The Name

One of the most frequent questions we are asked is "Why the name 'Black Glove?'"

In 1994, Tracie and Francesca were not looking forward to the Southwest Symphony's annual performance at Dixie College Commencement due to the fact that the arena was always very cold and the air conditioner vent blew down directly upon the orchestra as it waited to perform.  By the time it came to play, their hands would be ice cold and it wouldn't be a particularly fun or successful experience to say the least!  

So, they decided to bring gloves- the obvious solution!

But alas, Francesca forgot her gloves that morning.  Luckily, Tracie had brought a pair of stretchy knit gloves that could be worn on either hand.  So each of the cellists took one glove and wore it on her left hand, to keep it warm and happy.   As they sat with their hands clasped around the necks of their cellos during the graduation speeches, they got some rather odd looks from other orchestra members (particularly violinists!).   Afterwards they laughed that wearing one black glove on the left hand could become a secret symbol of cellists everywhere.

In relating this tale to Nate, the idea of the "Black Glove Society" was born.  A secret society of cellists that would be the envy of all other musicians.  Not much really came of the idea, but occasionally there would be a joke about it between them.   Tracie's brother even created some amusing letterhead for the group- proclaiming St. George to be the International Headquarters of the BGS.

When the first cello festival became a reality the next year, it was simply called Cello Week (and still is by the staff).  However when it came time to print the program for the final concert, they needed a name, and the obvious choice was...

Yes.

The Black Glove Cello Festival.