Mr. Williams explains that the orchestra consists of professionals from all over the country, all black and Hispanics, who perform on weekends of the year in support of young black and Hispanic string performers participating in the Sphinx competition Perla Negra is “a shared experience for black and Hispanic musicians in the orchestra,” Williams said. “The orchestra world is even smaller, and for those who play the horn, it’s even smaller,” Williams said. The Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, part of the Detroit Sphinx Orchestra, is also committed to promoting diversity in orchestras. Professionals also conduct master classes, give lectures and promote the work of black and Latin American composers. “I understand that I would not have been allowed to play the trumpet if there were no serious road builders,” he adds. Elizabeth Anderson Lopez is an award-winning freelance writer from Orange County, California, where she lives with her husband and a collection of pets – chickens, dogs, parrots and turtles. “I’m used to being the only person of color in the orchestra and sometimes one of two or three,” she says. “I am focused on how to influence and create opportunities for the next generation of trumpeters. Do you have any questions or suggestions about the article you’d like to see here? Please send us an email at this address, which is protected from spambots. Williams is involved in two projects to change the orchestral landscape. Williams values other artists from minorities who were before him. Williams is joking, but he knows his status and his power well. This article was originally published in the 2020N2 edition of Yamaha SupportED. “Over the years we have built networks and created opportunities for all.