From Paul Frankenfeld

Dear Members of Local 1, colleagues, and Friends:
From a telephone call with Gregrick Frey earlier today, it is with deep sorrow that I share the news of the passing of his father, Cincinnati Musicians Association President Emeritus, Eugene V. Frey. Greg and his sister, Karen, enjoyed a visit to Cincinnati over the past weekend to see Gene, and explained that he slipped away peacefully in his sleep this morning.
Eugene V. Frey’s accomplishments were enormous and varied. A gifted clarinet player from Dayton, Ohio, Mr. Frey first joined the Armco Band in 1937, and, while a student at the Cincinnati College of Music in 1939, where he completed a Master of Music, was engaged by Eugene Goossens as Second Clarinet with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Following service with the US Army during the Second World War, Mr. Frey returned to Cincinnati to resume his career with the Cincinnati Symphony. After a contentious election for the presidency of the Cincinnati Musicians Association in December of 1957, Eugene Frey resigned his position with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra to assume the office. He remained President until January of 2010, when he became President Emeritus. During the fifty-two years of his tenure, Mr. Frey oversaw the negotiation of all local freelance, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Ballet, and Cincinnati Symphony contracts.  In addition to initiating an annual Musicians’ Ball that showcased local bands and raised membership dues for 50-year union members, he created a booking agency for Local 1 and founded a concert funding program, Bravo Music, Inc. Mr. Frey served on the Executive Boards of both the Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council and Blue Cross/Blue Shield.   On the national level, he was a member of the International Executive Board of the American Federation of Musicians and an Employee Trustee of the American Federation of Musicians Employer Pension Fund. Passionately dedicated to the welfare of the members of his union local, Eugene Frey assisted musicians in times of need and crisis. He established a Red Cross shelter at the site of the Beverly Hills fire in 1977, and provided access to counseling services for all he served. He was a mentor to labor leaders locally and nationally, and was a constant source of inspiration to AFM President Emeritus Thomas F. Lee, as well as current AFM President Raymond Hair, Jr. Named after the great labor activist Eugene V. Debs, Eugene V. Frey created a legacy of dignity and honor on behalf of musicians and union members everywhere that shall endure for generations.
Eugene Frey was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Cavell Frey, in 2004. He is survived by his daughter, Karen, and son, Gregrick, who reside in the greater Washington, D.C. area.
Paul R. Frankenfeld, President, Cincinnati Musicians Association
Local 1, American Federation of Musicians
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Eugene Frey passes away.

I just got the news that Gene Frey, President emeritus of the CMA died peacefully in his sleep early this morning, Aug. 29. He had been suffering from congestive heart failure. His children, Gregrick and Karen had just spent the weekend with him. Funeral arrangements are pending. Look for news here.

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Jacque L. Shoemaker

Jacque Shoemaker, Honorary member and Leader of the “Smittie Band”, passed away August 2, 2013 at the age of 80.  His good friend Stephan Barry wrote that he always enjoyed a gig if Jac was there.  He was an excellent trumpet player and musician.

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Quarterly General Membership Meeting/June 26, 2013

The quarterly general business meeting of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on June 26, 2013 at 7:06 PM.

12 members were present.

Minutes from the March 18, quarterly meeting were approved.

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I.  Welcome

  • President Frankenfeld welcomed the members and thanked them for attending in such stormy weather.

II.  National Update

  • Since the last meeting San Francisco reached a settlement that has been ratified.  St. Paul finally settled but the size of the organization will be decreased and it includes significant reduction in salary.  Minnesota is still out.

III. Constitution

  • Lew Mancini and Barbara Owens have notified President Frankenfeld that a mail-in ballot would be acceptable regarding the constitution revision.
  • President Frankenfeld spoke about the revision process and cited as an example the removal of a particular item that discussed at length.  Section 8.04 (p) under Financial Oversight was removed by the Board after much discussion.  Joe Gaudio gave background and a historical perspective regarding the section.  Office Manager, Rhonda Gillum, spoke to John Layne’s meticulous nature regarding the audits.  President Frankenfeld and Joe Gaudio both spoke on the fact that all Board members review the financials at every meeting which totals eight individuals.  Two elected officials must sign every voucher typed up by Rhonda.

