Board Meeting May 3, 2021

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on May 3, 2021 at 12:07 PM.

All members were present.

President Frankenfeld in chair.

The minutes of the April 12, 2021 meeting were approved with the addition of the word ‘roster’ in New Business. M/S Lambert/Lausche

 

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

 

I. President’s Report

  • The CSO is continuing with restructuring. Paul Pietrowski has been promoted to Vice President, Orchestra and Production. Library and operations will report directly to Paul in addition to orchestra personnel. This position will assume responsibility for the day-today liaison management with artistic partners at the Cincinnati Ballet and Cincinnati Opera. Rachel Kilgore has been promoted to Director of Orchestra Personnel and Kelly Barefield has been hired as the Orchestra Personnel and Operations Manager. Sam Starter will continue collaborating with John Morris Russel and will report to Nate Bachhuber. His new title is Senior Advisor for Cincinnati Pops Planning.
  • Dave Shelton is requesting information as Locals continue to deal with the impact of the pandemic.
  • The audit begins on May 17, 2021

II. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

  • There has been discussion between President Frankenfeld and Paul Pietrowski about the position of Head Librarian which will be vacant when Mary Judge retires on August 1. A plan will be created to present to an Advisory Committee made up of the concertmaster, principal percussion, one wind principal, and one brass principal. The process is envisioned to have three rounds.
  • Musicians retiring from the CSO were given a small retirement ceremony during the Mozart week. Wayne Anderson was in attendance.
  • Committee Dues have been pulled but Rhonda has not received a check.

III. Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra

  • There was no mention of negotiations at the last Board meeting.
  • COVID protocol language is following current CDC guidelines.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

I. FC Cincinnati opens its new stadium soon. The Towne Center Garage, used by CSO musicians and staff, will be off limits three hours prior to any home game and for a short period after each home game.

II. The Brady Icon Music Center is planning on opening in June or July of 2021.

  • Continued discussion of the CMA website ensued. Everyone has been asked to send the top 3-5 items they fee are the most important for the website.

 

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID: Vouchers were not discussed at the meeting.

Next meeting scheduled for Monday, May 17 at 11:00 AM.

Meeting adjourned at 1:33 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Dunevant

Secretary, Local #1

/by

Board Meeting April 12, 2021

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on April 12, 2021 at 12:15 PM.

All members were present.

President Frankenfeld in chair.

The minutes of the March 29, 2021 meeting were approved. M/S Lynne Scott/Barb Lambert

 

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

 

I. President’s Report

  • President Frankenfeld apologized to the Board for not being able to join the meeting on March 29. Internet access was unexpectedly unavailable.
  • Berning Printing will be finishing the constitution revisions to send to members for voting. Preparation will be completed this week.

 

II. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

  • A signed photo of the CSO is ready to be taken to Wayne Anderson
  • Committee dues have been collected. These pay for ICSOM dues.
  • The second oboe position has been filled. Emily Beare started in early March.
  • The recent CSO performance included a new work titled Carrot Revolution. It was originally scored for a string quartet and was orchestrated by the composer. Instrumentation was reduced to a nonet for the performance. Performance highlights included a piece featuring Chris Olka and Robert Sullivan. Chris Pell performed the Copland Clarinet Concerto. Former CSO Principal Clarinet Dick Waller was present and recognized from the stage.
  • The Musicians Advisory Committee will be discussing auditions. There are a number of open positions. Henrick Heide may be offered a one-year contract for the flute section next season.
  • A search for Principal Music Librarian is under discussion. A search for this position is different from what would occur for a musician and there are concerns about doing a search during a pandemic. Several scenarios were discussed but final plans have not been settled.

III. Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra

  • The CCO Board President has received the CCO COVID side letter. Approval is expected.
  • The current CBA expires in December and both Board and Musicians are willing to get started on negotiations as soon as possible.
  • Rebecca Andres will be scheduling a woodwind quintet for the Taft Museum Concert Series.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

I. A current CSO will be sent to Rhonda so the Strike Fund payment can be made.

II. BRAVO MUSIC

  • Mary Judge is the current President of the Bravo Board. She will be retiring and moving to the West Coast at the end of the season. The Board has not met since before the pandemic and the future of the organization needs to be discussed.
  • President Frankenfeld will speak with Bravo Treasurer Ron Aufmann and Mary Judge. Other Board members include Don Hurd, Anne Cushing-Reid, Laura Sabo, and Carol Dunevant. Bravo Music has an application form on its website for members of Local 1 to apply for funding for performances.
  • It will be important to change the signatures for the bank account before Mary moves at the end of the 2020-2021 season.

III. MPTF

  • President Frankenfeld will be securing the Local 1 funding allotment. Funds will be available for live performances. There are parameters to be met to receive funding for performances.

IV. Work dues

  • In a conversation with another AFM Local president, the conversation included a suggestion to reduce work dues across the board. President Frankenfeld is not inclined to reduce work dues. It would perpetuate the cycle of financial stress on the AFM.

 

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

NONE

Next meeting scheduled for Monday, April 26 at 12:00 PM.

Meeting adjourned at 1:03 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Dunevant

Secretary, Local #1

/by

Board Meeting March 29, 2021

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on March 29, 2021 at 12:14 PM.

Paul Frankenfeld was absent.

Barbara Lambert was in chair.

The minutes of the March 15, 2021 meeting were approved. M/S Lee/Andres

 

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

 

I. President’s Report

  • There was no report or updates
  • In the absence of updates, business was limited to reviewing minutes and approving vouchers.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

NONE

 

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID: The motion to approve was made by Lynne Scott and the second was provided by Don Hurd. The motion was approved.

See attached B 27459 – 27463

Next meeting scheduled for Monday, April 12 at 12:00 PM.

Meeting adjourned at 12:43 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Dunevant

Secretary, Local #1

/by

Quarterly General Membership Meeting March 22, 2021

A meeting of the general membership of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on March 22, 2021 at 7:18 PM.

President Frankenfeld was in chair.

18 members were present.

 

BUSINESS MEETING – held in Zoom

The meeting began with a rollcall of Officers and Trustees.

Minutes

The minutes of the November 9, 2020 quarterly general membership meeting were read. A motion to approve the minutes was given by Dave Haldeman. Lynne Scott provided the second. The motion was approved.

 

I. Presidents Report

  1. AFM International Field Representatives are hosting frequent meetings for Local Officers in their respective jurisdictions. The goal is to provide as much assistance as possible during the pandemic and help Locals navigate federal aid where possible. It seems that the AFM is entering a transitional era due to lower income revenue.
  2. Many Locals are rethinking the need for workspace as many are finding that working from home can be productive.
  3. The Taft Art Museum has indicated that it would like to work directly with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra going against many years of working through the Local. There has been significant personnel change during the pandemic at the Taft and it appears that President Frankenfeld needs to continue to provide history, context, and as much background as possible. The work with the Taft was with good faith and not with a written agreement. President Frankenfeld will propose a written agreement as talks continue. Various members recounted the history of chamber music at the Taft. The Taft Series predates the Linton Series. The Taft is planning to present three concerts this season.

 

II. Pension Fund Update

  1. The Butch Lewis Act was finally passed as part of the COVID Relief package and the Pension Fund has withdrawn its application to implement reductions in payouts. The Butch Lewis Act provides assistance but is not a bailout. The future of the fund is still unknown but there is a bit of breathing room.

 

III. Musicians Performance Trust Fund (MPTF)

  1. The MPTF has done some realignment. Each Local is being sent an allocation making the system as equitable as possible.

 

IV. Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra

  1. A long awaited side letter has been signed to allow the CCO to operate this season with COVID. The CCO has lost a significant amount of support from the Chavez family due to COVID. The side letter agrees that the Music Director will not take any action against musicians. The letter needs final approval and a truncated season will be able to occur.
  2. Negotiations for the new CBA will commence in April.

V. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

  1. Compared to other institutions the CSO has been fortunate to continue working during COVID. There was a pay cut of 10% across the organization. Making the transition to digital performances was a steep learning curve but will be beneficial in the end.

VI. Open Floor

  1. Dave Haldeman suggested that a QR code be added to the meeting announcement card in place of the Zoom link. Secretary Dunevant said this could be done easily and provided electronically to the printer.
  2. Marie Speziale reported that Betty Glover recently had her 98th Marie stays in regular contact with Betty. Betty’s hearing and vision are diminished although a lower pitched voice is easier to hear. Marie sends Betty weekly letters. It was asked if the Local could do something to recognize Betty’s long-term membership

The meeting adjourned at 8:41 PM. Virtual social time followed the business meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Dunevant

Secretary

Local #1 AFM

 

 

/by

Board Meeting March 15, 2021

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on March 15, 2021 at 12:18 PM.

All members were present.

President Frankenfeld in chair.

The minutes of the February 22, 2021 meeting were approved with a minor grammatical correction. M/S Hurd/Lambert

 

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

 

I. President’s Report

  • Today’s meeting is a reschedule from the original scheduled date of March 8, 2021.
  • Cards for the membership meeting have been sent.
  • Secretary Dunevant sent President Frankenfeld the excerpted constitution revisions and is resending from a secondary email address as well.
  • An E-blast was sent with a zoom link for membership meeting scheduled for March 22, 2021 at 7:00 PM.
  • The Butch Lewis Act was passed as part of the COVID-19 relief package in Congress. Now we must wait to see what transpires.
  • Conversation and education of the Taft Museum Concert Series continues.

 

II. Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra (CCO)

  • There is a COVID side letter completed. The language allowing the Music Director to make changes to personnel was eliminated. Other items include no reduction to scale for rostered musicians and musicians requesting a Leave of Absence may do so without concern.
  • Negotiations for the next contract will begin in April.

 

III. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

  • There is an increase in the number of audience members allowed into Music Hall. The number has been raised from 300 to 450.
  • Summer activity is still being discussed. Vacation may be moved from August to June. The contract only stipulates these weeks are between Memorial Day and Labor Day. In addition to the pandemic this is also the year for the 17-year cicada which should peak around Memorial Day but might interfere with any outdoor activity in early June that might be considered.
  • Final auditions for the CSO|CCM Diversity Fellowship will take place on Saturday, March 20.

 

MISC:

I. General Update

  • Wayne Anderson and his wife prefer to not have a Zoom retirement event. His health has declined.

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID: The motion to approve was made by Don Hurd and the second was provided by Barb Lambert. The motion was approved. The charge to Staples was for pens and forms.

 

See attached B 27433 – 27548

 

Next meeting scheduled for Monday, March 22 at 5:30 PM and will be followed by the General Membership meetings at 7:00 PM. Both meetings will use the same Zoom link.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86700844059?pwd=S1R2MzlWT0t6blpOdDJCdzY5UVArdz09

Meeting adjourned at 1:28 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Dunevant

Secretary, Local #1

/by

Board Meeting February 22, 2021

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on February 22, 2021 at 12:06 PM.

All members were present.

President Frankenfeld in chair.

The minutes of the February 8, 2021 meeting were approved. M/S Scott/Hurd

 

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

 

I. President’s Report

  • Constitution revisions will be prepared and sent to all members for voting.
  • There is still an ongoing conversation with the Taft Museum about the concert series
  • The Butch Lewis Act is contained in the COVID-19 relief package. Paul is looking for freelance and symphony players to participate in a Zoom call targeting Democratic lawmakers. Rebecca Andres volunteered to participate.

