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Abstract
Little is known about the history of women brass performers. In the past, brass instruments were associated with the military, and their loud, heavy nature caused them to be identified mainly with men. It is important today to bring to light the complete history of brass performance, which includes women. Instrumental barriers tied to gender still exist, as can be seen in the small numbers of women brass players in our nation's top orchestras today. A broader understanding of the origin and evolution of gender stereotypes in brass instrumental performance will enable us to better challenge today's prevailing beliefs. Until such folklore is examined and revised, women will continue to be discriminated against and discouraged from careers in brass performance.
This dissertation will explore the careers of women brass performers in chamber music, large ensemble, and solo performance. The gender expectations established in the Victorian era were difficult to blend with the reality of women playing these louder, more aggressive brass instruments. The established orchestras and bands of the day did not accept women members, press reporting was often decidedly negative, and race and class segregated musical society. Despite these setbacks, many female brass musicians persevered and were commercially successful. While there were many women brass performers in the United States before 1940, they were often not included in history books, and their names have largely been forgotten.
Unfortunately, many of the same assumptions and stereotypes these women experienced are still present today. Despite the advances made by women in classical performance in recent decades, some still question whether women have the strength, stamina, and aggression necessary to play brass instruments at the highest level. Recognizing that history is not complete and that gender stereotypes are still a problem in brass performance today is a vital first step toward change. We need not only alter what we believe to be true about the past, but to reevaluate what we believe to be true today.
