And Hairston sums it up with words that inspire and motivate: “Privilege is such a powerful thing when it’s used to uplift and empower people of color. At the end of the day, you just keep doing the right thing and the needle will continue to move in the right direction.” As I interviewed these talented musicians by phone, I used audio editing software to record our conversations. Being STANFORD in the room myself, my questions were naturally input at a THOMPSON higher volume level than their speaker-phone responses. In transcribing, I amplified their volume levels, a process appropriately called ‘normalization’, and thought, “Yes, their message needs to be amplified! It’s as if they’re speaking to us from across the street, with a lot of cultural traffic noise obscuring our ability to hear.” For the benefit of artists and audiences alike, we can all act as amplifiers, allies and advocates. Support for the Talent Development Program generously provided by AT&T, The Coca-Cola Company, Georgia Power and Georgia Pacific.
TDP 25TH ANNIVERSARY RECITAL SERIES SEP 22 | 4pm FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MARIETTA TDP FOUNDER:
A
AZIRA G. HILL
native of Cuba, Mrs. Azira Gonzales Hill and her late husband, Jesse, have promoted community advancement, worked for civil rights and helped African-Americans attain leadership positions in local, state and federal offices for more than six decades. Mrs. Hill joined the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Board of Directors in 1990 and soon after founded the Orchestra’s Talent Development Program, in which she has been deeply involved since its inception and its ultimate launch in 1993. The Azira G. Hill scholarship was established in 1999, which enables TDP Fellows to attend intensive summer music study programs across the nation.
OCT 14 | 3pm BIG BETHEL AME CHURCH NOV 30 | 8pm FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ATLANTA Recitals are free, but ticketed. Reserve your tickets at aso.org/TDP TDP 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT FEB 9 | 8pm ATLANTA SYMPHONY HALL Music Director Robert Spano, TDP alumni, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and special guests Imani Winds will join together for an evening of music in celebration of the 25 impactful years of the Talent Development Program. More information and tickets at aso.org/TDP25.
18 aso.org | @AtlantaSymphony | facebook.com/AtlantaSymphony