IV.  Convention Delegate/Alternate

  • Due to family issues elected delegate, Rebecca Andres, may be unable to attend the convention.  As a result Lew Mancini and Barbara Owen advised President Frankenfeld that the Local hold an election for an alternate.  Members were notified by mail that if they were interested in nominating, or being nominated, as an alternate they should attend tonight’s meeting.
  • Carol Dunevant nominated Vice President Barbara Lambert.  Barbara will already be in Las Vegas attending the MAC conference prior to the convention.  In accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order President Frankenfeld called for nominations three times.  Hearing no other nominations Barbara was elected by acclamation.  Rebecca Andres informed Paul that she would give at least two-week notice if it appears she would be unable to attend so that the alternate could prepare.
  • President Frankenfeld reviewed some of the resolutions that will be brought to the floor at the convention.  He requested that anyone having comments or thoughts should feel free to contact him or members of the Board.  The entire set of resolutions can be found in the May issue of the International Musician.

 

OPEN DISCUSSION:

  • Jose Mangual spoke about the difficulties of his Salsa band has been facing.  They have lost a considerable amount of work to DJs.  There are six or seven Latin bands in the area making it very competitive.  Many local establishments have been going with DJs since they do not require a cover charge.  Managements are simply not willing to negotiate with local groups.  Jose remarked that the same situation is also occurring in Puerto Rica.  Ensuing discussion also pointed out that the influx of personal websites have caused fewer people to use the service of Accent Music since they can contact musicians through their websites.  The topic of the expense of licensing fees arose.  The members present concurred that it would be time for a larger discussion around the fee.  The fees are so expensive that venues are priced out of hiring live music.
  • Jose Mangual also updated the members present with the current situation with the Lexington Philharmonic.  The players are receiving a lot of assistance from the area Local and asked for additional support if needed.
  • Ron Aufmann asked if information regarding Carol Aufmann could be placed in the next issue of ‘Overtones’.  Carol, a freelance bassoonist and member, is in need of a kidney transplant.  At this point a live donation is considered her best option.  The information will be presented in the newsletter as well as the website and individual members will be posting with Social Media sites to help bring the situation to a larger audience.  Ron suggested that for additional information people could visit kidneyregistry.org.

Meeting adjourned at 8:05PM.

 

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Board Meeting Minutes/August 5, 2013

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on August 5, 2013 at 1:05 PM.

 

Mike Andres was absent.

The minutes of the July 29, 2013 were approved.

 

NEW MEMBERS:

None

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

NONE

REINSTATE:

NONE

DECEASED:

NONE

RESIGNED:

NONE

ERASED:

NONE

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I.  Constitution Revision voting

  • Ballots will be printed by Berning Printing and mailed out.  This will give individuals adequate time to request a hard copy if desired.
  • President Frankenfeld clarified how voting results are to be handled.  A simple majority will pass the revisions.

II.  Class VI retirees

  • President Frankenfeld reported that at this time there are only 6-7 individuals who qualify as a Class VI retiree. This includes any member of the CSO that retired prior to 1990.  The payments have not been increased in a number of years.
  • Barbara Lambert made a motion to increase the payments from $800 to $1000.  Joe Gaudio made the second.  The motion passed.

III. Financial Report

  • John Layne from Kelley, Galloway & Company, PSC presented the findings of the independent auditors report.  The report was completed on August 2, 2013.
  • Mr. Layne was very complimentary of Rhonda Gillum as Office Manager and treasurer.
  • The financial state of the Local is excellent.  Although Mr. Laine is not licensed to advise on investment options he did encourage the Board to meet with a representative of our bank and discuss the maturity dates of current investments and look at options for some of the funds that could be earning interest.  New investments should be created to have staggered maturity dates.
  • Mr. Layne also reported that the Board has done an excellent job of overseeing outgoing funds.  He suggested that the Board should also receive a report of incoming funds.  This is standard practice in organizations and should be reported in the minutes.  A simple addition to each meeting would be a report of deposits along side the vouchers being approved.  Lynne Scott also suggested that she could supply a quarterly report of dues income as well.
  • The Board concurred with Mr. Layne’s suggestion regarding the deposit reports.
  • Joe Gaudio made the motion to approve the findings of the audit.  Don Hurd gave the second.  The motion was passed.

