Allen Martin

Allen Martin was an ardent musician who performed for 31 years as a violist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. After his retirement, he cheered the orchestra enthusiastically from his seat in Music Hall. Every week he gave away concert tickets so others could share his joy.

“He was evangelistic about the CSO,” said his wife, Judy Martin, also a retired violist in the orchestra.

Mr. Martin, of Mount Washington, died Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Christ Hospital of complications from a stroke and heart disease. He was 85.

Mr. Martin was born in Cleveland in 1927. At the Cleveland Institute of Music while studying the violin, he took up the viola. He studied with Abraham Skernick, then-principal violist of the Cleveland Orchestra.

Mr. Martin performed with the orchestras of Akron, Canton and Erie, Pa., and worked in factories, including Heinz Ketchup, before winning an audition with the CSO in 1964. He was with the CSO when it took a 10-week around-the-world tour in 1966 under Music Director Max Rudolf.

Mr. Martin played with the orchestra on five international tours and accompanied his wife on later tours. He was a diligent and exuberant musician who always “gave his all” and had a wonderful sound, said his wife.

He retired from the orchestra in 1995 but continued teaching students privately. Since 1947, he taught hundreds of violinists and violists.

Mr. Martin met his wife in 1967 when the Cincinnati Opera needed two extra players for Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavalier.” During the next season, as both were playing in the orchestra while they courted, maestro Rudolf told the couple “to keep our minds on the music,” Judy Martin said. They married two years later.

Memorials may be made to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 45202. ■

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Richard Wardwell

Richard Chester. Beloved husband of the late Phyllis O. Lockard. Loving father of Nancy Mulberry, Terry Wardwell, Linda Marek, Judi Harrison, Randy Wardwell, Phillip Wardwell and Amy Wardwell. Dear grandfather of 30, great-grandfather of 75, great-great grandfather of 1. Born in Lafayette, IN. Only child of Paul and Amy Wardwell. Began his musical career as the leader of Dick Wardwell’s Starlight Band in Wabash, IN at the age of 16. Graduated from Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in 1950. Member of the US Army Band during the Korean War. Performed for 40 years with his beloved wife, Phyllis as the musical duo “Phyllis and Richard”. Passed away Monday, October 21, 2013 at the age of 84. Visitation will be held Friday, October 25, 2013 from 10:00 am until time of service 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 4610 N. Bend Rd., 45211. Interment Spring Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to The General Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 15 E. South Temple 2nd Floor East, Salt Lake City, UT 84150. springgrove.org

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Quarterly General Membership Meeting/September 30, 3013

The quarterly general membership business meeting of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on September 30, 2013 at 7:13 PM.

18 members were present.

Minutes from the June 26, 2013 quarterly meeting were approved as read.

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I.  Welcome

  • Carol Dunevant, Secretary called roll for the officers and Trustees.  Mike Andres was absent.
  • President Frankenfeld asked the members to stand for a moment of silence to mark the passing of Gene Frey, President Emeritus.
  • President Frankenfeld welcomed all of the members present and reported that Mr. Frey’s children had not responded with a possible date for a local memorial service.  As a result the newsletter would be held up at the printers to give them time to respond.  The information would be added to the newsletter.

II.  National Update

  • It was reported that since the last meeting no progress had been made in Minnesota.  Their music director has threatened to leave the position if no agreement was reached.
  • If no agreement is reached a planned concert at Carnegie Hall will be cancelled.
  • It will be one year as of October 1 that the orchestra has been locked out.

III. Constitution

  • Ballots will be printed and mailed as quickly as possible so that the constitution revisions can be voted upon.

IV.  Lexington Philharmonic Update

  • At the last meeting Jose Mangual updated the members about the situation in Lexington.  President Frankenfeld asked if Jose would provide an update.
  •  September 8-9,2013 there were negotiations.  Players were asked to sign a non-compete clause which would exclude players from participating in other organizations within a certain mileage radius.
  • Negotiations also indicated that management wanted to do away with the artistic committee review process giving all authority to the conductor.
  • September 12 began the first week of rehearsals and there was no progress so they have a national mediator.  The players gave a vote of ‘no confidence’ to the conductor.
  • It seems apparent that management issues are coming directly from the conductor since all of the issues are creative and not financial in nature.
  • Jose stated that a new Board President has just come on board and appears easier to speak with about the situation and management was showing signs of asking questions and reconsidering an offer.  A temporary contract was offered and the players voted to accept so that a strike could be avoided.
  • Jose closed by stating that the management is claiming tight finances and it appears that much of the management works in “secret.”  The players have actually asked the Board if any of them have taken a pay cut. The Board also extended the contract for the conductor through 2015.

