32 - Interview with Dr. Joanna Ross Hersey: Discussing Intersectional Brass History

The Early American Brass Band Podcast

Episode 32 is a fantastic conversation with Dr. Joanna Ross Hersey, President of the International Women’s Brass Conference, Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Yamaha and Parker Mouthpiece Performing Artist, composer, and arranger. We discuss her research into women brass players in 19th century America, and discuss many larger points about the importance of representation and diversity in music instruction, research, thinking, and writing.

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Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress.

Episode Structure:

• 2:26 - Dr. Hersey's musical background

• 7:15 - Dr. Hersey's undergraduate and graduate studies

• 13:26 - Dr. Hersey's dissertation research on women brass players and larger points regarding considerations for telling this history

• 23:10 - Importance of including the history of everyone when teaching music

• 34:23 - Highlights from Dr. Hersey's dissertation, Boston Fadette Lady Orchestra, women in music at the university level

• 38:18 - Helen May Butler, Lora Antoinette Reiter, vaudeville

• 41:30 - Importance of sharing and including these musicians when teaching, International Women's Brass Conference

• 44:25 - Expectations and experiences, how they vary for different people

• 51:13 - The Dungill Family Concert Company

• 54:04 - Geographic effects on who played brass instruments

• 1:01:45 - Diversifying repertoire

• 1:09:23 - How we can learn from the past and use it to craft a better future

• 1:13:48 - Where you can find more about Dr. Hersey

• 1:16:26 - Featured Album: Dr. Joanna Ross-Hersey: O Quam Miribilis