William Grant Still Initiative

The Conductors Retreat at Medomak is resolute in its commitment to continue its actions to combat systemic racism, achieve diversity, and forge racial equity.  We established the  William Grant Still Initiative in 2020 to build on the legacy of William Grant Still (1895-1978) as a pioneer American Black conductor and composer. William Grant Still, composer of over 150 works, was the first Black conductor of a major American symphony orchestra (1936), and a major symphony orchestra in the Deep South (1955). We honor and celebrate William Grant Still’s groundbreaking achievements and pioneering work by making this Initiative an integral part of our program and supporting the diversity and inclusion work of our alumni in their own communities.

The William Grant Still Initiative:

• Identifies prospective and potential Black conductors
• Offers the William Grant Still Scholarship to help fund the participation of selected Black conductors in the annual Retreat
• Provides essential training, education, and mentorship to Black conductors
• Facilitates meaningful dialogue about diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Inspires all Retreat participants to incorporate anti-racist action into the work of their organizations.