THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 30, 1995 TAG: 9504280020
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 49 lines
An article from the Sept. 8, 1994, Virginian-Pilot on the occasion of the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra's 75th birthday came into my hands this week along with the January-March 1995 issue of the program guide of WCTV and WFOS.
Both publications contain an article on desegregation and the Norfolk Symphony with remarks by James M. Reeves implying that he was not accepted into the orchestra by my late husband, Edgar Schenkman, because of racial bias. Since I know this not to be the case, I feel I must speak out and set the record straight.
James Reeves did audition for the Norfolk Symphony. I recall Edgar's disappointment, as he was eager to desegregate the orchestra. The decision not to accept Mspsr. Reeves was made purely on professional grounds and not on the basis of race.
As evidence to the effect that Edgar was not racially biased, during this same period the Richmond Symphony, which he also conducted, was successfully integrated. In 1962, while still conducting in Norfolk, Edgar accepted two black musicians into the Richmond Symphony, to be followed soon afterward by five others.
The first black musicians were Thomas Bridge, violinist, a professor at Virginia State College in Petersburg, and Joe Kennedy, violinist, who taught music in the Richmond public schools and is now artist in residence at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg and has toured the world as a jazz violinist.
Others were George Ross, bassoonist, who later went on to Indiana University in Bloomington as a professor; Antoinette Handy, flute; Roy Singleton, oboe; and the late Nat Gatlin from Virginia State College in Petersburg, clarinet. All of these highly qualified players were a real asset to the orchestra and were warmly regarded by its members.
I might add that Edgar's views on integration were well-known to his friends and colleagues. During the turmoil of that period he signed a statement, along with other concerned citizens, endorsing integration. One friend asked him if he realized his viewpoint might make him unpopular with some symphony patrons, and his answer was that there are times when one must stand up and be counted.
I am proud of Edgar's record and hope this will correct false impressions.
MARGUERITE SCHENKMAN
Central, S.C., April 17, 1995 by CNB