Edward, of Mason, formerly of Montgomery, Ohio, Brooksville, Florida, and Cleveland, Ohio, passed peacefully on September 6 from natural causes at the age of 92. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Lois Shannon, and survived by his children Laura, Tom and Jim, daughter-in-law JoAnn, grandchildren Leah and Paul, and great grandchildren McKinzie and Landon, all of whom visited his bedside during his final challenge. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Slovenian-American parents, Ed served on the USS Franklin aircraft carrier during WWII. He married his Collinwood High School sweetheart Lois while on shore leave. After the war, Ed toured with the Ray Anthony Orchestra and other big bands before settling down to raise a family in South Euclid, Ohio. He earned a mechanical engineering degree at Case Tech and worked for many years at Picker X-Ray and Liebel-Flarsheim. His career as a musician (saxophone and clarinet) brought joy to thousands, and most especially Eddie. In the 1950s he played weekly on the “Polka Varieties” live television program in Cleveland. He was inducted into the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame in 2006. Moving to Southwestern Ohio in the early 1970s, he played with a variety of bands, including Maple Knoll and Jack Carr bands. Ed loved golf and boating, his family and his music. In “retirement”, Lois and Ed founded SS Specialties, a drafting-instruments company that they could manage from both Ohio and Florida, where they had a second home. Ed was a lifetime member of the musician’s union.
Earl “Si” M. Bruetting passed away Saturday, September 6, 2014 at the age of 89. Devoted husband of Dorothy R. Bruetting for 68 years who preceded him in death in July 2014. Loving father of Carol (Tom) Meyer and Dale (Jackie) Bruetting. Devoted grandfather of Jennifer Bruetting, Katie Mitchell, and Nicholas Meyer. Cherished cousin of Juanita Ehlman. After a long career in the chrome plating industry and moonlighting with his French horn, Si retired to a life of gardening and golfing. 
The quarterly general membership business meeting of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on September 22, 2014 at 7:16 PM.
12 members and 1 guest (John Layne) were present.
Minutes from the June 30, 2014 quarterly meeting were read and approved.
OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:
I. Welcome
- President Frankenfeld welcomed members and greeted George Watkins, our newest member.
II. Financial Audit Presentation
- President Frankenfeld introduced John Layne from Kelley, Galloway & Company. They are responsible for the annual audit of the books.
- Layne provided each member present with a handout. He proceeded to go through the handout and stopped to answer any question presented.
- Restricted funds: These funds are solely for the insurance reserve fund. These funds are used to pay the retirement money for anyone who retired prior to 1989. There are currently 8 members who are receiving funds.
- Our By-Laws restrict where money can be invested but we do carry some un-invested cash. It was recommended by Kelley, Galloway & Co. to have a discussion with a bank representative for possible investments. Some of these funds have been moved to a credit union that is a State Institution. This type of institution allows for multiple accounts totaling more than an FDIC account in a bank.
- Net assets are up. There has been a concerted effort to make sure people are paying their dues.
- The expenses of the organization are not exorbitant. Bills are consistent and paid on time. Mr. Layne pointed out that we would incur significant legal fees when negotiations for the CSO contract begin. It was suggested by the auditors to begin setting money aside for legal counsel. These fees could run as much as $26K.
- His summary was that the union is very healthy and financially sound.
- Member Joe Gaudio asked Mr. Layne, “There has been some talk of money being diverted or skimmed, etc. Is there any evidence of fraud?” Mr. Layne replied no. He also added that there was a Department of Labor audit in 2009 and they also gave the union a clean bill of health. Mr. Layne explained that most fraud is committed when there is cash involved. There is very little cash coming into the office and almost everything is done by check. Even then, it is the auditor’s job to continually inform the Board how fraud can be committed and does everything it can to keep the Board informed.
III. Bravo Music Update
- President Frankenfeld gave a brief history of the organization, Bravo Music. It is separate from the Cincinnati Musicians Association and was the brainchild of former President, Eugene Frey. The purpose of Bravo Music was to provide concerts and publish music.
- Over the years the organization grew stagnant and with the death of some key officers, John Layne encouraged the remaining Trustees to rejuvenate the organization.
- Current Trustees are Mary Judge, President; Don Hurd, Secretary; Ron Aufmann, Treasurer. They are looking to build the board and focus on fundraising. In looking at the direction they would like to take they will have an educational arm. It appears that they are stepping into the future.
NEW BUSINESS/COMMENTS:
- Jose Mangual reported that the Lexington Philharmonic had finally approved an agreement after two years of negotiations. The new contract took effect September 19, 2014.
- Vice President Barb Lambert reported on the Mid America conference that was held over the past weekend. She informed those present about the work of the political action committee, TEMPO and had membership applications for anyone interested. It was pointed out that TEMPO does not endorse any single political party. It works for the betterment of AFM members.
