CC Logo A Public Service of USC
Schedule
HostsWays to Give
Donate
Loading profile
HomePlaylistSchedule
HostsEventsOn DemandOur StoryOur TeamWays to Give Become a Sponsor
How to ListenVisit Help CenterContact Us

Find Us on Social Media

CC Logo White Horizontal A Public Service of USC

Download Our Mobile App

Google Play Icon

About

HomePlaylistSchedule
HostsOn DemandOur StoryOur Team

Community

EventsWays to Give Become a SponsorPressDiversity StatementCareersKUSC EEO ReportKDFC EEO ReportDigital Accessibility

Help

How to ListenVisit Help CenterContact Us

Find Us on Social Media

Sweepstakes RulesKUSC Local Public FilesKDFC Local Public FilesPrivacy PolicyCode of Integrity

©2026 Classical California

stilletos.jpg

articles / Pop Culture

Stash the Stilettos

Pop Culture

Why are some symphony organizations asking auditioning musicians to go barefoot? In the interest of “blind” auditions, musicians are asked to perform behind a curtain or screen of some kind.  That way, the panel of judges can listen to a performance unaware of the race, gender, or age of a candidate. Well, some orchestras have realized that if one hears the clickety-clackety of high heels as the musician finds his/her place behind the screen, chances are they’re about to hear a female musician. So, boys and girls, no shoes please! Read more here.

Pop Culture
Written by:
Host - Dianne Nicolini
Dianne Nicolini
Published on 03.22.2017

MORE LIKE THIS

ophicleides-triple.jpg

The Ophi-What?

Explore the history of the ophicleide, a 19th-century instrument used in orchestras and military bands, and its cultural significance in music and clergy.

05/11/2018
Ping-Pong.jpg

Ping Pong on the Concert Stage

Explore the inspiration behind composer Andy Akiho's piece, Ricochet, derived from his visit to Spin, a trendy Ping-Pong club in New York City.

05/11/2018
Olympic-Gold-Medal.jpg

The Olympic Theme Explained

Explore the history and structure of the NBC Olympic Theme, composed by John Williams for the 1984 LA Olympics, and discover a unique rendition of this iconic tune.

02/15/2018
ophicleides-triple.jpg

The Ophi-What?

Explore the history of the ophicleide, a 19th-century instrument used in orchestras and military bands, famously included in works by Berlioz, Mendelssohn, Verdi, and Wagner.

11/16/2017
SF-Opera-War-Memorial.jpg

Cocktails with the Coloratura?

San Francisco Opera tests a new policy allowing drinks in the hall, using compostable cups. This move, common in England, sparks debate on opera etiquette and culture.

06/21/2017
times-square.jpg

“The Producers” Meets the Met!

Broadway producer Roland Scahill is accused of defrauding investors of $165,000 for a non-existent play about opera star Kathleen Battle and actress Lupita Nyong’o.

11/18/2016