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CFMA Local 389Central FL Musicians' Association
CFMA Local 389Central FL Musicians' Association
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Central Florida Musicians' Association The Board of Directors in Front of Building

From The Team At CFMA

From The Team At CFMA


Central FL Musicians Association

CFMA Local 389 - History

Musicians Working For Musicians

On April 18, 1924, a charter was granted by the American Federation of Musicians to allow the creation of Local 389 – then known as the Musicians’ Protective Association. The charter was requested by members of the Pythian Band, with the goal being to ensure that musicians were paid fairly. Through the years, the organization (which eventually joined with the Daytona Beach Local) became known as the Orlando Musicians’ Association, and finally the Central Florida Musicians’ Association. The CFMA started with eight members in 1924 then grew to almost a thousand in 50 years. Among its major achievements - collective bargaining agreements with Walt Disney World and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Today’s music scene is much different than that of 100 years ago. But the CFMA remains – supporting musicians in their endeavor to make a living making music.

Wondering what the next step in your career should be? We are happy to share our years of experience on formulating a plan that fits your needs and dreams.

Are you new in town and need to know who to connect with? We network through membership meetings, a contractor list, weekly updates of current events and networking opportunities, social media and a quarterly newsletter, among other things.



Would you like coaching on how to audition for Walt Disney World? We hold up to three auditions per year for our members to audition for the company and we would love to help you prepare.

Are you owed money from a contractor or organization for whom you have worked? We have recovered tens of thousands of dollars for our members over the years.

Central FL Musicians Association

Board of Directors

Sam Zambito

President

Sam Zambito, originally from Canandaigua, NY, has lived and worked in central Florida since 1974. After undergraduate studies at the Eastman School of Music, Sam has played trumpet in various groups in the Central Florida area eventually becoming a bandleader at Walt Disney World for more than 20 years. During his time at Disney, Sam became one of the earliest players of the Electronic Valve Instrument (EVI) which led to many opportunities. A long association with the Japanese company Akai led to performances throughout the USA, Canada and Europe at trade shows, educational conferences and college clinics. Sam has been Secretary/Treasurer of Local 389 since January 2003 and a member of the American Federation of Musicians since 1972.

Madison Harding

Vice President

I am primarily a harpist, but also have a background in piano and percussion. I freelance throughout Central Florida as a soloist and as part of various ensembles and orchestras. I am a musician sideman at Disney, performing with the Candlelight Orchestra. I have been an active member of AFM Local 389 since 2016 and have served as a member of the Local’s Bylaw Committee since 2021. I am a firm believer that musicians are stronger together. I look forward to learning from our returning board members, while contributing my unique perspective to the team.

Michael Sciallaba

Treasurer

My name is Michael Scialabba and as a graduate of Winter Park High School and the University of Florida, I am proud to say that I am a local music product, shaped by the many exceptional educators and professionals that call Central Florida home. I've been a performer at Walt Disney World for over three decades, and I'm currently a longstanding member of the Main Street Philharmonic at the Magic Kingdom. I've served as a Disney Shop Steward for over 10 years, as well as a key member of the Disney CBA Negotiations Team for the last two contracts. I also have a master's degree in Organizational Leadership, which specializes in Strategy and Innovation. I'm incredibly passionate about creating fair and transparent working conditions for all, and defending worker's rights. Your issues matter to me, and I take great pride in representing you with a respectful, but vigorous approach, aimed at finding amicable solutions. I am in your service, and always available to hear your concerns, or ideas about how the union can best support its membership.

Jeff Thomas

Executive Board

Having been trained as a classical and jazz musician, Jeff has had a varied career in both the commercial music industry and on the concert stage. He is Principal Trombone with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bach Festival Orchestra. Jeff has studied with some of the most respected teachers in the country, and he has paid that experience forward through inspiring countless numbers of students and professional performers through teaching and mentoring. All of this (and much more) allows Jeff to reach out and serve the interests of our musicians on a variety of levels. Jeff shares a blended family of six children with his wife and best friend, Kathy Thomas.

