[{"id":371,"date":"2013-08-19T16:25:51","date_gmt":"2013-08-19T20:25:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wp.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/?p=371"},"modified":"2013-08-19T16:25:51","modified_gmt":"2013-08-19T20:25:51","slug":"vcuukzn-jazz-cd-leap-of-faith-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/2013\/08\/19\/vcuukzn-jazz-cd-leap-of-faith-2\/","title":{"rendered":"VCU\/UKZN Jazz CD “Leap of Faith”"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"LeapCover72\"<\/a>Our jointly released CD “Leap of Faith” was released in September\/October on both continents. It is be available from both universities as well as from CDBaby<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here’s a preview of this CD\u00a0(written in the voice of Prof. Garc\u00eda):<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/em><\/p>\n

1. NIA (8:15)
\nsoloists:<\/i> Plunky Branch (soprano); Chris Ryan (gtr) & Linda Sikhakhane (tenor); Ildo Nandja (congas) & Sphelelo Mazibuko (dr)
\ncomp:<\/i> Plunky Branch (BMI)\u00a0 arr.<\/i> Victor Haskins<\/p>\n

As noted in the Trip 3 and 4 blogs, we received the benefit of perspectives from Ndikho and Nomusa Xaba in Durban on Trip 3 and then from Plunky Branch on Trip 4 in Richmond. I invited Victor to arrange this piece, which he did while attending Betty Carter\u2019s Jazz Ahead workshops in early March. This performance actually closed our March 28, 2013 Richmond concert.<\/p>\n

 <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

2. LEAP OF FAITH (5:01)
\nsoloists:<\/i> Trey Sorrells (alto), Brendan Schnabel (tenor)
\ncomp:<\/i> Stephan le Roux<\/p>\n

Here appears the first of our four commissions on this CD. The VCU team had met then-student Stephan<\/b> le<\/b> Roux<\/b> when we first visited Durban last summer. VCU student Trey Sorrells, upon hearing Stephan\u2019s writing in UKZN\u2019s Arranging class under the direction of Prof. Demi Fernandez, immediately commented that he\u2019d like to have some of Stephan\u2019s music played in the U.S. His mentors certainly agree. Stephan\u2019s new composition, \u201cLeap of Faith,\u201d really \u201cstems out of a personal situational perspective. During the process of writing this I was faced with the decision to move to Cape Town and leave everything I had built up in Pietermaritzburg, hence the title. The African influence is basically just a product of what I experienced during my time at UKZN and the predominant African undertone a lot of the music there presented.\u201d Stephan was mentored by Prof. Neil Gonsalves as he wrote the piece.<\/p>\n

In all honesty, our performance later at VCU might have been a bit more accurate to the writer\u2019s score; but this premiere performance at UKZN resonated with us as performers and with our Durban audience.<\/p>\n

 <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

3. REUNION: BROTHERS FROM ANOTHER MOTHER (9:40)
\nsoloists:<\/i> Linda Sikhakhane (tenor), Sakhile Simani (tpt), Sebastian Goldswain (gtr), Lungelo Ngcobo (pno), Ildo Nandja (bs), Sphelelo Mazibuko (dr)
\ncomp:<\/i> Antonio J. Garc\u00eda (ASCAP)<\/p>\n

Similarly, we share UKZN\u2019s Richmond performance of this commission composed by VCU Jazz Director Antonio Garc\u00eda. \u201cReunion: Brothers from Another Mother\u201d brings elements of South African music, Zulu influences, Hi-Life (or Highlife) and Yoruban West African music, and American Gospel and Funk together in a piece that reflects the joy and friendship immediately apparent among the VCU and UKZN musicians upon their very first meeting in Durban in July 2012–a delight that remains to this day. He was also influenced by his two occasions hosting the late Zim Ngqawana (a UKZN alumnus), who had emphasized cultural dance as the root of a work Garc\u00eda had commissioned him to compose for students years ago: this piece should dance–and make the audience want to!<\/p>\n

 <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

4. LAGA THE RIDER (8:11)
\nsoloists:<\/i> Sakhile Simani (tpt), Lungelo Ngcobo (pno)
\ncomp:<\/i> Sakhile Simani<\/p>\n

The background of this piece was aptly described by UKZN Jazz Director Neil Gonsalves in his introduction for the audience. \u201cSakhile has composed this as a tribute to his friend…Laga…. The Rider….\u201d End of story! And what a beautiful tune.<\/p>\n

 <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

5. MAKALAFUKWE (8:06)
\nsoloists:<\/i> Victor Haskins (tpt), Chris Ryan (gtr), Trey Sorrells (alto), Brendan Schnabel (tenor), C.J. Wolfe (dr)
\ncomp:<\/i> Sazi Dlamini (SAMRO)<\/p>\n

UKZN musicologist Dr.<\/b> Sazi<\/b> Dlamini<\/b> is founder of the well-known Durban band \u201cSkokiana\u201d and big band \u201cInkwishi.\u201d His diverse stylistic approaches in performance and composition include collaborative works for electronic sound synthesis, musical bows, voice and percussion (Yinkosi Yeziziba [2002]); string quartet, ugubhu bow and percussion (Jiwe [2008]); gong, flute, guitar, musical bows and voices (Destiny [2003]); multimedia improvisation, turntables, wind instruments, movement, percussion and voice (Ekhaya [2010]); and Insurrections [2012]–a international collaborative CD album involving performance poets, electronic composition, singers, and acoustic instrumentalists from India and South Africa. His newly commissioned work, \u201cMakalafukwe,\u201d fuses \u201cjazz-influenced South African musical idioms variously known as marabi, kwela, or mbaqanga with the similarly influenced musical styles of the transatlantic experience–in particular west-African highlife and Afro-Caribbean calypso. The piece celebrates the musical experiences of black South African youth in the 1950s and the 1960s: growing up in rural mission stations and peri-urban black townships, and learning to play music on penny-whistles (flageolets), acoustic guitars, and one-string bass made out of a plywood tea-chest.\u201d And it was a wonderful and challenging piece to internalize.<\/p>\n

 <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

6. BREATHE (6:36)
\nsoloists:<\/i> Sebastian Goldswain (gtr), Linda Sikhakhane (tenor)
\ncomp:<\/i> Victor X. Haskins (BMI)<\/p>\n

VCU\u2019s student commission was presented by Victor Haskins to the UKZN team. \u201cThe idea for this tune really came from the desire to write a tune that had a \u2018classical\u2019-sounding influence, which the melody most definitely exhibits. The title is drawn from the way the tune makes me feel–as though I am taking in a very deep, relaxing breath–cathartic, in a way.\u201d Victor was mentored by Prof. Antonio Garc\u00eda as he wrote the piece.<\/p>\n

 <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

7. A LITTLE SOUL NEVER HURT NOBODY (9:02)
\nsoloists:<\/i> Victor Haskins (tpt), Chris Ryan (gtr), Neil Gonsalves (pno); improv soli with Trey Sorrells (alto), Brendan Schnabel (tenor), & Victor Haskins (tpt)
\ncomp:<\/i> Chris Ryan<\/p>\n

This composition had opened our March 6 Durban concert but was not recorded due to technical equipment difficulty. The reprise on our Richmond concert, presented here, reunited the VCU team with its collaborator, Prof. Neil Gonsalves from UKZN. The subtitle of the composition is \u201cWhen Charles Met Ray,\u201d a nod to the influence of Ray Charles and Charles Mingus.<\/p>\n

 <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

8. SOUTHERN SKIES AND LAVENDER BLUE (9:07)
\nsoloists:<\/i> Neil Gonsalves (pno), Antonio Garc\u00eda (tbn)
\ncomp:<\/i> Neil Gonsalves (SAMRO)<\/p>\n

A collaborative performance by the two musicians most steering this innovative exchange project seemed inevitable and proved a delight in the making as well as in the hearing. “Southern Skies and Lavender Blue” had been inspired by Neil\u2019s September trip to Virginia, the colors of the blossoms, and my wife Mary’s love of shades of purple–which propel me to often wear shirts of said color!<\/p>\n

 <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

9. MFOKA ZIBHEBHU (4:11)
\nsoloists:<\/i> Madala Kunene (gtr\/vocals),\u00a0Victor Haskins (tpt), Lungelo Ngcobo (pno),\u00a0Trey Sorrells (alto), Chris Ryan (gtr);\u00a0Brendan Schnabel & Linda Sikhakhane (tenor)
\ncomp:<\/i> Mzwake Kunene
\n<\/i>arr:<\/i>\u00a0Antonio J. Garc\u00eda
\npub:<\/i> Durban Beach Music Publishing (SAMRO)<\/p>\n

As noted in the Trip 1 blog, the VCU and UKZN teams met Madala Kunene in August 2012, learning his personal and musical history and briefly collaborating with him informally in some music-making. We were delighted when he agreed to perform with us the following March! But we needed formal arrangements to join his vision with the musicianship of a dozen students from two continents. Just two two weeks prior to the Durban concert I received tracks from Madala\u2019s then-unreleased CD, \u201c1959\u201d (still unreleased as of this writing). I chose two tunes, then transcribed and arranged them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I chose \u201cMfoka Zibhebhu\u201d for several reasons. It tells an interesting story. It had been taught to the VCU and UKZN teams by Madala and Sazi in an informal outdoor setting in Durban in August 2012 after what had been a transformative tour through Madala\u2019s childhood neighborhoods, from which he and his family had been evicted during a race-prejudiced takeover. And it has characteristics I would describe as straight-eighths folk, swing-eighths folk (often over a straight-eighths bass line), swing, shuffle, Afro-Cuban, and double-time swing. My goal was to bring each of those elements together in a cohesive arrangement for the 13 performers. This chart and the next were completed a week before the Durban concert, rehearsed briefly by the VCU team in the U.S., and e-mailed out to the UKZN team for their review.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Madala\u2019s lyrics are as follows:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mfoka Zibhebhu, wolobola ngani ekhweni (2x)<\/p>\n

Nkomo azikho, zawela nemifula (2x)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mfoka Zibhebhu, wolobola ngani ekhweni (2x)<\/p>\n

Nkomo azikho, zawela nemifula (2x)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Badapada bai<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nkomo aziko zawela nemifula\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The story:<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter the queen of England, Queen Victoria, had King Cetshwayo arrested, she demanded 60,000 head of cattle be paid to the British army before granting him a hearing. This was to feed the British forces occupying Natal at the time. It was Zibhebhu who took it upon himself to work for the release of the King, moving around and collecting the cattle from the Zulu nation. Mfoka Zibhebhu is a song challenging Zibhebhu\u2019s son, about where he thinks he would later find the cows to pay the lobola (dowry) for his bride after all the cows collected by his father, Zibhebhu were given to the British forces.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was delight for the student performers of both schools to perform this South African music in Durban with its composer, Madala Kunene.<\/p>\n

 <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

10. NO PASS, NO SPECIAL (9:52)
\nsoloists:<\/i> Madala Kunene (gtr\/vocals), Darryl Harper (clar)
\ncomp:<\/i> Mzwake Kunene
\n<\/i>arr:<\/i>\u00a0Antonio J. Garc\u00eda
\npub:<\/i> Durban Beach Music Publishing (SAMRO)<\/p>\n

Also chosen by me from Kunene\u2019s \u201c1959\u201d pre-CD tracks, the choice was obvious due to the powerful message conveyed by the tune\u2019s story: \u201cWe all belong to the Human race. Let\u2019s focus on our racial similarities, which in any event far outweigh the differences. Let\u2019s just love ourselves by loving each other.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Madala\u2019s lyrics are as follows:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No Pass no Special<\/p>\n

O musani ukukhombana ngeminwe<\/p>\n

Ngoba \u2018siyinto eyodwa<\/p>\n

Bathi\u2019 mZulu, bathi\u2019 mXhosa, bathi\u2019 umSuthu, bat\u2019 mSwazi into eyodwa<\/p>\n

