MyAGMA

A Message from San Francisco Symphony Chorus Director Emeritus Vance George Regarding Proposed Chorus Budget Cuts

Published September 10, 2024   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

On September 4, San Francisco Symphony Chorus Director Emeritus Vance Y. George sent a personal message to Symphony CEO Matt Spivey and the SFS Board Officers, expressing his concern about the drastic proposed Chorus budget cuts. Today, with his permission, we are sharing the letter more widely. Vance George is recognized internationally as one of the world’s leading choral conductors. During his 23 years as conductor with the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, the Chorus was hailed as one of the finest in the world, and he accepted two Grammy Awards and one Emmy on behalf of the Chorus. We cannot thank him enough for standing with us as we continue our fight to SAVE THE CHORUS. Thank you, Vance! ... Read More -->

Updates to the MyAGMA Portal

Published September 9, 2024   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

AGMA has officially transitioned to a comprehensive Membership Database System called UnionWare. With this change, we’re bringing a brand new experience to the MyAGMA portal that’s more efficient and user-friendly. Members’ current MyAGMA login credentials (username and password) will work seamlessly with the upgraded portal. If anyone previously bookmarked the old portal, please be aware that the link may no longer be valid. The best way to log in the first time is to visit the website directly. https://vimeo.com/1004340982/eafbb7cc29 Any members who can't remember their username or password can click “Forgot your username?” or “Forgot your password?” on the login page. Thank you for your patience a... Read More -->

AGMA Endorses Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for President and Vice President in 2024 Election

Published September 5, 2024   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

The AGMA Board of Governors has voted to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz for President and Vice President of the United States in the 2024 election. The United States faces a pivotal moment in its history, and the outcome of this election will have profound consequences for workers, unions, artists, and the performing arts community. AGMA leadership, along with a growing number of unions, firmly believes that the Harris-Walz ticket represents a commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of working people and championing the importance of the Arts in our society. “Together, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are THE choice for people who treasure the Arts and artists and believe in workers’ rights and th... Read More -->

Virtual Gathering for Black Artists to Support DBDT Dancers on September 17

Published September 4, 2024   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

United in Solidarity: Virtual Gathering for Black Artists to Support DBDT Dancers Tuesday, September 17 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT The AGMA Black Caucus will hold a virtual gathering on September 17 at 7:00 p.m. ET. This will be a chance for Black Artists to come together in solidarity, holding space for the Dancers of Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT), who were recently terminated after unanimously voting to unionize. This is a time to stand together and support these brave artists as the fight for justice and equity in our industry continues. This gathering is open to ALL Black Artists; you do not need to be a member of AGMA to attend. Please share this with your network. Register here. Please email blackcaucus@musicalarti... Read More -->

DBDT Is Playing Games with Fired Dancers’ Health Insurance While Asking for Donations

Published   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

On September 1, Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) cut off the health insurance of its fired dancers. Yesterday, the dancers learned that DBDT has asserted that they don't qualify for COBRA coverage because of the company’s concocted claims of “misconduct.” DBDT blocking their access to COBRA means the dancers can’t even pay out of pocket to extend their health coverage—leaving them completely without healthcare. This was a CHOICE.   Now, DBDT has the audacity to shamelessly fundraise for North Texas Giving Day on September 19, sponsored by anti-union Amazon (…seriously?). Instead of supporting DBDT’s anti-worker practices, direct your dollars to the dancers' GoFundMe. Your contribution will be untainted and actually s... Read More -->

Message from AGMA Dancers VP Antuan Byers: GoFundMe for Fired DBDT Dancers

Published September 3, 2024   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

As a Dallas native, former student in the Dallas Black Dance Academy, and AGMA Officer, I’m reaching out with a heartfelt call to action. The dedicated dancers who gave their all to Dallas Black Dance Theatre were wrongfully terminated after unanimously voting to unionize, and earlier last week, DBDT informed them that their health benefits would be terminated on September 1. These artists, who have been fighting for justice on behalf of all dancers, are now facing an urgent crisis. I was on the ground in Dallas for the rally on August 17, standing shoulder to shoulder with these dancers, witnessing the profound impact they have on their community as hundreds rallied behind them. None of these dancers are originally from Dallas, a... Read More -->

Labor Day Video Message from AGMA Leadership

Published September 2, 2024   |  By Musical Artists  |  Post in All Areas

https://vimeo.com/1004640223/9e1004e720?share=copy Happy Labor Day! Today, we're celebrating all the incredible artists and workers out there who make our industries thrive. Labor Day isn’t just another holiday to union members—it’s a reminder of the power of solidarity, of standing up for what’s right, and of having each other’s backs. The AGMA Constitution, our foundational document, lays out these principles and our commitment to protecting and advocating for artists in opera, dance, and choral fields across the United States. In this video, AGMA’s Executive Council reads the preamble of the AGMA Constitution. May this serve as a reminder of why we keep pushing forward together. Please enjoy this Labor Day message fr... Read More -->