Bea Breaks Barriers!:How Florence Beatrice Price’S Music Triumphed Over Prejudice

Description

Here is the little-known story of Florence Beatrice “Bea” Price, who faced many obstacles, including systemic racism and sexism, as she pushed forward to become one of the greatest Black classical composers.

Florence Beatrice “Bea” Price loved music from a young age. When she wasn’t practicing on the piano, she tapped her feet, drummed her fingers, and whistled. Growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, she was surrounded by Negro spirituals, classical music, Juba dance rhythms, and folk songs and even had the chance to play piano with John William “Blind” Boone. But as a young Black girl living in the South, Bea wasn’t offered the same chances as white children. Not allowed to perform in public, Bea’s first recital was in her living room. But Bea was not deterred. She studied hard, rose to the top of her class, and was accepted to the New England Conservatory of Music—one of two Black students—and majored in both music and composition. Bea never forgot her roots and wove all kinds of musical genres into her musical compositions and spirituals.

About the Author

Debut author Caitlin DeLems enjoys playing piano and violin and the magic of symphony concert halls. She delights in the discovery of unknown and determined female artists who are role models for young girls. Caitlin's second picture book biography—on another little-known woman composer—is forthcoming. Caitlin lives with her husband in the California Sierra Nevadas.

Alison Jay has been drawing and painting since she was a child. She is the illustrator of many picture books, including A Lady Has the Floor and The Pig War. Her signature style is created using alkyd paint on thick cartridge paper, with a crackle varnish, giving an aged effect.