AFM Appoints Christopher Durham as Director of Symphonic Services

March  30,2009                                                                    
 
New York, NY – The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Durham as Director of Symphonic Services.  

“The AFM is very happy to have someone with Chris’ experience and expertise to head up our Symphonic Services Department,” said AFM President Thomas F. Lee.  “As a local officer, a player conference officer, Symphonic Services negotiator, musician and member of the AFM for 32 years, Chris brings unmatched experience to the director’s position.  His work with local officers on matters affecting orchestras of all sizes, and his ability to interact with large and small local unions will prove invaluable as he serves the AFM’s orchestras and their locals.”

“I’m delighted and honored to be able to service the AFM in this capacity,” said Durham, “and look forward to continuing the tradition of the Symphonic Services Department, to negotiate, enforce and administer the best possible collective bargaining agreements for our symphonic, opera and ballet musicians.”

Durham has been a member of the AFM staff since 1989, responsible for organizing, preparing and developing strategy for bargaining proposals and negotiations.  From 1991-1994, Mr. Durham left the AFM to serve as the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 2-197, after which he rejoined the AFM as a Symphonic Services negotiator.  Prior to joining the AFM, Durham was vice president of AFM Local 103 in Columbus, Ohio and served as chair of the Orchestra Committee.  

Mr. Durham is also a violinist.   He was a member of the St. Louis Municipal Theater (MUNY) orchestra from 1977-1989 and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra from 1979-1991.

Mr. Durham began violin study at age 4-1/2 in the first United States Suzuki class under the tutelage of Dr. John D. Kendall.  He attended the National Music Camp at Interlochen, and the St. Louis Conservatory of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music.

 
ABOUT THE AFM


Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), AFL-CIO, is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians.

With more than 90,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, videogames, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums.  Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape.  www.afm.org