It was recently announced that FIU’s long-time tuba/euphonium professor Jay Bertolet will assume a two-year position as President of the South Florida Musicians Association, AFM Local 655, beginning on January 2, 2015.
The South Florida union was formed in 1913 and represents the interests of professional musicians from Key West to Vero Beach. The union is comprised of recording and freelance musicians who perform at cultural institutions such as the Kravis Center, the Broward Center, and the Jackie Gleason Theater, among many others.
“I am humbled and honored to be elected to the position of President of AFM Local 655.” said Bertolet. “I’ve been a member of this local for almost 30 years and it gives me great pleasure to offer my efforts to help make the local a valuable resource for the musician community of South Florida.”
In addition to his teaching responsibilities at FIU, Mr. Bertolet is an active freelance performer in the South Florida area. He is Principal Tuba and Cimbasso for the orchestra of the Florida Grand Opera. He serves as the Principal Tuba and Cimbasso for the Miami Symphony Orchestra, the Palm Beach Symphony, the Klezmer Company Orchestra, the Symphonia Boca Raton, and Keith Brion’s New Sousa Band. He also plays Cimbasso for productions of Opera Naples and Opera Tampa as well as for the renowned singer Andrea Bocelli.
To read more about Jay Bertolet, click here.
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