Hamba we Apartheid, Hamba we Apartheid<\/p>\n

Hawu phume ngomnyango, phuma nangewindi, nangembotshana encanyana<\/p>\n

Asikufuni thina, asikufuni thina<\/p>\n

Siyafana sonke, igazi linye, emphefumulo munye, inyama yinye<\/p>\n

Yinto yodwa lento, Yinto yodwa<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yet you\u2019ll only hear the final lines sung in our rendition. We had known that Madala Kunene was not the primary vocalist on the \u201c1959\u201d recording but had mistakenly understood that he would be delighted to sing all the lyrics at our Durban concert. On arrival to our rehearsal in Durban, we learned that was not the case: he had always known that the opening sections of the lyrics were not in his vocal range.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So the chart became an instrumental reflection of the spirit of the lyrics, a reflection with which Madala was most pleased. Aside from Dr. Darryl Harper\u2019s fine clarinet-improvisation musings, I had derived the arrangement from the internal fingerings of Madala\u2019s own guitar-playing. It made sense, given that we would be imposing 13 musicians on his solo guitar style, to simply amplify elements of his style so that we might resonate as one ensemble. As with the previous track on this CD, the students sing in chorus near the end of the piece. The result of the efforts of all was contemplative and moving, bringing Madala to meditative heights and the Durban audience to collaborate enthusiastically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

All selections were recorded live: no overdubs added, with several edits made by Antonio Garc\u00eda to accommodate the length of this CD. #1, 3, 4, 6, & 7 were recorded at Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall, VCU, Richmond, VA, March 28, 2013; #2, 5, 8, 9, & 10 at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, UKZN, Durban, South Africa, March 6, 2013.<\/p>\n

#2, 3, & 6 were commissioned by VCU in Honor of its Partnership with UKZN. #5 was commissioned by The Southern African Music Organisation, Limited (SAMRO) and VCU in Honor of VCU’s Partnership with the UKZN. All ten arrangements received their first performances within these two March 2013 concerts.<\/p>\n

Tracks 3, 4, 6: UKZN JAZZ LEGACY ENSEMBLE
\nDirector–Neil Gonsalves
\nTenor–Linda Sikhakhane; Trumpet–Sakhile Simani
\n(also congas on #6); Guitar–Sebastian Goldswain
\n(also rainstick on #6); Piano–Lungelo Ngcobo;
\nBass–Ildo Nandja; Drums–Sphelelo Mazibuko<\/p>\n

Tracks 2, 5, 7: VCU AFRICA COMBO
\nDirector–Antonio J. Garc\u00eda
\nAlto–Trey Sorrells; Tenor–Brendan Schnabel;
\nTrumpet–Victor Haskins; Guitar–Chris Ryan;
\nBass–Justin Esposito; Drums–C.J. Wolfe
\nOn #4 add Trombone–Antonio Garc\u00eda.
\nOn #7 add Piano–Neil Gonsalves.<\/p>\n

Tracks 1, 9, 10: COMBINED VCU\/UKZN ENSEMBLES
\nDirectors–Antonio J. Garc\u00eda<\/a>, Neil Gonsalves<\/a>
\nAll 12 students perform on these three tracks. Further details:
\nTrack 1 includes Plunky Branch<\/a> (soprano), Sebastian Goldswain (guitar\/rainstick), Ildo Nandja (congas), Sphelelo Mazibuko (drums), C.J. Wolfe (hand percussion).
\nTrack 9 includes Madala Kunene<\/a> (acoustic guitar\/vocals), Sebastian Goldswain (rhythm guitar), Justin Esposito (bass), Sphelelo Mazibuko (congas), Ildo Nandja (hand percussion), C.J. Wolfe (drums), all (vocals); Antonio Garc\u00eda conducting.
\nTrack 10 includes Madala Kunene<\/a> (acoustic guitar\/vocals), Darryl Harper<\/a> (clarinet), Sebastian Goldswain (guitar\/rainstick), Ildo Nandja (bass), Sphelelo Mazibuko (congas), C.J. Wolfe (drums), Justin Esposito (hand percussion), all (vocals); Antonio Garc\u00eda conducting.<\/p>\n

Track 8:
\nTrombone–Antonio Garc\u00eda; Piano–Neil Gonsalves
\nProducer, Liner Notes, Graphics, & Layout; plus (Selections 1, 7, & 10) Assistant Engineer–Antonio J. Garc\u00eda<\/p>\n

Engineer (Selections 2, 5, 8, 9, & 10)–Chris Stranex (SAS Productions, Durban, South Africa)
\nEngineer (Selections #1, 3, 4, 6, & 7; plus all 10 remixes)–Curt Blankenship (VCU)
\nTechnical Assistant (Selections #2, 5, 8, 9, & 10)–Jesse Castellani (VCU)<\/p>\n

For More Information
\nVCU Jazz Studies<\/a>
\n922 Park Avenue
\nBox 842004
\nRichmond VA 23284-2004 USA
\nph (001) 804-827-0699
\nfax (001) 804-827-0230
\n<ajgarcia@vcu.edu<\/a>><\/p>\n

VCU Department of Music<\/a>
\n922 Park Avenue
\nBox 842004
\nRichmond VA 23284-2004 USA
\nph (001) 804-828-1166
\nfax (001) 804-827-0230
\n<music@vcu.edu<\/a>><\/p>\n

UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music<\/a>
\nHoward College Campus
\n75th Anniversary Avenue
\nDurban, South Africa 4041
\nph (27) (0)31-260-3385
\nfax (27) (0)31-260-1048
\n<Gonsalves@ukzn.ac.za<\/a>><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Our jointly released CD “Leap of Faith” was released in September\/October on both continents. It is be available from both universities as well as from CDBaby. Here’s a preview of this CD\u00a0(written in the voice of Prof. Garc\u00eda):<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":913,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-371","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/371","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/913"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=371"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/371\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=371"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=371"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=371"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":369,"date":"2013-08-19T16:25:01","date_gmt":"2013-08-19T20:25:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wp.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/?p=369"},"modified":"2019-12-19T17:01:35","modified_gmt":"2019-12-19T17:01:35","slug":"trip-4-ukzn-to-vcu-march-2013-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/2013\/08\/19\/trip-4-ukzn-to-vcu-march-2013-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Trip 4: UKZN to VCU March 2013"},"content":{"rendered":"

Trip 4: UKZN to VCU March 2013<\/p>\n

(Written in Prof. Garcia\u2019s voice…)<\/i><\/p>\n

As you may already know, VCU Jazz received an “International Partnerships Major Initiatives Award” (IPMI) to bring American and African citizens together in musical and personal understanding. VCUarts generously matched the grant. Titled “VCU and the University of KwaZulu-Natal: A Jazz Bridge to Greater Understanding,” this grant project brought together students and faculty of the Jazz Studies Programs of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa over the course of the VCU academic year.<\/p>\n

As in Fall 2012, UKZN visited Richmond in the last week of March 2013, this time to close out the exchanges of the year. It was a delight to be able to host our friends here again! While Mary and I did not travel–thus the tale less exotic from our own view–I really should share some images and tales from this final trip of the four exchanges.<\/p>\n

Throughout the year’s planning, Neil had asked me about Richmond’s weather in late March. “Wonderful, spring-like…mild days, cool evenings,” I always replied.<\/p>\n

And they arrived on Sunday, March 24 to…<\/p>\n

\"HanoverAveSnowPanWide.72\"<\/a>
(photo credits Antonio Garc\u00eda unless noted otherwise)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SNOW!!!<\/p>\n

\"JamGarcias3.24.13PanA.72\"<\/a>Fortunately I had warned them in the preceding days so that they brought some appropriate weather-wear as they started their visit at our house for a jam session with the VCU team.<\/p>\n

\"AllenBusterStudioPanA.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Monday began with a visit to the art studio of VCU Prof. Siemon Allen<\/a>. He specializes in collecting and studying South African music album covers as social and political commentary: specifically, he examines how the liner notes differ depending on whether \"IMG_0773.72\"<\/a>released in South Africa, Europe, the U.K., U.S., etc., as different countries allowed and did not allow some statements to be published. Assisting the presentation was VCU Prof. Kendall Buster<\/a>, who also specializes in art of a South African focus.<\/p>\n

One of many special albums in particular caught our eye:<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0775.72\"<\/a>This album had been released in the late 1980s by UKZN’s former incarnation, the University of Natal (Durban), which is the form by which I had first been introduced to that jazz program in the 1990s as editor of the International Association of Jazz Educators’ Journal<\/em>. A few years later I twice had hosted UND alumnus Zim Ngqawana, a brilliant saxophonist, at Northwestern University. And when I’d first visited South Africa about ten years ago for a jazz conference, I got the chance to make music with pianist Melvin Peters and drummer Lulu Gontsana. To see them on this cover–especially now that Zim and Lulu have since passed at young ages–was a special moment. And others pictured, including trumpeter Johnny Mekoa, have also gone on to important careers in jazz.<\/p>\n

Siemon’s accomplishments received major recognition just a few weeks after our visit to his studio: he received a Guggenheim Fellowship<\/a>!<\/p>\n

\"WoodwardPanA.72\"<\/a>Various rehearsals spanned the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, along with classes, some lessons, jam sessions, and visits to area clubs to hear performances and sit in. Tuesday brought a visit by the Virginia Museum for the Arts’ African Art curator, Dr. Richard Woodward, who provided us with an astonishing introduction to the historical links between Zulu Africans and our own Commonwealth of Virginia.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0819.72\"<\/a>After that session, the UKZN team presented VCU Music’s Administrative Director, Linda Johnston, with an African dress (which she later wore to our concert). Linda not only makes all the travel and financial logistics happen, but she also went out of her way to provide the students with refreshments at various points of their travels.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0850.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

With Neil’s help I had obtained some big band charts by a South African musician I’d met a decade ago, and so Neil and his students sat in to perform them with the VCU Jazz Orchestra II on its Tuesday evening concert.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0855.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Wednesday included a visit by University of Virginia historian Dr. John Edwin Mason, who presented VCU’s Jazz History class (taught by our own Dr. Darryl Harper) and our guests with insights as to the evolving cultural relationship between the United States and South Africa.<\/p>\n

\"JohnEdwinMasonPanA72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_0871.72\"<\/a>He led off with a video clip of the UKZN Jazz Legacy Ensemble performing at The Camel in Richmond last September, as recorded by Siemon Allen and Kendall Buster.<\/p>\n

Later that afternoon came one of the cornerstones of the visit: a dialogue with saxophonist Plunky Branch regarding jazz and civil rights. It was an earnest and moving exchange.<\/p>\n

\"PlunkyDialoguePanA.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"PlunkyCombosRehPanA72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

And then the students of both schools rehearsed with Plunky on Victor Haskins’ new arrangement of Plunky’s composition “Nia.”<\/p>\n

On Thursday my daughter Kate and I drove the UKZN students out to Short Pump Mall, where they had visited in September, so as to get some shopping in. Once back on campus, rehearsal got underway for the final concert of the year-long project!<\/p>\n

\"PlunkyDrRehPanA.72\"<\/a> \"SoulDrReh3.28.13PanA.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"_MG_1244.72\"<\/a>
(photo credit VCU\/Tim Chumley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The VCU team was decked out in its African apparel (much from the Victoria Street Market field trip in Durban a few weeks prior).<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0948.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The UKZN team was equally resplendent in beaded ties, created in the Ndebele tradition.<\/p>\n

VCU’s Provost, Dr. Beverly Warren, was kind to come backstage prior to the start of the concert to meet all the musicians, as did the VCU Global Education Office’s Dr. McKenna Brown (who oversees the GEO’s sponsorship of our grant activities).<\/p>\n

\"_MG_1256.72\"<\/a>
(photo credits the remainder of this section by VCU\/Tim Chumley)\u00a0<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"_MG_1263.72\"<\/a> \"_MG_1267.72\"<\/a> \"_MG_1271.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"_MG_1281.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

And I received a round of applause for correctly (well, I’m sure mostly<\/em> correctly) pronouncing the names of each of our guests!<\/p>\n

