from or near the festival region; in short, the life of a touring (and teaching) solo musician.
Electronic Media, National Discussion, The Denver Musician
Larry has established a worldwide reputation as an arranger, orchestrator, and innovative composer of contemporary music. He’s an accomplished keyboardist, saxophonist, oboist, vocalist and producer. His diverse background, talent and experience, make him the obvious choice to handle the heavy responsibilities of ‘Orchestral Music Director/Conductor/Arranger.’
Electronic Media, Feature/Interview, Labor, Local Discussion, Pete Vriesenga, Rock/Pop, Symphonic/Classical, The Denver Musician
The Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) is a major player with respect to economic stimulus. SCFD currently distributes $40 million annually to arts and scientific organizations in seven metro-Denver counties. Recipients of these public funds are legally bound by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that currently sets Federal Minimum Wage at $6.55/hr. FLSA requirements, or even friendly reminders of the minimum wage obligation, have never been understood or acted on … until now.
Local Discussion, Pete Vriesenga, The Denver Musician
It wasn’t until 1938 that the 40-hr. work week, along with minimum wage guarantees, child labor protections and more, were signed into law with the passing of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Credit for this historic effort goes first and foremost to generations of workers who held out principle before their personal livelihood.
Labor, Legislative, National Discussion, Pete Vriesenga, The Denver Musician
“Right-to-Work” for less is slated for the November Ballot. It is as deceptive in name as its proponents: “A Better Colorado.” They claim that “Amendment 47 will strengthen Colorado’s economy, create jobs and make our State more competitive,” but nothing could be further from the truth.
Labor, Legislative, Local Discussion, Pete Vriesenga, The Denver Musician
The Vail Valley Music Festival is so flush with cash they’re importing FOUR very-pricey orchestras this summer: the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic, to satisy the musical palate of this affluent community. But the music industry, like our State history, is a story of boom and bust. The mountain resort of Steamboat Springs is hoping to lure a few of Vail’s musical patrons with a local, Emerald City Opera production of La Traviata in August. Musicians will receive $360 and a room in payment for six rehearsals and two performances. They’ll do good to come home with fifty bucks in their pocket.
Local Discussion, Pete Vriesenga, The Denver Musician
Published in The Denver Musician, Summer 2008
By Pete Vriesenga
Religious Organizations are the nation’s second-largest employer of professional musicians - second only to Performing Arts Companies (Bureau of Labor Statistics). I have been a beneficiary of these work opportunities over my career, as have professional musicians around the world who are impacted by the remarkable history [...]
Feature/Interview, Pete Vriesenga, Symphonic/Classical, The Denver Musician
Sam Gill has appeared with jazz greats such as Max Roach, J.J. Johnson, Phineas Newborn, Paul Bley and Thelonius Monk. He has recorded with the likes of Randy Weston , Art Blakey and Max Roach, and is listed in the International Who’s Who in Music, Who’s Who Among Black Americans and Blacks in Classical Music. In 1955, Downbeat Magazine ranked Sam Gill above jazz icons such as Milt Hinton and Paul Chambers, etching Sam’s name into history as one of the “New Star’s” in jazz. This December, after 48 years as a member of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Sam Gill will retire from the orchestra after a rich and influential career.
Feature/Interview, Pete Vriesenga, Symphonic/Classical, The Denver Musician
The “Phonograph Record Labor Agreement” (PRLA) has been the foundation of AFM recording policy since 1944, and is the AFM’s agreement with Warner Brothers, Atlantic Recording, Elektra Entertainment, Sony Music, Universal Music Group, Polygram, BMG and EMI Music. These major labels have negotiated with the AFM to establish all working conditions from session rates to mandated residual payments. This is great for the musicians who do this work, but it’s even better for the major labels because in recent years these negotiated terms of employment now apply to “the industry.”
Electronic Media, Labor, Local Discussion, Pete Vriesenga, Symphonic/Classical, The Denver Musician
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