Dear GMMQ members,
From May 7 to June 2, you will be voting online to elect the members of the GMMQ Board of Directors. Nominations are presented on this page by position and in alphabetical order.
GMMQ members are asked to vote for one president, one vice-president for Montreal, one vice-president for Quebec, and nine “without designated title” members of the Board of Directors (including two from the Quebec City region).
Many thanks to all!
Denis Lapalme, election chairman, mandated by the members present at the nomination meeting on April 16, 2024.
Here are the members up for election (click on the name to view a candidacy directly):
President (one person) (officer) :
Muhammad Abdul Al-Khabyyr
Dear Members,
Consider this candidature, an engagement. i.e., an engagement for us all to stand up for our profession which is, the music industry. We musicians, who are the veritable producers of the product, the product being the music, have actually never accorded a monetary value upon it.
In 1979, a cegep humanities professor stated that from the entire music industry, musicians receive only 2% of all revenues. Just recently we have seen an equivalence during the solar eclipse when the sunlight was reduced by 98% for a few minutes. Our financial stream has been reduced by this same amount for many decades running.
Musicians in the music industry are no different from the players in professional sports leagues. However, hockey players receive 50% of all revenues in the NHL. i.e., 50 cents on every dollar. We, the players of our 'league', receive 2 cents on every dollar on the same Centre Bell playing surface. Production companies say that they are the ones taking the financial risks. Have we not invested financially with 10,000 – 20,000 hours of practice ? Thank you for reading.
Music is the science and knowledge that completes us all.
Towards a bright future,
Muhammad (Mo) - mo406.ca
Vincent Seguin
My name is Vincent Seguin, and I am a percussionist. I served on the GMMQ Board of Directors for over 10 years and was actively involved in various committees and collective bargaining agreement negotiations. I had the privilege of stepping in for the outgoing president at different events in the cultural industry, which enabled me to build strong relationships with the artistic community. I have always been committed not only to improving our working conditions, but especially to exposing harmful management practices towards musicians. I take the GMMQ’s mission very seriously, and would strive to deliver even more tangible, positive outcomes for its members. I would aim to tackle a number of issues, including—but not limited to—the following:
• Ensuring that state-subsidized producers comply with our collective bargaining agreements;
• Implementing an employment insurance plan for freelancers in the performance industry (social safety net for occasional workers);
• Advocating for artists to be represented on the boards of directors of state-owned cultural funding entities;
• Enhancing communication between GMMQ officials and members on the field;
• Improving working conditions for all.
Vincent Seguin: Linktree
Vice-President Quebec (1 position)
Jacques Bourget
Tromboniste, arrangeur, directeur musical, compositeur et pédagogue.
JACQUES BOURGET a étudié le trombone classique et le trombone jazz, l’arrangement et la composition au Berklee College of Music de Boston, à l'Université Laval et à l'Université Concordia de Montréal.
Jacques Bourget enseigne le trombone classique et jazz au Cégep de Sainte-Foy depuis 1988, le trombone jazz à la Faculté de musique de l'Université Laval depuis l'automne 2000.
Je suis membre de la GMMQ depuis 1978. J’ai travaillé comme tromboniste pigiste pendant plusieurs années avant de démarrer ma propre entreprise artistique. De plus, j’ai été sur le conseil d’administration du bureau de Québec pendant trois ans au moment de la fusion des deux bureaux.
Je sollicite un autre mandat à titre de vice-président pour l’est du Québec, car je souhaite continuer à m’investir au sein du Conseil d'Administration de la GMMQ. Je crois à la mobilisation et à l’union des forces, et surtout travailler fort pour améliorer les conditions de travail des musiciens. Étant en contact avec de jeunes musiciens et musiciennes, je trouve important de les guider et de les informer sur le fait qu’il y a une organisation professionnelle sur laquelle ils peuvent compter.
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Annie Vanasse
Doublebassist, teacher, holder of an MBA and Director of the Conservatoire de musique de Rimouski, I have been a member of the board of directors of the GMMQ since 2010. I am particularly involved in the Comité d’Action, Femmes, Inclusion et Diversité (CAFID[AR1] ).
I now wish to contribute my leadership within the executive.
My experience as a musician and freelancer in different symphony orchestras in large centers and regions ensures that I understand the reality on the ground.
As an experienced manager of a higher education institution, I am personally concerned about the future of emerging musicians and professional musicians.
I am convinced of the importance of adjusting the average annual salary of a musician to a suitable level in order to do justice to the talent and commitment of the artist.
