AFM (American Federation of Musicians)

Spencer Aloisio began working for the Slingerland Drum Company in 1969 and stayed with the company until 1986. During that time he worked on the selling, promoting and marketing of the popular percussion products. Spencer worked his way up from factory employee into the office as sales manager and then as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. The company’s owners changed a few times during that time and Spencer worked hard to keep consistent customer care and dealer relations during that time. Spencer later worked within the band and orchestral segment of the industry before beco

Keith Bishop is an accomplished woodwind musician and educator whose early passion for performance set the stage for a remarkable career. After earning dual degrees in music and music education from Carnegie-Mellon University, he embarked on a professional journey that quickly brought him to the national spotlight. From 1981 to 1983, Keith toured with the legendary Buddy Rich Big Band, performing on alto and baritone saxophones, flute, and oboe, and arranging several charts for the ensemble. He recalls this period as a pivotal and inspiring learning experience that shaped both his

Harold Bradley was one of the most recorded guitarists in the history of Nashville. Harold and his brother, the legendary producer, Owen Bradley, created a new feel in country music, a style known today as the “Nashville Sound.” Harold can be heard on classic recordings such as “Crazy” by Patsy Cline and “Little Sister” by Elvis Presley. Advocating music education and playing a strong role in preserving the history of music and its Nashville connection, Harold was a popular and effective leader as President of the Musicians Union and an author of several important articles on musi

Buddy Collette changed music in more than one way. As a noted reed man, he played jazz along some of the greatest players in history including his boyhood friend, Charlie Mingus. Buddy was instrumental in the birth of the Los Angeles jazz scene. Beginning in the late 1940s, Buddy set out to break the color line within the American musicians’ union, which at the time separated the black performers from the whites within their directories. Thanks to Buddy’s efforts the Los Angeles chapter of the union was among the first to classify all members as equal.

Dennis Dreith was inspired and encouraged by several music teachers and professors during the early part of his education. A few of his college professors made special accommodations so that Dennis could gain his class credits while touring with bands. Those experiences, along with the kindness shown to him by studio musicians, helped Dennis realize his need to help the next generation of musicians.

Marv Drucker spent his early career in New York playing all types of venues from showrooms, to hotels, dives, clubs and theaters, more than you can imagine. Such performers were referred to as “musical journeyman,” and Marv was among the best. He witnessed firsthand the changing of musical styles in New York as the big bands folded and bebop became the most popular form of jazz following World War II. Marv was there to see how these changes affect working musicians and he realized the important role the Musicians Union played in seeking proper compensation for his work. Years late

Walter Fuller played trumpet for Earl “Fatha” Hines when Earl, a pianist, formed his first big band in 1936. Walter gained fame as trumpet player and singer on several of the band’s hit recordings. During our interview, Walter spoke of working in clubs owned by mobsters, bringing the Chicago style of jazz to San Diego as early as 1947, and his career in the Southern California jazz scene. He was very humble about his significant role in racially integrating the San Diego chapter of the musicians union, stating that he would only join the board if they no longer separated black mus

Max Herman played his first professional music job at the age of 13. He enjoyed a stellar music career as the first trumpeter for many of the top name bands of the Swing Era. Most notably, Max was the first trumpet in the Bob Crosby Orchestra. His second career was that of music publisher, forming Fiesta Music and Herman Music. His third career was that of President of the Musicians Union, for which he is credited for many advances of that organization. Max passed away less than one month before his 100th birthday, leaving a wonderful musical legacy. 

Dale Thompson joined the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) at the remarkable age of 11, already showcasing his talent on the trumpet. Ironically, Dale would later serve as a dedicated steward of the AFM. Before that, he performed with the Escovedo Latin Jazz Band while attending San Francisco State College. Among his many playing highlights, one of the most significant was his six-year tenure with the renowned Glenn Miller Orchestra under the direction of Buddy DeFranco, starting in 1967. During that period, he was invited to test-play Yamaha trumpets while on tour in Japan.