II. CSO

  • Four members received tenure. Molly Norcross, Haley Bangs, Evin Blomberg, and Stefani Matsuo
  • President Frankenfeld is waiting to hear back from Kathy Anderson to find a suitable date for Wayne’s Zoom retirement gathering. Matt Zory has provided a matted photo for orchestra members to sign.

III. Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra

  • Revisions have been resubmitted for the CBA talks
  • A sticking point appears to be how to clarify language to make sure the music director cannot dismiss or demote any musician during this season

NEW BUSINESS:

I. Miscellaneous

  • Tommy Guidugli has spoken with President Frankenfeld discussing the impact of COVID on IATSE. An update on their finances is expected.
  • Ohio Governor, Mike Dewine, seemed to indicate football stadiums may be able to fill this coming season.

 

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID: The motion to approve was made by Lynne Scott and the second was provided by Barb Lambert. The motion was approved.

 

See attached B 27431  – B 27432

Next meeting scheduled for Monday, March 8 at 12:00 PM.

Meeting adjourned at 12:49 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Dunevant

Secretary, Local #1

/by

Board Meeting February 8, 2021

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on February 8, 2021 at 12:15 PM.

All members were present.

President Frankenfeld in chair.

The minutes of the January 25, 2021 meeting were approved with two minor correction. Butch-Lewis was corrected to Butch Lewis and under New Business III. Misc. The answer to how much of our annual dues goes to AFM National Office was corrected to read per capita is $12 for honorary members and $14.50 for regular members. This comes out of the General Fund and is paid quarterly. M/S Hurd/Lausche

 

                                                           OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

 

I. President’s Report

  • President Frankenfeld has spoken with Orchestra Librarians about what is current practice for hiring. He learned that it is typical to have a candidate work for 1-2 weeks. COVID-19 has created numerous challenges. President Frankenfeld has recommended to CSO Management that the search be held in abeyance for one season. He will continue to advocate for all librarians to be included in the musician CBA.

II. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

  • The Riverbend season is unknown as of now.
  • Audiences are slowly returning to Music Hall with 300-350 people being allowed into Springer Auditorium.

III. Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra

  • President Frankenfeld met with Wes Woolard and two other members of the CCO to discuss the revisions to the proposal for negotiations.
  • A sticking point is expected with a minimum service guarantee.
  • There will be one more round of communication before the proposal goes to the CCO Board.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

I. Taft Museum Concert Series

  • There has been a staff change at the Taft Museum and the contact is now Crishana Manigan. They are planning on three performances (outdoors) in May, June, and July.
  • President Frankenfeld has been trying to clarify the relationship between the Local, the CCO, and the Taft. He needs to make sure there is clarity and that there is room for the breadth of musicians available in the Local are considered for the series.

 

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID: The motion to approve was made by Barb Lambert and the second was provided by Don Hurd. The motion was approved.

 

See attached B 27407 – 27430

Next meeting scheduled for Monday, February 22 at 12:00 PM.

Meeting adjourned at 1:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Dunevant

Secretary, Local #1

/by

Board Meeting January 25, 2021

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on January 25, 2021 at 12:10 PM.

Rebecca Andres was absent.

Guest:  Wes Woolard, Chair of the Players Committee for the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra.

President Frankenfeld in chair.

 

The minutes of the December 21, 2020 meeting were approved with a correction in section IV. Misc. b. President Frankenfeld is looking at those who are retiring and there is no budget to hold auditions. There is also the need for a two-month lead-time for advertising. It was agreed in the contract extension that there would not be any auditions. M/S Lambert/Lee.

The minutes of the January 11, 2021 meeting were approved. M/S Hurd/Lambert.

