Kalamazoo Musicians AFM Local 228

04/27/2026

We love seeing our members in action! Musicians Ron DiSalvio (keys) and Frank Silva (woodwinds) shared these photos from their recent performances at Heritage Ridge Creek and Friendship Village. Let's have another round of applause for Frank, Ron, and the Music Performance Trust Fund!

04/23/2026

Let's hear it for Local 228's Ron DiSalvio (keys) and Frank Silva (woodwinds), who reported a great turnout for their performance at StoryPoint Kalamazoo at Bronson Place on April 22. Thanks to all who made this possible, especially the Music Performance Trust Fund.

04/21/2026

A new look for the KSO--

A new mark for the music we share together.

Inspired by interconnectedness, the mark is made of five pieces that represent the four sections of the orchestra and our community—individual parts that influence one another to create something bigger, bolder, and more inspiring together. The shape is also reminiscent of a concert hall, where musicians and listeners share one experience.

Breaking beyond the traditional circle, the subtle K reflects creativity and momentum while giving an energetic nod to Kalamazoo.

This logo was shaped by the voices of our community, with hundreds of survey responses helping guide the vision behind it.

This is more than a logo. It’s a symbol of who we are and where we’re headed next.

04/17/2026

The International Executive Board of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) has recognized the Freelance Musicians Association (FMA) as an official AFM Player Conference with representation at the 103rd AFM Convention in June.

“I am excited to announce the board’s unanimous decision to grant player conference status to the Freelance Musicians Association,” said AFM President Tino Gagliardi. “Freelance musicians are the backbone of our Federation. By formalizing the FMA as a Player Conference, we ensure these members have the structural support necessary to protect their standards and strengthen their voice within our union.”

As a binational body of working musicians, the FMA is dedicated to improving the economic security and professional standing of those in self-directed and multi-employer work. In collaboration with Federation leadership, AFM Locals, and allied organizations, the FMA provides a structured space for coordination, problem-solving, and collective action.

The FMA joins the AFM’s established Player Conferences: the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM), the Regional Orchestra Players’ Association (ROPA), the Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians (OCSM), the Recording Musicians Association (RMA), and the Theater Musicians’ Association (TMA).

Through this recognition, FMA delegates will participate in the 103rd AFM Convention to represent the interests of freelance musicians in the union’s legislative and decision-making processes.

For more information on the FMA, visit: https://afmfreelance.org/

04/17/2026

Check out the amazing array of woodwind instruments that Local 228's Frank Silva will play at his performance at Story Point next week! The Music Performance Trust Fund helps make programs like this possible.

Springy Jazz
Please join us for a celebration of Spring and April with selections from our Great American Songbook with some Jazz Standards mixed in. Featuring Frank Silva performing on all his woodwind instruments with Ron DiSalvio accompanying on piano.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 6:30 PM.
Call 810-623-0166 or email [email protected] today!

Sponsored by the Musicians Performance Trust Fund in honor of April Jazz Appreciation Month.

04/13/2026

The June 1 application deadline will be here before we know it! Could a Local 228 Martin Scholarship help you reach your professional and education goals? Check out the details below and in the comments.

04/05/2026

04/03/2026

To all who celebrate, may your Passover be filled with joy, freedom, and peace.

03/29/2026

Check out the roster below of the students selected (by audition) for this year's edition of BRAVO! Many of their teachers, coaches, and conductors are Local 228 members, and the organizations comprising the BRAVO! consortium are staffed by a number of our members, too. Join us on Sunday, April 12 at 7 pm at the Epic Center's Judy Jolliffe Theatre as we cheer on the next generation of artists!

Congratulations to the 2026 BRAVO! Winners!

Jaden Palmore, Clarinet
Terry Stamp, Violin
Raymin Zhu, Piano
Emelyn Germay, Clarinet and Isaac Sandelin, Piano
Sam Vought, French Horn

✨ Join us for a FREE public performance! ✨

Sunday, April 12 at 7:00 PM
Judy Jolliffe Theatre in the Epic Center downtown

We are incredibly proud to showcase the hard work and dedication of our students as they perform beautiful works by Poulenc, Bach, Debussy, Strauss, and Horovitz. Come celebrate their musical journey and achievements with us!

03/27/2026

America's unions will be out in force on 3/28. Take a stand, wherever you are, and however you can!

When working people peacefully come together and fight for each other, we can stand up to the wealthiest bosses and the most powerful politicians.

Join America’s unions at a event near you: https://www.mobilize.us/?q=No%20Kings%20AFLCIO

03/24/2026

When working people peacefully come together and fight for each other, we can stand up to the wealthiest bosses and the most powerful politicians.

Join America’s unions at a event near you: https://www.mobilize.us/?q=No%20Kings%20AFLCIO