AFM-EPF Announces that “Critical and Declining” Status Likely for 2019

A Message from the President

Dear Members,

On February 24, notification was emailed to AFM-EPF participants that actuaries project a strong likelihood that the Fund will enter “critical and declining” status after being in critical status since 2010. You may refer to the text of the full notification, which is posted on afm-epf.org. I recommend that you visit the Funds Website and check out the “Staying Informed” tab for more detailed explanation, but I wanted to provide as clear an explanation as possible.

The Fund is facing the challenges it faces today due to a loss it took in the Crash of 2008 in combination with several other factors. These are some of those factors: (1) the loss in the downturn, (2) a commitment of paying benefits which outweigh contributions coming in, (3) a decreased number of participants for whom contributions are being made

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Remember Local Musicians

I found Aaron Pino’s thorough article about auditions interesting and enlightening on many fronts. It is worth noting, however, that in the past some CBA’s including that of the Dallas Symphony, had clauses that gave anyone who was a Local 72-147 member in good standing the right to audition for any openings in the local jurisdiction where auditions were being held. Local players were able to audition at a local only audition or at the national audition itself.

Also, it was usually understood that if extra players or substitutes were needed, these players would come from Local 72-147 — as long as someone qualified was available. This practice has now often been abandoned with many excellent local players being excluded from the area’s best work

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Remember Our Local Musicians for Auditions & Hiring

Letter to the Editor by Greg Hustis

I found Aaron Pino’s thorough article about auditions interesting and enlightening on many fronts. It is worth noting, however, that in the past some CBA’s including that of the Dallas Symphony, had clauses that gave anyone who was a Local 72-147 member in good standing the right to audition for any openings in the local jurisdiction where auditions were being held. Local players were able to audition at a local only audition or at the national audition itself.
Also, it was usually understood that if extra players or substitutes were needed, these players would come from Local 72-147 — as long as someone qualified was available. This practice has now often been abandoned with many excellent local players being excluded from the area’s best work.

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