AGMA OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AlIle.·iean Guild of Musical Artists, Inc.

Volume II JANUARY, 1937 No. I

IlDportant Notiee • The next meeting of the AGMA FORUM will he held on Tuesday, January 26, 1937 In Room 414, 551 Fifth Avenue, New York City at 2:30 P. M . •

Motions for discussion of matters of interest to the profes­ sion will be entertained from the floor. Please be sure to attend.

Show your membership card at the door. If you have not received a membership card or have lost your card, please write to the office and request one. AGMA Official Organ of the A~1ERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS, he. 551 Fifth Avenue, New York City • Telephone MU rray Hill 6-4258

LAWRENCE TIBBETT Board of Govenwrs: President J ASCHA HEIFETZ FRANK CHAPMAN 1 st Vice-President IN MEMORI ...L\~I RICHARD CROOKS ALMA GLUCK EVA GAUTHIER 2nd Vice-President • GEORGE GERSHWIN DEEMS TAYLOR CHARLES HACKETT 3rd Vice-President HOWARD HANSON RICHARD BONELLI WILLIAM M. DALY 4th Vice-President QUEEN A MARIO It is with feelings of the most profound regret J AMES MELTON GLADYS SWARTHOUT Recording Sec1'etary and with the realization of the great loss visited ERNEST SCHELLING FRANK SHERIDAN FRANK LAFORGE upon his many friends, upon the Guild and upon Treasurer the whole of American Music that we remark the ALBERT SPALDING LEO FISCHER passing of William M. Daly, December 4th, 1936. DON VOORHEES Executive Secreta1'y FRED WARING HENRY JAFFE PAUL WHITEMAN Counsel EFREM ZIMBALIST

•• . Growth of AGMA ••• Since the last issue the following new members have been elected to the Guild:

••• _"-CTIVE M.~MBERS ••• Joseph Achron Edwina Eustis Emanuel List Irra Petina Max Altglass Dalies Frantz Marjorie Livingston Viola Philo Melania Astro Sadie Gaines Theodore Lovich Mishel Piastro Emanuel Balaban Dorothy Gordon Edwin D. McArthur Erno Rapee* Rose Bampton Inez Gorman Ernest McChesney George Rasely Michael Bartlett Glenn Dillard Gunn John McCormack* Elizabeth Rethberg Tord Benner Hans Hess Tandy MacKenzie Rudolph Reuter Ernesto Berumen Lester Hodges Kaya Malamadoff Charles A. Ridgeway Natalie Bodanya John Holland Dorothy C. Manor Sonia Sharnova Claudia Bradbury Anna Kaskas Dorothee Manski Charlotte Symons Lucielle Browning Doris Kenyon Elinor Marlo Helen Teschner-Tas Manuela Budrow-Rafferty Hans Kindler Margaret Matzenauer Vittorio Trucco Chalmers Clifton Ola Murray Krudener Kathryn Meisle William van den Burg Norman Cordon . Maria Kurenko Mischa Mischakoff Cara Verson Louis d' Angelo Clement J. Laskowsky Boris Morros Thelma Votipka Andres de Segurola Virgilio Lazzari Verna Osborne Frank L. Waller Wilfred Engelman Mischa Levitzki Serge Oukrainsky . . . ASSOCIATE ltl&"1fBERS ••• Hans Clemens Carlo Morelli Kurt Ruhrseitz .10se Iturbi Gregor Piatigorsky Leopold Sachse Rene Maison Ezio Pinza Ernst Victor Wolff

••• NON-RESIDENT MEMBERS . .. Stella Andreva Samuel Dushkin Rudolph Serkin John Barbirolli Herbert Graf Joseph Szigeti Robert Casadesus Lotte Lehmann Gertrud Wettergren Gaspar Cassado Guiomar N ovaes • Denotes Life Member.

Having now over two hundred and fifty members we should have the country overrun with two hundred and fifty MEmbership Committees-of-one each of which should, within a few weeks, get at least two hundred and fifty new members apiece. It's a fool-proof scheme, obviously. And the nice part of being a Committee-of-one is that you're the Chairman of it and can order yourself about majestically. The office is now preparing some material to send out to the membership as an aid to their individual membership drives. This material includes a form letter and a special booklet of questions and answers describing the Guild. Members who have been so far successful in obtaining new applications for the Guild are Queena Mario, Chairman of the Membership Committee; Jascha Heifetz, Lawrence Tibbett, Ruth Breton, Edward Harris, Lauritz Melchior, Yolanda Mero Irion, Eva Gauthier, Don Voorhees, and others.

