UniSound launches Black teaching artist-in-residence program

An initiative to support the musical and professional development of Black teaching artists in the Pittsburgh area has been launched.

The Black teaching artist-in-residence (BTAR) program is supported by UniSound, which bills itself as an alliance of organizations dedicated to creating a more accessible youth music ecosystem in Greater Pittsburgh.

Starting this week and lasting seven months, the inaugural residencies have been awarded to performance artist Lyn Starr and flutist Brittany Trotter.

The teaching artists will conclude their residency with a project they choose, such as a workshop, recital or lecture.

“Many of us have wanted to do the BTAR and similar programs for years,” said UniSound steering committee member Kendra Ross, one of the lead architects of the program. “Representation of Black people in teaching the arts is important, and that representation should be normalized.

“Equity is important, but also important is simply considering whether artists can even continue to do art in the current climate. We need to provide these opportunities whenever possible.”

Starr is a versatile performance artist, teacher and CEO of High Five Productions, which he founded at age 17 and through which he has released four mixtapes, five EPs and various singles. He has performed in diverse settings, from operas to musicals to solo recitals and shows. Starr began his teaching career in 2015 as a hip-hop instructor with the Alumni Theater Company of Pittsburgh.

Trotter is a performer and educator. She serves as an instructor of flute at Dickinson College and West Virginia Wesleyan as well as on the musicianship faculty at Duquesne University, where she teaches a history of hip-hop course.

“As the pandemic continues to disrupt the daily norms of our community, it is vital for me to generate creative new ways to serve not only my interest as a professional flutist but also build positive relationships with students and community members,” Trotter said.