BON Nightcap returns to Detroit for its 4th annual gathering—an evening to connect, unwind, and build community. Join artists, arts administrators, and music supporters for a free, welcoming night of conversation and connection during SphinxConnect. Come as you are, and leave with new colleagues and renewed energy for the future of classical music. Reservations required.

Join us for a live, on-stage conversation recorded for the Black Music Seen podcast, featuring Juilliard students Brittney Bryanna Burgess, Wynter McCray, and Shania Watts. This candid discussion centers the real experiences of college and conservatory students navigating classical music today—artistic growth, future goals, challenges, and hopes for the field ahead. Recorded in front of a live audience, this conversation offers an honest look at the next generation of classical musicians.

Free & open to the public | Live podcast taping in New York City

Join the Black Orchestral Network for a live taping of Black Music Seen, featuring founding members Weston Sprott and Shea Scruggs with special guest, internationally acclaimed tenor Lawrence Brownlee. Recorded in front of a live audience, this conversation centers Black classical musicians’ stories—spanning orchestra and opera—and explores leadership, artistry, and the future of the field.

Join musicians, students, and arts leaders for the BON 2025 Summit in Atlanta on Oct 19, 2025. This free, one-day event explores the future of classical music — from orchestras and HBCUs to youth training, real inclusion, and live artist testimonials.

Experience the BON HBCU Masterclass Series
The Black Orchestral Network (BON) is dedicated to Cultivating Community, Lifting Our Voices, and Telling Our Stories — and this year, we’re bringing that mission to life in Atlanta.

Thanks to generous support from the Mellon Foundation, BON’s HBCU Masterclass Series brings top orchestral musicians to HBCU campuses, offering students the chance to perform, receive feedback, and build lasting connections.

During the BON 2025 Summit, we’re thrilled to present these masterclasses at the Atlanta Music Project for students across the region.

Join the Black Orchestral Network for “Reclamation,” a Juneteenth community conversation featuring cellist and music theorist Philip Ewell. Explore Afrofuturism, equity, and the future of Black classical music. Free and open to all.

🎻 In celebration of Women’s History Month, join us for a special Community Conversation spotlighting the lives, legacies, and artistry of two trailblazing Black women in classical music.
🎙️ Hosted by BON's Ebonee Thomas, this conversation features two powerhouse panelists:
✨Rosalyn Story — violinist, journalist, and author
✨ Diane Kay-Clark —flutist and educator

Together, they’ll reflect on their careers, the evolving landscape of classical music, and the profound impact of Black women in the field.
🗓️ Monday, March 31, 2025
🕢 7:30 PM ET
💻 Free & open to all — Register to receive the Zoom link!

Join us for a powerful Black History Month themed Community Conversation featuring Patrice Jackson and Chris Jenkins! Explore Black cultural and historical influences in classical music and how embracing our cultural values can radically transform the classical art form. Open to musicians, composers, conductors, educators, and music lovers alike—let’s celebrate, uplift, and build community. Register at BlackOrchestralNetwork.org.

Calling All Black Brass Players!
We’re excited to welcome you to our next instrument family hangout! Join us for a fun and engaging time with fellow brass musicians! See you on Zoom!

Black Woodwind Virtual Lounge
Looking to connect with other Black woodwind players? This meet-up is perfect for woodwind musicians of all ages and stages in their careers. Come say hello and build connections with fellow professionals in a welcoming and relaxed space. Hosted by David Norville, Ebonee Thomas, and Titus Underwood, this virtual gathering is all about friendship and community—no instruments required! December 17, 2024 7:30PM ET

Join us on Wednesday, December 11, for a webinar exploring updated musician tenure resources from the American Federation of Musicians’ Symphonic Services Division and the Black Orchestral Network. Led by Emilio Carlo (BON) and Rochelle Skolnick (AFM), this free League of American Orchestras member webinar (fees apply for non-members) offers tools to spark conversations about tenure improvements in orchestras. Part of the League of American Orchestras’ Inclusive Stages program, this session is supported by the Sakana Foundation. Can't attend live? Register to access the recording. Learn more and sign up today!

AFM and BON Members attend for free! More info with your member organization.

Join us for this month’s community conversation featuring special guests Alexandria Hoffman, flutist, and co-founder and Executive Director of Sound Mind, an organization dedicated to fostering wellness in the classical music world, and Dr. Zuly Inirio, vocalist and social worker. Together, they will share insights and tips on the best mental health practices for classical musicians. This session will provide valuable tools for managing the unique pressures of the classical music industry and cultivating long-term well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in an essential dialogue about mental health in music.

We’re thrilled to announce our 2nd Summit on October 5, 2024, from 10 AM to 6 PM EST in New York City. Join us for a FREE in-person day filled with inspiring connections, engaging discussions, and transformative learning. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a vibrant community celebrating the rich contributions of Black musicians in orchestras and the arts.

Location: 159 West 25th St., 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001.
Don't miss out on this exciting day—be there and be inspired!

August’s Community Conversation is surely one you don’t want to miss. We will be joined by BON Founding Member and former Seattle Symphony Cellist, Joy Payton-Stevens in addition to Cincinnati Symphony COO, Robert McGrath.

We will gain insights on the tenure process and the work required to reach successful labor agreements which benefit new musicians in American ensembles.

August’s Community Conversation is surely one you don’t want to miss. We will be joined by BON Founding Member and former Seattle Symphony Cellist, Joy Payton-Stevens in addition to Cincinnati Symphony COO, Robert McGrath.

We will gain insights on the tenure process and the work required to reach successful labor agreements which benefit new musicians in American ensembles.

June's Community Conversation is truly for the culture! We're creating a safe space for Black musicians to come together in celebration, unity, and joy! Let's uplift each other, share our stories, and celebrate our history together. Let’s celebrate our vibrant community! RSVP for the Zoom link.

Hosted by Titus Underwood

with guests Dr. Tammy Kernodle & Richard Desinord

June's Community Conversation is truly for the culture! We're creating a safe space for Black musicians to come together in celebration, unity, and joy! Let's uplift each other, share our stories, and celebrate our history together. Let’s celebrate our vibrant community! RSVP for the Zoom link.

Hosted by Titus Underwood

with guests Dr. Tammy Kernodle & Richard Desinord

Join our Community Conversation this month as we dive into navigating a versatile music career! Gain valuable tips and insights from experienced pros in the field.