• 2 AGMA United to Preserve IndividnalisDl

By LA1\. WREN~E TIBBETT of the prominent concert managements in this country, and which, according Some Reflections on tile Newly Formed to the account in the New York Times {;oncerts Association of AIBerica of January 5th, intends to embrace all opera and concert impresarios as well PRESIDENT of the Guild I have each figuring out his own "percent­ often been asked by artists who age," the artist who persists in being as the advertising agencies. This, it will be seen, means that on one hand ~ were not and did not intend to an individualist down to the bottom is there is a united group of those who become members of the AGMA how left with his individualism and little organization and collective bargaining, else. Riding a high-wheeled bicycle in may be called the employers of artists and on the other hand, in AGMA, the so to speak, could be reconciled with a picture hat may afford a wonderful united group of the artists themselves. the standards and ideals of individual­ view of the top of everyone else's head ism and distinction that have always but it's suicide when you come to a "On one hand" does not necessarily been associated with art and artists. swinging door. mean "on one side" and it certainly At first, organization having always The artist, however, seems very slow does not mean that in the case of the seemed to me to be merely a logical in realizing that all is not as it was. Guild. To my mind, this new organ­ and simple adjustment of the individ­ Much slower than those who have been ization is merely the culmination of a ual to the changed and still changing associated with him in the business of fundamental tendency in modern life; conditions of this fast moving world, presenting his art to the public-the issues and problems that arise are these questions and this almost exces­ managers and producers who have large scale issues and problems and sively cooped up and short sighted been experiencing the benefits of or­ they demand large scale consideration point of view had only the effect of ganization and coordinated activity for and solution-the sort of solution that '->ewiIdering me and prompting me to years. It would be hard to calculate the can only be given them by large scale "et the matter drop for the moment as advancement in general effiCiency of organizations. Now, with all parts of something which should be left to work business, in raised standards of pro­ the profession strongly organized, they itself out in time. The thing grew so duction and in an immensely widened can get that kind of consideration and troublesome, however, being almost in­ field of activity that have resulted from their solution will be speedy, efficient evitably brought up as a final argu­ the organization of the business side of and to the best interest of all con­ ment by those who "could not see" the art in the League of New York Thea­ cerned. Guild, that it became evident some­ tres, the Motion Picture Producers and As a case in point may I cite the thing must be done to face it. Distributors of America, the Pub­ following example: A few weeks ago Then, quite spontaneously, a suc­ lishers' Association, the unification of several of the prominent New York cinct answer was given in conversation musical managers in Columbia and music managers approached various by Mischa Elman, who saw artists in NBC, and countless other organized members of the Board of Governors of the Guild "United to preserve their in­ groups of erstwhile individualists. the Guild and asked to be permitted to dividualism." Certainly it must be evi­ Recently the artists themselves, who confer with the Board on the matter dent to anyone who has had any ex­ are, after all, the only indispensable of the reintroduction of the Dickstein perience in musical life in this country factors in the whole scheme, have de­ BilL As the Board was particularly -unfortunately those who argue most cided to profit by this example and busy at the time, the very arduous task vociferously against us invariably turn have joined the ranks of those who of meeting these several gentlemen had out to be those who have least first have discovered that when a great to be deferred until the Board should hand knowledge of what we are up many people are engaged in doing the have more time at its disposal. Now "lgainst-that the methods and customs same thing much greater efficiency and these same managers are organized which guided professional activity fifty increased returns for all concerned are into one group and a committee of the years ago are scarcely adequate to the result when they all work together. Guild, meeting a committee of the Con­ cope with the problems which arise in Today, following the example cour­ certs Association of America, can professional activity today. Only ageously set many years ago by the achieve the same results in a few hours twenty years ago, before the war and Actors Equity Association, practically that would have taken days and prob­ radio and the movies, being a musical every branch of professional life in ably weeks before. artist meant signing a contract to play America is organized into representa­ As its first matter of policy, the or sing and getting paid, as a usual tional and protective groups-Equity, Concerts Association of America has thing, for the performance. Records the Screen Actors Guild, the Authors announced its opposition to the Dick­ were made and sold and the royalties, League, the Dramatists Guild, the stein Bill and to any measure that at­ however inadequate, were still easy to Newspaper Guild, associations of tempts to regulate the immigration calculate. At that time, for the most painters and sculptors and many relations between this and any other part, individual bargaining and com­ others. The American Guild of Musical country. They state as their reason for plete professional isolation were prac­ Artists is one of the last but, even at this policy their belief in the inter­ ticable though even then not entirely the risk of being platitudinous, I must nationalism of art and their impatience desirable. Now, however, when each be allowed to remark that it is not one with any "Chauvinistic" policies that performance is reproduced and trans­ of the least. seek to impede it. mitted twenty different ways, and each Very recently there has been formed Now this is a matter which should step in the business of getting the ar­ wpat may be considered to be, in man­ completely demonstrate the value that tist's performance before the public agerial ranks, the counterpart of our is inherent in organization. The basis who finally pay to hear it is beset by a organization, the