The National Arts Centre Orchestra, in partnership with the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre and OrKidstra, is pleased to present a special film screening of “R.A.W. TUBA” which chronicles the inspiring true life story of Richard Antoine White (R.A.W.), a Baltimore child who experienced intermittent homelessness but went on to become a world-class symphony musician and professor.

As a child, Richard Antoine White slept wherever he could, sometimes in abandoned row homes where he was chewed on by rats during his sleep. Now in his 40s, he still has those scars across his abdomen. But despite enormous challenges, he went on to become the first African American in the world to receive a Doctorate in Music for Tuba Performance, and not just from anywhere, from one of the most prestigious music programs in the US. Richard is now not only a tenured professor at the University of New Mexico, but he’s also the principal tubist of the New Mexico Philharmonic, which is in and of itself an Olympian-level accomplishment.

“I like the tuba because it reminds me of my life, it’s the underdog.” Dr. Richard Antoine White

Darren Durlach, Director
David Larson, Director

EVENT PROGRAM
6:45 │ Performance by OrKidstra’s senior wind ensemble
7:00 │ Presentation by Richard A. White (R.A.W.)
7:15 │ Film screening (running time: 30 minutes)
7:45 │ Q&A with Richard A. White

This event made possible in part by the NAC's National Youth and Education Trust and in partnership with the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre and OrKidstra.