1896-1909
1896 - The American Federation of Musicians was established and chartered by the American Federation of Labor. Owen Miller served as AFM President from 1896-1900.
1900 - The union changed its name to the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada as interest grew in organizing professional musicians throughout North America. Joseph Weber was elected AFM President and served until 1914.
1903 - In response to competition between foreign and domestic bands at the World's Fair in St. Louis, the union discouraged the hiring of foreign bands.
1904 - The union set the first wage scales (minimum prices) for orchestras traveling with comic operas, musical comedies and similar shows and attractions.
1905 - The union set the first wage scales for traveling Grand Opera.
1907 - On behalf of composers and the AFM, operetta composer Victor Herbert appeared before the US Congress in support of copyright reforms.