 

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

 

I. Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra

  • Wes Woolard provided the Trustees with an update on the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra side letter for the 2020-2021 season.
  • Changes to Summermusik due to COVID-19 include two (2) mainstage concerts at Seasongood Pavilion in Eden Park and various chamber crawls around the region.
  • There should be thirty-three players but retirement and COVID have caused five (5) vacancies. These include second oboe, three string positions, and a percussion position.
  • There remain a number of unknowns to work out.
  • Rehearsals will take place at the Aronoff Center in the Black Box Theater.
  • There is a positive feeling but the main concern is the service count.
  • There was a question for Wes. 1) How are musician surveys going? A: Seventeen out of twenty-eight were returned and responses will be sent to President Frankenfeld.
  • President Frankenfeld will reach out to the CCO Executive Director to ask about budget and repertoire.

 

II. Northside Bank Account

  • The account is closed and the balance will be deposited into the General Account.

 

III. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

  • Mary Judge, CSO Principal Librarian has announced her retirement at the end of this season. This is a high visibility position and processes vary around the country. This is an opportunity to work toward making the position part of the CBA.
  • Wayne Anderson will officially retire on February 1, 2021. A special Zoom celebration is being planned.

IV. Cincinnati Ballet

  • President Frankenfeld gave a summary of the Nutcracker performances. The music sounded good taking into consideration the particular arrangement used.
  • Three-minute clips may be used for promotional opportunities

 

NEW BUSINESS:

I. Membership Dues

  • Based on general discussion it was decided to extend the $4 discount through the first quarter for members paying a year in-full.

II. AFM Pension Update

  • The Butch Lewis Act may find new life in Congress. President Frankenfeld urged everyone to write Representatives.
  • Don Hurd asked if the Opera would be at the Cincinnati Zoo this summer. The answer is yes, most likely a stage constructed in a parking lot.
  • Don Hurd asked what might happen with the Board of Bravo Music with the retirement of Mary Judge. Nothing has been decided at this point.
  • A general question was raised about how much of our annual dues go to AFM National Office. Per capita is $12 for Honorary members and $14.50 for regular members.

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID: The motion to approve was made by Lynne Scott and the second was provided by Barb Lambert. The motion was approved.

 

See attached B 27366 – 27395

Next meeting scheduled for Monday, February 8 at 12:00 PM.

Meeting adjourned at 1:08 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Dunevant

Secretary, Local #1

/by

Board Meeting Minutes January 11, 2021

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on January 11, 2021 at 11:14 AM.

All members were present.

President Frankenfeld in chair.

The minutes of the December 21, 2020 meeting were tabled.

 

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I. President’s Report

  • President Frankenfeld will be talking to all groups with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Local #1 to make sure pension contributions are correctly aligned and updated. He will also be checking in with freelance ongoing gigs about pension.

 

II. Pension Update

  • All members should have received an update from the Pension Fund. We simply have to wait until the U. S. Treasury reviews the plan.

III. Constitution Revisions

  • The cost to prepare and print all necessary aspects of mailing the revisions is around $700. The outcome is based on the number of responses received.

NEW BUSINESS:

I. COVID vaccine

  • Employers can mandate the vaccine for their employees but President Frankenfeld doubts the CSO will require it of musicians.

II. The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra has requested to use archived recordings for the Arts Climb at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

  • President Frankenfeld is in favor of the request but he and Rebecca Andres feel that a written agreement should be created. A written document would provide necessary guardrails to guarantee a specific period and that only public domain music is used. Rebecca Andres is very concerned that there was no communication with the Players Committee about the request.

III. The Cincinnati Pops are planning an in-person performance starting next week and attendance is limited to 300 people.

  1. After discussion it was tentatively decided to have another General Membership Meeting over Zoom on March 22, 2021.

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

The motion to approve the December 21, 2020 vouchers was made by Don Hurd and the second was provided by Jonathan Lee. The motion was approved.

 

See attached B 27350 – 27365

 

The motion to approve the January 11, 2021 vouchers was made by Rebecca Andres and the second was provided by Barb Lambert. The motion was approved.

See attached B 27366 – 27395

Next meeting scheduled for Monday, January 25 at 12:00 PM.

Meeting adjourned at 12:05 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Dunevant

Secretary, Local #1

/by