Music & Culture

Classical Music Posts

Passing The Baton: Florence Price And Margaret Bonds

The early 20th century presented a series of uphill battles for women in music. For woman of color, they scaled mountains to compose, play and share their voices. It was a series of old locked doors, blatant racism and intolerance. While many in the white, male-dominated  music community  turned backs, refusing to listen, or even attempted to stop them before they could start , Florence Price and her student Margaret Bonds supported *each other* in tearing down doors and making history.  Continue Reading Passing The Baton: Florence Price And Margaret Bonds

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Passing The Baton: Oboist And WSU Professor Of Music Dr. Keri McCarthy

Music is a tough business, but a diverse one. Not everyone can take center stage in the concert hall. At Washington State University, Dr. Keri McCarthy is one of the professors encouraging her students to think about their future roles in society as musicians– as music consumers, creators, and educators — by looking to the past. Continue Reading Passing The Baton: Oboist And WSU Professor Of Music Dr. Keri McCarthy

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Passing The Baton: Bernstein To Alsop

Many of us admire our musical idols from afar – maybe through keepsakes like concert ticket stubs, autographs or posters taped to our walls. Marin Alsop had two posters up in her New York City bedroom growing up – one of the Beatles and the other of the man who inspired her to become a conductor – Leonard Bernstein. Bernstein ended up becoming more than the man on her poster – her biggest hero became her mentor, teaching her how to be the “messenger of the composer” and passing along his gifts for storytelling.  Continue Reading Passing The Baton: Bernstein To Alsop

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