Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
On the road to celebrating 50 years of Classical Roots Concerts (2028), a multi-year immersive exhibition is now on view at the Max M. and Marjorie. S. Fisher Music Center! This playlist contains companion audio files that cover a large portion of the exhibition content. Whether you are listening remotely or via QR code onsite: welcome, we're glad you're here.
Oral History | The Voices
Beverly Thomas: Vocalist and visual artist Beverly Thomas served as an educator in Detroit Public Schools teaching vocal music before leading Detroit Renaissance High School as principal. She holds a close relationship with Bethel A.M.E. Church, where she serves in various capacities, from church missionary to musician, and leader of young people. Beverly, along with Wayne Brown, Paul Freeman, and Brazeal Dennard was part of the early Classical Roots planning committee and performed with the Brazeal Dennard Chorale during the first Classical Roots concert. She is currently a member of the Classical Roots Legacy Committee.
Wayne Brown: Former member of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra staff. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Wayne Brown’s first job was with the DSO as the administrative assistant to the executive director. He then moved on to become assistant manager of the orchestra and worked as project coordinator for the first Classical Roots concert. After his tenure at the DSO, Wayne held positions at multiple symphonies, including serving as director of music and opera with the National Endowment for the Arts from 1997 through 2014, before becoming the President and CEO of the Detroit Opera from 2014 through 2023.
Oral history recorded January 12, 2026, at Bethel A.M.E. Church. Narrated by Classical Roots Legacy Committee member Daniel Washington.
Learn more about the DSO's Classical Roots mission at dso.org/classicalroots
On the road to celebrating 50 years of Classical Roots Concerts (2028), a multi-year immersive exhibition is now on view at the Max M. and Marjorie. S. Fisher Music Center! This playlist contains companion audio files that cover a large portion of the exhibition content. Whether you are listening remotely or via QR code onsite: welcome, we're glad you're here.
Oral History | The Voices
Beverly Thomas: Vocalist and visual artist Beverly Thomas served as an educator in Detroit Public Schools teaching vocal music before leading Detroit Renaissance High School as principal. She holds a close relationship with Bethel A.M.E. Church, where she serves in various capacities, from church missionary to musician, and leader of young people. Beverly, along with Wayne Brown, Paul Freeman, and Brazeal Dennard was part of the early Classical Roots planning committee and performed with the Brazeal Dennard Chorale during the first Classical Roots concert. She is currently a member of the Classical Roots Legacy Committee.
Wayne Brown: Former member of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra staff. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Wayne Brown’s first job was with the DSO as the administrative assistant to the executive director. He then moved on to become assistant manager of the orchestra and worked as project coordinator for the first Classical Roots concert. After his tenure at the DSO, Wayne held positions at multiple symphonies, including serving as director of music and opera with the National Endowment for the Arts from 1997 through 2014, before becoming the President and CEO of the Detroit Opera from 2014 through 2023.
Oral history recorded January 12, 2026, at Bethel A.M.E. Church. Narrated by Classical Roots Legacy Committee member Daniel Washington.
Learn more about the DSO's Classical Roots mission at dso.org/classicalroots
![DSO Live Classroom Edition: Thursday Nov. 14 [archived]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/__sshncMCq8/mqdefault.jpg "DSO Live Classroom Edition: Thursday Nov. 14 [archived]
DSO Live Classroom Edition: Thursday Nov. 14 [archived]")