NEW BUSINESS:

There was no new business

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B 24261-24281

Next meeting scheduled for Friday, August 30, 2013 at noon.

Meeting adjourned at 3:25PM.

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Board Meeting Minutes/ July 29, 2013

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on July 29, 2013 at 9:20 AM.

Mike Andres was absent.

The minutes of the July 16, 2013 were approved.

NEW MEMBERS:

Jeffrey Evan O’Flynn, clarinet 6/10/13

Dan Tobin Arute, trumpet  8/01/13

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

NONE

REINSTATE:

NONE

DECEASED:

Richard Robinson, April 22, 2013

Tom Henderson, July 25, 2013

RESIGNED:

Tom Stephens

Anna Marie Stephens

ERASED:

NONE

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I.  Convention Summary

  • President Paul Frankenfeld gave a synopsis of the convention in Las Vegas.  Barbara Lambert also summarized the Mid America Conference meeting and Carol Dunevant reported she would be typing up and sharing information from the Public Relations Committee.
  • Based on the summaries Lou Lausche commented on the performing rights costs that performance venues must pay.  Many venues get priced out of having live music because of the cost.  President Frankenfeld noted that alongside Iran, North Korea and China, the US and Canada do not have a Performance Rights Act.  This type of Act can be found elsewhere in the world.  President Frankenfeld also noted that Tina Morrison on the IEB would be the person to contact regarding possible talks with BMI, ASCAP, etc.
  • President Frankenfeld concluded the convention synopsis by describing the outpouring of support for the musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra.  Don Hurd made a motion to send $500 to Local 30-73 to assist them during the lockout.  Joe Gaudio made the second.  The motion passed unanimously.

II.  Herald Trumpets/Aida

  • President Frankfenfeld reported that the opera production of Aida used our herald trumpets and he will have the office bill the opera appropriately.

 

III. Carnegie

  • President Frankenfeld reported that the situation at the Carnegie is not settled.  The season schedule has been posted and the KSO, led by JR Cassidy, are scheduled to perform with The Sound of Music.  There was much discussion and the discussion will continue at the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

There was no new business.

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

B24225 – 24242

Next meeting scheduled for Monday, August 5, 2013 at 1:00PM.

Meeting adjourned at 10:52AM.

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Board Meeting Minutes/July 16, 2013

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on July 16, 2013 at 3:07 PM.

Mike Andres and Lou Lausche were absent.

The minutes of the June 26, 2013 were approved.

NEW MEMBERS:

Alex Magg, saxophone 7/02/13

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

NONE

REINSTATE:

NONE

DECEASED:

Milt Blalack 7/2/13

RESIGNED:

Ron Purvis 7/16/13 in good standing

Mike Campbell 7/2/13 in good standing

ERASED:

NONE

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I.  Audit

  • John Laine has been in the office completing the annual review.  The financial report may be presented at the next meeting.

II.  May Festival pianists

  • Auditors and Office Manager Rhonda Gillum both oppose the rehearsal pianists for the May Festival turning in time cards to the office.  There will be a meeting to determine the best way to proceed in the future to make sure the pianists get paid in a timely fashion.

 

III. 99th AFM Convention

  • The Board discussed the proposed increase in per capita.  Many Locals would have to pass along the increase to members.  The consensus is to split the cost with members if that option is available.

IV.  Il Divo

  • The bill was sent from the Louisville Local so that work dues are paid.

NEW BUSINESS:

I.  AFL-CIO Labor Council

  • Meetings are the first Wednesday of every month.  Paul may be asking the general membership if anyone would be interested in serving as a delegate from our Local.

II. Pension Payments

  • President Frankenfeld reported that the contract signed by Steve Monder in 2007 was no longer valid regarding pension payments for broadcasts through American Public Media (APM).  A new agreement needs to be signed and pension payments have not been posted.

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B 224225-24242

Next meeting scheduled for Monday, July 29, 2013 at 9:00AM.

 

Meeting adjourned at 3:44PM.

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