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Abstract
The 2014 National Music Standards embrace a holistic approach to the study of music,encouraging teachers and students to explore a variety of musical styles and musicmaking traditions from around the world. This goal is better served when we recruit a
more diverse teacher workforce that more closely resembles the diversity of the United
States and our school populations. The author will examine the scarcity of black
trombone educators and performers, as well as the many factors that contribute to this
phenomenon. Conclusions will be based on peer reviewed articles and interviews with
black trombonists and composers. A lack of representation, systemic racism, and the
black student experience are just a few of the variables that shape many African
American musicians. Fortunately, there are a growing number of organizations that
support blacks and other people of color in their pursuit of a career in the music field,
several of which will be highlighted for helping to change the narrative with great intent.
This Lecture Recital will be an act of advocacy for the change that National Association
for Music Education (NAfME), the author, and so many others would love to see. The
author will draw upon some of the many disparities in the experiences of African
American trombonists and other musicians in the field of music and provide a way to
move us closer to our goal of a variety of teachers who provide culturally responsive
pedagogy, and diversity of cultures throughout the music curriculum