A musician auditioning for a position in a symphony orchestra “may be vying for one spot among more than 100 applicants,” writes Nick Lippa on Tuesday (2/26) at radio station WBFO (Buffalo, N.Y.). “If you are an orchestra like the Buffalo Philharmonic and have no African-American instrumentalists, how do you address the issue? … Last year, Jaman Dunn was named the BPO’s first-ever assistant conductor and outreach coordinator…. Otis Glover is co-chair of the BPO’s Diversity Council, which was founded in May of 2016. He [questions] ‘how often … artists of color [are] brought in to the various philharmonic performances unless it’s a special noted occasion.’ … On May 8, Dunn will be leading a side-by side performance of the BPO with the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. BAVPA students will also receive coaching lessons from BPO musicians…. For young minority musicians without resources, the Council raises funds each year for scholarships for the BPO’s Summer Studio program.” Music Director JoAnn Falletta says, “We know that not all schools are able to provide [music education]. We’ve stepped in. We now offer free concerts for every person in the Buffalo school system, from first grade through sixth.”
Posted March 1, 2019