Concerts Association of our policy last year in supporting myriad of human adding machines of America, which numbers nearly all (Continued on Page 8) JANUARY,1937 3 • The ADleriean Federation of Labor • · ITHIN RECENT WEEKS the Board that these artists could be induced to long to the Guild, seems to have come of Governors has been ap­ perform these functions in any case, to the end of its possibilities. W proached as to the possibility this restriction is merely a matter of There is, nevertheless, a growing of the Guild's affiliation with the Amer­ routine. tendency in this country to recognize ican Federation of Labor through the As regards obligations attendant organizations affiliated with the Fed­ Associated Actors and Artistes of upon affiliation therefore, the simple eration as the representatives of their America. This is probably the most truth is that, in effect, there are none. profession, and much legislation has important matter that has yet con­ Any sympathy strikes that have oc­ been passed and is impending which is fronted the Guild and the Board of curred in the past between any of the to the benefit of affiliated organiza­ Governors in a series of special meet­ industrial organizations affiliated with tlons. '1'his present national adminis­ ings has been giving it very minute the Federation have come about as the tration is very sympathetic to the or­ examination. result of a private agreement between ganized labor cause and an affiliated In order to acquaint the membership the two organizations concerned. No organization would probably have with what has already transpired, we organization has ever joined another much more influence in Washington will here undertake a short resume of in a strike unless it has been voted by than one not affiliated. Finally it is the findings of the Board in its still its membership to do so. Furthermore, quite possible that an upheaval of the continuing examination of the facts. in view of the fact that in the event political situation is imminent with the One of the first objections to affilia­ of a strike by the stage hands at the formation of a national labor party. tion with the Federation was the no­ Opera or the Philharmonic musicians this is so it would certainly be to tion, entertained by most people not neither of these organizations could advantage to be associated with the well acquainted with labor organiza­ present a performance despite the ef­ group that would have our interests tion, that such affiliation imposed the forts of the soloists, the problem of most nearly at heart. If anyone is to obligation of sympathetic action and general or sympathy strikes is no more have control of our professional af­ strikes whenever one of the organiza­ troublesome within the Federation fairs it should certainly be ourselves tions within the Federation instituted than without it. Indeed, once affiliated who are most completely representa­ a strike. Thus it was supposed, by with the Federation, our organization tive of musical life in America than some members of the Board of Gover­ could use its influence to arbitrate diffi­ any other existent or proposed group nors, that if the stage hands at the culties which concerned our member­ could be. Met or the musicians in the Philhar­ ship and thus prevent the necessity of The Grand Opera Artists Associa­ monic symphony went on strike, the such strikes. tion of America, recognizing the fact singers at the Met and the conductor The question resolved itself, there­ that the Guild was a more representa­ and soloists of the Philharmonic would fore, in the investigation by the Board tive organization than itself, has voted, be obliged to strike with them. of Governors, into that of whether the through its membership, its willing­ This is, of course, an entire misap­ benefits to be derived by affiliation jus­ ness, under certain conditions, to re­ prehension. A charter from the Four tified the taking of such a step. linquish its charter in favor of a more A's, as the division of the Federation At this point it is necessary to in­ comprehensive charter for the Guild that includes artists and theatrical troduce a very important factor in the and to come over to the Guild "en performers is commonly called, is an situation which has had great influ­ masse." entirely clean slate, leaving the or­ ence in guiding the opinion of the This is the situation as it has so ganization chartered entirely autono­ Board thus far. developed. It is the hope of the Board mous and imposing no obligation what­ There is already in existence and that the membership will extend its soever toward the Federation or any affiliated with the American Federa­ appreciation of the work they have put of its units beyond the payment of tion of Labor, an organization called upon this matter by giving it their nominal dues of a few cents a year the Grand Opera Artists Association most serious thought and coming to per member to the Federation treasury of America. This organization is char­ the AGMA FORUM on January 26th and the promise on the part of the or­ tered with jurisdiction only over grand prepared to offer their constructive ganization chartered that its members opera sung in foreign languages. It opinions and suggestions as to what will not take the place of the members has already, however, accomplished a steps should be taken next. At that of any other Federation organization great deal in establishing certain time the Board hopes to have ready a which is on strike. This means, simply standard conditions of contract for its definite proposal on the part of the and shortly, that in the entirely im­ members with the Salmaggi and Gallo Federation and the Grand Opera Ar­ probable case that the Metropolitan Opera Companies with which its mem­ tists Association which they can pre­ stage hands or the Philharmonic musi­ bers largely appear. This organization, sent for consideration to the member­ cians should strike, the singers who however, although it has received a ship. In this way provision can be belong to the Guild could not shift the charter for the organization of the quickly made for a vote by the mem­ ,scenes or pull up the curtain, and the grand opera field, is not truly repre­ bership which will settle the question instrumental soloists in AGMA could sentative of that field, having a limited for good. not take the place of the striking musi­ membership which, in view of the fact In this connection there is one con­ cians by playing in the pit as part of that practically all of the members of sideration that will probably have not the orchestra. As there is no question the Metropolitan Opera Company be- (Continued on Pctge 7)

