A Study Of Background Characteristics, Preparation, And Perceptions Of Black And Non-Black Performing Musicians As It Relates To Selection And Placement Criteria Within Major And Regional Symphony Orchestras
A Study Of Background Characteristics, Preparation, And Perceptions Of Black And Non-Black Performing Musicians As It Relates To Selection And Placement Criteria Within Major And Regional Symphony Orchestras
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Date
1989
Authors
Edwards, George Leonard
Advisor
Craig, Randall J.
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was twofold. The first was
to investigate the extent to which major and regional
symphony orchestras employed non-Black and Black musicians.
The second was to investigate the background
characteristics (education, musical training, culture),
Professional experiences, and perceptions of non-Black and
Black musicians in major and regional symphony orchestras.
The population was composed of 31 major symphony
orchestras (orchestras with annual operating budgets in
excess of $3.4 million), and 44 regional symphony
orchestras (orchestras with annual operating budgets between $950,000 and $3.4 million). From this
population, the sample was composed of 75 orchestra
managers and 244 performing musicians, 200 non-Black and 44
Black. Data were collected through the use of two
questionnaires, one to managers of the orchestras and one
to musicians in the orchestras. An analysis of the
data was made using descriptive and inferential statistical
techniques: frequencies, means, chi-square and MANOVA. The
statistical Package from the Social Sciences (SPSS)
computer program was used to process the information
received in response to questionnaire items.
The results revealed that very little progress has
been made in hiring Black musicians in symphony orchestras
since 1977. There is less than two percent Black
employment of musicians in major and regional symphony
orchestras. Most of these orchestras have no official
training program or activity to increase the number of
Black performing musicians, nor is there any significant
attempt to recruit qualified Black musicians. Orchestra
managers acknowledge the limited participation of Black
musicians in symphony orchestras and indicated that few
qualified Black musicians apply and audition.
This study showed that the background experiences
(musical and educational) of the two groups of player
personnel (non-Black and Black) were very similar; however,
because of the fierce competition for positions, few Blacks
apply and audition. It is recommended that early and consistent exposure
and a traditional conservatory style of training that
concentrates on mastering the instrument and gaining
knowledge of the symphony repertoire serve as a
means for promoting symphonic music as a career.