University News Last updated 28 February
BMus Jazz students Grace Conner, Nathaniel (Nat) Evans and Nick Manz recently returned from the first leg of an international exchange with Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester in New York.
The nine-day exchange was supported by RBC’s Global Engagement office, with the aim of immersing our students in new ways of rehearsing and performing, as well as the US culture.
The exchange took place from 15 to 23 February and came off the back of Lecturer in Jazz Ed Puddick’s visit to Eastman to perform and deliver a masterclass in 2024 alongside honorary RBC Fellow Michael Gibbs.
On his return, Ed mapped out the exchange together with Michael and Eastman School of Music Associate Professor Dave Rivello, who were also keen for senior RBC Jazz undergraduate and postgraduate students to be given this opportunity.
Nine students were shortlisted from a large list of applications, and a panel of lecturers from RBC’s Jazz Department selected four students to take part. Unfortunately, one student was ill and unable to travel, so three students made the trip.
During the exchange, Grace, Nat and Nick attended classes, rehearsals and soaked up cultural experiences including museums and art galleries, as well as enjoying the social side of university in Rochester.
Nat Evans said: “I learned so much from the students about US culture, as well as the jazz scene in Rochester and New York as a whole. When they come over to Birmingham, I'll give them a tour of all the jazz nights during their stay.”
Grace said: “I have made some new friends. I loved being able to live a student life at Eastman. Going to the classes, rehearsals, seeing the history and visiting places off campus like museums and art galleries, as well as cafes and restaurants. We met so many new and amazing people that I hope to keep in touch with.”
Ed commented: “The next phase of the exchange is still being planned. It’s encouraging to hear how well our students got on with their counterparts at Eastman. We are hoping to welcome students from Eastman to Birmingham as soon as possible.”
Photo caption: (l-r) Grace Conner, Nick Manz and Nat Evans.