 

FIFTY-YEAR HONOREES:

  • President Frankenfeld read the names of the members who have achieved fifty years of membership with the Local.  Tonight we honor Ken McLaughlin, Paul Pillar, Dale Renner, Joseph Rogers, and Dieter Van der Bent.
  • In keeping with tradition Paul introduced each honorary member by sharing highlights of their life and musical careers.  Each honorary member received a commemorative membership card and pin noting their tenure with the organization.

Honorary members also had the opportunity to share additional stories.

 

OPEN DISCUSSION:

None

Meeting adjourned at 8:01PM followed by a reception for the honorees.

 

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Board Meeting Minutes/September 30, 2013

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on September 30, 2013 at 5:58 PM.

Mike Andres was absent.

The minutes of the September 9, 2012 were approved.

NEW MEMBERS:

Laura Jekel, cello, 9/30/13

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

NONE

REINSTATE:

NONE

DECEASED:

Billie Walker (Billie Van Winkle) 9/23/13

RESIGNED:

Katie Thigpen 10/1/13

ERASED:

NONE

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I.  CSO

  • There will be a side letter signed regarding changes in the dress code.  It covers the new shirts, ties, and pit black with long sleeves.
  • National Public Radio Agreement pension payments are still in escrow.
  • President Paul Frankenfeld reported that the imprint credit discussion for the Lumenocity concert has continued but has calmed down.
  • President Frankenfeld reported that the One City-One Symphony would be continued this year with Symphony No. 4 by Tchaikovsky.  As with the Beethoven people will be able to download.  Fees will be the same as well remaining at $40 plus 10.9% pension on top.  It will be for 85 regular players and a few additional players.
  • President Frankenfeld reiterated Trey Devey’s stance that 86 players is unacceptable and they want to increase that number.
  • President Frankenfeld reported that the CSO is about 2 years out from negotiations and will have Barbara Giacoma come out from NY for preliminary discussions.

II.  National Updates

  • At midnight tonight the conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra will step down if no agreement is reached between management and players.  Minnesota has already lost 10 players and it has been locked out for 12 months.

 

III. Newsletter

  • The newsletter is at the printers.  President Frankenfeld had to make a couple of edits.  It will contain an article in memory of Gene Frey.
  • President Frankenfeld has not heard from Mr. Frey’s children about a memorial service in Cincinnati.  He and a small number of musicians have volunteered to attend the graveside service in Oregon and provide music if the family members is in favor of this gesture.

IV.  CCO

  • President Frankenfeld reported that this will be the final season for their music director, Mischa Santora.  They will use a series of guest conductors next season while they search.

V.  KSO

  • President Frankenfeld has prepared a draft statement that will be sent to union members regarding the KSO.

NEW BUSINESS:

None

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B 24318-24342

Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at 4:30PM.

 

Meeting adjourned at 6:44PM.

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Board Meeting Minutes/September 9, 2013

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on September 9, 2013 at 3:20 PM.

Mike Andres and Lou Lausche were absent.

The minutes of the August 30, 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 Ballots

  • The ballots have note been printed yet as the newsletter will need to go out first.  They will be handled like an absentee ballot.  Any member may request a hard copy of the constitution revisions.

II.  CSO

  • President Paul Frankenfeld is still working through the imprint credit issue which could have an impact on the Lumenocity video.
  • President Paul Frankenfeld reported that once the outstanding Public Radio Agreement is signed the pension payments can be posted.
  • President Frankenfeld reported that he and Trey Devy will be signing the CBA this week.

NEW BUSINESS:

I.  Due to an unexpected retirement Chrissy Colletta has been offered a weekly service agreement with the CSO

II.  There was discussion about the New Year’s Eve event at Music Hall.  There needs to be a decision as to the types of bands that are needed and make sure they are ready to go.  President Paul Frankenfeld will be speaking with the volunteer group that runs the affair to make sure they understand the importance of working through the Association for performing groups.

III. Mary Judge, acting President of Bravo Music, met with the Board to update what is happening with the organization.  With the passing of Gene Frey and Jack Wellbaum she and Don Hurd will be naming another Trustee/Officer.  Once that person is named they will begin to develop a long-range plan for Bravo Music.

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B 24309-24317

Next meeting scheduled for Monday, September 30 at 5:30PM and will be followed by the Quarterly General Membership meeting at 7:00PM.

Meeting adjourned at 4:58PM.

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Miss Billie Walker

Miss Billie Walker, who played for many years in the Cricket Lounge at the Cincinnatian Hotel, Downtown, will be remembered as much for her gracious demeanor as for the elegant and inventive playing that impressed listeners who were lucky enough to hear her.

One of the true legends of our city, Miss Walker (Van Winkle), who was a classically-trained musician, anchored the Billie Walker Trio, which had a combined 150 years of performing experience. Her partners are just as legendary: The incomparable drummer Philip Paul and bassist Ed Conley.

Miss Walker, of Oakley, died on Monday, September 23 at age 92. She is survived by daughters Joellen (August) Grady and Kathleen (Lumis) Gallon, five grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

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