Interviewer(s): Kelly Ray

Project: University of Houston

In contribution to the topic of "The Arts in Houston", this project would focus on selecting and interviewing former and current Houston Symphony Orchestra musicians. the desired time frame most likely would encompass the 1950s to present.

One goal of the interviews would be to focus upon the historical issues occurring in Houston that may have affected the musicians. A possible issue would be the Civil Rights Movement and the transition from segregation to integration. Another topic would be labor unions and contract disputes. The Houston Symphony's website notes that it signed its first 52-week contract with the musicians in 1971. Finally, gender discrimination might be another possible topic to consider.