\"_MG_1261PS.72\"<\/a> \"_MG_1298.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Everyone was in a good mood, and it was time to get rolling!\"_MG_1303.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"_MG_1290.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The stage was bathed in red as the musicians approached, to the recorded sounds of a composition I’d written for African mbiras some ten years previous.<\/p>\n

\"StageSetRedPan.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The Provost offered the audience welcoming remarks, and the concert was underway!<\/p>\n

\"_MG_1435.72\"<\/a> \"UKZNEnsConcPanA.72\"<\/a>\"_MG_1518.72\"<\/a> \"_MG_1525.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

As African national colors bathed the stage, Plunky Branch tore into the closer, “Nia,” which will serve as the opener of our CD when released this Fall.<\/p>\n

\"_MG_1551.72\"<\/a> \"_MG_1557.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

And the crowd showed its appreciation.<\/p>\n

\"_MG_1619.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The performers’ satisfaction showed as they left the stage.<\/p>\n

\"_MG_1621.72\"<\/a> \"_MG_1624.72\"<\/a> \"_MG_1637.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

And then, after meeting the audience in the lobby, it was off to a party, graciously co-hosted by Darryl Harper and Sonya Clark!<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0950.72\"<\/a>
(photo credits this section Antonio Garcia)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"IMG_0952.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Mary caught up with each of the UKZN students.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0959.72\"<\/a> \"IMG_0960.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

At one celebratory point, the Durban students broke out into a spontaneous, harmonized vocal performance of the South African national anthem<\/a>. I doubt many American students could suddenly sing our National Anthem in terrific harmony!<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0957.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Sonya Clark asked everyone to sign her concert program.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0953.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Each member of the UKZN team was kind to present his beaded tie to his counterpart on the VCU team. What a colorful gift!<\/p>\n

I had titled my commissioned composition “Reunion: Brothers from Another Mother,” reflecting the joy and friendship immediately apparent among the VCU and UKZN musicians upon their very first meeting in Durban in July 2012–a delight that remains to this day. So now this evening Sonya took pictures of each of the “brothers” that had been separated at birth.<\/p>\n

\"(photo<\/a>
(photo credits this section by Sonya Clark)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"2013-03-28-23.18.29.72\"<\/a> \"2013-03-28-23.18.44.72\"<\/a> \"2013-03-28-23.19.21.72\"<\/a> \"2013-03-28-23.20.24.72\"<\/a> \"2013-03-28-23.21.42.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"2013-03-28-23.26.16.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

And I captured her and my lovely wife as well–sisters from another mother?<\/p>\n

\"2013-03-28-23.33.50.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Turnabout is fair play…<\/p>\n

\"2013-03-28-23.34.56.72\"<\/a> \"2013-03-28-23.41.32.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

It had been a grand night and a grand conclusion to our performances over the previous eight months. But it was not the conclusion of the trip, not at all! And I did<\/em> do some traveling the next day.<\/p>\n

The terrific visit by the UKZN team at VCU throughout that week was capped with a day-long field trip that Friday to Washington, D.C., where they met with Dr. John Edward Hasse<\/a> (American Music Curator, National Museum of American History<\/a>); Ken Kimery, Executive Producer of the Jazz Masterworks Orchestra<\/a>; Wayne S. Brown<\/a> (Director of Music and Opera for The National Endowment for the Arts<\/a>); Michael Orlove<\/a>, NEA Director of Presenting and Artist Communities; Katja von Schuttenbach<\/a>, NEA Jazz Program Officer; Pennie Ojeda<\/a>, NEA Director of International Activities; Ralph Remington<\/a>, NEA Director of Theater and Musical Theater; and Larry Appelbaum<\/a> (Senior Music Reference Librarian and Jazz Specialist, Library of Congress<\/a>), receiving the opportunity to see many historical jazz treasures and dialogue with many of the federal representatives whose constant work preserves and moves forward the legacy of jazz in the U.S. and around the world. We are grateful to VCUarts’ Sarah Cunningham<\/a> for lining up these daytime conferences.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0965.72\"<\/a>The day began with the UKZN team’s checking out of its Richmond hotel at 8a for the van drive to DC with Darryl Harper, Sonya Clark, VCU students John Bradberry and Colleen Trempe (who had hosted the UKZN students at times during their September and March visits), and me. Sarah Cunningham, already in DC, met us there.<\/p>\n

It was an early start for students–and teachers!–after a concert night and grand party. But we were blessed with the best weather of the week for the day in which we’d be traveling on our feet the most.<\/p>\n

\"(photo<\/a>
(photo credits this section by Antonio Garc\u00eda)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon entering the National Museum of American History, curator John Hasse showed us the view of Washington, D.C. from the window before we examined historical artifacts of Ray Charles (chess set, glasses), Duke Ellington (medals), Ella Fitzgerald (Grammy), Michael Jackson (glove), Buddy Rich (case), and more.<\/p>\n

Ken Kimery came in to tell us more about the items.<\/p>\n

\"AmHistPanC72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"AmHistPanB72\"<\/a>
VCU Music Chair Darryl Harper, VCUarts Executive Director of Research Sarah Cunningham, National Museum of American History American Music Curator John Edward Hasse, and the visiting students listened to UKZN Jazz Prof. Neil Gonsalves during a dialogue session.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"IMG_0991.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

After our morning at The Smithsonian, John Hasse generously gave a complimentary copy of The Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz to Neil Gonsalves for UKZN’s Centre for Jazz and Popular Music.<\/p>\n

From there we migrated to The National Endowment for the Arts.<\/p>\n

\"NEAPanA72\"<\/a>
From right: The NEA’s Pennie Ojeda, Ralph Remington, and Michael Orlove, along with VCU Music Chair Darryl Harper and (at far end of the table) the NEA’s Wayne Brown and VCUarts’ Sarah Cunningham and (close left) UKZN’s Neil Gonsalves listen to UKZN student Sphelelo Mazibuko reflect on what the year-long grant has meant to him.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was a terrific exchange of thoughts, with wonderful support from our hosts, who also most graciously provided us lunch.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1005.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

On to The Library of Congress! For this commute, in the interest of time, we took cabs. And what a patriotic view!<\/p>\n

At the LOC Larry Appelbaum served as our historical guide. It was Appelbaum who in 2005 discovered the 1957 Thelonious Monk\/John Coltrane Carnegie Hall<\/a> tapes in the Library and re-mastered them for release.<\/p>\n

\"LibOfCongressPanA72\"<\/a>
The Library of Congress’ Larry Appelbaum (at right center of table) prepares to show his visitors historical artifacts of Teddy Wilson, Gerry Mulligan, George Gershwin, Charles Mingus, George Russell, and photographer William Gottlieb.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"IMG_1010.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

One of Larry’s colleagues stopped by to say hello and offer some perspectives. It turned out that for a while he had taught music appreciation at UKZN; so he and Neil knew each other. Small world!<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1014.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

It’s not often that you can be in the same room as historic jazz manuscripts, but most are available to visitors at the LOC on a regular basis. Here UKZN’s Sebastian Goldswain gets an up-close look at Gerry Mulligan’s writing for “Venus de Milo<\/a>,” as recorded by Miles Davis for the “Birth of the Cool” album of 1957.<\/p>\n

A number of items are available for review online, such as the William Gottlieb<\/a> photographic collection, hi- and lo-res.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1015.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

This book is an unpublished manuscript by pianist Teddy Wilson on “Modern Piano Playing”:<\/p>\n

He showed us Ferde Grofe’s original manuscript orchestrating George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” for Paul Whiteman’s Orchestra…<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1016.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_1017.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

…George Russell’s 1953 manuscript deposit for what would become his “Lydian Chromatic Concept”…<\/p>\n

…and Charles Mingus’ manuscript for the movement “Freedom” presented within the 1989 posthumous performance of his unfinished “Epitaph” suite.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1018.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_1020.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

As we traveled through the hallways of the LOC, Neil paused to reflect next to the baritone sax of Gerry Mulligan.<\/p>\n

Appelbaum invited us to enjoy a view of the renovated lobby area…<\/p>\n

\"LibOfCongressPanB72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_1021.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

…on the way to the Gershwin exhibit, which I’d had the pleasure of visiting the last time I’d been at the LOC.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1033.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_1030.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Gershwin’s piano and desk…<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1032.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

…and manuscript for “There’s a Boat Dat’s Leavin’ Soon for New York” from “Porgy and Bess.”<\/p>\n

Appelbaum led us out the main door for this picturesque shot on the steps of the LOC with the Capitol Building in the background.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1035.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_1036.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Now it was time for dinner, at a site I’d picked as near the evening’s activities to come. I’d picked “Busboys and Poets<\/a>” for its convenience, large seating capacity, and wide-ranging menu. I’d known that its title was related to the African American poet Langston Hughes<\/a>, who’d worked as a busboy in DC prior to gaining recognition as a poet. The menu tells a bit more of the story at the lower right of this page:<\/p>\n

What I had not<\/em> realized in my planning is that I’d inadvertently chosen the IDEAL final formal dining locale for our yearlong joint project, as the restaurant’s theme is dedicated to civil rights and social justice. The wall near us was a montage of iconic images from the freedom movements of many countries, including the U.S. and South Africa:<\/p>\n

\"BusPoetsWallPan72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_1041.72\"<\/a>And so it was that we gathered in international friendship to share good food, good times, and reflections about our wonderful day thus far.<\/p>\n

One of the UKZN students commented to me that America, and D.C. in particular, was an amazing place, given the focus on jazz by the U.S. government that we’d experienced in recent hours. I had to share two perspectives: first, that in my 35 or so years as a jazz musician and 25 or so as a jazz educator, I’ve been extraordinarily blessed with incredible experiences–but that I’d certainly not had a day quite like this one, with its focused attention on us from the core of U.S. administrators most entrusted with preserving and advancing jazz and jazz education in the nation. My second perspective: most of those administrators and most jazz musicians in the U.S. would say that as wonderful as those constant efforts are, it’s not enough; many of us would like to see jazz further recognized and supported by governmental efforts. But it’s breathtaking to see what’s already being done.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1058.72\"<\/a>
Saxophonists Brad Linde and Sarah Hughes with bassist Tom Baldwin and VCU Jazz Prof. Tony Martucci on drums at Twins Jazz.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After our terrific dinner, the night turned from archive to live, as the students then attended D.C. jazz clubs. First up was a set at Twins Jazz<\/a> by The Sarah Hughes<\/a>–Brad Linde<\/a> Quartet, at which we had kindly been presented front-table seats.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1054.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"BohemianPanB.72\"<\/a>To close the night, I’d arranged for us to hear the second set at Bohemian Caverns<\/a> by drummer Kendrick Scott<\/a> with John Ellis (woodwinds), Mike Moreno (guitar), Taylor Eigsti (piano), and Joe Sanders (bass). It’s a unique venue, constructed in cave-like manner.<\/p>\n

\"BohemianPanA72\"<\/a>
Kendrick Scott introduces his band at Bohemian Caverns as the UKZN team listens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"IMG_1080.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_1084.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

After the set I invited Scott to say hi to our visitors…<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1085.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

…and to share a moment with one of his admirers, UKZN drummer Sphelelo Mazibuko:<\/p>\n

Tired but happy, our entourage emerged around midnight to await our van ride…<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1060.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

…which took us to our UKZN guests’ hotel, near Dulles Airport, where they would fly out of the U.S. the following afternoon. So it was at about 1a on Saturday morning when we had to say farewell to our good friends from Durban–after which the VCU contingent rode the van home to Richmond, arriving about 3:30a as planned. Mission accomplished for a great day and night of DC jazz explorations!<\/p>\n

