In one ear... and out the other

A century ago, girls were told they couldn’t become conductors. But Antonia Brico didn’t listen – and she didn’t let that stop her!

In one ear and out the other: Antonia Brico and her amazing musical life by Diane Worthey. Illustrated by Morgana Wallace. Penny Candy books, 2020. 48 p. ; 12,000 words. 
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This 1200-word chapter book biography inspires girls to never give up on your dream! Antonia Brico had many things against her. Her foster parents abandoned her when she turned 18. She was told the audience would throw rotten eggs at a woman conductor. But she didn’t listen… she let the negative comments go in one ear and out the other and persevered in the pursuit of her goal to become a conductor. She was the first woman to conduct the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

As a teenager, Diane Worthey performed under Brico's baton - so she has firsthand experience with the subject of her biography. 


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