Fracturing the Black Nucleus: Reflections on School Desegregation in Texas Through the Lens of Black Orchestra Students

Abstract

Desegregation in the south had many goals, among them was creating equitable opportunities for students in schools. Much of the literature on desegregation efforts are focused on general education and little research has been done on the effects it had on school orchestra programs. Orchestra programs in Texas schools have had a historically strong presence, but opportunities for Black string players had been rare and limited by segregation. It wasn’t until 1963 that Black students could participate in Texas All-State ensembles and 1968 before school ensemble competitions were integrated. Newspaper articles, archives, and voices of individuals that lived through these experiences were examined to gain a better understanding of what occurred during the time of desegregation in Texas schools. The predominantly Black orchestra program at Dunbar High School in Lubbock thrived despite segregation; however, it would later struggle to recover after integration plans were enacted. In an effort to satisfy desegregation laws, Black students and teachers were bussed to white schools dissolving the Black nucleus that contributed to their previous success. A historical examination of Texas string orchestra programs, competitions, and lived experiences of Black stakeholders revealed issues surrounding representation and the importance of strong role models in music.