The bond between our students, faculty, and staff was evident throughout. During the van-ride to D.C. that Friday morning, one of the UKZN students realized that he was missing his wallet and guessed that it was still at the hotel he’d checked out of, or maybe in the vehicle of one of our students with whom he’d commuted post-concert the night before. An electronic “bucket brigade” ensued. Once in D.C., one of our accompanying VCU students confirmed the wallet’s whereabouts with a student back in Richmond. The two VCU students on our tour, Colleen and John, then contacted a swath of VCU students back home to assess if anyone might be headed to D.C. as well so as to convey the wallet. Within an hour or two they’d arranged for one student in Richmond to bring the wallet from the hotel to the VCU Music Office at the close of the business day. There Linda Johnston, again above and beyond the call of duty, stayed after hours a bit until one of our alumni\/faculty could pick it up from her. He then passed the wallet to another VCU alum at his gig late that night. This alum then brought the wallet along her existing plans to go the D.C. area yet later that night. And so on the UKZN team’s final morning in the U.S., he received his wallet back. Just another day of international friendship.<\/p>\n

Said Neil Gonsalves, Director of the UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, “The UKZN Jazz Legacy ensemble is immensely proud to represent the long tradition of jazz and jazz education in South Africa. UKZN was the first tertiary institution on the African continent to offer a formal jazz program way back in 1983 with the arrival of Darius Brubeck in Durban, South Africa. The program took root in fertile soil where African-American culture and jazz in particular had been a constant influence and aspirational force since the 1920s and had provided a beacon of light and freedom in the darkest days of apartheid.<\/p>\n

“South African jazz has its own swagger though, which is rooted in the many kinds of urban music that are part and parcel of a migrant culture. Through the gift of this exchange, we can proudly say that local South African music forms and styles such as mbaqanga, maskanda, and marabi have taken their place alongside the blues, standard tunes, and bebop as platforms for musical dialogue between our respective ensembles. At the concert we celebrated this dialogue which we recognize from our exchange experience as being rooted, at least partially, in our common Southern heritage of migration from serfdom to global citizenry; and we acknowledge the effectiveness of this jazz bridge that we’ve built towards developing greater understanding.<\/p>\n

“We humbly acknowledge and thank our VCU friends for their generosity, both financially and in spirit-and special thanks to Prof. Antonio Garc\u00eda for his vision, incredible work ethic, and constant encouragement and support. Special thanks also to Victor, Trey, Brendan, Chris, Justin, and C.J.: our brothers from another mother!”<\/p>\n

I had also offered a long printed list of thank-you’s in the March 28 concert program, particularly to “the UKZN Jazz Legacy Ensemble–Linda, Sakhile, Sebastian, Lungelo, Ildo, and Sphelelo–we thank you for your artistry, friendship, and welcoming personalities: thank you for teaching us about your life, music, hopes, and culture. To Neil and Nareen Gonsalves, we have no words to adequately represent our love for and gratitude to you. I could not have imagined a more ideal intercontinental colleague in our mutual pursuit of this project than Neil Gonsalves, whose quiet and resolute manner, personal character, sense of humor, and stunning musicianship inspire all around him. To have met Nareen is to know the generous, kind, and brilliant person who inspired his clarity of mind to ensure their lives would remain intertwined; and we at VCU have also benefited from that decision! We have all made new lifelong friends, and we have such respect and appreciation for what you both do and how you do it. May we reunite soon.”<\/p>\n

\"IMG_1288\"<\/a>
Music Chair Dr. Darryl Harper, Jazz Studies Saxophone Major Trey Sorrells, and Jazz Studies Director Antonio Garc\u00eda accept the award from VCU on behalf of all involved in both the U.S. and South Africa. Sorrells and Garc\u00eda are wearing South African ties that had been presented to them during UKZN’s March visit to VCU.
photo credit: Raina Fields<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This has been a massive project that has brought musical, cultural, and personal growth to residents of both communities. Because of the great success of VCU Jazz’s partnership with the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, our project was chosen as the 2013 recipient of the VCU Community Engagement Award for Research, an award saluting VCU’s efforts to engage its community locally, nationally, and internationally through research. The presentation was made at a celebratory event May 9 and was presented by Dr. Christina Lindholm, VCUarts Associate Dean and the Chair of the Awards Committee. The project had been nominated by Linda Johnston, Administrative Director of the VCU Department of Music. Richard Woodward (Curator of African Art, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts) attended, representing the many community partners involved in this undertaking, as did Dr. R. McKenna Brown (Executive Director, VCU’s Global Education Office) and Prof. Joe Seipel (Dean, VCUarts), representing the two entities that co-funded the $100,000 project, along with Music Chair Dr. Darryl Harper, Jazz Studies Saxophone Major Trey Sorrells, and yours truly.<\/p>\n

As Dr. Cathy Howard (Vice Provost, Division of Community Engagement) emphasized post-ceremony, the research component of the arts is sometimes overlooked when compared to the sciences. So this award represents a good flag-waving for the research component that goes into virtually every arts creation.<\/p>\n

It has been a delight to bring Richmond and Durban more closely together! Though the current year’s partnership calendar has ended, we have much to look forward to. First, Fall 2013 will mark the release of our shared VCU\/UKZN CD, “Leap of Faith,” containing music recorded on both continents, including with guests Madala Kunene and Plunky Branch. Second, journal-article creations are ahead, with one publication already slated for Fall 2013. Finally, we unofficially expect that some level of funding will allow some level of this exchange to occur again during the coming academic year. We look forward to what the future holds! Certainly all involved at both schools have already established solid friendships and the interest in staying connected, musically and personally. Stay tuned to the VCU Jazz E-Newsletter for developments on our collaboration.<\/p>\n

The following are reflections from the 12 core students after this fourth trip.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Sphelelo Mazibuko<\/p>\n

I truly feel honored to have been part of this exchange program. Meeting great friends, musicians, visual artists, government officials, and other great personalities showed me that it\u2019s not impossible to make a relationship with people of different cultures work. I realized that it takes just one thing to get us speaking on the same ground, and for us it was art. Music has shown to be the most powerful tool in this exchange.<\/p>\n

And again the reception we received on our second trip to Richmond was exceptionally amazing. I have never felt so much love from people outside of our culture boundaries appreciating our culture and music. Meeting Profs. Siemon Allen and Kendall Buster was wonderful, seeing how the world of arts is linked together: our South African music influencing visual art, and for me the visual art influencing my vision of music. Pictures that tell a story are as melody notes placed together to make up a beautiful picture of a song.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m glad there was more time this trip to check out the scene of Richmond. For some reason I felt like I knew Richmond now. It felt like my hometown of Newcastle, not only because it snowed but also because the town is like Newcastle in that everything is close together. So it was a feeling of being at home because our fellow friends from VCU made us feel free. I so grateful for the love that C.J., Trey, Victor, Brendan, Chris, and Justin have shown us. They are great musicians and great friends who know how to have great fun.<\/p>\n

Because we had more time with the music and a much clearer idea of the sound we were dealing with, I believe the second (VCU) concert of our UKZN pieces was a great one. I am really grateful to Prof. Tony Garc\u00eda and Victor Haskins for the beautiful music written for us to play. It was a wonderful show that night: everything was according to plan and without stress or depression. After the concert we felt sad because we knew we had to leave the following day. But the evening at Profs. Darryl Harper and Sonya Clark\u2019s place, an amazing apartment, offered great food and great company. We extended the evening to Brendan\u2019s place and had some good old fun with friends from VCU.<\/p>\n

Washington was the climax of the trip: the most amazing day ever. Seeing The Library of Congress and other sites and most importantly seeing one of my favorite drummers and musicians in live show–Kendrick Scott–followed by a great day chilling by the pool with my fellows made the trip feel too short.<\/p>\n

The whole exchange program was a success, and I will treasure it. We made history. And that\u2019s all that matters: leaving a legacy with Brothers from Another Mother.<\/p>\n

\u201cShow the Love\u201d always!!!<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Sebastian Goldswain<\/p>\n

Wow! I still can\u2019t get over what an amazing experience this exchange programme has been! For both the VCU as well as UKZN teams this entire exchange programme has been an eye-opening and inspiring experience. Performing our indigenous types of jazz, as well as that of each other\u2019s, on foreign continents for foreign audiences is an absolutely priceless experience; and we are extremely privileged, and of a very select few, to be able to have done so. Not only did I learn a lot about American music and music culture, but the programme also helped to give me a different perspective on my own country\u2019s music, as well as the important role it has played historically throughout the world.<\/p>\n

This fourth and final leg of the exchange proved to be my personal favourite. By this time, all the members of the respective teams were close friends; and no one was ever short on good company or time to tell a good story! In fact, more than a few stories have been made over the four legs, and we\u2019ll all be able to tell them for the rest of our lives!<\/p>\n

Performing the challenging compositions for live recording was a huge challenge for all of us; and I am proud of everyone for the way in which they were able to pull it off, in spite of the mountainous initial challenge. The day spent in D.C. was absolutely memorable, and I am hugely grateful to Dr. Sarah Cunningham for the opportunity to be able to be amongst and meet such honourable people while we were there.<\/p>\n

I am extremely grateful to everyone who helped to make this a life-changing experience for me, and in particular to Prof. Tony Garc\u00eda, Neil Gonsalves, and Linda Johnston–none of whom without this would have been able to happen!<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Lungelo Ngcobo<\/p>\n

What an amazing experience I have just lived with the exchange program joining UKZN and VCU. At first there was a lot of excitement mainly about going overseas, which was the first time for me last year; but this year I was really looking forward to playing.<\/p>\n

The visit to Richmond last year was very interesting and eye-opening: I got to learn a lot about Virginia and the history of America. I personally got to make a whole lot of friends last year, mainly the guys who are part of the exchange and many students from VCU Music. It was really nice to make these new friends because it also enlarges possibilities for us to work again in America, with them or however else, because personally I want to be a world-class, touring piano player.<\/p>\n

Whenever the VCU team visits UKZN, I really enjoy the energy they bring to our school. When we have jam sessions, we really enjoy playing and growing. I really appreciate the commissions: the music was new and interesting to me, and I had a lot to learn in terms of articulation and dynamics.<\/p>\n

The last visit to Virginia was totally awesome with the gig, rehearsals, jam, classes, and the trip to D.C. I must really thank VCU for taking us to such high places in D.C. Seeing Kendrick Scott live was no joke for me because I am a huge fan of his music.<\/p>\n

In conclusion I\u2019m very thankful and grateful to be part of the exchange program. I learned a lot.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Ildo Nandja<\/p>\n

This time around we felt more at home in Virginia, especially at VCU. Through our visits to galleries and different exhibits in both countries, we had found this connection between the two cultures and countries, which culminated in a beautiful concert. I also noticed that there was more engagement between the two teams as a result of our meeting last year, and the constant keeping in touch with each other in between our trips.<\/p>\n

I personally would like this exchange program to continue, as it is a great opportunity not only to explore music but also other fields of interest. We have also noticed that lots of other windows have opened as a result of this exchange program and the performances that were presented by the two groups: another good reason to support for the exchange to continue.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Sakhile Simani<\/p>\n

Let me take this opportunity and thank Prof. Tony Garc\u00eda and his team for making this project so successful. Blessed the day I met these music students–UKZN and VCU–they are like a family to me. When I\u2019m around them we had to talk about our dreams, ambitions, opportunities, hopes, and how to become a truly successful musician.<\/p>\n

We have had such a warm welcome in Richmond, Virginia: I am being turned inside out by inspiration and hope. I experienced lots of things, met new friends, networked with other students, went to Siemon Allen\u2019s library of South African music, talked about our South African musicians, and did a wonderful recording with beautiful music and musicians.<\/p>\n

It was a great feeling hearing American folks talking about South African music. I never thought in my life I\u2019d be called a guest student\/musician and treated in a professional, disciplined manner in another country. One of the greatest moments in my life was to go to one of the largest libraries in the world: The Library of Congress. I felt so inspired when I looked in the eye and shook hands with one of the great delegates of The National Endowment for the Arts, The Smithsonian, and the Jazz Masterworks Orchestra in Washington, D.C. With both hands I give thanks to our Director, Prof. Neil Gonsalves, for choosing me to be part of this exchange programme. I so wish that the partnership will grow and blossom between the two universities.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Linda Sikhakhane<\/p>\n