• 4 AGMA ...~ttorlley for Guild HE Board of Governors wishes to inform the membership that T Henry Jaffe has been appointed Special Delivery as attol'l1ey for the Guild. Legal mat­ ters relating to Guild affairs or con­ OR A LONG TIME NOW it has been a definite objective of ours to find out for cerning the general welfare of the Guild membership should be referred certain if the postman always rings twice. Accordingly, this morning, we to the Guild office where they can be Fsecreted ourself behind the door to await his arrival. After about ten taken up with our attorney whenever minutes we heard steps in the hall and we braced ourself for the test passing this seems advisable. our tongue nervously over our lips as we always do. Imagine our surprise and chagrin when the postman, for it was he, strode directly in without knocking • at all, bumping the door against our head and depositing on the table the follow­ ing letter from MI'. Rudolph Reuter of Chicago. He strode right out again too New Ruling for and went down the hall after casting a curious glance to where we were still Non-Resident ~leJnbership crouched behind the door. We jumped up and immediately resolved to establish a At a special meeting of the Board of department in our magazine called Special Delivery which should deal with Governors, December 22nd, 1936, the letters sent in by the membership for publication in the magazine. Here it is. By-Law, Article 7, Section III of the Constitution was suspended to provide for the admission of Non-Resident art­ Chicago, Illinois, January 8th, 1937. ists to membership at the same fees as Gentlernen: govern the admission of Active and Associate members. I have read the Bulletins with interest. I might contribute, from time to time, As outlined in the Constitution, be­ certain knowledge that we glean here, for instance the below. Use it to suit your­ fore this suspension, Non-Resident self. Later, as we get stronger, actual names and facts should be placed before members were required to pay dues of our membership. fifteen dollars per month with a mini­ 'Throughout the country a type of manager is springing up by the hundreds who mum of forty-five dollars pel' season. ask artists to pay them "advance commissions" on dates which, they say, they can secure if their traveling and living expenses are paid by these sums. While some of this activity is legitimate, a large portion, probably most of it, is not. • There is much dishonesty. Many such "managers" pile up a list of artists to whom they are thus obligated and for whom at best they can only carry out a Leo Fischer at MTNA fraction of such promises. In many cases phony engagements are booked which are afterwards cancelled. Fake contracts are much in evidence. An Iowa artist Con,Tention with such a contract recently went to the city where he was to play later in the On December 30th, 1936, the Guild's season and could not obtain the slightest information about the club mentioned Executive Secretary, Leo Fischer, or the names signed and forged to the agreement by the manager. spoke before the joint convention of the In haste and sincerely, Music Teachers National Association RUDOLPH REUTER. and the National Association of Music Schools on "The Dickstein Bill." His • speech was followed by a talk by Niko­ lai Sokoloff, National Director of the (Ed.) The Guild has received several requests for information regarding man­ Federal Music Project of the WPA, agers in outlying districts by members who were solicited to enter into managerial who outlined the achievements of the Project in advancing the cause of music agreements of a similar nature to those outlined by Mr. Reuter. In most cases in America. Dr. Sokoloff is a member it has been necessary to advise members to avoid all business relations with the of the Guild. persons in question because of their inefficiency and general irresponsibility. Dr. Howard Hanson, a member of the Board of Governors of AGMA, This will probably become a very important function of the Guild and in the presided at the convention. very near future the Board of Governors will take under consideration the 'establishment of regular machinery through which all our members may investi­ gate persons whom they are considering as business representatives. In the • meantime all members are urged to take advantage of the Guild's impersonal Opportunity Knocks~ power of inquiry and insure themselves against this widespread abuse which Mr. Reuter describes. Dubiously • We wish to bring to the attention of the membership the following matter One of our members has reported the activity about town of a sort of telephone of great moment and trust that every Raffles who seems to have a penchant for musicians as victims. member will avail himself of the cour­ tesy so generously extended. His system is to go into a telephone booth, call his prospect, and introduce him­ On Saturday, January 2nd, 1937, we self as a steward from the great big ocean liner Queen Mary. He gives some received at the office the f0110wing musician whom he knows to be a friend of his proposed victim as a recommenda­ postal card, addressed to "The Ameri­ tion; claims indeed to be calling from his home, and offers to sell some very fine can Guild of Musical Artists." English cloth or other material at a price considerably below the usual-the THIS CARD WILL ENTITLE ONE idea is that he's smuggled it off the Queen Mary in a golf bag or something. COUPLE TO HAVE THEIR MARRIAGE According to our informant, the catch is that the cloth he will actually sell you, CEREMONY PERFORMED IN 1937 AND PAY ~;OR IT IN 1938. PLEASE WRITE if you let him get any nearer than the telephone, comes from Second Avenue AND TELEPHONE IN ADVANCE . . and is very, very cheap and very, very poor in quality. . FRANKLIN MITTAU We've always admired fellows like that; they have something. Nevertheless we Justice of the Peace would advise anyone who hears from this cockney mastermind to hang up quick 161 Grove Street, Stamford, Conn. and run and hide. Phone Stamford 3-7156 or 4-0020 Remember, write or telephone in ad­ vance. And weal' your rubbers.

