![]() Smith started playing the trumpet in his native Cincinnati at the age of nine. Such ideas fall neatly in line with Smith’s overarching philosophy of connecting people with music through both performance and education. Wallace, proclaiming the dawning of the ‘Century of the Common Man’ and talking about the freedoms and duties by which we must live.” Music and Education Go Together “Think about where that fanfare originated: Copland was inspired to write it in 1942 after hearing a speech by then Vice President Henry A. “There couldn’t be a more perfect piece,” he says. Memorial Park by 14 physically distanced members of the RPO’s brass and percussion section. In the face of these challenges, Smith hit upon the perfect solution: he would conduct an outdoor performance of Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” played in downtown Rochester’s Martin Luther King Jr. ![]() ![]() As important as it was for Rochester to see music as a healing thing, it was equally crucial for the city to see the RPO as an inseparable part of that,” he says.īut of course, there was also a rapidly spreading pandemic limiting sizable gatherings, including public performances by large groups like symphony orchestras. Big arts organizations like orchestras benefit from connecting more to what’s current and increasing their visibility. “It’s crucial for an orchestra to become more involved in the fabric of its city,” he believes. Smith nevertheless knew it was vital to bring the healing power of music to the same place where there had recently been violence-and to make the RPO an important part of this healing. Downtown Rochester was in a state of heightened tension. It was taking place barely a week after another peaceful rally had devolved into a spate of vandalism and looting, resulting in arrests and damage to more than 80 businesses. The BLM event was a gathering to raise awareness for the #SayHerName campaign remembering Black women and girls who have been victims of police brutality. There were, however, considerable hurdles to clear. And it seemed to me that the RPO was the perfect way to do that.” Clearing the Way “As an RPO musician-and the only Black person in the orchestra-I wanted to show my support for the BLM movement. Part of Smith’s aim is to dispel that idea. Smith says it has become too easy these days to lose the connection with this concept, especially given the common mischaracterization of classical music as stuffy and elitist. “A lot of so-called classical music was originally intended as revolutionary music for the people, by composers like Sibelius and Shostakovich.” To become a member now, visit “Throughout history, music has been tied in with protest and was a motivator for change,” says Smith, a prominent jazz musician, educator, and conductor who has played third trumpet in the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) since 1991, following graduation from the Eastman School of Music. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf. The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. ![]() The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.Īs an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. ![]() Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. ![]()
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