Among other things, I am keen to defend the following:
Lobbying
Raise political decision-makers’ awareness of the need for increased support for musicians and their ecosystem,
Defend the increase to different funding programs,
Democratize, promote Guild contracts for better support among producers,
Rights, interests and conditions of musicians
Status of the artist, insurance, freelance status,
Inclusion, diversity and equity
GMMQ internal structure
Review the nomination process (election).
Vice-President Montréal (1 position):
Frédéric Darveau
Through my candidacy as Montreal vice-president of the Guild of Musicians of Quebec, I propose :
-to implement possible solutions to regulate payments intended for musicians;
-to modernize the contract submission process with affordable solutions;
-to further support members to ensure contributions to their retirement fund in a fair and systematic manner;
-to make representations so that public aid reaches musicians more directly;
-to reconsider current pricing in certain sectors;
-to be concerned about sectors that are neglected and unregulated;
-to find mechanisms to standardize accountability;
-to offer incentives for the recruitment of non-member professional musicians.
-to work in concert with Union des Artistes for services of common interest;
-to enforce the payment of social benefits provided for musicians;
-to establish with the authorities of the various levels of government a recognition plan for the profession of musician;
In conclusion, all these actions will ensure greater well-being for musicians and will strengthen the mission of our organization.
Frédéric - www.fredproduction.ca
Maxime Lalanne
As a musician (drummer), musical director, arranger and composer, I work mainly in the pop music scene, performing live shows as well as in studio and on television.
I have been involved in the GMMQ negotiation and consultation committees since 2012 and I have been on the board as an administrator since 2015.
I am now proposing my candidacy for vice-president (Montreal) to get even more involved and to better serve and represent the members.
To listen to the specific needs and challenges of each and every one, so that the GMMQ can offer adequate and up to date services in accordance with the unique reality of all.
To promote the profession of musician in all its forms and increase recognition.
To improve our socio-economic conditions.
To accentuate political lobbying so that the musical community can be recognized and funded at its fair value.
To ensure that grants and funding reach the musicians in a fair manner.
To find sustainable and lasting solutions.
For us, musicians. Maxime
(do not hesitate to contact me for a complete musical CV)
Directors Montreal (7 positions)
Marie-Josée Arpin
My name is Marie-Josée Arpin, and I am a violinist very active in the performing arts community. I am a member of several symphony orchestras, including Trois-Rivières, Laval,Gatineau, Grand Ballets Canadien, FILMharmonic and freelance.
I believe I have an informed and precise perspective on the reality and difficulties that musicians experience in our workplace and the financial problems faced by Quebec symphony orchestras.
I am interested in ensuring our sustainability and improving our working conditions. It is also crucial for me to convince governments to support the arts community much more. It is about our survival. Culture is essential and must remain accessible to all.
If you vote for me, I promise to get involved with justice, honesty, perseverance and integrity.
Emmanuelle Caplette
Dear GMMQ Member,
I have been working in the music industry for over 20 years. I have traveled the roads of both the Americas and Europe, whether on stage or on television, accompanying various renowned artists or as a speaker/clinician. For the past four years, I have been the "House Drummer" on the show Belle et Bum.
I am delighted to announce my candidacy for the Board of Directors of the GMMQ for the upcoming election. My goal is to actively engage in advocating for the rights of musicians and to contribute more directly to the advancement of these matters. I want to express my gratitude for all your support and I look forward to working towards a more favorable environment for all our musicians.
Sincerely,
Emmanuelle Caplette
Line Deneault
Mon parcours d’étude : Pierre-Laporte, DEC au Conservatoire, Bacc. à McGill et Maîtrise à l’UdM en interprétation du violon.
Mon travail : membre de l’orchestre des Grands Ballets, chef d’attaque à l’OSD et à la pige. Enseignante pour les concentrations musicales de Pierre-Laporte et de Poly-Jeunesse. Administratrice à la Guilde des musiciens.nes depuis 2018.
Je considère qu’il faut s’impliquer, se mobiliser, s’associer afin de donner des bras et des mains à nos paroles, à nos ambitions et à nos rêves. L’implication citoyenne peut prendre différentes formes, pour moi c’est la guilde qui me donne cette opportunité.