JANUARY, 1937 5 • Is Musie Worth Its Keep?

By AL~fA GLUCK

An Analysis of tile Effects of Free Audiences at Radio Broadcasts •

URING THE PAST FEW YEARS, and Not so very long ago glvmg a con­ submit to these conditions. Many of particularly during this current cert was a fairly simple thing from them submitted with the hope that D season, there has appeared in a business point of view; an artist they might be able to bring to the radio the field of music presentation a new possessed of talent gave a performance some of the artistic worth and spirit tendency that has attracted the uneasy 01' several performances to which those that went naturally with their other attention of those who make their liv­ of the public who were interested came activities. These were soon disillu­ ing and their life's work in the per­ and paid admission at the box office. sioned. Some participated frankly to formance of music. This tendency has There were a few free tickets given make money and engaged in legitimate been a cause of alarm to musicians, to friends and business associates and acti vity on the outside for their artis­ first in its threat to the integrity of to the press, but the fundamental psy­ tic satisfaction. All of us, in any case, their artistic standards and secondly chology on the part of the general participated because we had no other in its attack on the prestige and pecun­ public and of the artist was that of choice. iary independence of the entire musi­ fair exchange; the artist had sOme­ And while these conditions were cal profession. I refer to the rapidly thing of value for which the public confined to the radio, while we stillf'"' crystallizing policy on the part of those was willing to pay. It mayor may not had our other legitimate activitiel. groups who utilize the performance of have been an unfortunate or deplol'­ from which to draw artistic suste­ music on the radio for purposes of able condition that fine art was under' nance, the situation was not, perhaps, advertising commercial commodities, the necessity of placing itself in the so bad as it might appear. Music of engaging large concert halls and market as a commodity; at any rate it lovers, true music lovers with the ca­ traditionally established musical audi­ placed itself there as a respected and pacity for appreciation and critical toriums for the presentation of their demanded commodity with a great deal discrimination have always been lim­ sponsored broadcasts and in invit­ of intrinsic worth; the business of giv­ ited. These the artist might still claim ing huge audiences to attend these ing a concert or any other form of in his legitimate concert or operatic performances free of charge. In this musical performance was surrounded work and in the meantime, despite ap­ way they propose to catch the color and by a great deal of dignity and distinc­ pearances, his activity on the radio glamour of an actual performance and tion. At that time the musical artist. might slowly be bearing fruit in the make the personality of the artist putting the more sordid features of popularizing effect that such wide dis­ whom they engag'e an added attrac­ mercenary necessity behind him, could tribution of music could be expected to tion for their advertising public. To engage in his profession with at least lll'ing about. this end they require the artist to give as much independence and integrity as While these conditions were confined two performances at the same time, the maker of any other commodity of to radio then, and while the concert one to the vast throng of invisible lis­ every day utility and with a great deal and operatic field was left untouched, teners at the other end of the radio of artistic satisfaction as well. That is, the artist managed to get along as best transmission system and one to the unfortunately, not the case today. he could. Now, however, has come large visible audience actually present With