Classical Musicians of African Descent

WXXI Classical 91.5 is in the process of building a resource of photos and brief biographical information about musicians of African descent. This resource is by no means complete, and we rely on you to help us build the site by sharing your information. Please click on the alphabetical groupings below to begin your discovery.

Ralph Barrett, percussion

Classical 91.5 WXXO-FM | By classical intern

Published August 4, 2017 at 9:47 AM EDT

A native of the Philadelphia area, Ralph Barrett holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Millersville University, PA, a Master in Music from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from University of South Carolina. Barrett served in the United States Navy for 28 years as a percussionist and an Officer Bandmaster. His performing and recording credits include the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, Natalie Cole, Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick, and The Washington Winds. He teaches conducting and arranging at North Carolina Central University.