I would say it has been a great victory from our start on along to new adventures in jazz music between South Africa and the United States of America. At first I had pictured this as merely two weeks of musical exchange throughout six months, but I\u2019ve just realized that this is a lifetime cultural exchange. I\u2019ve learned so much in a very short period of time; and my life has changed through this successful exchange, musically and culturally.<\/p>\n

The recording part of the exchange was very inspirational because we got to express our feelings through music written by our brothers from another continent who had taken their own time to visualize our sound as individuals and compose within our energy. It was challenging, I must say; but through faith and the help of Prof. Garc\u00eda, Victor Haskins, and Prof. Gonsalves not only conducting the rehearsals but also giving us powerful lectures as to how we could merge this, all became possible; and the music was given life.<\/p>\n

This occurred because reading and playing music weren\u2019t the only purposes of the exchange. This involved a lot of spiritualism through sound and cultural experience. All the influences of our forefathers came to action; and the best part of this was sharing all our understandings through the music of this caliber, \u201cJAZZ.\u201d<\/p>\n

The last day of the exchange was in Washington, D.C. It felt like we had been there for a month: one could learn so much in a day–a very inspirational day, I must say, getting to know more about American jazz history and seeing objects that were used by our masters. The Library of Congress really made me feel so special because I feel like I now know history better due to the access I received to visualize certain things. There were very exciting moments. One of them was when Mr. Larry Appelbaum showed us the score of \u201cA Love Supreme\u201d handwritten by John Coltrane. That very same album is my favorite of Coltrane\u2019s music.<\/p>\n

Dr. Wayne Brown had caught me by surprise when he questioned us individually, as young as we are, about who our influences in music are and how the exchange changed our thinking. I was honored, though, to reveal such information to a very powerful man; and that made me realize what this exchange has brought into our hands.<\/p>\n

We say this was the finale; but to me, this is the start of a lifetime exchange.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

C.J. Wolfe<\/p>\n

This grant has been an amazing opportunity for me. As a drummer, I have always been interested in studying African rhythms and music; and to get to actually go there and hear and see the culture for myself not once but twice was a chance of a lifetime. The VCU team grew as musicians and closer as friends by sharing this experience together and learning the new music that had been commissioned for us to play. This could have been enough, but we got to meet our new friends of the UKZN team and started a friendship that will last a lifetime. I hope that we will get to see those guys again someday, and I really hope that this exchange will continue for other students in the future.<\/p>\n

The fact that an album was made of our performances is great because we will be able to listen to this, and it will be much more than just the music for us. The recording is an everlasting monument that will remind us of how special what we accomplished was. It will bring us back to the first day when we all met in the UKZN performing arts center, the VCU team\u2019s safari, the countless rehearsals here in the states and in Durban, and of course the four performances on both continents. I feel so lucky to have had this opportunity and would again like to thank everyone involved.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Chris Ryan<\/p>\n

It has truly been an honor to be a part of the South African exchange at VCU. Looking back on everything feels a bit bittersweet. While before we always had \u201cthe next time\u201d to look forward to, now the exchange part of this journey has come to an end; and for now we must bid our friends goodbye. My main thought from my last bit of words still remains the same: gratitude. I feel so thankful to have shared so many wonderful moments with so many wonderful people.<\/p>\n

On the final part of our exchange, our South African friends joined us here for a final round of sharing: sharing of music, friendships, laughs, knowledge, and time. We enjoyed a final concert together that contained most of the hits from the last Durban concert, with an added Richmond flavor courtesy of Plunky Branch, who generously offered his own knowledge and music. Plunky\u2019s talk with us in fact included some of my favorite moments from this last week of exchange. Plunky shared his story of music and life that very much was interwoven between the traditions of our two continents.<\/p>\n

All in all the experience has left a lasting impression on me that I am sure will last a lifetime: an experience of music, humanity, hospitality, friendship, and so much more. An experience that spans two continents and will last a lifetime. For me, the only proper way for me to end is to again say \u201cthank you.\u201d Thank you all so much for this experience. To our South African counterparts, our South African friends we met in Durban, the VCU team, and our friends who joined us this last trip to South Africa: thank you.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Victor Haskins<\/p>\n

The past week was quite wonderful–all because of the UKZN team\u2019s presence here in Richmond. When they come to Richmond, they bring a certain aura with them, a certain \u201cvibe.\u201d\u00a0Everybody notices this vibe of honesty and sincerity, both in their music and in their personalities, thus creating an interesting effect on how people with whom they come into contact here in Richmond respond. Although it is a completely subjective opinion, I feel like the UKZN team challenges people here in America to think a little harder and give a little more effort towards being on that level of sincerity–but they do this by leading by example because they live this way.<\/p>\n

Being able to spend time playing music and talking with the UKZN guys is always a lot of fun; and this translated to reality with our wonderful joint concert on Thursday (which everyone in attendance with whom I spoke felt was a very emotional, moving concert). In addition, Plunky Branch was an awesome artist and person to have as a guest because he can speak to a significant part of history from a unique and vital perspective. He really shed light on the power of music, his role in spreading the word about the truth of apartheid in South Africa around America, and his stake in elevating Richmond (artistically\u00a0and politically). This has been a very insightful and inspiring week.<\/p>\n

This grant has been a blessing. It has been refreshing for me because I have spent approximately the first half of my life not growing up in America; so I really identify strongly with non-American people in general (especially in the approach to thinking about and perceiving different things). Getting the opportunity to go to an unfamiliar place and interact with people of a different culture is always exciting and enlightening. The most interesting thing that I noticed through this entire cultural-learning process, however, was people\u2019s perceptions of things and exactly how limited the views of Americans are. I say this because I don\u2019t relate to the \u201ctypical\u201d American mindset; but the most common response of my American peers to both visits from the UKZN team was this comment: \u201cThey are just like us!\u201d As silly as it seems, people really do believe everything they see on TV if they have never seen something in the real world, which naturally makes no sense to me because you cannot believe everything that is told to you.<\/p>\n

I really hope that people have realized through meeting the South African guys that it is not only a good idea but it is completely necessary to get out of America and travel to some different countries. The cultural perspective and the sensitivity and open-mindedness to how the world actually is (as opposed to what the television tells people) can only be expanded through experiencing different, new, and unfamiliar things in a one-on-one, face-to-face basis. There is so much happening in the rest of the world–much of it comparable to or exceeding the quality of what is happening in America–and so few people here in this country seem to take the opportunity or create the opportunity to seek out their own vision of the world to find out what is really possible and what is really happening outside of one\u2019s hometown\/state.<\/p>\n

I am so appreciative of all the seminars and guest speakers that bestowed knowledge and culture and history upon us: it really reminded me as to how important it is to know history. To this end, I would say (in contrary to the popular idiom) that \u201cignorance is NOT bliss.\u201d Ignorance is constrictive, debilitating, and unfortunate; and every effort should be made to rid the world of ignorance, because knowing is half the battle. People need to be hungry, get out in the real world, and learn for themselves instead of allowing their minds to be fed by the media or the imaginations of other uniformed people. One must go to the source of knowledge to truly drink of the purest and most honest information.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Trey Sorrells<\/p>\n

The opportunity to participate in this exchange between VCU and UKZN was one of the greatest moments of my life. The UKZN team\u2019s arrival in March was a bittersweet moment: I was happy to see the team again but knew that this was the last milestone in almost a year-long journey.<\/p>\n

When we were in Durban, South Africa, we didn\u2019t really get a chance to just play some standard tunes with each other for a while; but that was the first thing we did when they landed in the U.S. And the first thing I noticed was how much everybody has grown since the beginning of this exchange. I\u2019ve learned a lot from both the VCU and UKZN teams that I will take with me throughout my life. The concert that we played in Richmond was the most fun concert I\u2019ve ever played at VCU: both teams worked really hard on the music, and it showed. I will never forget how much that concert meant to us and how it affected the audience.<\/p>\n

I want to thank everyone who made this trip possible, and I wish the best of luck to the UKZN team as they proceed with their lives through music.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Brendan Schnabel<\/p>\n

Our last week with our South African friends, though bittersweet because we had to say farewell, was a fitting cap to an amazing experience. This time around, the good vibes and kinship between our two teams that we have built over some nine months were felt even more deeply. Our final concert was a testament to what we had learned from each other and the fun we had had doing it. There was nothing but smiles on that stage.<\/p>\n

I think we have all learned from this experience that both physical distance and cultural differences cannot blur our universal humanity. I can think of no better way to express this revelation than through the joy of music. This exchange has made me feel more in tune with a heritage we all as people share. I want to thank my VCU buddies, our South African friends, Neil Gonsalves, and Professor Garc\u00eda for turning your vision for this exchange into a reality. I am truly grateful to have experienced this with all of you.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Justin Esposito<\/p>\n

Hosting our African counterparts from the University of KwaZulu-Natal for the final part of our cultural and educational exchange unleashed a sense of camaraderie among the VCU and UKZN teams within the greater worldwide jazz community. Being able to premiere the music commissioned for the exchange on our home continent in Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall was thrilling. The VCU Global Education Office as well as VCUarts and Tony Garc\u00eda enabled us to share our music across international borders and establish global ties for international exchange between VCU and UKZN.<\/p>\n

But to me, the most significant global ties are the experiences shared with the individuals who were on the VCU and UKZN teams. Binding our international experience through music has allowed us to influence our own musical communities by drawing on the sense of cultural awareness for the impact of jazz music on musicians of all different races and backgrounds. The global ties established in Africa go farther than academics: the intimate settings produced by this cultural and educational exchange have produced personal relationships that will endure because of our common cultural ties within the genre of jazz.<\/p>\n

This last leg of the exchange in Richmond permitted a lot of time for the two teams to make a lasting impression on our friendships. Hosting the UKZN team around Richmond and introducing them into the VCU student life and the vibrant art scene Richmond has to offer enabled them to see into how we can contribute to jazz within our home community–same as when they showed us their impact on their community when we crossed the sea. When seeing our African counterparts off at Dr. Harper\u2019s residence the night of our final concert, it was great to reflect on what it means to be a member of a community that shares similar values and outlooks within a field. This feeling of unity can be obtained between all types of people from all types of different backgrounds; this was proved by the development of every member of the cultural exchange.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Best,<\/p>\n

\"_MG_1250PS.72\"<\/a>\"IMG_0955.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The two teams, and Tony and Mary<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Trip 4: UKZN to VCU March 2013 (Written in Prof. Garcia\u2019s voice…) As you may already know, VCU Jazz received an “International Partnerships Major Initiatives Award” (IPMI) to bring American and African citizens together in musical and personal understanding. VCUarts generously matched the grant. Titled “VCU and the University of KwaZulu-Natal: A Jazz Bridge to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":913,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-369","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/369","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/913"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=369"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/369\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=369"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=369"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=369"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":367,"date":"2013-08-19T16:24:08","date_gmt":"2013-08-19T20:24:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wp.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/?p=367"},"modified":"2020-01-27T13:04:11","modified_gmt":"2020-01-27T13:04:11","slug":"trip-3-vcu-to-ukzn-march-2013-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/2013\/08\/19\/trip-3-vcu-to-ukzn-march-2013-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Trip 3: VCU to UKZN March 2013"},"content":{"rendered":"

(Written in Prof. Garcia\u2019s voice…)<\/i><\/p>\n

As you may already know, VCU Jazz received an “International Partnerships Major Initiatives Award” (IPMI) to bring American and African citizens together in musical and personal understanding. VCUarts generously matched the grant. Titled “VCU and the University of KwaZulu-Natal: A Jazz Bridge to Greater Understanding,” this grant project brought together students and faculty of the Jazz Studies Programs of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa over the course of the VCU academic year.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

SATURDAY, MARCH 2<\/p>\n

We flew from Richmond to Dakar and on towards Johannesburg, South Africa, connecting to Durban. It was a pleasant pair of flights on South African Airways.<\/p>\n