the beginning of radio broad­ most serious threat of an; one that at the broadcast. casting on a large scale, musical art not quickly disposed of will have an Much has been said in the discus­ in this country accepted a position of effect on music in this country from sions that have prevailed on this sub­ commercial subservience such as had which it will be a long time in recov­ ject at AGMA meetings covering the never before existed in its history. ering. financial and technical factors of the Music became, for the first time, not . When every Sunday over ten thou­ situation. It has been more or less something with any intrinsic value of sand people can attend concerts in definitely established that these double its own for which a price could directlv three cities of the country and hear the performances are artistically and be asked, but rather something like th~ finest artists in the profession perform physically impossible for the per­ big drum that is beaten at peasant absolutely free of charge to themselves former and that the extension of this fairs to attract the crowds to the cattle the situation is no longer one which practice has had an unfortunate effect stall. Performers on the radio took on can be safely accepted. From the ar­ on the financial prosperity of the pro­ the character of performers at a medi­ tists' point of view it means that this fession. I would like to emphasize the cine show. In more practical and mat­ demoralizing subservience to the sale factor which is probably the most im­ ter of fact language, music became a of bathing caps and rubber gloves is portant of all, and the effects of which factor in an advertising campaign, and extended to his concert activities as will be the most dangerous and the because of the tremendous power of well as to those over the radio, but, most lasting-the breakdown of the those groups who had secured the having grown so used to it, he can pos­ healthy and normal psychology of con­ domination of broadcasting activities sibly endure this new extension. But cert going, which the prevalence of every musical artist who wished to from the point of view of the audience these hybrid presentations is bringing perform over this wonderful and prom­ the situation is fatal. The public has about among music lovers. ising new medium was compelled to come to accept all of its radio enter- .6 AGMA DeeeDlber AGMA ForuDl • N December 29th the first meeting of the member­ unanimously opposed to these non-paying audiences and in O ship in AGMA FORUM was held in Room 414, 551 most part to any audiences whatsoever at a radio broadcast Fifth Avenue, with about fifty members attending, performance, it was felt that the Guild could act more surely to discuss the pressing question of non-paying audiences and effectively if a complete representation of the opinion at radio broadcasts. Lawrence Tibbett opened the meeting of the membership were secured. with a few remarks on the merits of open discussion of You will find enclosed with your copy of this issue a ballot, common problems and gave a brief report of the progress which, when filled out, signed and returned, will record of the Guild's membership expansion. your sentiment either for or against action on this matter A very spirited and detailed discussion of the studio by the Guild. If you have any particular opinions which you audience question followed and it was decided that the Guild would like to express to the Board or to the whole member­ must take some concerted action in the very neal' future. ship you are earnestly requested to send them in for publica­ Accordingly, the membership is being canvassed for a final tion in the next issue of the magazine. It is most important determination of their attitude toward this practice. Al­ that all points of this matter be covered in open discussion though the members attending the meeting on the 29th were before final action is taken.

