Grand Rapids Musicians AFM Local 56

08/24/2026

Our New Member Monday features horn player Nicole Minney. In demand as both a freelance orchestral musician and private teacher, she holds a DMA from Michigan State and is a proud mom of two preschoolers. Welcome to AFM Local 56, Nicole!

08/23/2026

4 days until our event with Joseph Conyers, Philadelphia Orchestra’s Principal Bassist! Open to all, we know that our Question/Answer session with him will be inspiring as he addresses music, diversity, and education. Details on our website’s events calendar. https://grandrapidsmusicians.org/event/q-a-session-joseph-conyers/

08/22/2026

Michigan Followers: Did you lose work because of severe storms in April? You may qualify for federal unemployment assistance. This program from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity supports Michiganders in 27 counties and includes those who were self-employed. The deadline is approaching! Learn more and see if you qualify at Michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/uia/tools/dua

Did you lose work because of severe storms in April? You may qualify for federal unemployment assistance.

This program supports Michiganders in 27 counties and includes those who were self-employed. Learn more and see if you qualify at Michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/uia/tools/dua

08/21/2026

“With arts education funding constantly under attack, rising costs will take instruments out of the hands of students in schools across the country. We need more affordable instruments built with skilled union labor." AFM International President Tino Gagliardi

08/20/2026

A perfect way to celebrate TBT = visiting our website’s photo gallery of our 120th Anniversary Celebration from last September. Great memories! https://grandrapidsmusicians.org/about-local-56/history/120th-anniversary/

08/19/2026

SAVE THE DATE! It’s time to build a better world for working musicians. Register at: https://afmfreelance.org/organizing-101/

08/18/2026

We are pleased to co-sponsor a Labor Day Union Picnic, along with other labor groups in our area. Details are on the flyer, and we hope to see you there!

08/17/2026

Our New Member Monday features Alex Yeomans. Both a freelance musician and an educator, Alex’s instruments are electric bass, banjo, drum set, and guitar. Welcome to AFM Local 56, Alex!

08/16/2026

UPDATE! We are pleased to welcome ALL who wish to attend our upcoming event with Joseph Conyers, a Question & Answer session with him about professional careers, diversity, and music education. We will be providing snacks & refreshments. See our flyer for more details.

08/15/2026

Thank you, Barb Corbató and Chris Martin, for performing at St. Mark's Breakfast Café earlier this month for the Grand Rapids Symphony Musicians Association's outreach program, now in its fourth year.

Violinist Chris Martin and violist Barb Corbato played duos at the St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Grand Rapids Breakfast Cafe this morning before heading out to play other gigs! Fun fact: Chris and Barb played in the Columbus (Ohio) Youth Symphony together as teenagers!