Club Book Episode 134 Brendan Slocumb

Brendan Slocumb is a classically trained violinist and accomplished music educator. During his own education at the University of Carolina Greensboro, Slocumb served as concertmaster for the University Symphony. Slocumb has since performed violin and guest conducted for renowned orchestras including the Washington Metropolitan Symphony. Over his two-decade teaching career, Slocumb has earned accolades including Teacher of the Year for his district, the Nobel Teacher of Distinction honorific, and a spot in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Slocumb’s much-anticipated debut novel, The Violin Conspiracy, takes place against a backdrop the author knows well: the fiercely competitive world of professional classical musicians. Intrepid protagonist Ray McMillian – who, like Slocumb, is a Black violinist from North Carolina – is shocked to discover that his family’s beat-up heirloom fiddle is in fact a priceless Stradivarius. Soon after this life-changing revelation, however, the rising star’s fortunes take a turn for the worse. Publishers Weekly calls The Violin Conspiracy: “A gripping debut… Slocumb sensitively portrays Ray’s resilience in the face of extreme racism.”

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