ABSTRACT
The twentieth century was a time of significant change for women instrumentalists, but change is not always easy. Like any field with segregated roots, instrumental ensemble integration has been a long, painful process that initially involved pioneers who possessed the talent and the personality necessary to endure discrimination and harassment. To explore the topic of women in instrumental music, this chapter first addresses sociocultural gender connotations in instrumental music. The work of pioneers who integrated into professional ensembles is then addressed, as well as stories about women who elected to remain in gender-segregated ensembles. The chapter focuses extensively on gender integration of Western professional orchestras and the reluctant acceptance of professional female instrumental conductors. The chapter concludes with a segment celebrating the empowerment of Asian-American women who perform in segregated taiko ensembles in the United States and Canada.
