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Soundcheck / April 17, 2007

Soundcheck

Tuesday, April 17, 2007
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  • Ornette Coleman
    Ornette Coleman

    Minority Report

    Blacks and Latinos make up just under 5 percent of the musicians in American orchestras. And though some attempts have been made to try to help diversify, the number of minority musicians is still small. Today: a debate about what should be done. One critic argues that American orchestras are totally out of tune with their communities; another feels that orchestras shouldn't mix artistic ideals with political correctness. Also: Saxophone legend Ornette Coleman has been awarded this year's Pulitzer Prize for music. We'll hear why. Finally, alt-country group Son Volt plays live songs from their sharply bittersweet new album, "The Search."

Ornette Coleman Wins Pulitzer Prize

Jazz saxophone legend Ornette Coleman has won this year's Pulitzer Prize. A look at the winning album today.

Orchestra Diversity

Blacks and Latinos account for just 3% of American orchestra musicians. Critics say they’re not being inclusive enough. Today, a debate on racial harmony and political correctness in orchestras with Christopher Orlet from the American Spectator; Justin Davidson, the classical music critic of Newsday; and Dr. Aaron Flagg, a board member at the American Symphony Orchestra League and executive director of the Music Conservatory of Westchester.

Racial Discord By Christopher Orlet
Give us racial harmony by Justin Davidson
American Symphony Orchestra League

Son Volt Live

"The Search" is the second album since Jay Farrar re-formed the alt-country band Son Volt with new members back in 2004. They join us today with a live performance

Introducing our Video Contest

Soundcheck

John Schaefer gives the lowdown on Soundcheck's music video challenge with the Fiery Furnaces.

In Studio: Angel Deradoorian

Soundcheck

The 22-year-old multi-instrumentalist performs live in our studio.

Cucu Diamantes Performs Amor Cronico

Soundcheck

Cucu Diamantes went from a tough childhood in Havana, Cuba, to an art school in Rome to underground New York City, where she co-founded the Latin alternative band Yerba Buena.

In Studio: Stephanie McKay

Soundcheck

The local singer-songwriter performs "Jackson Avenue," a nostalgic toast to her childhood in the South Bronx.

The Decemberists

In Studio: The Decemberists

The Portland, Ore., band's latest album, "The Hazards of Love," is a concept album with a mythological flair. They joined Soundcheck to play live for a studio audience in WNYC's Greene Space.

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Sound Off

Soundcheck

Throughout May, Soundcheck presents “Sound Off” a Friday series on the many aspects of noise in music and our lives. The series -- which coincides with “Better Hearing and Speech Month” -- looks at issues like New York’s noisiest neighborhoods, the latest research on iPods and hearing loss, and what happens when noise becomes a musical ingredient.