Black Conductors is the first collective biography of Black American conductors of instrumental ensembles from the early 19th century to the present. Leaders of instrumental ensembles in the following areas are represented: traditional Western European (symphony, chamber, opera, and musical theater orchestra), concert and marching bands, and jazz (big bands). Fifty-four conductors are thoroughly profiled (with photos), with emphasis not only on their activities as identified, but also on the forces, trends, and issues (social, cultural, economic, racial, and political) that affected their lives and creative work in the highly competitive and exclusionary world of instrumental conducting. Well documented and indexed, the book also includes a historical overview of the art of conducting and discussions of conductor training, competitions, the anointment of conductors/music directors, opening doors for women, and Blacks in the conducting mainstream.