![]() With this agreement, the accompanist staff improved several aspects of their pay and working conditions, including: Accompanists ultimately decided to go ahead and do it on their own, filing for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board in 2016 and bargaining their own separate agreement during the bulk of 2018. Accompanists first hoped to join this bargaining unit and expand the existing CBA, which has been in place since 2003, but the Kaufman administration objected. The Kaufman Center and Local 802 already have a collective bargaining agreement that covers approximately 150 teaching faculty. “Just imagine having 30 minutes before rehearsing a Beethoven sonata and not being able to use the unlit – but locked – practice room in front of you!” Butler added. Another frustration was the inability to practice at school during breaks between accompanying assignments. One common complaint was a difficulty in entering the school, since accompanists were not officially given school ID cards as the teaching faculty were. “When accompanists at Kaufman Center started sharing their stories, ‘second class’ was a recurrent theme,” said Aaron Butler. When a shift in pay occurred and accompanists were notified that they would only be paid 15 minutes per student at Special Music School recitals, unhappy accompanists started talking with their coworkers on the teaching faculty and having conversations with 802 organizing staff. They function as public schools and their designation is P.S. The two divisions of the Special Music School are a public/private partnership between the Kaufman Center and the New York Department of Education. Although some of the musicians first involved in those conversations had worked at Kaufman for decades, they were seeing a lot of turnover among their colleagues due to low wages, an unpredictable schedule, and feelings of disrespect.Īccompaniment work at Kaufman happens mostly in three separate divisions: Lucy Moses School, a community music school of classes and private lessons Special Music School K-8 and Special Music High School. “Accompanists needed an identity and a voice,” said accompanist and negotiating committee member Wenhan Anderson.Īccompanists at Kaufman first decided in 2015 that they wanted the protections of a union contract for their work. Wenhan Anderson (not pictured: Irene Wong)Īfter 11 months of negotiation following a years-long process to have their union recognized, the 18 accompanists at the Kaufman Music Center have voted unanimously to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement. Acceptance of our inclusion statement:ĪLL ARE WELCOME! As Lutherans who are part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) we believe that God’s grace is given to all, regardless of color, age, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic status, mental or physical health status, culture, or faith tradition.ĬOVID-19 considerations: We prefer that all applicants be vaccinated.Kaufman negotiating committee members Aaron Butler, Vilija Naujokaitiene and Theology: Understanding of Lutheran theology is preferred.Ħ. Teamwork: Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with other musicians and Pastor is important.Ĥ. Able to sight read music and competency on piano. This includes but is not limited to contemporary worship songs and hymns. Music: Familiarity and fluency with a variety of Christian music. ![]() ![]() Academic Education: Bachelor’s degree in Music or similar degree program, or working toward degree, is preferred but not required.Ģ. Expansion of the music ministry will lead to additional compensation. Maintain a regular schedule of practice and study. Play for weddings and funerals, as requested and available. Plan music at least one month out in accordance with worship themes. Lead additional services when needed (Advent, Lent, etc.). Lead and accompany on piano one Sunday worship service per week. PRINCIPAL FUNCTION: Engage the congregation through leading worship and playing keyboard.ġ. POSITION TYPE: Hourly, expected no more than 10 hours per week JOB TITLE: Accompanist and Worship Music Leader
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