Ramsay High School Music Students See Themselves in One of Country’s Premiere Black Orchestras 

Story and Photographs by Marika N. Johnson | Special to the Birmingham Times A group of Ramsay IB High School Orchestra students last week got a chance to meet one of the premiere African American orchestras at the Alabama Theatre. Ahead of Atlanta-based Orchestra Noir’s Saturday evening performance, the Ramsay students attended an open rehearsal and got a chance to see the professionals up close. “My students had so much fun,” said Ramsay IB’s Orchestral Music teacher, Rachel Christmas. “I’m so glad they were able to see a full orchestra with musicians that looked like them … As a Black violinist myself, I didn’t get to see that very often growing up. I’m glad I was able to provide that opportunity and experience for them. They were dancing and singing along the whole time. Their favorite part was being able to come on stage and meet the musicians.” Birmingham was the first city on this year’s Orchestra Noir tour that included a visit from local schools. (Provided) Maestro Jason Ikeem Rodgers who led Orchestra Noir’s high energy performance thanked the Ramsay Orchestra for visiting during the warm-up session. “We want to show African American kids that we are here …...