By AFRO Staff
Carter Roberson made his debut as a guest conductor with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra on Dec. 23. The nine- year-old led the group of talented musicians in a selection of “Sleigh Ride” as part of the organization’s Holiday Spectacular.
“I felt swell,” said Roberson. “I felt really good up there because I was excited. I wasn’t nervous.”
The young scholar spoke on why classical music is a category of sound he has come to enjoy.
“I like classical music because it’s soothing– it’s calming,” he said. “ It helps you relax.”
Roberson was exposed to classical music by his mother in the womb, but other family members have helped his inclination to the genre grow over the years as well.
“My great-aunt Lenora Howze started me on classical music when I was starting first grade because I couldn’t sleep at night.”
Aside from Roberson, other guests for the evening included Byron Stripling, who lent his talent as a conductor, trumpeter and vocalist during the event. The show included numbers such as “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” “White Christmas” and “Joy to the World.”
Roberson’s mother, Tiffany Roberson, spoke of her son’s knack for music.
“I encourage Carter to be involved because he has an ear for music,” she told the AFRO. “He can recognize a sample in a song and give you the original version with the artist’s name. He is a natural when it comes to music.”
The proud mom said she was moved, watching her son lead the world-class musicians.
“It was the most breathtaking experience. It was like watching the smaller version of me shining like a star. It felt surreal and I couldn’t have been happier for him.”
The AFRO will be on the lookout for all of the great things to come from Carter Roberson in 2024 and beyond.