Director
My name is P. Blake Cooper and I hope you will consider me for continued service as a Director on the AFM Local 47 Executive Board. I am a freelance musician specializing in tuba, cimbasso, euphonium, electric bass, and conducting, as well as music education.
I’ve been a member of the LA freelance scene since moving to town in 2009 when I began my doctoral studies at USC. I’m the Principal Tubist for the New West Symphony and serve on the NWS Orchestra Committee. I’ve been fortunate to perform with many of the orchestras under the Local 47 umbrella, including the LA Phil, LACO, Pasadena Symphony, and LA Opera to name a few. I’ve consistently worked as a recording musician since 2013. Working with so many Local 47 organizations makes me fully invested in the health and security of our union.
I have a passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation of musicians. I teach Tuba and Euphonium at Cal State Northridge, LA City College, Santa Monica College and La Sierra University. I am also the Tuba and Euphonium Teaching Artist for the Harmony Project. Previously I was the conductor for the LA Phil’s YOLA@HOLA Symphonic Winds as well as Orchestra Conductor and Music Director for Harmony Project’s Regional Youth Orchestra.
I have served in my current position on the Local 47 Executive Board and as a member of the Wage Scale Committee since May of 2019. I entered the position with eagerness to learn and passion to promote positive change for all members of our union. I strive to make myself available to Local 47 members of all generations, but especially younger members who may not feel as knowledgeable about what goes on in our local. I strive to help make Local 47 a less mysterious place and a more inviting collective environment.
In my work with Local 47, I collaborated with many others on my slate as a member of the Contract Action Team (CAT) that created the #BandTogether campaign, which worked for months toward improved contracts for motion pictures, TV, and most importantly, streaming services. Many wage and crediting improvements came from that campaign, but the most inspiring part was watching the musicians of Local 47 work together and take action toward a better future. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work, showing up to make sure our voice was heard when it counted. That’s what a strong union requires: participation and solidarity.
The COVID pandemic has been catastrophic for everyone around the world. I’ve had a front row seat to how this is affecting our union and I want to be there to serve as we navigate these challenging times. The way musicians perform and record has been changed by COVID-19 and it’s important that every member is protected with fair and logical contracts. Like Local 47, Musicians47United is a diverse and eclectic assortment of musicians. We earn our livings in music theater and big bands, as touring performers, recording for film, TV, video games and streaming platforms, and as educators. We are ready to build a strong, equitable and inclusive union that benefits everyone. I’m proud to collaborate with my fellow union musicians to help local 47 evolve with the ever-changing musical landscape in Los Angeles. This team has already shown what can happen when musicians band together for common goals, and with your vote, we can continue securing a solid future for the members of local 47.