Fellowship Program
African-American Orchestra Fellowship
The DSO inaugurated its African-American Orchestra Fellowship in 1990 and is proud to be a leader in celebrating the contributions of African-American composers, nurturing the talents of young African-American classical musicians, and increasing access and opportunity for African Americans within classical music.
The African-American Orchestra Fellowship is designed to enhance the career development of African-American musicians. Fellows perform in the orchestra, work closely with coaches and mentors, participate in mock auditions, and represent the DSO in the community.
The DSO’s current African-American Orchestra Fellows are Cole Randolph, cello and Jaquain Sloan, bassoon.
The African-American Orchestra Fellowship is supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. In 2018, the DSO was pleased to announce the expansion of the program from one Fellow position to two positions, thanks to the support of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Application Process
The African-American Fellowship program is not currently accepting applications. Any audition information will be posted when available. For previous audition information please view the 2019 Fellowship Poster.
Previous Fellows
Previous African-American Orchestra Fellows include, but are not limited to:
- Kenneth Thompkins – Principal Trombone, Detroit Symphony Orchestra
- Alexander Laing – Principal Clarinet, Phoenix Symphony
- Douglas Cardwell – Principal Timpani, New Mexico Philharmonic
- John Madison – Principal Viola, Michigan Opera Theatre
- Velda Kelly – Violin, Michigan Opera Theatre
- Derek Reeves – Principal Viola, Fort Wayne Symphony
- Michael Robinson Jr. – Principal Trombone, Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra
- Joshua Jones – Principal Percussion, Kansas City Symphony
- Adam Sadberry, Acting Principal Flute, Memphis Symphony Orchestra