2025 Meeting of the Southern Conference of Locals

Doubletree by Hilton Campbell Centre, Dallas TX


Day One, June 21, 2025


The meeting of the Southern Conference of Locals was called to order at 10:03 am by President Aaron Lack.

President Lack read the rules of order. A motion was made by Price (174-496) and seconded to adopt the Rules; the motion carried.

President Lack and VP Kunttu jointly gave a reading of the AFM mission statement.

A motion was made by Pino (72-147) and seconded to approve the agenda; the motion carried.

A motion was made by Pino (72-147) and seconded to approve the minutes of the 2024 meeting; the motion carried.

President Lack introduced dignitaries and guests, including Walker (Canadian Conference), DiCosimo (Mid-America Conference), Hair (AFM), Beck (MPTF), Begnoche (AFM), Zare (6), Pomeroy (IEB), Malaga (IEB), Shirk (AFM), Painting (AFM), Kristal (AFM), Argott (AFM), and Skolnick (AFM).

Local 72-147 President Williams and Brian Golden from the Texas AFL-CIO CLC welcomed delegates and guests to Dallas.

President Lack called for new delegates and Local guests to introduce themselves, and the Conference was introduced to Triesch (433), Harding (389), Scialabba (389), Maisel (579), Herring (125), Scott (94), Tamisiea (500), Francis (23), Rocha (23), Cordero (555), Lindsay (444), Eckhardt (257), Bridges (116), Buss (71), and Harley (342).

President Lack reported on the officer training conducted prior to the annual meeting; on the AFM moving toward the organizing model; on the LCC-PCC meeting, including discussions of AFM staffing and strategic planning, P2 visa issues, IT and cybersecurity, freelance organizing, EMSD and legislative issues, and streaming addendums.

Pomeroy (257) noted that musicians continue to have issues with carryon baggage.

Lack continued reporting on SOCO virtual meetings and board meetings.

Apana (655) announced the Bylaw Committee meeting and requests were made for TEMPO donations.

AFM Secretary-Treasurer Shirk remarked on the number of new SOCO delegates and the good job SOCO Locals have done with succession. He noted that AFM President Gagliardi was disappointed that he could not attend but that he was attending FIM. Shirk noted that AFM rolls are slowly increasing and reported on the release of the annual report, on AFM revenue and expenses and cash reserves, on removing the citizenship question from membership applications, on exploring self-funding insurance for members, on SSD negotiators and the addition of a theater negotiator, on the demo recording agreement, on the venue for the next convention, and on the appointment of Lack as IR for the south and Begnoche as an AFM-wide troubleshooter.

Shirk reported on the need for allies, on film tax credits, on the AFM developing a strategic plan, on the need to builkd the local gig market, on the need to invest, and on the pleas for increased presence on social media. Shirk concluded with a plea that government elections can have a significant impact on the working lives of musicians.

A break was called at 11:38 AM and the session resumed at 11:49 AM.

Kristal (AFM) gave a presentation on organizing, and described the AFM’s organizing priorities. He concluded by stating that each Local needs to develop a strategic plan and distributed a copy of the strategic plan from Local 161-710.

Ross (257) asked about NLRB delays. Skolnick (AFM) gave comments on voluntary recognition. DiCosimo (4) reported on delays at the NLRB. Pomeroy (257) noted that music is America’s greatest export.

The meeting was adjourned for a lunch break at 12:32 PM and the session resumed at 2:04 PM.

Lack and Apana led a roundtable to discuss Action Network and how it is/can be used by Locals. Comments were given by Montgomery (65-699), Bruck (444), Williams (674), Argottt (AFM).

Beck (MPTF) gave a report on the MPTF. He reported on funding increases and the level of funding use by Locals. He reported on application rules and common issues. He also reported that NEA and theater and dance grants are at significantly lower levels.

Begnoche (AFM), Herring (125), Lindsay (444), Mayfield (148-462), Zambito (389), and Navarro (65-699) asked questions or reported on MPTF activities in their jurisdictions.

Painting (AFM) reported on EMSD activities, including ratifying the TV videotape agreement, preparing for the upcoming SRLA negotiations, on the status of the global industry and jingles in particular, on the EMSD resource center, and on an upcoming media toolkit.

Skolnick (AFM) reported on SSD activities, including negotiations, finance audits, and wage charts. She reported on tools to make workplaces safer and more inclusive; on tenure and probation standards; on participation on various panels; on organizing efforts; and on increasing interest in symphonic music by younger people.

A break was called at 3:43 PM and the session resumed at 3:54 PM.

Zare (6, AFM Diversity Committee) gave a presentation on bias and privilege.

Lack called for nominations:


Day one of the conference was adjourned at 4:57 PM.


Day Two, Sunday, June 22, 2025


The Second day of the 2025 meeting of the Southern Conference of Locals was called to order at 9:01 am by President Lack.

Bylaws chair Apana reported on Proposal 1. Pino (72-147) moved for adoption, and the motion carried.

Section 1. The Conference shall hold a regular meeting annually. In Federation Convention years, the Annual Meeting shall take place on the Saturday and Sunday two days immediately preceding the Convention in the city wherein the Convention is being held. In non convention years, the Annual Meeting shall take place on the Saturday and Sunday (weekend) immediately following the Father’s Day Holiday weekend in June in a city to be chosen by the officers of the Conference. If extraordinary circumstances prevent the Annual Meeting from being held at this time, the President shall have the authority to change the meeting dates to one of the two weekends preceding or the two weekends following that herein designated.

