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I'm Possible
I'm Possible: A Story of Survival, a Tuba, and the Small Miracle of a Big Dream | Richard Antoine White
2 posts | 2 read | 4 to read
From the streets of Baltimore to the halls of the New Mexico Philharmonic, a musician shares his remarkable story in I'm Possible, an inspiring memoir of perseverance and possibility. Growing up, Richard Antoine White and his mother didnt have a key to a room or a house. Sometimes they had shelter, but they never had a place to call home. Still, they always had each other, and from a young age, Richard believed he could look after his mother, even as she struggled with alcoholism and would frequently disappear, sending Richard into loops of visiting familiar spots until he found her again. And he always diduntil one night, when he almost dies searching for her in the snow, and is taken in by his adoptive grandparents. Living with his grandparents is an adjustment with rules and routines, but when Richard joins band for something to do, he unexpectedly discovers a talent and a sense of purpose. Taking up the tuba feels like something he can do that belongs to him, and playing music is like a light going on in the dark. Soon Richard gains acceptance to the prestigious Baltimore School for the Arts, and continues thriving in his musical studies as he navigates racial and socioeconomic disparities as one of few Black students in his programs. With fierce determination, Richard pushes forward on his remarkable path, eventually securing a coveted spot in a symphony orchestra and becoming the first African American to earn a doctorate in music for tuba performance. A professor and mentor, Richard now shares his extraordinary storyof dreaming big, impossible dreams and making them come true.
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BookishTrish
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I couldn‘t put this memoir of a driven and supported young man who becomes the first Black man with a PhD is tuba performance. It‘s a moving story of music, passion, discipline, vulnerability, beating the odds. A great read.

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DrexEdit
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The first black man with a doctorate in tuba performance is an amazing story. But Mr. White's story gets even more amazing than this. He grew up destitute and homeless on the streets of Baltimore with his drug addicted mom. The story of how he fought his way out and the people who helped him on the way is uplifting and inspiring. I greatly recommend this book to anyone who needs some inspiration. 5 ⭐

DrexEdit My husband, who also has a doctorate in tuba performance & a similar career teaching at the University level & playing in regional symphonies, recommended this book to me. I know exactly how much work & dedication it takes to make a career like this. My husband had no where near the obstacles Mr. White had. That said the music world is very small and the tuba world even smaller. It was fun to read about tuba people I've met over the years. 2y
Lcsmcat What an interesting sounding book! My husband is a bass trombonist so I know exactly what you mean about the small world and the difficulties. At one point he had three college/university jobs, the Symphony, and a church job at the same time. I wonder if they‘ve ever played together, and I‘m sure they know some of the same people. It is indeed a small world. 2y
DrexEdit Cool! I'm sure they do know some of the same people. Weston Sprott and Dee Stewart both make appearances in this book, just to name drop a couple of trombonists.☺️ 2y
Lcsmcat @DrexEdit He doesn‘t know either of them personally, but knows of them. We‘re in NC now, but my husband played 22 years in the Utah Symphony, but also played in Saint Louis, Chattanooga, the National Symphony and Annapolis, to name a few. And taught at 7 or 8 different colleges/universities. So he could know your husband from one of those places. (edited) 2y
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