Barry Smith

Executive Board

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Barry received his Bachelor of Music Degree from North Texas State University. Since 1982, Barry has been based in the Orlando area as a free-lance musician and performing for Walt Disney World in production shows, conventions, casuals and backing artists in clubs such as the Village Lounge and Pleasure Island Jazz Company. Barry has performed on festivals, tours, and in concerts and clubs with artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Woody Herman, Ira Sullivan, Marian McPartland, Rob McConnell, Bobby Shew, and Debbie Boone. A variety of his recording work includes live television series such as the New Original Amateur Hour and with popular groups such as Mannheim Steamroller. Barry is on faculty at Valencia College, Daytona State College, and has served on faculty at other colleges including Florida State University as Assistant Professor of Music. He has served as an Executive Board member for 20 years.

Brian Smithers

Executive Board

Brian Smithers has been active in the Central Florida music scene for more than 30 years, playing woodwinds at Walt Disney World, in Broadway shows, on the orchestral stage, and in nearly every venue in the area. He has served the CFMA as board member, Vice President, shop steward, and co-chair of the WDW negotiating committee. He is a founding member of the Hippocrene Saxophone Quartet. Brian is currently Program Director of Audio Production at Full Sail University. He has also taught Music Technology at Stetson University. Brian studied saxophone at Ithaca College and the University of Central Florida.

Kathy Thomas

Executive Board

Kathy studied French horn at the University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana and Northern Illinois University. She has played with the Wheaton Summer Symphony, Champaign/Urbana Symphony, Symfonia Da Camera, Danville Symphony, and Hinsdale Symphony, Brevard Symphony Orchestra, Bach Festival Orchestra, West Coast Symphony, Sovereign Brass Quintet and The Florida Orchestra. Since moving to Florida in 1993, Kathy has steadily worked for the Walt Disney World company. In 2004, she won the third horn position with the Orlando Philharmonic. In 2012 Kathy was appointed the position of adjunct professor of French Horn at Stetson University. Mrs. Thomas manages a private teaching studio, and has an extensive recording studio career, including “Movie Songs” and “Broadway” under the Warner Brothers label.

Testimonials

Barrington Raymond

I have been a member since 2002 and have been very satisfied with my Union. They were there for me with assistance toward replacing my roof during the last hurricane. Because of the high deductible I had to pay a large amount to replace my roof.

Carol J. Stein

Being in the AFM is essential for a professional musician. The AFM helps protect you and helps provide quality and safe performances! It enables you to continue your love of performing while providing you with resources and knowledge of “The Biz!” The pension plan is an awesome benefit which most musicians are grateful for to help with future financial security. The camaraderie of fellow professionals is priceless.

Jeremie Michael

The Union is crucial and directly relevant to my success as a working professional musician. The people of Local 389 are genuine and helpful. They are knowledgeable advocates who will talk you through what you need for continued success and security in the industry.

Larry McRae

The Musician’s union has been instrumental in recent years to me and my family. When we first relocated to this area, things did not go as we thought they would. When we needed a little help to get by, to my surprise the musician’s union was the only organization in Orlando that could and did actually help.

Bill Dorfschmidt

I feel protected when I play shows. I know that they have my back if there is a pay dispute or damage to equipment. I love that I can ask questions and get responses quickly.

Daniel Pepin

The Union always has my back when it comes to questions, help with contracts, and finding musicians.

Julian Bond

Live music, and the ability to make a living from musical endeavors, is precious in a town that thrives on arts and entertainment. When musicians unite, we can stand together to foster and support fairness and integrity for working artists. AFM389 has always been a staunch advocate and supporter of these ideals.

Deborah Dansby Wells

When I joined in Illinois - of course you were in the union. I was 16 ... what did I know!?! Through the years, I've come to learn about strength in numbers, strength in purpose, strength in direction. That's what the AFM intends and strives for, BUT it's what Local 389 DOES!!

Kathy Thomas

I was a member of the Chicago Local after graduating college - it was just understood that to pursue a career as a professional musician meant staying in the brother/sisterhood for life. I joined immediately and never regretted my decision!

Michelle Jones

I am a member of the CFMA because... 1) Pension 2) Relationships/Networking 3) Work visas (international gigs) 4) Disney CBA 5) Advocacy for musicians and artists 6) Because Deborah Dansby Wells made me join for a MPTF gig and I'm still here! :)

Randell Morris

Great People. Great Union Lane. A great path into the future!

Terry Myers

I think it's essential for musicians to belong to the only organization which has been there for us through the years. No other entity is there for us. Proud to be a member since 1956.

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