Racial Discrimination In Music: A Guide to Overcome Trials and Tribulations in the Arts
Raven Blaylock Mentor: Daniel A. Pardo Department of Music and Theatre Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences Introduction: In recent months, the classical music world has unveiled a series of untold truths regarding discrimination for people of color in orchestras and large institutions. Nevertheless, there are artists who have endured and successfully negotiated obstacles, thus proving that is possible to design a system where achievement and fulfillment in the arts is possible. Our project consists of a series of interviews with trailblazer artists who hold national and international profiles in key positions in orchestras and universities. These interviews will be transcribed for further analysis of the common traits in either personality, work ethic, uprising, or any new factors we find as a result of this research. The findings of this research will be used to write an article for submission to the following outlets: The Flute Quarterly (National Flute Association publication), the TMEA (Regional Conference), as well as our own Prairie View Music Department Seminar Series and a segment in the upcoming Prairie View International Flute Festival 2021. Methodology: The method we will be using for this project will be broken up into the two semesters. For the first semester, we have focused on collecting and reviewing current research regarding racial issues in the arts and finding minority flutists and conductors who have successfully navigated through racial injustices. We are searching through various universities, orchestras, and chamber groups for interviewees. We have also focused on building an appropriate assortment of interview questions that will help us get the right answers throughout the interview process. Expected Results: Our writing based on experiences by our artists roster will show that achieving success in the arts is not only an open channel for the privileged few, but rather the result of consistent work based on self-accountability, resilience and perseverance. This publication will also indicate PVAMU's concern and focus on making viable paths to success for the next generations. Our current list of artists for interviews includes: Judy Dines, Dr. Meghan Bennett, Roderick Cox, Michael Morgan, Hubert Laws, Valerie Coleman, Jennifer Grim, Thomas Wilkins, Demarre McGill, Sherry Winston, and Damien Sneed. References 1. Grieving, T. (2019, September 11). Few black conductors lead orchestras. For Anthony Parnther, it's time to represent. Retrieved from LATimes. 2. Mancini, J. (2017, August 1). The Young Conductor Paving the Way for Black Musicians in Orchestra. Retrieved from NBCBLK. 3. NBC News. (2015, May 20). Young, Gifted and Black : Conductor Damien Sneed. Retrieved from NBCBLK. 4. Raganwhiteside.com. (2020, 08 24). Bio. Retrieved from Raganwhiteside.com : http://www.raganwhiteside.com/bio/ 5. UK Librairies. (2020, December 18). African American Women Play Musical Instruments: Flute.
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