Marsha Mabrey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marsha Mabrey
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Marsha Mabrey in 2020
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| Background information | |
| Born | November 7, 1949 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Genres | Classical |
| Occupations | Conductor, music educator |
| Associated acts | Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra |
Marsha Eve Mabrey is a talented African American conductor and educator. She was born on November 7, 1949. Marsha Mabrey made history as the first African American woman to lead the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra.
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Early Life and Learning Music
Marsha Mabrey was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her father, Theodore Mabrey, was an aerospace engineer. Her mother, Ella Jones Mabrey, was a homemaker.
Marsha started school in Niagara Falls, New York. She then moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan for first grade. She began playing the violin in fourth grade. By seventh grade, Marsha decided she wanted to be an orchestra conductor. She wanted to shape the whole sound, not just one part.
Marsha studied at the University of Michigan. She earned her bachelor's degree in 1971 and her master's degree in 1972. There, she learned from famous conductors and violinists. She also studied viola and violin. She later continued her studies in orchestral conducting.
Marsha Mabrey's Career
Marsha Mabrey always loved both teaching and conducting. She taught music at several universities. These included Winona State University and Grand Valley State University. She also taught at the University of Oregon and Cornish College of the Arts.
She was an Assistant Conductor for the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra. Marsha also guest conducted many orchestras. She led groups in the US and Germany. Some of these included the Oregon Symphony and The Women's Philharmonic.
From 1991 to 1993, she worked for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. She was the vice president for Educational Affairs. In this role, she helped create many music programs. These programs included youth groups and concerts for students. She also supported African-American composers.
Leading the Seattle Philharmonic
In 1996, Marsha Mabrey became the first African-American woman to be the music director and conductor of the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra. In Seattle, she worked hard to connect with the community. She also made sure to feature music by lesser-known American composers. These included artists like Bern Herbolsheimer and Regina Harris Baiocchi.
While in Seattle, Marsha also taught music in the Bellevue School District. She taught string instruments at Newport High School and Chinook Middle School. Her students learned music every day and did very well under her guidance. She retired from the Bellevue School District in 2013.
Marsha Mabrey was also a board member for the Conductors Guild. She was part of other important music organizations too.
Special Music Projects
While teaching at the University of Oregon, Marsha Mabrey created special events. She directed two symposia (gatherings) focused on women conductors and composers. These events happened in 1985 and 1986. They were supported by the University of Oregon.
These symposia brought together many talented women. They included composers like Emma Lou Diemer and Nancy Van de Vate. Conductors like Karen Keltner also took part. The events featured concerts of music by women. Some pieces were performed for the very first time.
From 1991 to 1993, Marsha also developed a forum for African-American composers. This project helped showcase their musical works.
Personal Life
Marsha Mabrey met her life partner, Stephanie Wittman, in 1976. Stephanie was a social worker and psychotherapist. Stephanie retired in 2014. Marsha and Stephanie were married in 2013.
