University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Post

We could not let this month pass without wishing the incredible Vaughnette Bigford a Happy Black Music Month!!! In case you didn't know, June is the month to celebrate Black musicians' enduring impact and legacy and their creativity on music, culture, and history. We love you Vaughette!! Thank you so much for all your support and for gracing the world with your talent!! __________________________________________________________________________________ Want a way to keep up with all these special dates and occasions, DM and ask about getting your very own copy of the 2024 Caribbean CEO Publicity Calendar

History informs us that Black people have been barred from orchestra halls, as people believed they did not "...have the cognitive capability of appreciating or playing such an esteemed art form," with that mindset persisting today. For example, inequitable audition and tenure processes, the absence of organization-wide diversity training in orchestras, and limited grievance processes. The exclusive nature of classical music institutionalized through entities like the American Musicological Society, has perpetuated a predominantly white, elite portrayal. As a result, classical music’s necessary influence to integrate within communities of color has faltered. By the time orchestras began diversifying audiences, many Black Americans and marginalized communities had turned to more welcoming genres. Communities of color and groups who have been marginalized still struggle to see themselves within Classical Music because of generational trauma combined with White Supremacy's hold on culture, which supports dominant narratives. Yet, the contributions of Black musicians have been immense—think Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Florence Price, William Grant Still, Marin Anderson, Leontyne Price, Nina Simone, Elayne Jones, and all the living musicians today. Their impact on classical music's culture and history is undeniable. Enter the Black Orchestral Network (BON), a beacon in troubled waters. BON's advocacy work isn't new; it's about sharing the wisdom of Black musicians, fostering historical accuracy, and propelling progress for Black musicians to thrive. Read the full article and share BON's recent letter, "Dear American Orchestras, Part II," using the link. #Arts #Culture #Music #Orchestra #Musicians #ClassicalMusic #Inclusivity #MusicHistory #Policy #Psychology #Diversity #Community #Equity

"We need diversity because every voice deserves to be heard, and because every voice has a perspective to add that makes everyone better." As Black History Month comes to an end, our Symphonette and Tutti Strings Conductor, Pierce Cook talks about the importance of diverse repertoire along with his favorite Black composers. Read all about it in our latest blog → https://lnkd.in/eWUrmHDi

Why It Matters

On this episode of Here and Now, we go inside the fight for tenure among Black orchestral musicians.

Simple yet a very powerful message.

“We shall sing to them, what we can not say to them” Thank you to the University of Redlands Conservatory of Music, Inland Empire Master Chorale, and the Defiant: Requiem Foundation for creating such a powerful statement of music, and for the opportunity of learning such a impactful topic in history and selection of music. For those who are curious where I am: check the bottom left corner! To learn more about the impact of Raffi Schächter and his movement in the Holocaust, please click the link here: https://lnkd.in/gYfRSKKk

Consider adding an African American Studies course to your summer plan of study: AfroAmer156 is the story of how Black music became one of the world’s dominant cultural forces, and how it shaped the musical, social and political landscape of the United States from the end of World War II until the present. It considers how Black music articulates survival, redemption, and reinvention, how those themes reflect the African-American experience in postwar 20th and 21st-century America, and how those themes can be heard in the music we hear today. Musical styles covered in the course include the blues, gospel, rock and roll, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, disco, and hip-hop.