Meet Edmund Velasco | American Federation of Musicians Local 7 President (Orange County, Long Beach)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Edmund Velasco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Edmund, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
One of the most important aspects of my job is listening. When you are trying to find out what issues people have with their work, you have to hear what they say, not just agree or disagree. When you let people talk, they will tell you what motivates them to do what they do. They will also tell you what obstacles they face and how it makes it hard for them to do their jobs. Although I was a musicians with a full-time job at a theme park for almost three decades, I was also doing freelance work on the side. You have to in order to make ends meet in LA. This constant struggle to make a living as a musician has been made worse by laws that have targeted musicians directly. When other musicians find out that their struggles are not unique and that if we stand together, we can work in concert to improve our situation.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I was a student at Cal State Long Beach, the only focus I had was trying to make a living as a musician. I started working professional gigs when I was 19. By the time I was 26, I got my first steady job as a musician in a big band at Disneyland. After two years, the band was disbanded. During those two years, I started subbing and other bands, including the Disneyland band. I was also writing and performing my own works with my own jazz quintet around town. Through the years, I played in many different bands, and many different styles. The thought of being a union officer was not even in my fainted of thoughts. The more work I did at Disneyland, the more I realized that the union was the reason why I was able to afford to buy a house, put my kids through school, have health insurance, and to survive as a professional musician. I use the job to further my career as a solo artist. My group traveled to Europe a few times and we released four recordings. My whole career changed when I started becoming involved as an executive officer for the musicians union. I found that I liked learning about how contracts are bargained. The concept that we were participating to make things better for ourselves and future generations, excited me. When I was asked if I would run for vice president, I said yes! The president at the time, Bob Sanders, was eyeing retirement. I started working in the office one or two days a week while keeping my job at Disneyland. After a while, became clear that I needed to be in the office more hours in order to do the job I wanted. During this time, I was training to learn how to organize musicians and bargain contracts. When Covid hit, Bob decided to retire. It was understandable. He wanted to retire, and things were going to be a lot harder. I knew that Tammy Noreyko (secretary, treasurer) and Pam Magnes (executive assistant to the president) had my back. I also knew that as long as I listened to the musicians, we would have a better chance for success. We still have a lot of work to do but I feel that we are getting it done.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I think the first place that I would take my friend in Los Angeles would be Disneyland. It wouldn’t be for the rides. I would take them to see the bands that perform there on a regular basis. Next, I would take them to hear Pacific Symphony or Long Beach Symphony for the evening. These musicians are truly incredible. Finally, if we had time, I would take them to Les Amis in Fullerton. If the Ron Kobiashi Trio is performing, I know that we would end the evening with some world-class jazz. And the food there is first-rate.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are several people I would like to thank. The first is Tammy Noreyko. She is the Secretary Treasurer for Local 7 and a wonderful friend. She mentored me when I was vice president to think like an officer and not just a musician. She showed incredible insight and patience with me. I would also like to thank my Michael Manley. He encouraged my development recommending trainings and offered advice when I needed most. I would like to thank Lisl Soto and Kevin Case for their legal advice and friendship. They have taught me how to bargain effectively. I would like to take my family for their endless patients while I made my transition from Musician to officer. And, of course, every member of Local 7. You are the reason that we are gaining power. You are the reason we exist. It is an honor and privilege to work with and represent you all.

Website: ocmusicians.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocmusicians

Twitter: @local_7

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ocmusicians

Image Credits
Chris Garcia (black & white)