This fall, the League of American Orchestras published two pioneering studies on diversity at U.S. orchestras. Racial/Ethnic and Gender Diversity in the Orchestra Field, commissioned by the League with research and data analysis by Dr. James Doeser, reports on workforce gender and ethnic/racial diversity among orchestra musicians, conductors, staff, executives, and board members. The study uses longitudinal data—going back nearly 40 years in some cases—to identify trends and to establish a baseline of where we stand today. Forty Years of Fellowships: A Study of Orchestras’ Efforts to Include African American and Latino Musicians, commissioned by the League with research and analysis by Nick Rabkin and Monica Hairston O’Connell, is an in-depth examination of orchestras’ programs to diversify their musician ranks with fellowships for African American and Latino musicians. The report presents data about diversity fellowships from 1976 to the present day; explores the perspectives of fellowship alumni; and contains recommendations that could be used to strengthen not only fellowship programs but diversity efforts of all kinds. Download the reports at the Learning and Leadership Development section of americanorchestras.org.
