Author

Katie Brown

Katie Brown (she/her) is a violist, podcaster, and educator from Evanston, IL. She is co-host of Classically Black Podcast, co-founder of the International Society for Black Musicians, and currently plays with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
Katie Brown
Carlos Simon at the premiere of

Carlos Simon’s “Good News Mass” Takes Audiences to Church in Captivating LA Premiere

The Los Angeles Philharmonic has been aptly lauded for their commitment to innovation in classical m...
Author
Katie Brown
Candice Hoyes -- Photo by Jessie Obialor

5 Questions to Candice Hoyes (soprano, songwriter, archivist)

Candice Hoyes is a multi-hyphenate artist who leans into the full range of her creativity. As a sopr...
Author
Katie Brown
Kebra-Seyoun Charles -- Photo by Alexandria Hill

5 Questions to Kebra-Seyoun Charles (double bassist, composer)

Kebra-Seyoun Charles is a dynamic and innovative artist who breathes fresh air into the classical ge...
Author
Katie Brown
LaRob K. Raphael -- Photo by Aiden Kranz

5 Questions to LaRob K. Rafael (bass-baritone, arts administrator)

Having masterfully weaved himself into the Black classical music scene, the Chicago-based innovator...
Author
Katie Brown
Katie Brown with the 2019 Gateways Music Festival orchestra --Photo courtesy Katie Brown

It’s Not Just an Access Problem – Orchestras Aren’t Creating Safe Environments for Black Musicians

For decades, American orchestras have struggled to increase the number of Black musicians on their r...
Author
Katie Brown
André 3000 -- Photo by Kai Reagan

André 3000’s “New Blue Sun” Models How Classical Music Can Engage New Audiences

Artists often comment on the pressure they feel from fans to produce new music and bring freshness a...
Author
Katie Brown
Dalanie Harris and Katie Brown of Classically Black Podcast -- Photo by Lasalle Smith

To Podcast or Not to Podcast? Reflections from the Hosts of “Classically Black”

Classical musicians in the 21st century are expected to continually adapt to the latest cultural and...
Co-Author
Katie Brown, Dalanie Harris
Kellen Gray -- Photo by Martin McCready, Upfront Photography

5 Questions to Kellen Gray (conductor)

Renowned conductor Kellen Gray has gained recognition for championing the works of Black composers.
Author
Katie Brown
Lawrence Brownlee -- Photo by Zakiyah Caldwell Burroughs

Lawrence Brownlee Honors the Ethos of the Harlem Renaissance Through Song

The Harlem Renaissance was a time of artistic and intellectual revival for Black Americans in early-...
Author
Katie Brown
Photo by Clark Young on Unsplash

Failure is Inevitable in Classical Music — How Do We Prepare Young Musicians?

Classical music has given me a lot: I’ve found an important and sacred part of my identity in being...
Author
Katie Brown
Photo by Haley Rivera on Unsplash

From Church to the Concert Hall: My Educational Journey Bridging Gospel and Classical

I can count on one hand how many times I missed church during the first 18 years of my life, excludi...
Author
Katie Brown
Image

A Black Christmas Listening Guide

Every December, when it’s time for me to put up my Christmas tree or bake Christmas treats, the firs...
Author
Katie Brown
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What Classical Musicians Can Learn from HBCU Marching Bands

The year was 2014 and Southern University’s Human Jukebox marching band had just gone viral for thei...
Author
Katie Brown

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