Can you name a male or female Black string player off the top of your head? If you have never heard of Sanford Allen, he studied music at the Juilliard School of Music and Mannes School of Music.
“In 1959, he became the first African-American regular member of the Lewisohn Stadium Concerts Orchestra. Then, in 1962, he joined the New York Philharmonic. This made him the first full-time African-American violinist in that famous orchestra. He stayed with the Philharmonic until 1977,” according to Kiddle Encyclopedia. ( https://kids.kiddle.co/Sanford_Allen)
Although Black violinists like Allen exist, awareness about their musical contributions needs greater exposure. Violinists are typically not top of mind, but in recent years, mentions of Black violinists are nestled in the cracks of the Internet.
Add Baltimorean Leanne Holmes (“L-Stringz”) to the list of violinists that you should know.
According to her website, the professional classically trained violinist has recorded and performed for artists from Wale to 50 Cent and 2 Chainz. Holmes recently stated that she became interested in violin around 10 years old.
“I was transferred to another school within my district that had a gifted in art program,” Holmes said.
While being reared in Atlanta, Georgia, Holmes took private violin lessons that largely consisted of classical music. However, the violinist began teaching herself how to play different genres such as hip-hop and R&B.
“I started playing contemporary music in high school after meeting my mentor Ashanti Floyd ‘The Mad Violinist.’ Being classically trained, I am comfortable playing all different types of genres,” said Holmes.
The Music Performance Major with a concentration in violin graduated from Hampton University in the class of 2020.
Holmes accomplished a great performance feat as a violinist.
“Honda Battle of the Bands is an annual showcase for HBCU marching bands. To date, I am still the only violinist to perform the National Anthem for, not one, but two Honda Battle of the Band showcases. I performed the National Anthem in 2019 and 2020, and this also led to me being able to perform for CIAA as well,” Holmes proudly noted.
Later relocating to Maryland required an adjustment in her personal life. Holmes made a major sacrifice to pursue her music career by moving to Baltimore from Atlanta where her family resides.
“We are very close knit so it’s hard not being close to them every day,” she explained.
Nevertheless, positive developments emerged from taking a leap of faith. Coming to Maryland exposed the violinist to additional music genres such as Baltimore Drill (which is characterized by aggressive beats and Baltimore club music) and GoGo. Holmes broadened her performance repertoire to include them. She tailors her performances to the event and audience, allowing her to perform for anyone from youth to older generations.
“I perform both solo, in orchestras, and with my band, The Gentlemen. I am a part of a touring HipHop orchestra known as The Illharmonic Orchestra, and I’ve played with a variety of other quartets and groups,” she added.
Holmes embraces her passion as a full-time musician, despite facing barriers.
“Being a Black woman in the music industry is already a challenge as you have to balance being trendy/popular while also not forgoing your own values,” said Holmes.
She further mentioned the difficulty of being a solo artist who plays the violin, a string instrument that has not achieved full popularity. But Holmes’ goal as a performer is to provide a new music experience for an audience while crafting music specifically for them and their event.
Holmes’ ability to make a fusion of sounds relatable is a part of her gift. She enjoys having the ability to touch people through music.
“Playing the violin allows others to really interpret music their own way while still hearing songs from their favorite artist. When a person comes up to me and tells me how much fun they had listening to me, that really makes being ‘L-Stringz’ all the more worth it!”
“L-Stringz” and the Gentlemen will perform at AFRAM on June 21-22, 2025 at the Family & Roots Stage. Visit https://lstringz.com for more information about Holmes.