Being a Woman Conductor and Overcoming the Prejudice | Sonja Sepulveda | TEDxWinstonSalemWomen

One poll showed in 2014 that of the 150 top named conductors in the world, only 5 are women. Marin Alsop, the director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, became the first woman conductor of a major American orchestra in 2007 and it was amid much controversy. In this talk, Dr. Sonja Sepulveda alerts people that the struggle for women conductors is real, with real prejudice. However, with courage and passion women conductors are opening the door for a new generation of women. It’s about time!

Dr. Sonja Sepúlveda is the Director of Choral Activities and teacher of Theory at Salem College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and conducts the Salem College Chamber Choir, Chorale, and SuperTonix. Dr. Sepulveda has watched the struggle of women conductors for the last 30 years in America.

[odessabrigades]

To those commenting on her tuxedo, Dr. Sepulveda changed into the tuxedo onstage to deliver her point. She was wearing a dress and revealed the tux underneath during her introduction. This caused her mic to fall off (which no one attempted to fix) and they cut out that part. How do I know? I was the third choir member to walk off at the beginning of the video... :)

[foxpierce]

i remember hearing about her having done a ted talk one day at practice for the choir, and four years later here i am watching it for the first time. carnegie was an experience i’ll never forget and it never would have happened if it wasn’t for you. thank you doc sonj

[Boopenpop]

As one of her old students, I know she can do anything she puts her mind to. This Ted Talk reminds us that stereotypes will change eventually. Live you Doc Sonj!

[josephbright]

I’ve had the honor of performing and knowing Dr Sepulveda and this passion and drive is there every day. She truly loves what she does and she has love and appreciation for every performer she works with.

[lisawegner]

I miss performing! Even when she was our HS instructor, she had a way of inspiring us to push further in our abilities, not just in singing, but in our lives. You could tell she had a love and passion for it which echoed throughout when we performed. She's a magic maker and well deserved at that. Well done !

[sigridanitahaugen]

Well said. She's right on point. If you feel like you're beeing juged (as a woman, or whatever reason), just show the orchestra or what ever ensemble that you know the music by heart and is passionate about it. People will always juge based on appearances, but that is only for a short time until they know who you are as a person.

[Blackthorne]

Really, folks? Tuxedo comments? She has been wearing a tux jacket to perform since at least the 1990s. You can easily find other videos of her from '99 from Sumter, SC. It's just her style. Can you not focus on her message or her talent? Crikey!

[tiffanyjarrett]

It is called a glass ceiling. Women have to break through it all the time to reach the same level as men, not because we are lesser, but because we are still viewed as lesser. If you truly listen to the talk, you'll understand that.

[semorales]

I got to be in one of her university choirs in 2007-08. It was a pleasure to work with her!!!

[deannarodriguez]

You are so worthy Ms Sonja! Love you and your passion!! Thank you!!

[allensimmons]

I love you and am so proud of you. I'm hacking through this jungle! Your speech was amazing, I'm glad I came across it on your Facebook. Please continue to share your story. ❤

[stffyk]

Firstly, this is from 2016, I know. However: why didn't the sound team correct her mic? Clearly it wasn't placed properly....why didn't they fix it for her? It would take less than a moment to help her adjust her mic. What she is saying is CRUCIAL! I've dreamed of being a choral conductor since childhood and she deserves to be heard without audio faults.

[ohmusicsweetmusic]

maybe it's cuz you're wearing a men's tuxedo??

[stevenryhudi]

I think it's a glass wall, not a ceiling - there's no difference in level. Women are on the same level as men.