First chair cello, Julian Jones continues to play his instrument in spite of the criticism that comes from being one of the only Black students in orchestra
First chair.
First note.
All eyes are on junior Julian Jones.
Jones takes a deep breath in,...
Then out.
His nervousness begins to fade as the first few bars of music pass.
His fingers race up and down the neck of the cello, contrasting with the slow and methodical movements of the bow. Though separate motions, Jones is completely in sync. It’s almost as natural as walking.
“Once I start playing, I’m not really thinking,” Jones said. “I’m looking at the music and I’m just in the zone.”
Growing up, Jones attended his sister’s viola concerts.
He heard the uproar of orchestra as it tuned; the thrum of the first chord.
He watched the conductor’s pendulum-esque hands move: Down, in, out, up. Down, in, out, up.
Those concerts made Jones fall in love with the orchestra and, when he saw the cellos, he knew that’s what he wanted to play.
It has been eight years since Jones began playing. For 6th, 7th and 8th grade he was in the Youth Symphony of Kansas City, and plans to tryout again this year. Jones was also NW cello first chair both freshman and junior year.
But Jones doesn’t often see other Black muscians.
“I think it’s only me and one other Black person [in the orchestra],” Jones said. “The first year I feel like some people were like, ‘Why is he first chair?” You know because the color of my skin, people are really judgmental. There’s a lot of weight to carry.”
At home, in orchestra class and at concerts, Jones keeps playing.
As the last bar of music approaches, Jones reminds himself to finish strong.
Jones feels a rush of sadness as he realizes this is the last time he will be playing this set of music.
The chapter comes to a close.
First chair.
Last note.
All eyes are on Julian Jones.
Author's Note: Jones is a very talented musician at Northwest, but not many people know that. He's humble about what his does, almost too humble. I want other students to know about his passion and how it has been difficult being one of two Black students in orchestra. I hope this profile encourages students to continue pursuing their hopes, dreams and passions. Format-wise this story was a bit of a challenge because there wasn't much space on the spread. I had to go back to"After the Sky Fell" by Brady Dennis a few times to get it right.
photo credit: Ashley Broils