Clayton Man Helped Build Symphony's Diversity

Late resident Joe Kleeman is being remembered for his efforts to increase the diversity of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported this week. Kleeman died May 15 at age 82.

Quoting from the Post-Dispatch article:

"He and another musician got the Symphony to start blind auditions, with musicians trying out behind a screen. The tryouts walked onto a stage covered with carpet to muffle the sound. The judges didn't know whether the tryout was wearing high heels or tennis shoes."

Hear from people who knew Kleeman and learn more about his work at the symphony in the complete Post-Dispatch article.