SUNDAY, MARCH 3<\/p>\n

\"Mackaya<\/a>
Mackaya room (All photos credit Antonio Garc\u00eda except as noted.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Our hosts, Prof. Neil Gonsalves and his wife, Nareen, were so kind to pick us up personally (along with the assistance of additional cars). This trip the VCU team was staying at a locale that Neil and I had scouted and chosen during my visit last summer: Mackaya Bella Guest House<\/a>. The houses are set within beautiful grounds, and the rooms are very comfortable.\u00a0We arrived at the B&B about midnight; so not long after I shot this photo, we were asleep!<\/p>\n

MONDAY, MARCH 4<\/p>\n

After a delicious breakfast on the deck of the B&B, we headed to UKZN’s Centre for Jazz & Popular Music for a 10a rehearsal\/soundcheck and our Noontime concert.<\/p>\n

\"CtrRehPan.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"UKZNCombo3.04.13PanB.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"UKZNVCU3.04.13PanA.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"DSC_0575PS.72\"<\/a>
UKZN and VCU students and faculty, including part of VCU’s Provostial delegation, after the Noontime concert. (photo credit Unathi Makalima)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The concert, at which the ensembles of both schools performed, was attended by the visiting VCU Provostial team, which had timed its visit to Durban to coincide with our concert. VCU and UKZN had chosen this week for administrative and faculty exchanges that would lead to a renewing of their sister-university agreement. After hearing this initial Noontime concert, two members of the Provostial team changed their return-flights to a later date so that they could then be present at our upcoming Wednesday night concert, at which the new commissions would be performed.<\/p>\n

And that surely meant we needed to rehearse those new works! Each team had practiced on its own continent, plus in February we had accomplished a pair of rehearsals over the Internet that allowed the performers to receive feedback from the composers and their mentors on the other continent. The previous semester I had researched software called Source-Connect, which under the right conditions can provide ISDN-quality audio over the Internet between the participants with only brief latency. (The primary condition to be addressed is how each participant’s firewalls are arrayed, as functionality is easily blocked.) After installing and troubleshooting it on both campuses (one on a Mac, the other on a PC), we were then also able to run Skype (audio off) simultaneously. Skype’s own brief latency seemed to virtually match Source-Connect’s, allowing us to see and<\/em> hear on both sides of the transmission. Music aside, it was great for the teams to reunite in this way: we greatly enjoyed seeing and hearing each other as one!<\/p>\n

The final ingredient to the success of the Internet rehearsals was configuring the composers on the one continent to monitor the Source-Connect audio via headphones, while the rehearsing musicians on the other continent monitored the Source-Connect audio at normal volume over house speakers, thus avoiding any chance of a feedback loop. So the composers could easily speak up and interrupt the rehearsal at the other school, as well as of course be easily heard with their advice to the performers.<\/p>\n

Here’s a flashback to February from one of VCU’s jazz rehearsal rooms:<\/p>\n

\"VCUrehUKZN2.21.13Pan72\"<\/a>\"SCVCUtoUKZN2.21.13.72\"<\/a>\"SCUKZNtoVCU2.23.13.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

So, now to the present, we could rehearse with composers and performers in the same room for the first time–including with UKZN Profs. Neil Gonsalves…<\/p>\n

\"VCU.GonReh3.04.13PanA.72\"<\/a>…and Sazi Dlamini.<\/p>\n

\"VCU.SaziReh3.04.13PanB.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_0467.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Neil knew that our VCU team was keen to return to the Indian Ocean beachfront, where we had enjoyed a brief afternoon last summer; so he and Nareen arranged carpooling for the field trip towards downtown and uShaka Marine World<\/a>. Admission to the beach and shops are free. And it is a beautiful beach, with most pleasant weather.<\/p>\n

TUESDAY, MARCH 5<\/p>\n

Daytime showed the relaxed ambience of Mackaya Bella, with its breezy spaces and verdant pool area.<\/p>\n

\"DarSonMaryDeckPanB.72\"<\/a>
VCU Music Chair Darryl Harper and his wife, VCU Crafts Chair Sonya Clark, also made the trip, here breakfasting with Mary.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"MBellaLivingRoomPan.72\"<\/a>
VCU students Victor Haskins and Brendan Schnabel, Nareen and Neil Gonsalves, and Darryl Harper.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"MBellaDeckPan.72\"<\/a>
The deck.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"MBellaPoolPan.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Then it was off to UKZN for more rehearsals. VCU student Victor Haskins got to work his piece with his UKZN colleagues.<\/p>\n

\"UKZNBreatheRehVicPan.72\"<\/a>And we had our first rehearsal with our South African guest artist for the concert, Madala Kunene<\/a>, whom we had met and learned from during our Durban trip last summer. As a youth, he and his family had been displaced from their homes by the prejudicial policies of the time; and his folk music throughout his career has expressed a call for equal rights and social justice.<\/p>\n

\"Kunene<\/a>
Kunene at left.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"MadalaCombosRehPanB.72\"<\/a>
Kunene at left.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"IMG_0500.72\"<\/a>Madala seemed pleased–if a bit pleasingly startled by all the various instruments playing his pieces that typically had been performed by him alone or with few others; and the teams posed for a photo together.<\/p>\n

The VCU team accepted Neil and Nareen’s offer to return to the beach area; so off we went for a drive.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0518.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Darryl<\/a>
Darryl Harper, Sonya Clark, Mary, me, Nareen, and Neil.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The faculty had a wonderful dinner as the breeze picked up on the evening’s beach outside.<\/p>\n

Before long, we spotted that the guys had picked a table at the same restaurant.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0524.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

It was a great meal, and we left full. Another great day had come to a sweet end.<\/p>\n

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6<\/p>\n

\"TreyShedPan.72\"<\/a>Neil and I had planned that this day would include only necessary rehearsals; but when the preceding day had concluded, we agreed that none were needed. We left the day open for individual practice and relaxation. We have a saying in jazz: that practicing is “shedding”–going to the shed for a musical workout. And in this instance, Trey was literally shedding–in the laundry unit of Mackaya Bella. After I noticed that he’d been keeping the door closed so as to limit his sound spreading to other people, I encouraged him to open the door. It was hot in that unit; and I wanted the young man to live (much less to play the night’s concert)!<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0536.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Victor got in some balcony reading but later went down to pair up with Trey in the shed.<\/p>\n

Then it was off for dinner, soundcheck, and the night concert. Some of the guys were a bit sleepy at this point…<\/p>\n

\"2013-03-06-16.22.42.72\"<\/a>
Trey (photo credit Sonya Clark)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"2013-03-06-16.25.20.72\"<\/a>
Victor (photo credit Sonya Clark)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

…while VCU guitarist Chris Ryan got a brief lesson from Madala.<\/p>\n

\"2013-03-06-16.36.05.72\"<\/a>
(photo credit Sonya Clark)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Outside, the monkeys were rehearsing as well.<\/p>\n

\"2013-03-06-16.46.24.72\"<\/a>
(photo credit Sonya Clark)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But as the concert approached, the students’ energy level was rising fast.<\/p>\n

\"(photo<\/a>
(photo credit Debbie Mari)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"(photo<\/a>
(photo credit Debbie Mari)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"(photo<\/a>
(photo credit Debbie Mari)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We faculty were ready as well!<\/p>\n

\"(photo<\/a>
(photo credit Debbie Mari)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The student ensembles, with faculty guests, swung the house, including on the four commissioned works: “Breathe” by Victor Haskins, “Makalafukwe” by Sazi Dlamini, “Leap of Faith” by Stephan le Roux, and \u201cReunion: Brothers from Another Mother\u201d by yours truly–each a premiere, commissioned by Virginia Commonwealth University in honor of its partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal.<\/p>\n

\"March6ConcertVCU.PanB72\"<\/a>
VCU students perform with Prof. Neil Gonsalves (piano, UKZN) at The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music in Durban.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"IMG_0537.72\"<\/a> \"IMG_0553.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"(photo<\/a>
(photo credit Debbie Mari)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"(photo<\/a>
(photo credit Debbie Mari)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"DSC_3809.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Neil and I had the pleasure of debuting one of his compositions as a duo. “Southern Skies and Lavender Blue” had been inspired by his September trip to Virginia, the colors of the blossoms, and Mary’s love of shades of purple–which propel me to often wear shirts of said color!<\/p>\n

When it was time to close the concert with our guest, Madala Kunene delivered a spirited performance that inspired us.<\/p>\n

\"UKZN<\/a>
UKZN and VCU students perform with South African folk music legend Madala Kunene (left) under the direction of VCU Jazz Studies Director Antonio Garcia (center). (Photo credit Debbie Mari.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"(photo<\/a>
(photo credit Debbie Mari)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And as the students sang parts I’d written for them, he chimed in on the chant with such inspiration that the audience joined in.<\/p>\n

\"DSC_3846.72\"<\/a>
(photo credit Debbie Mari)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"DSC_3877.72\"<\/a>
(photo credit Debbie Mari)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"DSC_3870.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"(photo<\/a>
(photo credit Debbie Mari)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"(photo<\/a>
(photo credit Debbie Mari)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was a magical conclusion to a wonderful concert–which was captured for our upcoming VCU\/UKZN CD!<\/p>\n

\"UKZN<\/a>
UKZN and VCU students and faculty gather post-concert. Music Chair Dr. Darryl Harper is fourth from left, back.
UKZN Prof. Jeff Robinson and UKZN Center for Jazz and Popular Music Director Prof. Neil Gonsalves are far right.
Seated are UKZN Arranging Prof. Demi Fernandez, VCU Jazz Prof. Antonio Garcia, guest soloist Madala Kunene, and UKZN Prof. Sazi Dlamini.
(photo credit Debbie Mari)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Good feelings abounded after the concert.<\/p>\n

\"Nomusa<\/a>
Nomusa Xaba and Chris Ryan. (photo credit Sonya Clark)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A<\/a>
A friend, UKZN Jazz staffer Thuli Zama, and Neil Gonsalves.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"VCU<\/a>
VCU bassist Justin Esposito and friends.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Students<\/a>
Students with Darryl Harper, Sonya Clark, and Nomusa Xaba.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Mary<\/a>
Mary with VCU Vice-Provost Cathy Howard and friend.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"IMG_0581IB.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

So we carried that camaraderie on out to a late dinner.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0583.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A great musical evening of friendship! Vice-Provost Catherine Howard had e-mailed back to VCU colleagues in Richmond this report following our night concert:<\/p>\n

***************<\/p>\n

The final concert was before a full house and the crowd yelled for more at the completion of the concert. The energy, passion, joy, and incredible talent was appreciated by all. While the creation and production of amazing music was the tangible outcome, there were so many intangibles at work–building relationships which will last a lifetime, appreciation of significant world cultures and their histories, and an awareness of being a global citizen. The students have bonded such that you can’t really tell who is VCU and who is UKZN. What a wonderful investment from GEO and the School of the Arts!!!!!<\/p>\n

***************<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0584.72\"<\/a>THURSDAY, MARCH 7<\/p>\n

The morning started leisurely enough with a short walk to a neighborhood bakery for choice of breakfast or lunch.<\/p>\n

Neil had been kind to ask the VCU students what they most sought to do on this day, and the unanimous vote was to visit the local markets to experience the cultural flavors and buy some souvenirs. So his kind staff assistant, Thuli Zama, was so incredibly kind as to walk us through the multiple markets within the Victoria Street Market (with the additional transportation assistance of UKZN Prof. Debbie Mari).<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0592.72\"<\/a>\"FishMarketPan.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

As we approached, we could see the local means of carrying some items.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0585.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The guys were ready to blow off a little steam!<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0591.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A picturesque, church-like building was just across the street.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0590.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

And off into the market we went!<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0593.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

We were met by our arranged guide, who provided commentary throughout our tour, as well as a bit of shoplifting security as provided by him and a colleague, all within a collective operation that the market store-owners self-organized long ago. It was clear that the proprietors took a great deal of pride in running this expansive marketplace.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0594.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

We walked through the areas of spices…<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0596.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