And further, to replace “Saturday” and “Sunday” throughout the Bylaws with “first day” and “second day” when referring to the dates of the annual meeting.


Apana reported on Proposal 2. Harding (389) moved for adoption; discussed by Ross (257), Moore (148-462), Shirk (AFM); the motion carried.


Section 3. Elections of officers shall be held by secret ballot vote of attending delegates from member locals. Each member local is entitled to one vote per attending delegate as set forth in Federation Bylaws Article 17, Sections 4 (a) and (b). Each attending delegate shall receive one ballot with one vote per ballot. Such method for elections of officers shall begin with the 2010 meeting.


Apana reported on Proposal 3. Ross (257) moved for adoption, and the motion carried.

The object of the Conference shall be to unite all affiliated Locals for their mutual protection and advancement; to receive, and impart, and facilitate the exchange of such information affecting professional musicians to these Locals as may be helpful to their officers and members; and to foster better understanding of and support for activities of the Federation and its Locals.


Kessler (AFM) gave a report on legislative activities. He reported on the “Big Beautiful bill”, AI regulation, the TRAIN Act, the CLEAR Act, the American Music Fairness Act, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, and TSA issues.

Pomeroy (257) noted that he keeps a copy of the law regarding carryon instruments on his phone to show to TSA agents, and that bigger bins are coming soon.

Kessler reported on NEA and PBS clawbacks, NEH and NEA staffing cuts, and that the arts are an economic driver.

Argott (AFM) gave an overview of the Freelance department. He reported on GoPro Hosting, AFM Entertainment, Venuology, Fair Trade Music, GoProTunes, insurance, Union Plus benefits, Casual Co-funding, and an AFM presence at trade shows.

A break was called at 10:30 and the session resumed at 11:47 AM.

Pomeroy (257) reported on the Single Song Overdub Agreement and gave a brief overview of AFM recording agreements.

Kenney (148-462) reported that the Resolutions Committee had received a DEIA resolution and has referred it to the Diversity Committee.

Montgomery (65-699) reported that the Finance Committee has audited the financial records of the conference, and made four recommendations for future action.

Navarro (65-699) reported for the Diversity Committee. The committee gave a presentation, and moved adoption of the following resolution:

The motion was discussed by Ross (257), Wolfolk (161-710), Kenney (148-462). Hawley (655) moved to amend by inserting “family status” after “parental” in the whereas; the amendment carried. The motion was adopted as amended.

Be it Resolved, the locals of the Southern Conference will continue to promote diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility in our workplaces and communities, to build alliances across all cultures and to commit our Union to the fight for human rights and social justice, and;

Be it Further Resolved, the locals of the Southern Conference commit to inclusive DEIA representation in all publications, materials, media, etc, and;

Be it Further Resolved, the locals of the Southern Conference are encouraged to endorse candidates on the Local, Regional, State, and National levels that are DEIA supportive candidates, and;

Be it Further Resolved, the locals of the Southern Conference strongly recommend that the AFM adopt a similar resolution.

Credentials Committee chair Williams (72-147) reported that 40 delegates were in attendance, including 17 new delegates. 22 Locals were represented, and 6 guests from Locals and 12 other guests were in attendance. Williams reported that 29 of 31 Locals have paid their dues.

Appreciations Committee Chair Pino (72-147) encouraged Locals to submit timely Local reports and recommended that a June 1 deadline for submissions be implemented. The Committee noted its appreciation of Local 389 for growing by 100 members on its 100th anniversary; of Local 500 for strong MPTF and single contract programs; of Local 257 for their Wednesday music events, securing parking discounts, and Toys For Tots participation; of Local 94 for SoMardiGras; of Local 342 for a new Charlotte Symphony CBA; of Local 579 for growth of membership and a strong social media following; of Local 433 for their level of activity and partnerships; of Local 655 for their significant Broadway Across America wage increases and increased visibility in the community; of Local 427-721 for their outreach using casual co-funding; of Local 256-733 for their Alabama Symphony wage increases and MPTF partnerships; of Local 94 for accomplishing a lot with a small staff and their student outreach; of Local 148-462 for three new CBAs and organizing and educational outreach; of Local 23 for the San Antonio Philharmonic CBA; of Local 65-699 for their self-funded death benefit; of Local 72-147 for their support of Dallas Black Dance; of those present that donated to the TEMPO fund; of SOCO delegates for the biggest attendance at officer training sessions; of SOCO Locals for the number of Locals with websites; of the 17 new delegates; of the candidates for office; of Local 72-147 for hosting the Annual Meeting; of AFM staff; and of SOCO officers.

Election Committee chair Weaver explained procedures for the election. The election was conducted.

TEMPO committee members Harding reported that $1589 had been collected for the fund.

Apana announced that materials will be available online post-conference.

Lack reported that the Orientation Committee will make its report available online.

Moore (148-462) asked delegates to reply to his insurance survey.

Scialabba (389) remarked that he appreciated the resources offered to new delegates.

Cordero (555) reported that the Puerto Rico Symphony has doubled salaries.

Tamisiea (500) encouraged delegates to reach out to music schools.

Election Committee chair Weaver reported that Harding (389) has been elected VP, Ross (257) has been elected Director for e three-year term, and that Pino (72-147) has been elected Director for e two-year term.

The newly elected Directors were sworn in by Federation Secretary-Treasurer Shirk.

Newly-installed President Montgomery gave closing remarks.

The Conference was adjourned at 12:29 PM.



approved Jeffrey Apana, Secretary