Inquirer Editorial: Positive note

Has it really been that long? Thirty-six years since the Philadelphia Orchestra hired an African American musician? That may mean more attention will be paid to bassist Joseph Conyers, who was selected from a crowded field of 237 applicants. But the previous member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra certainly seems up to the task.

A Savannah, Ga., native and graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Conyers comes from a musical family and has impeccable credentials as an artist. He will also serve as assistant principal bassist for the orchestra.

Music is heard with the ears, not the eyes. But it would be ludicrous to ignore the significance of Conyers' hiring in a city that's 44 percent black. In fact, it's disappointing that the orchestra hasn't had more success cultivating future orchestra members locally.

Violist Renard Edwards, who became the orchestra's first black member in 1969, is a Philadelphian. So is violinist Booker Rowe, who was hired in 1971, while double bassist Henry G. Scott, hired in 1974, is from New Jersey. They're all in their 60s.

Conyers, 29, recognizes that he is a role model for aspiring young black musicians. He has played that role before. He runs a nonprofit that links musicians to community projects and helped develop a music curriculum for an Atlanta elementary school.

Conyers should be an asset to the city as well as the orchestra, if it is able to keep him. He hasn't taken himself out of contention for a position as principal bassist with the Chicago Symphony. Philadelphia needs him here.