The Black Orchestral Network protests the Kansas City Symphony’s denial of Josh Jones’s tenure as Principal Percussion. A year ago today, when we released “Dear American Orchestras,” thousands supported our call to action to build a richer and more robust American orchestral community. Unfortunately, much remains to be done to ensure fair treatment of Black orchestral musicians. Josh’s tragic experience with the Kansas City Symphony bears unfortunate resemblances to the experiences of too many other Black orchestral musicians. Black musicians disproportionately have trouble securing orchestral tenure and deserve a fair, transparent tenure process.

We called on orchestras - through their Boards, management, musicians, and music directors, to remove barriers by committing to equitable and inclusive tenure and audition guidelines, beginning with those recommended by the Sphinx Organization, with a specific plan to implement them by the conclusion of the 22-23 season.

We Called On Our Unions - to honor the values of fair workplaces and stand in solidarity with Black members by Addressing barriers to fair and equitable audition and tenure practices and to develop strategic plans for meaningful change regarding opportunities and experiences for Black musicians by the end of the 2022-23 season.On April 7, 2023, we sent a letter in support of Josh Jones to the Kansas City Symphony leadership. Today we share that letter with you. If you believe, as we do, that orchestras must do better and provide a fair and transparent tenure process, please read and share our letter to support Josh Jones and a more equitable future for all Black orchestral musicians.

#WeStandWithJosh #DearAmericanOrchestras

In July, nearly 50 members of the Black orchestral community–including freelance musicians, conductors, composers, educators, thought leaders, and many others–gathered to center on questions that will help determine how BON will function and serve your needs in the future.