tainment at the hands of the makers take three tickets. She was politely in­ gained pretty wide acceptance. We of breakfast cereal, but for its legiti­ formed that there were no tickets left. should be consoled, however, by the re­ mate musical entertainment it has still " 'But I want one for myself and two flection that if it comes to the worst been under the necessity of paying for for my daughters,' she said. we can still go to the family drug store its admission at the box office and thus and get complimentary tickets to hear ., 'Sorry, Madame, we have ]!iO tick­ according to music, in common with each other sing. ets.' other articles of daily consumption, "The woman seemed to be irritated. the recognition of a certain real value. The American Federation On this thin thread the whole psychol­ 'I don't see it,' she said sharply, 'don't you want a studio audience?' " of Labor ogy of professionalism has been hang­ (:Continued from Page 4) ing, on it the last vestiges of our ar­ The Editors obviously thought it even been considered by the member­ tistic and professional integrity is de­ funny. I am sorry that I cannot see it ship but which may as well, neverthe­ pendent. If we are to appear now in that way. legitimate concert under the banner of less, be here disposed of. • The Associated Actors and Artistes commercial patronage we must admit (Ed) In connection with the article of America is a completely autonomous our final defeat. above by Mme. Gluck, the following division of the Federation and all of The public will admit it with the item from Variety, January 13th, the several organizations which make greatest alacrity. If we allow them to should be of interest: it up-Actors Equity Association, The become accustomed to seeing as well as Grand Opera Artists Association, The hearing us for nothing as the guests "BUSINESS MEN BANKROLL Screen Actors Guild, etc.-are again of commercial sponsors, we cannot but CONCERTS; NO ADMISH completely independent and autono­ expect them to refuse us their recogni­ mous. There is no connection between Kansas City, Jan. 12th. tion as independent business people. them and the various industrial or­ When that happens we must ask our­ A series of free winter orchestra ganizations affiliated with the Federa­ selves if we have a right to demand concerts to be held in the Muny aud tion except a purely nominal one. Thus their recognition as artists. here are to be angeled by Isaac and there would be no question, in joining In the New York Times of Sunday, Michael Katz, cut rate drug officials. the Federation, of losing caste or dis­ January 10th, there appeared, con­ The orchestra, under the direction of tinction through association with in­ spicuously under the department of Sol Bobrov, has a roster of 42 musi­ dustrial workers even if such associa­ Concert and Opera Activities of the cians. Concerts will be given Sunday tion should be considered in that light week, the following item: afternoons. The first one was last Sun­ by our membership. Consideration of "In connection with this 'Tristan,' day (10). this question should be on a purely the Metropolitan box-office people told The Katz brothers in bankrolling business basis-How much good will it this one: All week long they were turn­ the venture state that the concerts are do the Guild to affiliate with the Fed­ ing customers away, since the per­ offered to Kansas City in appreciation eI'ation and does this benefit justify formance sold out the day the seats of what Kansas City has done for oUI' .joining? went on sale. The day before the pres­ them. They have seven local stores and It is the earnest wish of the Board entation a woman called on the tele­ several out of town.:' of G~vernors that the membership phone and asked whether the opera The idea that the rightful function come. to the January 26th meeting pre­ was being broadcast. She was told that of music is to advertise automobiles pared to lend constructive assistance it was. In that case, she said, she would and cut rate drugs seems to have on this problem.