…and clothes.<\/p>\n

\"(Note<\/a>
(Note the graveyard at the upper left.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"IMG_0598.72\"<\/a>We saw placards advertising “safe abortions,” which are legal there, apparently at the equivalent of some $20 American dollars.\u00a0Those signs seemed to me oddly reminiscent of some similar signs seen in the U.S. thirty years or so ago.<\/p>\n

The “bridge market” was filled with people.<\/p>\n

\"BridgeMarketPan.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_0606.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

We were not allowed to take photos of the medicine market, for concern that this action would rob the medicines of their powers. But we did see indications of Western-style medicines in another area…<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0605.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

…as well as other Western traditions.<\/p>\n

A transitory walk outside brought us a glance of a woman shopping for her family…<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
(Note the baby on her back.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

…and a game of pool on the street.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0608.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The meat market followed, where a given cow is divided up according to longtime traditions…<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0609.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

…and the fruit market was next.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0610.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_0611.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The poultry market offered live chickens and more.<\/p>\n

As we waited for our ride-rendezvous, Trey decided he should practice the custom of those around us.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0616.72\"<\/a> \"IMG_0619.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

When our two-car caravan headed out the marketplace, Debbie guided us to a street-side spot where drums were made and sold.<\/p>\n

\"DrumSalePan.72\"<\/a>
Debbie with Trey and Brendan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"The<\/a>
The VCU students with Mary, Thuli, and Sonya.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was a warm day for a mostly outdoor tour, but exactly what the students had sought! Our thanks to Thuli for taking us through it and to Debbie for her additional transport!<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0623.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

And how to cool off after such a day? How about a return to the beach? As several of us sat for ice cream, Sonya had friendly company.<\/p>\n

Then it was on to the adjacent beach. Trey and Brendan are center of this panoramic.<\/p>\n

\"TreyBeachPan.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_0627.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

As Neil and I chatted, Nareen, Mary, and Sonya walked ahead (seen at left on this walkway).<\/p>\n

Dinner and a rainstorm later, we were home at the B&B–and with some souvenirs for us and for folks back home. These are just some of them.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0631.72PS\"<\/a> \"IMG_0633.72\"<\/a> \"IMG_0649.72PS\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Given the purchases by all our visiting VCU team, it was a good day for the local economy!<\/p>\n

FRIDAY, MARCH 8<\/p>\n

It was time to say goodbye to our breakfast balcony at Mackaya Bella and to our wonderful hosts there, John and Louise.<\/p>\n

Flash back to last August, when it had been VCU’s final day in Durban on our first<\/em>\u00a0trip before returning to Richmond. That morning a woman was sitting in the Centre for jazz concert hall that I had not yet met. She was Nomusa Xaba; and she had been waiting to meet me, not having been able to catch me after the previous night\u2019s concert. She wanted to present me with a book about her life and a CD by her South African husband, Ndikho Xaba<\/a>. Her family\u2019s history in Africa and the U.S. brought her ancestors through Richmond and slavery; so her story<\/a> is especially pertinent.<\/p>\n

To our surprise, we discovered we had known each other twenty years ago: she had served as an administrative assistant to the Music Dean while I had begun my initial years teaching at Northwestern University in the early 1990s. We were amazed to run into each other a half a world apart! I had known her only scarcely and as “Nomu”; so meeting her in August as “Nomusa” 20 years later delayed my recognition a minute.<\/p>\n

She had left Chicago and eventually returned to Africa with her husband, another South African musical legend, Ndikho Xaba. (Hear a tune by him dedicated to her<\/a>.) Believe it or not, she also lived in Richmond for a time; and she and Ndikho had in the U.S. befriended now a well-known Richmonder, saxophonist Plunky Branch<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So Neil Gonsalves had suggested to me last Fall that it might be a perfect circle if we might explore “the collective wisdom of Plunky, Ndikho, and Nomusa Xaba. To some degree, their relationship, which dates back to the ’70s, pre-dates our Richmond-Durban exchange; and the exile experience which they share will provide an interesting extension to the Kwamuhle-Tredegar visits.” (The latter refers to the museums of oppression we visited on both continents as part of the grant.) I agreed.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0661PS.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

So both teams spent this final morning in a dialogue with the Xabas, who told us of their lives spanning the most tumultuous times of the civil rights movement in both South Africa and the U.S. It was a riveting and moving morning; but at one point, in order to salute their friend back in Richmond, they held up a t-shirt they’d kept for decades and now shared with us.<\/p>\n

We were all grateful for our time with them.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0664PS.72\"<\/a> \"IMG_0671.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_0672.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

That time slot was the only opportunity our VCU Music Chair, Darryl Harper, had to reconnect with a colleague of his who now teaches at UKZN Music, Salim Washington.<\/p>\n

And now it was time for us all to say our goodbyes.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0670.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

For the VCU team, it was our last scheduled trip to Durban; but we knew that we’d see the UKZN team in Richmond in just a couple of weeks! This photo of the twelve core students on the deck of the Centre will be among those on the cover of our VCU\/UKZN CD this Fall:<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0665PS.72\"<\/a>
The 12 core students of the grant on their final day in Durban together: Sebastian Goldswain (guitar\/UKZN), C.J. Wolfe (drums\/VCU), Lungelo Ngcobo (piano\/UKZN), Sakhile Simani (trumpet\/UKZN), Sphelelo Mazibuko (drums\/UKZN), Chris Ryan (guitar\/VCU), Victor Haskins (trumpet\/VCU), Ildo Nandja (bass\/UKZN), Linda Sikhakhane (tenor sax\/UKZN), Trey Sorrells (alto sax\/VCU), Brendan Schnabel (tenor sax\/VCU), and Justin Esposito (bass\/VCU).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"2013-03-08_10-50-22_33.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Nothing really prepares you for an overseas flight, but the VCU students were always a joy to travel with. Complete strangers would approach me to say how much they enjoyed our students’ camaraderie, laughter, and good manners. Great ambassadors, indeed!<\/p>\n

As we left the daylight of South Africa, our host country put on a light show to beckon us to return someday.<\/p>\n

\"IMG_0674.72\"<\/a> \"IMG_0677.72\"<\/a> \"IMG_0680.72\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Our flight back was uneventful, all luggage smoothly delivered (as well as passengers). It is always good to be home, but we were already missing our great friends from Durban.<\/p>\n

The following are reflections from the 12 core students about this trip.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Sphelelo Mazibuko<\/p>\n

It has been surely another wonderful experience unraveling great things about the thing we call music. In the week we had with the VCU ensemble I really experienced the power of music: we might not speak the same tongue, but music speaks beyond the boundaries of language and culture. I realized that when we started playing music written by Prof. Garc\u00eda and fellow musician Victor Haskins. It was different music from a different culture-base and was challenging in the sense that we have to come out of the comfort zone of playing the jazz that we are all familiar with–but it was worth every second of every bar of notes we played.<\/p>\n

The recording was not like any other recording I\u2019ve done. For me it carried the hearts of beautiful musicians, friends, and colleagues. I can highly recall the wonderful atmosphere when we performed Madala Kunene\u2019s music: it can never be counterfeited; it was the TRUTH.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m very grateful for each moment we spent with the VCU ensemble. There has not been a time I never received eye-opening information from the guys. As the exchange programme is coming to an end, I realize that my way of picturing the world and music has changed. We live in different parts of the world, but we can speak the language of unity even through music. Whatever goes on in the world can be changed by music, and the same music can bring together even those people who don\u2019t know each other.<\/p>\n

Forever I will treasure these times, and surely they will stand as one of the best times of my history in my life. I\u2019d like to send my gratitude to the visionaries of this programme: Profs. Neil Gonsalves and Antonio Garc\u00eda. I believe we have to thank people whilst they are still alive. Thanks even to the team working behind the programme with funding (VCU): you are really making a powerful difference. To the VCU ensemble: this is bigger then all of us, and I know we will always meet and share wonderful music with the whole world.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Sebastian Goldswain<\/p>\n

I can safely say that over the course of this most recent exchange visit, the UKZN and VCU teams have become like a close band of brothers. As it is almost six months since our last leg of the exchange, it has been thoroughly exciting to see the VCU guys again–and how they have all immensely developed and grown as musicians!<\/p>\n

The task set to us this time around, which was to learn compositions commissioned for us by our respective counterparts, proved to be a most challenging and fruitful one. Personally, I learned a great deal about reading charts in unusual time signatures and feels, particularly Afro-Cuban, as well as following and making sense of charts written specifically with a classical approach. I thoroughly look forward to the next and final leg of the programme in Virginia, which will hopefully prove to be the jewel in the crown of this fantastic exchange programme.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Lungelo Ngcobo<\/p>\n

The previous week was very honourable to me, and with great privilege I treasure it–though it came with a lot of nervous feelings. We knew it came with music we hadn\u2019t played before, and it was an actual recording. I have never done a jazz recording of this caliber on a live platform before. I personally feel I could have played better and understood the music more, and I\u2019m still in the daily process of getting it more into my system. I have also been doing research on music that sounds like this music: it\u2019s hard to find, though.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re hoping to do better in Virginia and to enjoy the tour in Virginia next week even more than last time.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Ildo Nandja<\/p>\n

Everything was very interesting for me this time around in the exchange program, and the result of that is the beautiful performance that both combos had.<\/p>\n

First, a big thank to Prof. Garc\u00eda for composing such a challenging but enjoyable tune. It really gave me a workout, and I\u2019m grateful for that because it made me improve a lot in the past few weeks. Thanks also to Victor Haskins for his beautiful and lyrical composition: another challenge that requires a lot of technique and attention, especially to dynamics.<\/p>\n

Thanks to all the VCU students and staff and Prof. Darryl Harper for bringing good energies and sharing good experiences. I also want to say a big thanks to all my colleagues from UKZN for their commitment and effort for putting this music together–and to Prof. Neil Gonsalves for his patience with us and for making this possible.<\/p>\n

In conclusion: I feel very privileged to be part of this exchange program: first for being the only non-South African and secondly for its importance in my music career. I tried to give my best and to learn the most from this experience and be an example for the future exchanges.<\/p>\n

We are next heading to Richmond, where the weather is currently cold; so let\u2019s take our Durban warmness, and heat Virginia with our performance!<\/p>\n

(Note: Ildo is a native of Mozambique.)<\/i><\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Sakhile Simani<\/p>\n

It\u2019s always an honour to associate with American folks. They have lot of experience in life generally and music, too. They always have something encouraging to say, something that you can keep or use in your entire life. I feel blessed when I\u2019m around, play, or chat about music with them.<\/p>\n

\u201cMusic is not about tricking people; it is about who you are and what comes from your soul.\u201d That was a chat I had with Chris Ryan. I enjoyed playing both new tunes: I learned so much musically.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Linda Sikhakhane<\/p>\n

To me this exchange has been a great pleasure–a bit challenging at points, but very inspirational and educational. Having played the two pieces by Prof. Garc\u00eda and Victor Haskins has made me realize the beauty of playing something new and its challenges throughout. This keeps you on your toes because you are trying to figure out the sound and really play the music as written. The music was very detailed and required one to look deeper into things like dynamics and articulation.<\/p>\n

The very interesting part of the commissioned music was that it also needed our own musicians\u2019 taste of things in terms of the clarity of sound: Prof. Garc\u00eda mentioned often that he wants us to feel free in playing more of ourselves, rather than being held back by the written music. All in all I just had loads of fun throughout.<\/p>\n

Peace and light.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

C.J. Wolfe<\/p>\n

I wasn\u2019t sure how this trip could top our first week in Durban, but we were pleasantly surprised. First of all the flights were much easier to handle, and the bed and breakfast was very nice. We also had more time to soak in the culture while still maintaining a steady rehearsal schedule. Rehearsing Sazi Dlamini\u2019s chart with him in person was very helpful, and when we performed we were surprised when the crowd reacted so excitedly to the groove we played. Stephan le Roux\u2019s chart was a good deal of work as an ensemble, but I think we performed it well at the concert. One of the highlights for me was rehearsing and performing with Madala Kunene. The audience in South Africa loves him; and they really made us feel some of that energy, especially during the ensemble vocal sections.<\/p>\n

