New Documentary, "Invisible Player," Highlights Black Violinist Rosemary Saunders

Saunders was most likely the first African-American orchestral player in America, but her name never appeared on programs and she was seated out of sight in orchestra photos

A new documentary is set to be made about Rosemary Saunders, who, in 1940, became the first African-American musician in the South Bend Symphony Orchestra — and likely the first in any American orchestra. Titled Invisible Player, the project has been led by Dr. Marvin V. Curtis, who has carried out a great deal of research in the South Bend Symphony's archives.

The documentary traverses all the difficulties that Saunders faced as a Black musician, beginning with her student years traveling on a racially segregated train to Columbia College (where she was the only Black student).

It details how orchestra management sat her in the last chair at the back of the second violins, where she could not be seen — and notes that the orchestra refused to print her name in the programs at concerts. She was also not allowed to appear in any of the orchestra's formal photos.

Using Saunders's story as a jumping-off point, the documentary also explores the difficulties faced by black musicians working in the orchestral sector today — our own "invisible players."

2014 data from the League of American Orchestras shows that in the 1,224 orchestras surveyed, African-American musicians accounted for just 1.8% of the players (though this grew to 2.4% by 2024).

You can view the trailer for the documentary below. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the project, you can do so here.