Vote Your Choice
About Lydia
Musical Journey
My mother and father are both professional musicians and college music professors. In my family, music is in the fabric of who we are, not just an activity that we do. I grew up in South Carolina on a university campus where quality music education was a top priority. Piano lessons began at age 3, violin at 4, flute at 9, even pipe organ at 11.
Throughout my childhood, our family purpose was clear: make excellent music and equip others to do the same.
In 1985 my family moved to Los Angeles so that my Father could complete his Doctorate in Choral Conducting at USC. I remember walking the grounds of the USC School of Music with my father, listening and watching the students practice along the paths outside.
From Arcadia Jr. High/High School through University, I watched my parents work multiple gigs and long hours to ensure I had every opportunity to continue in their footsteps as musicians, developing my identity as a violinist. I remember my first gig - a $20 string quartet casual - at age 14. I’ll never forget how rewarding it felt to be paid for the first time to do what I loved.
Over the years I have performed in Musical Theater, Opera, Ballet, Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, and on Recording Sessions. I’ve worked as a Music Educator, an Orchestra Contractor and an Orchestra Personnel Manager.
My journey has taught me how important it is that musicians are afforded equal opportunity to thrive financially as they fulfill their purpose in their chosen career. It has led me to my current path - running for Secretary-Treasurer of AFM Local 47.
AFM Member Story
I became a member of AFM Local 47 in 1998. I attended the Henry Mancini Jazz Institute that year and because of our performances at the Hollywood Bowl, we were required to join the union.
I didn’t fully understand the role of AFM Local 47 when I joined.
I knew that the union was the organization you needed to be a part of in order to do union work in Los Angeles. I thought just being a member of the union was how I would get more union gigs. If I wasn’t getting union work, I didn’t see the value in remaining a union member.
When I learned that Local 47 is its Membership - the Musicians of Los Angeles - working together to create change and opportunity for our industry, I began to get more involved.
My pivotal moment was 7 years ago at a town hall meeting about the future of video game recording in Los Angeles. I stood up and asked then Vice President John Acosta whether Local 47 had a strategic plan in place to proactively tackle these issues. I remember saying something like:
“I guarantee you the Corporations sitting across the negotiating table from us have a 10-year Strategic Plan to protect their bottom line. We need a 10-year plan to protect ours.”
In 2016, soon after John Acosta was elected Local 47 President, my phone rang. It was John, asking if I would step up and serve on the committee tasked with crafting Local 47’s official Strategic Plan. I said yes, and have taken a proactive role ever since.
Why Am I Running for Local 47 Secretary-Treasurer?
I’m running for election to ensure that our Local 47 Secretary-Treasurer’s Office is responsive, accurate, accountable, and solution-driven. I believe I’m uniquely qualified to serve in the role as Secretary-Treasurer.
Not only am I a musician who understands the needs of our Members, but my education and career path in corporate finance, communication, and business management have prepared me for the rigors of this position.
I also have first-hand knowledge of what is required for the Office. Over the past 7 years, I’ve served Local 47 in many different roles, most of which fall under the Secretary-Treasurer’s supervision. I’m currently in the Local 47 offices on a weekly basis, working with our current Secretary-Treasurer on significant initiatives and overseeing the Local’s financial decisions as a Trustee on the Executive Board. Taking on the 23 unique responsibilities of the Secretary-Treasurer’s Office is the next step for me to continue the work I’ve done up to this point.
Why aren’t you running on a slate?
I chose not to run on a slate. I was asked by the leaders of each opposing slate to run on their team for the Office of Trustee. I ran on a slate in the last Local 47 election and was elected Delegate to the AFM Convention. There are MANY advantages to running on a slate. From outreach to expenses, campaigning is much easier when shared across a group of 19-20 individuals.
But this is a landmark year for our Local. It is the first election in years where every office is contested.
I believe, for the health of our Local and all our best interests, candidates should stand for each office independently, proving themselves through the democratic process.
I may have chosen the more difficult path, but I look forward to proving myself for the Office where I can best serve my fellow musicians. With 40 separate candidates this year, I challenge every Local 47 Member to research each person’s qualifications BEFORE marking your ballot and VOTE YOUR CHOICE for every Office.
How would the Secretary-Treasurer’s Office be different under your leadership?
Under my leadership the Local 47 Secretary-Treasurer’s Office would:
Proactively plan and budget with the Executive Board, so Local 47 can face our future from a position of strength
Be accessible to Local 47 members, responding to their communications and resolving their questions in a timely manner
Ensure Accurate Accounting and Recording of member transactions
Utilize modern communication platforms that meet members’ 21st-century needs
Lead a Membership Department that is easy to access and provides accurate and timely information to existing and prospective members