Posted by Scott on May 09, 2003 at 15:03:56:
In Reply to: AFM Question posted by Matt A on May 09, 2003 at 10:21:47:
I wouldn't join the union until it was necessary. If you are doing non-union work, stay non-union. Once you are called for a gig and the contractor asks, "are you in the union?", just say, "I can sign up today." Then decide if joining for this gig is worth it.
You will not get jobs simply because you are in the union. You can still sign up for the Internation Musician even if you're not in the union, or just get all of the info here on the BBS. There is no need to pay $165 (dues for Local 47 in L.A.) a year without getting at least that amount in work every year from union gigs. Some locals even allow you to work once a year or so before they haggle you to join.
By the way, I initially joined because I did the Henry Mancini Institute during my junior year in college, and they strongly encourage all participants to join. The Institute provided some union work (a couple hundred bucks worth), which was enough to rationalize the expense of dues (plus new member fees).
Good luck!