Born today, April 9, 1887, Florence Beatrice Smith Price, was always destined for her future career. Learning from her mother, she performed her first piano recital at age 4. By age 11 she had published her first work. At 14, she had graduated high school (valedictorian) and started at The New England Conservatory of Music. Passing as hispanic for some time, Price had many hurdles to jump over.
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Image from: Biography.com, Florence Price
It was her classic European education at the conservatory, that she combined with her ancestral spirituals, to make a sound unlike any other. Facing constant racial prejudices and the resulting rejections, Price continued to work hard and compose until eventually she was recognized from the city to national levels.
A name many are unfamiliar with, we wanted to bring attention to her day of birth, 127 years ago today. A story of inspiration, persistence, and strength, Beatrice Price is someone we can all look up to.
Price died from a stroke on June 3, 1953, but her work has continued to live on. Please take a moment to listen to the 3rd Movement from her piece Symphony No. 3 in C Minor; and share her story with someone who would be interested.
For more of Price's story, view our resources below:
http://musiced.about.com/od/blackhistorymonth/p/florenceprice.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Beatrice_Price
http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=1742
http://www.biography.com/people/florence-beatrice-price-21120681
Make sure to check back next week to see our next blog post, which talks about how music training benefits the brain.
Heather (iCA President)
www.InstrumentCareApparel.com
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