Advisor
Singleton, Kenneth
Committee Member
Bellman, Jonathan
Committee Member
Bolden-Taylor, Diane
Committee Member
Boyce, Travis
Department
Music Performance
Institution
University of Northern Colorado
Type of Resources
Text
Place of Publication
Greeley (Colo.)
Publisher
University of Northern Colorado
Date Created
8-2018
Extent
237 pages
Digital Origin
Born digital
Abstract
Classically-trained African-American musicians often experience the world of professional music differently from their peers in American orchestras. This dissertation explores the African-American experience through case studies based on interviews with five prominent orchestral trumpet players, all performers at the peak of their careers between 1970 and 2018. Subjects discussed not only the racial issues affecting their education, employment, and professional lives, but also offered insights regarding music preparation, stress management, and their place in a world where they are overwhelmingly outnumbered. While the primary goal of this study is to shine a light on racism within classical music, it also calls attention to performing organizations and educators that effectively identify and address racial inequality and act upon it. The ultimate goal, however, is to lay the groundwork for a better tomorrow, a world in which young African-American musicians are not only inspired, but encouraged to pursue careers in orchestral trumpet playing. The ultimate goal, however, is to lay the groundwork for a better tomorrow, a world in which young African-American musicians are not only inspired, but encouraged to pursue careers in orchestral trumpet playing. The results of this study could act as a catalyst for other instrumentalists of color who desire to affect social change. Interview subjects included Langston Fitzgerald III, Billy Hunter Jr., Tage Larsen, Lyman Brodie, and Rodney Marsalis.
Degree type
PhD
Degree Name
Doctoral
Local Identifiers
Woods_unco_0161D_10675
Rights Statement
Copyright is held by the author.