JANUARY, 1937 7 • MeJDbership Drive III (;Itieago and tile 'Vest (;oast URING the month of November, artists resident in Los Angeles or their payments and needs will justify. while most of the operatic sec­ there temporarily fOl' motion picture This is a question which is receiving a D tion of the Guild's membership work. This meeting was one of the great deal of consideration from the were dividing their time and talents most eminently successful features of Board and the Guild has received many between San Francisco and Chicago, the whole campaign, enrolling immedi­ applications contingent upon the estab­ the Guild instituted and carl'ied on an ately a considerable number of mem­ lishment of such classifications. intensive membership drive in Chicago bers and making contacts and estab­ In Chicago the membership meeting and the West Coast, forming member­ lishing a foothold that has already re­ held was very successful, enrolling ship solicitation committees of the ar­ sulted in many more. many new members as well as adding tists who were currently appearing in The meeting in San Francisco to the list of applicants for a new mem­ each of the respective cities, spreading brought to an immediate head a prob­ bership at reduced fees. publicity and holding open meetings lem that had been evident to the Board for the professionals of the local area and to all those members who were ac­ As a direct result of this member­ to acquaint them with the significance tive in the solicitation of membership ship drive of six weeks the Guild has and purposes of the Guild and to col­ from the beginning of the activity of doubled its numbers and has started lect their signatures on ±heapplica­ the Guild. In many parts of the coun­ on the way to the complete represen­ tion blanks which flowed freely about. try, outside the large centers of artis­ tation of the profession that is indis­ tic life, where professional activity is pensable to our effectiveness and influ­ The Guild's Executive Secretary, negligible or merely seasonal, where ence. AGMA has been received with Leo Fischer,traveled out to the Coast conditions are very unfavorable, the great enthusiasm by artists all over and to Ghicago," setting up headquar­ artist without a nationwide reputa­ the country as a long needed institu-/ ters in the two cities where the opera tion finds it very difficult to make tion in the profession. t cvmpanies were performing and while a living. For these artists the fees We are now ready to begin serious in San Francisco, making several trips of the Guild, as they now stand, activity, following up at the same time to Los Angeles. are prohibitive. There is no question our well begun campaigl,f towards olir The membership drive in Los An­ of the desirability of obtaining the most imperative goal-increased mem­ geles, which had not originally been membership of these artists and there bership. The Guild is ready to take anticipated, grew out of the develop­ is even less question of the eagerness upon itself the complete protection of ments in San Francisco, which dis­ of these artists to join the (iuild; the its members' interest in all of their closed, along with very deplorable con­ very conditions which prevent their activities, centralizing control and ditions affecting the local resident ar­ prosperity urge them to seek protec­ eliminating from the field all factors tists, a growing tenqency toward cen­ tion. At the same time it would be that through hostility or inefficiency are tralization of profes~ional life in the neither just nor practical to admit impeding their progress. To do this southern city. Several of the Guild's these artists at considerably reduced most effectively it is essential that members, including four or five mem­ fees with the same rights and privi­ members participate to the utmost in bers of the Board of Governors, were leges as are accorded to those members all the Guild's activity, attend all meet­ in Hollywood on picture assignments who pay the full fees. It seems neces­ ings and respond to all ballots or ques­ and presented an ideal nucleus for a sary to establish one 01' more new tionnaires, so that the Board of Gover­ membership solicitation meeting. After classifications of membership at re­ nors may act speedily and with great­ some preliminary organization work a duced fees and to permit members who est effect in the several immediate meeting was held at the Hotel Roose­ enter under these classifications such problems that are confronting the pro- { velt, attended by about two hundred proportional rights and privileges as fession. ,,\,-"

United to Preserve Individualism (Continued from Page 3) the Dickstein Bill was one of reciproc­ very same measures enlisted against the combined influence of both groups ity and certainly not one of restric­ them as they were using against the an end can be brought to a situation tion. Being ourselves artists and there­ artists of other countries, This is what which in its larger aspects is a dis­ fore in a better position to appreciate the Dickstein Bill provided and it was grace to modern civilization and is a the international aspects of art than on this ground that we supported it. manifestation of the national psychol­ even the managers, we were indignant The statement of the Concerts Asso­ ogy that is most immediately respon­ at the exceedingly chauvinistic policies ciation of America in the press indi­ sible for all disruptions of international of many foreign governments in com­ cated, however, that they entirely mis­ peace and amity. pletely preventing the profitable ac­ understand both the significance and The prospect, as it now stands, is tivity in their locality of any foreign provisions of the Dickstein Bill and more promising than at any other time artists from any other land and de­ our motives in supporting it. Had there in my experience. The complete field cided that the most effective way of been no organization on either hand is represented by responsible organiza­ breaking down this distasteful and dis­ to clarify this situation, this misunder­ tions; the fly-by-night and irrespon­ graceful condition was by bringing to standing might have persisted inter­ sible individual is being eliminated the attention of the nations in question minably to the great inconvenience of and the way is paved for the coordina­ the fact that if they persisted in their all concerned. Now, however, it can be tion and cooperation that means big unfair practices they would have the cleared up in a few minutes and with things for America's cultural future.

• 8 AGMA