Sans réel pouvoir sinon de parler au nom des musiciens, la guilde se doit de refléter nos aspirations, de revendiquer et de faire front commun devant les instances politiques. Elle se doit aussi d’exercer une protection face aux menaces d’abus et d’exploitations. En m’associant à la guilde je revendique le droit à un travail décent, à des conditions favorables à l’expression artistique et à la protection d’une forme d’art rare et précieuse ; la musique.
Pourquoi voter pour moi ? Parce que c’est en tout ça que je crois.
Gabrielle Gélinas
As an active musician in the music industry for nearly 15 years, I know very well the reality of the new generation of musicians having difficulty making ends meet. In addition of being already proactive in contract negotiations on the field and raising awareness about the musicians’ rights, I want to be more involved within our association in order to help the evolution of projects allowing socio-economic and psychological improvements for musicians in the province. During this term on the board of directors, my goals are to :
-Maximize negotiation tools for musicians (e.g.: clear price lists that are easily accessible)
-Promote a more standardized application of remuneration (recommendations of average remuneration according to contexts rather than only minimum standards)
-Take part in the development of projects supporting musicians’ mental health, family support and the place of women in the industry
Looking forward to improving the environment for all of our musicians!
Jean-Fernand Girard
Bonjour chers membres, par la présente je solicite un troisième mandat comme administrateur pour la GMMQ. Avec mon expérience comme orchestrateur, chef d’orchestre et pianiste, je veux continuer à défendre nos conditions de travail. Je côtoie plusieurs secteurs de la scène musicale d’ici, classique, pop, jazz, blues, studio, scène et l’enseignement. Je connais l’enjeu auquel les musiciens et musiciennes sont confrontés pour gagner leur vie. Je veux m’investir à nouveau pour défendre nos droits, et mener à bien les litiges en suspens et les batailles à venir. Votez en grand nombre, c’est important.
Merci,
Jean Fernand Girard.
Sylvain Lamothe
Hello dear members, let me introduce myself, Sylvain Lamothe. I’ve been active as a professional musician (bassist/double bassist) for more than twenty years. I work mainly in the popular music sector, but I have also had the chance to flirt with different musical styles (classical, latin, jazz, etc.).
For several years, I’ve been thinking about getting more concretely involved with my peers and I concluded that the best way would be to sit as an administrator on the GMMQ board.
I consider myself a thoughtful person, possessing leadership, good listening skills and a unifying side, all elements which, in my humble opinion, can prove to be solid assets on a board of directors like that of the GMMQ.
The next few years will be crucial for our profession. Working conditions must constantly be reviewed and improved, so we’ll have to find a way to achieve this in partnership with the various producers/stakeholders, avoiding confrontation. In short, negotiate in an intelligent, lucid and calm manner.
If you like what you read, I invite you to vote for my candidacy as administrator on the GMMQ board of directors!
Jean-Francois Langevin
Let me introduce myself, my name is Jean-François Langevin, I graduated from UQAM in 2006 in popular music performance, with an electric bass profile.
For nearly twenty years now, I have been actively working in the Quebec popular music scene, alongside numerous artists. I've been able to take on the role of musical director, musician, musical arranger, and songwriter. I've had the privilege of working on stage, on tour, and in the studio, as well as on several television shows. Achieving honest, equitable and respectful working conditions has always been at the forefront of my concerns.
More recently, I've been eager to get more involved with the GMMQ, notably by taking part in various meetings and participating in the ADISQUDA-GMMQ negotiating committee for sound recordings.
Committed to making a difference in the music community, I humbly believe that my ability to listen, coupled with my professional rigour and awareness of the realities of all musicians, will be considerable assets in the advancement the GMMQ's mission.
Submitting my candidacy to sit on the GMMQ Board of Directors as an Administrator is the best way for me to represent the interests of my peers with the utmost integrity.
Marie-Josée Simard
Dear members of the Guild of Musicians of Quebec (GMMQ).
I am Marie Josée Simard, solo percussionist. I would like to inform you that I am officially running for election to the GMMQ board of directors. I would like to tell you that my professional Canadian and international musical experiences have allowed me to learn to evolve within several organizations and musical ensembles with rigor and availability. I would be delighted to join the board of directors of the GMMQ de Montréal to represent you for a three-year term from 2024 to 2027.
Marie Josée
www.mariejoseesimard.com
Daphnée Sincennes Richard
Dear members and colleagues,
I will be running for a seat on the GMMQ Board of Directors in the upcoming elections.
Trained as a classical violinist, I have been freelancing in orchestras for over fifteen years. My interest in different styles of music has led me over the years to explore other facets of our artistic world, collaborating with artists and ensembles in contemporary music, jazz, pop-rock, world music, dance and even video games!
