A Study of Prominent African-American Orchestral Trumpet Players from 1970 to 2018

Classically-trained African-American musicians often experience the world of professional music differently from their peers in American orchestras. This dissertation explores the African-American experience through case studies based on interviews with five prominent orchestral trumpet players, all performers at the peak of their careers between 1970 and 2018. Subjects discussed not only the racial issues affecting their education, employment, and professional lives, but also offered insights regarding music preparation, stress management, and their place in a world where they are overwhelmingly outnumbered. While the primary goal of this study is to shine a light on racism within classical music, it also calls attention to performing organizations and educators that effectively identify and address racial inequality and act upon it. The ultimate goal, however, is to lay the groundwork for a better tomorrow, a world in which young African-American musicians are not only inspired, but encouraged to pursue careers in orchestral trumpet playing. The ultimate goal, however, is to lay the groundwork for a better tomorrow, a world in which young African-American musicians are not only inspired, but encouraged to pursue careers in orchestral trumpet playing. The results of this study could act as a catalyst for other instrumentalists of color who desire to affect social change. Interview subjects included Langston Fitzgerald III, Billy Hunter Jr., Tage Larsen, Lyman Brodie, and Rodney Marsalis