About the Black Orchestral Network (BON):
The mission of the Black Orchestral Network (BON) is to support Black orchestral musicians by Cultivating Community, Lifting Our Voices, and Telling Our Stories.
We see a world where Black orchestral musicians easily find reflections of themselves, and all their complexities, in the history and future of orchestral music.
Click here to meet the BON team
Who We Are:
The Black Orchestral Network (BON) is an organization dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for Black people in the orchestral field.
BON is a necessary vehicle for securing a future where Black classical artists are connected and form a rich, expressive, and culturally affirming network. Connection within the Black orchestral community is vital to our sense of belonging and well-being.
The understanding and improvement of the Black experience is critical not only to the future of Black orchestral musicians but also to the future of orchestral music as a practice and the music industry as a whole.
In pursuit of this mission, BON is committed to the following:
Our Commitments
Cultivating Community
Bringing the community together to strengthen our coalition, forge stronger connections, and collectively discover our direction through a series of convenings.
Nurturing Excellence
Forging meaningful teaching, learning, and professional development opportunities for current and aspiring Black orchestral musicians.
LIfting Our voices
Amplifying the needs and perspectives of Black musicians and pressuring the industry to center the Black experience, as with “Dear American Orchestras”.
‘Black Music Seen’
Producing creative content that features Black orchestral musicians in their own voice. Our platform is a celebration of our unique contributions to the world of music.
Data-Driven Change
Collection of data, both from within the Black Orchestral Network and the field writ large, to build an accurate picture of the desires and needs of Black orchestral musicians. ·
Community COnvenings
Through convening the community, discovering and being responsive to calls for new work that BON is uniquely positioned to take on.
Questions?
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Membership in BON is open to both individuals and institutions. We welcome Black orchestral musicians, music enthusiasts, orchestras, educational institutions, and anyone passionate about advancing the cause of Black musicians in the classical music industry.
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BON welcomes supporters and allies from all backgrounds. You can contribute by attending our events, volunteering your time, making a donation, or advocating for the inclusion of Black musicians in the classical music industry.
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No, BON is an inclusive network that welcomes individuals and organizations of all backgrounds who share our commitment to advancing equity and inclusivity in classical music. Allies and supporters play a crucial role in our mission.
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BON actively promotes inclusivity and equity by advocating for diverse representation in orchestras and music education. We work to eliminate barriers and provide opportunities for Black musicians to thrive in the industry.
THe Black Orchestral Network is generously supported by the Mellon Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