With a doctorate in music and a certificate in law, I am currently pursuing a master's degree in arts management. I started this program aiming to become more involved in our cultural and musical milieu, a unique and wonderful world that needs to be heard from and appreciated more than ever. I therefore consider a seat on the GMMQ Board of Directors as a privileged platform for defending our interests and needs, and for bringing about lasting change. While there are many issues to tackle, including fair and equitable remuneration, I specifically want to work towards improving how you are represented within our GMMQ.
Thank you for your vote!
My-Lan Vu
My name is My-Lan and I am a young bassoonist of Vietnamese origin. Following discussions with Vincent Séguin, I have decided to run for the administrative council of the GMMQ. My involvement would offer a rich perspective within the council, shaped by my origins, gender identity, and personal experiences. I am an empathic person and I am aware of the challenges musicians face, such as physical and mental health issues, financial difficulties, and various forms of discrimination (ageism, sexism, etc.). I also recognize that there are diverse needs and situations among musicians, such as practicing another profession or dealing with health problems.
I would like to strengthen the trust between musicians and the GMMQ in order to increase our capacity to foster positive changes. The well-being of my fellow musicians is dear to me, and I am committed to working to improve our situation. Music is a passion, but we must not forget ourselves through this passion.
Directors Quebec (2 positions)
Marie-France Mathieu
I am a dynamic conductor who conducts and collaborates with various orchestras and musical ensembles as a guest conductor. I am the founder and musical director of the Orchestre Philharmonique de la Relève du Québec dedicated to supporting emerging professional musicians. This position leads me into lobbyism action towards politicians. I am also an artist involved in the community, being a member of other board of directors of artistic organisations, just completing a 3-year term on the Conseil Québécois de la Musique and on its government affairs committee. With the GMMQ, I aim to continue to advance the issues that are close to my heart:
-working conditions and remuneration of musicians in the current economic context;
-increased government funding for the performing arts and better transparency on their traceability towards artists;
-the place and integration of emerging musicians in our community;
-the governance of the GMMQ by revising the by-Laws to reflect today’s GMMQ;
-questioning the perceptions and needs of members towards the GMMQ, to take actions contributing to unifying and mobilizing members;
-the impacts of AI.
www.mariefrancemathieu.com
Claude Soucy
En réfléchissant à la rédaction de ce communiqué, j’ai dû remonter le temps, et penser à ce qu’avait été ma vie de musicienne jusqu’à maintenant. Afin de me décrire, j’étais mal à l’aise de verser dans l’ostentation, car, nous le savons tous, nos conditions de travail ne sont pas toutes idylliques.
Aussi, permettez-moi un peu d’humour.
Pianiste, directrice musicale et vocale, interprète dans des dizaines de productions théâtrales, comédies musicales, au cinéma, à la télé, à la radio (variétés et classique), mais aussi, tenancière du bar dans ces mêmes théâtres.
Tournées prestigieuses dans de magnifiques salles, sur 4 continents, mais aussi, dans des sous-sols d’églises où il m’est arrivé de jouer Puccini sur un clavier dont il manquait 2 octaves.
J’ai travaillé pour des producteurs bienveillants mais aussi d’autres qui se sont volatilisés comme par magie, sans me payer.
Ma plus grande fierté est d’avoir formé des centaines d’étudiants au Cégep Ste-Foy; un pur bonheur de leur avoir transmis mon amour de la musique qu’ils perpétuent à leur tour.
Je connais très bien notre milieu de travail ; c’est pourquoi je sollicite un troisième mandat au sein du conseil d’administration de la Guilde.
Daniel Tardif
As a passionate trombonist musician from Quebec City, I am honored to apply for the position of administrator in the Guilde des Musiciens du Québec.
Having grown up in the rich musical culture of Quebec City, I have developed a deep appreciation for the diversity of talents and musical genres that enrich our local scene. As an active member of the guild, I have had the privilege of collaborating with many talented musicians and participating in initiatives to support and promote our artists.
My vision is to create an inclusive environment where every musician has the opportunity to flourish and prosper in his career. I am committed to working closely with my fellow administrators to develop programs and resources that meet the diverse needs of our music community.
Together, we can strengthen the position of the Guilde des Musiciens du Québec as a pillar of the provincial music scene, while offering invaluable support to our members. I am ready to bring my experience, passion and commitment to this noble cause, and I ask for your trust to allow me to serve.
