The Regional Orchestra Players' Association

Regional Orchestra Players' Association (ROPA) consists of orchestras with budget sizes up to $5 million. ROPA was founded in 1984, modeled after ICSOM to deal with the special concerns of musicians who work in smaller (often part-time) orchestras. ROPA promotes the interests of its member orchestras and their musicians. As an official Conference of the American Federation of Musicians, it acts to enhance communications among orchestras, with the AFM and its Locals, and with other conferences. As a representative organization, it pursues other activities conducive to the general welfare and artistic well being of its members.

Some of ROPA's activities include:

• Providing access to information, with roughly 5000 professional musicians from 70 member orchestras sharing their knowledge and experiences in creating healthy, growing work environments, through negotiation, and committee organization.
• Distributing The Leading Tone newsletter.
• Maintaining a Conductor Evaluation Database for the private confidential use of member orchestras.
• Organizing an Annual Conference, with educational seminars and workshops, networking opportunities with delegates from other orchestras, and information on current industry trends.
• Offering an email discussion list for ROPA members and AFM friends.
• Maintaining an Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) for helping full member orchestras through difficult times.

Above all, membership in ROPA means working with colleagues who share the same goals and aspirations for the welfare of our art and our profession.

Locally, the Palm Beach Opera Orchestra is a member of ROPA.