“As it becomes increasingly clear that diversity in our orchestras must be a priority moving into the future, more opportunities to facilitate that goal are being created within our industry each year,” writes International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians Chairperson Meredith Snow in the March issue of Senza Sordino. “The National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS) is an unprecedented national initiative created by the Sphinx Organization … the New World Symphony, and the League of American Orchestras (LAO)…. NAAS will provide African-American and Latinx musicians with grant money for auditions, including travel and accommodation, potential lost income, instrument repair, coaching, lessons, and other audition-related expenses…. Another initiative launched this year … by LAO … is the Catalyst Fund…. With a grant from the Catalyst Fund, orchestras can engage a consultant to audit and help in developing a strategic program of coaching, mentoring, and training staff, board members, and/or musicians in best EDI practices for their organization…. An increasing number of our orchestras have created fellowship programs available to musicians from underrepresented populations…. We must continue to support and maintain these programs, as well as create many more.” The article also discusses diversity and inclusion initiatives at several orchestras.
Posted March 12, 2019
