Jennifer Barlament, Executive Director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO), took center stage at the second annual HBCU AccessFest to celebrate the event’s dedication to uplifting and empowering young talent. In her address, Barlament emphasized the ASO’s deep commitment to music education, partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and the enrichment of Atlanta’s cultural scene. She also shared exciting news about the ASO’s 80th season, ongoing collaborations with Morehouse and Spelman, and the organization’s impactful Talent Development Program, which provides vital training for young Black and Latino musicians. Barlament’s speech was a blend of inspiration and opportunity, highlighting the ASO’s many offerings for students, professionals, and music lovers alike.
Jennifer Barlament: Thanks so much. … I’m the Executive Director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and we’re really thrilled to welcome you all here for our second HBCU Access Fest. If there’s anything we care about as much as music here at the Atlanta Symphony, it’s helping young people grow, develop, and reach their full potential. So, we’re excited to host this event. I’d also like to thank Hala [Moddelmog, the Woodruff Arts Center CEO] for helping make it possible, as well as our sponsors and the wonderful presenters who are here today.
There’s a lot you can be part of here at the Atlanta Symphony, and of course, since I’m up here, I can’t resist making a few announcements about the ASO. This is our opening weekend, marking the 80th season of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. If you want to come back and hear an amazing concert tonight in Symphony Hall, you’ll get to experience Waller’s First Symphony, performed by our wonderful music director and musicians.
We also have many other great opportunities to attend concerts and be part of the Atlanta scene. One is HBCU Night in February, a fantastic chance to hang out with other HBCU alums and students. We’ve had a long partnership with Spelman and Morehouse Glee Clubs. The Morehouse Glee Club will join us again in December for our Christmas concerts. I believe this partnership has been going on for about 50 years, a wonderful, long-term relationship.
For those of you who are young professionals, we have a program called Bravo. Through this program, you can get tickets to ASO concerts and have a chance to mix and mingle with other young professionals. It’s a great group — so much fun! I wish I were still young enough to be part of it, but they let me join them every now and then.
We also have a new group called Counterpoint, which combines concerts with salons featuring influencers and creative people. It’s a chance to talk about music, life, and many other fun topics. For those of you currently in college or heading there soon, we offer an incredible deal called the College Pass. For just $35 for the entire year, you can attend almost any Delta Classical Series concert. It’s a great way to be part of the ASO regularly.
In addition to our classical concerts, we also offer fun events like movie concerts, where the orchestra plays the score live to films like Ghostbusters and Frozen, among others. So, come be a part of that!
Today, you’ll have the chance to meet a lot of recruiters and learn some valuable information. We also have incredible panels happening in Symphony Hall. I especially want to mention the Invesco QQQ panel titled “How Not to Suck at Money” at 1:15 p.m. I encourage you to check it out. Last year, it was one of the most amazing, inspiring panels, and this year’s panelists are equally fantastic. We have Renee Montgomery, NCAA champion and co-owner and VP of the Atlanta Dream; Bobby Kennedy; Jewel Brooks Solomon; and Taylor Rooks. They’ll offer great advice, and the participants’ questions and stories last year were equally inspiring.
Next, since we’re a musical organization, we can’t resist offering you some music. We have a current student and an alum from a program at the Atlanta Symphony called the Talent Development Program. This program provides comprehensive conservatory training for students in grades five through 12. It’s audition-based, and students from around the Atlanta metro area come to audition. Those accepted receive lessons from ASO musicians, participate in juries, and engage in a rich educational experience. The program’s goal is to help Black and Latino students prepare for college and conservatory life.
Today, you’ll have the chance to hear from both a current student and an alum from this program, showcasing what it helps make possible. First, I’d like to introduce Karissa Snyder. She’s an 11th-grader at Westminster School and is beginning her first year in the Talent Development Program. Karissa has been playing the violin since first grade, and she has participated in the GMEA All-State Program since middle school. Last year, she attended the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy. In addition to being an excellent musician and a great student, she is also a competitive sprinter. Her high school won the state championship in track and field, so she’s incredibly multi-talented. Today, she’ll be playing the second movement of the Bruch Violin Concerto.
After Karissa plays, you’ll also hear from Joseph Brown, a 2018 alum of the Talent Development Program. Joseph recently graduated from the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Music. He will be playing the Allemande movement from Bach’s Solo Cello Suite No. 1.
All right, Karissa, take it away.