Joe Gaudio motioned for adjournment.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:52PM
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on September 22,2014 at 5:40PM.
All members were present.
The minutes of the September 15, 2014 were approved.
NEW MEMBERS:
Nate Lutz – Bass
Sung Hee Shin – Violin
GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS
NEW MEMBERS:
Pedro Hernandez – percussion from Houston Local
REINSTATE:
None
DECEASED:
Ed Slagle – died September 6, 2014
RESIGNED:
Barrett Newman, trumpet 9/15/14
ERASED:
None
OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:
I. President’s Report
- President Frankenfeld reported that he had a conversation with Manami White. It was to clarify the changes in the price list. IF an engagement was contracted prior to the updates the old scale is honored.
- President Frankenfeld has written a letter of recommendation to the Louise D. Nippert Musical Arts Fund on behalf of Musica Sacra. They are attempting to secure funding from sources other than the Musicians Performance Trust Fund.
II. Bravo Music
- President Frankenfeld yielded the floor to Don Hurd for a report from Bravo Music. Don reported that the Bravo Board had met. They updated the signature cards at the bank and have drafted a list of potential Board members.
III. Mid America Regional Conference
- Vice President Barb Lambert reported on the weekend conference attended by herself and Carol Dunevant.
- In an attempt to save money the IEP has decided to consolidate regional conferences.
- The new head of the MPTF was present and provided interesting information on their attempts to secure funds to strengthen their finances.
- TEMPO is continuing to seek donations to help them with their lobbying efforts in Washington DC. Barb has a TEMPO membership application for anyone interested in supporting the PAC.
NEW BUSINESS:
None
THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:
See attached B 24771-24780
Next meeting scheduled for Monday, October 13 at 3:30PM and October 27 at 3:30PM.
Meeting adjourned at 6:44PM.
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on September 15,2014 at 3:35PM.
All members were present.
The minutes of the September 3, 2014 were approved with a spelling correction. The minutes from the August 4 meeting were approved with the following correction. The word ‘Broadway’ was struck from the price list heading and the category changed to reflect the venue seating capacity.
NEW MEMBERS:
Paige Kossuth – Violin 9/14/14
GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS
NEW MEMBERS:
None
REINSTATE:
None
DECEASED:
None
RESIGNED:
None
ERASED:
None
OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:
I. President’s Report
- President Frankenfeld reported that he had been asked to speak to the Symphony Board members regarding the recent ballot issue. The removal of Music Hall from the initiative will certainly cause a change in the philanthropic landscape. Trey Dewey has been able to raise between $9 and $10 million dollars to date. This encouraging news was offset with the death of Bill Friedlander who helped raise about $45 million dollars over the course of his involvement with the Symphony.
- The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has been locked out for a week. That orchestra currently has 78 full time players and the management wants to reduce the number to 70. A world-class orchestra typically has between 90-95 full time players.
- The Nashville Symphony is working under an expired contract. They are playing while talks continue.
- The San Francisco Ballet has finalized an agreement.
- The Quarterly General Membership meeting is scheduled for September 22 and John Layne from Kelley, Galloway & Company will be present to present the results of the annual audit and answer any questions.
II. Price List Updates
- Examination of the price list resumed.
- Section I A (Single Engagements) for three (3) hours: currently is at $110 and proposed increase to $115 in 2014; $120 in 2015; $125 in 2016.
- Section I A (Single Engagement) for two (2) hours: currently at $100 and proposed increase to $105 in 2014; $110 in 2015; $115 in 2016.
- Section I B. It is proposed to remove this section and add the words ‘Dance Band’ to Section I A.
- Over time for Section I A would remain at $25 per half hour or fraction thereof.
- WGUC broadcast rights. This figure has not been increased in some time. It is currently at $16. Proposed increase would be to $20.
- Sacred Concerts. No changes proposed.
- Mike Andres asked that knowing the ballet may be using a small venue at the Arnoff, would any player contracted be at scale? President Frankenfeld responded ‘Yes’. Players will receive the same scale as members of the CSO. Ballet scale is already set for 2014-15. There will be a proposed increase when that expires.
- No change to meal allowance and per diem for run-outs. Scale is set at $60 for three meals.
- Chamber Music will remain unchanged at $135 but a proposed change to contractor fee is a raise from $175 to $200 to be the same as the Taft Chamber Concert Series.
- No change for band scale at this time.
A motion to accept the proposed changes to the price list was presented by Lou Lausche. Mike Andres provided the second. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
None
THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:
See attached B 24761-24770
Next meeting scheduled for September 22 at 5:30PM followed by the Quarterly General Membership meeting at 7:00PM
Meeting adjourned at 5:47PM.
In Association With
