Charleston Symphony Orchestra Musicians Vote to Leave Union

According to Charleston, S.C.'s Post and Courier, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra musicians have voted to leave the Local 502 union of the American Federation of Musicians.

76 cast a ballot on the issue and they voted 49-27 to leave the union.

Trumpeter Michael Smith told the Post and Courier's Adam Parker, "For the health of our organization, it's really important that the musicians have a collaborative working relationship with the board and management. Under the previous conditions it became virtually impossible to do that."

He noted, "It really is overwhelming the amount of support we've received from the community," Smith added. "The musicians are very appreciative."

The Charleston Symphony Orchestra were forced to end its 2009-10 season early, with some considering filing bankruptcy.

For more information on the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, visit: http://www.charlestonsymphony.com/Home.aspx