Aside from playing music, my favorite parts of the trip were getting to know everyone involved a little better, going to the beach and swimming in the Indian Ocean, and finally the tour of the open-air markets. The herb market was the most eye-opening; I had not seen real traditional African medicine before this time. We were not allowed to take pictures of this medicine for fear that it would rob the magic from these items. At another part of the market I was able to get a fiberglass gourd resonator for my mbira, some clothes, and some carvings of Malachite stone.<\/p>\n

This whole opportunity has been a life-changing experience, and I\u2019m looking forward to the next concert at VCU.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Chris Ryan<\/p>\n

Last week I was able to share an incredible journey to South Africa with some equally incredible people. As I sit and reflect, the best word that comes to mind is gratitude. I feel so thankful to have been a part of something so special. I am thankful to all our friends and hosts back in South Africa, and also thankful to my American friends who made the journey with me. We shared in friendships, music, laughter, and knowledge that spans two continents and will last a lifetime.<\/p>\n

The whole trip felt like a highlight reel; so I would be writing a long time if I were to discuss all of the highlights. But some of my favorite moments would include the Wednesday night concert: performing commissioned works written by South African composers Sazi Dlamini and Stephan le Roux, both the VCU and UKZN ensembles performing music by and with South African music legend Madala Kunene, and an international premiere of one of my own compositions, on which Prof. Neil Gonsalves joined our VCU team.<\/p>\n

The many moments of laughter shared amongst friendships new and old seem to stick out in my mind and particularly warmed my heart this trip. Our trip to the markets with Thuli was an experience I will never forget. And on our final day our meeting with Poppa Ndikho and Mama Nomusa Xaba was a beautiful, educational, and inspiring experience.<\/p>\n

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much for the friendships, laughter, music, and sharing in the positive energy we all shared. I feel so honored to have shared this experience with all of you on both continents and look forward to our final concert here at home a few weeks away.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Victor Haskins<\/p>\n

Our trip to Durban was once again deeply culturally informative, with the added bonus of being a huge musical learning experience simultaneously. We spent a day at a street market that houses a great deal of history and culture for those from different tribes (especially Zulu and Xhosa), where we not only learned about the different functions of the various parts of the market (the area where they cut and serve parts of the cow head, the area where white and red lime and herbs for rituals are sold, etc.), but we also got to learn about and see their traditional medicine market (of which we were not allowed to take photos because it would take power from the medicines). These vivid and live interactions with parts of South African culture that one would not normally see without actually visiting the country were quite special. In addition, before we left, we got together with Ndikho and Mama Nomusa Xaba and learned about their roles in the civil rights movements of both America and South Africa, and how music and performance have tied them into history. Once again, a very deep and profound experience.<\/p>\n

Musically, this entire trip (and the months leading up to this trip to Durban) was very enriching. Both teams had to perform works commissioned by the opposite team, and thus different cultures were shared through written music. Really digging into the music composed for our group was a fundamental lesson in really understanding and expressing a different style. Getting the rhythmically unfamiliar pieces together was one challenge, but putting them together with the group and really making the tunes \u201cdance\u201d and have the authentic South African flavor was a whole other challenge. This is because everyone has to feel it the same way; and that way is the South African way–the feeling and dance of another culture.<\/p>\n

This is where the greatest lesson was learned, and I am glad we all had that experience. It is not often that one can perform music from a very different culture and get coached by the people who wrote that music on how to perform it more authentically. This will certainly stick with me and act as another influence on my own writing and performance as a total musician.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Trey Sorrells<\/p>\n

I would like to start off with saying that there was no better way to spend my spring break. During this week I was given the opportunity to perform for an audience with a group of musicians that I love playing with and admire. I was able to play some really great compositions by some great musicians and also able to learn even more about the South African culture.<\/p>\n

If I could describe this trip in one word I would use the word \u201cenergy.\u201d From the first day the UKZN team gave a high-energy concert that I was a huge fan of. I feel that the first concert inspired us to work really hard on the commissioned works in the rehearsals; and the rehearsals inspired us to spend the rest of the day relaxing at the beach, if you know what I mean.<\/p>\n

The second concert on the trip, which featured the commissioned works that both teams worked really hard on, was probably the most fun and inspiring concert I\u2019ve ever played. From Chris Ryan\u2019s soul chart to Madala Kunene\u2019s soul-touching music, the whole concert was a blast. I honestly couldn\u2019t think of a better way to spend my spring break than traveling and performing with VCU team, truly an unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Brendan Schnabel<\/p>\n

By the time of our second arrival in Durban, our team had evolved from musical ambassadors to participants in UKZN\u2019s musical scene. We were no longer strangers in a foreign land, but rather friends coming to share in a week of happy music-making. It took a challenging metamorphosis on our end to inherit this role; the works commissioned by our South African brothers tested our preconceived ideas about music, especially about rhythm. It took our physical presence and immersion in the peaceful yet earnest atmosphere of Durban, South Africa to finally capture the musical essence of this wonderful land.<\/p>\n

I think this musical essence was most evident in our collaboration with Madala Kunene, a man without pretension whose music at first listen reveals an exuberance and a message of peace. This experience has taught me the universal healing power of music. I think it is wise to remember this when we are caught up in the business and politics of our American music industry. The way people treat music in South Africa is a reminder that music is supposed to be a celebration, a cleansing of the soul. I think all of us who had the honor to go on this journey will carry these lessons with us the rest of our lives.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Justin Esposito<\/p>\n

Our return to Durban, South Africa as a part of the VCU-UKZN jazz exchange was an empowering experience, personally and musically. The chemistry between my peers on the VCU jazz delegation has grown into a great bonding experience. Our trust within one another musically and personally has developed and enriched the musical and cultural learning experience.<\/p>\n

Being able to represent VCU on a world stage has revealed what the true meaning of leadership is. Sharing our passion for music with the VCU Global Education Office and the Division of Community Engagement has connected me to the opportunities that our administrators present to us with genuine interest, in order to provide us students with life-changing experiences.<\/p>\n

Our counterparts on the UKZN team have showed us nothing but openness and kindness towards our music and interactions. Being able to share my musical experiences and hard work with people of a different culture has enabled me to gain an outlook and new perspective on the universal characteristics all people have in common. Working together on jazz compositions from a different culture and musical background has enabled me to translate the life experiences of our talented composers. These African grooves and melodies have opened up my ears to rich and vast cultural movements through the stories told through the commissioned works. Being able to tell my story through this platform of African music has broadened my understanding of music and humanity.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Written in Prof. Garcia\u2019s voice…) As you may already know, VCU Jazz received an “International Partnerships Major Initiatives Award” (IPMI) to bring American and African citizens together in musical and personal understanding. VCUarts generously matched the grant. Titled “VCU and the University of KwaZulu-Natal: A Jazz Bridge to Greater Understanding,” this grant project brought together […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":913,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-367","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/367","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/913"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=367"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/367\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=367"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=367"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=367"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":365,"date":"2013-08-19T16:22:44","date_gmt":"2013-08-19T20:22:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wp.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/?p=365"},"modified":"2020-01-27T12:56:30","modified_gmt":"2020-01-27T12:56:30","slug":"trip-2-ukzn-to-vcu-sept-2012","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/2013\/08\/19\/trip-2-ukzn-to-vcu-sept-2012\/","title":{"rendered":"Trip 2: UKZN to VCU Sept 2012"},"content":{"rendered":"

As part of VCU Jazz’s “International Partnerships Major Initiatives Award” grant from VCU and VCUarts, students and faculty of the Jazz Studies Programs of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Durban, South Africa) reunited in late September 2013, this time in Richmond. Our own Victor Haskins (trumpet), Justin Esposito (bass), C.J. Wolfe (drums), Brendan Schnabel (tenor sax), Chris Ryan (guitar), Trey Sorrells (alto sax), Prof. Antonio Garcia, and teams of additional VCU students hosted visiting UKZN students Sakhile Simani (trumpet), Linda Sikhakhane (tenor sax), Sebastian Goldswain (guitar), Lungelo Ngcobo (piano), Ildo Nandja (bass), and Sphelelo Mazibuko (drums) and their director, pianist Prof. Neil Gonsalves, for a great week in Richmond. In addition to performing at The Camel, the visitors sat in at several local clubs;<\/p>\n

\"VCU<\/a>
VCU and UKZN students and faculty learn from VCU alumnus Carlos Chafin, President of In Your Ear Studios in Richmond. Photo credit Antonio Garc\u00eda.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

shared jam sessions, classes, and rehearsals with VCU students and faculty; toured in Your Ear Studios, the Black History Museum, the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, and several music stores; attended VCU concerts; shared a reception with VCU faculty and administration; and toured Richmond.<\/p>\n

\"UKZN<\/a>
UKZN Prof. Neil Gonsalves (left) observes UKZN saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane sightreading a featured solo on “Body and Soul” with the VCU Jazz Orchestra I while other UKZN student survey from within the band. Photo credit Antonio Garc\u00eda.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reflecting back on the visit, Linda Sikhakhane said, “the music students were very good company to us and were willing to share in whichever way. I found a lot of interesting ways of absorbing the jazz language, mostly in classes led by Prof. Skip Gailes, taking basic patterns and building towards a complex way of playing. I also realized that students do attend a lot public performances, and that helps them a lot in terms of their sound. The history part of things was quite interesting when we visited the museums, to see that the way of living has changed over the past years.” Sphelelo Mazibuko offered: “I can’t get the right words to express the way the exchange has impacted my life. What a pleasure it has been to meet wonderful people from across the world. The musical experience has been mind-blowing. And the wonderful staff, musicians, and students from VCU made us feel like we were part of the VCU family.”<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The University of KwaZulu-Natal Jazz Legacy Ensemble (Sebastian Goldswain\/guitar, Sakhile Simani\/trumpet, Sphelelo Mazibuko\/drums, Linda Sikhakhane\/tenor sax, Ildo Nandja\/bass, and Lungelo Ngcobo\/piano) perform at The Camel in September to a large and enthusiastic Richmond crowd. Photo credit Antonio Garc\u00eda.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Our host students enjoyed the week just as much. Said C.J. Wolfe, “Our nightlife seemed to take a toll on them because they were not used to staying out late, plus we went out every night! In Durban had been the opposite for us because we would go to our B&B early and not be able to sleep for awhile.” Victor Haskins noted: “It was especially awesome to witness the community support for the UKZN ensemble when they played at The Camel to a packed house!” Trey Sorrells realized that “sometimes I would forget that they were visitors.” And Brendan Schnabel took in the civic view as well: “I think Richmond might be one of the greatest choices for first-time visitors to America. It offers the wide variety of activity and culture of a big city yet still has the personality and warmth of a small town. Similarly, Richmond is a line of demarcation of sorts for northern and southern American culture, blending the two in a unique way. This, combined with the important history of the city, make me believe our guests got so much out of this trip.”<\/p>\n

Representatives from the two schools are now composing newly commissioned works for each other, to be premiered when they reunite in Durban and then again in Richmond in March. Reflections from each of the 12 core students are included below.<\/p>\n

\u2014Prof. G.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Sebastian Goldswain<\/p>\n

\"Front:<\/a>
Front: Ildo Nandja, Linda Sikhakhane. Standing: VCUarts Prof. Siemon Allen , UKZN Prof. Neil Gonsalves, Sakhile Simani, Sebastian Goldswain, Sphelelo Mazibuko, VCUarts Prof. Kendall Buster, and Lungelo Ngcobo. Photo credit Antonio Garc\u00eda.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My time in America was an absolute blast! I was so impressed with the level of welcome and hospitality shown to us by all we met, that I can’t wait for our return visit in March 2013. I have come away from Virginia with nothing but the utmost respect for the people both as musicians and people, and consider all I met!<\/p>\n

\"Christy<\/a>
Christy Coleman, President of the Civil War Museum and our superb guide. Photo credit Antonio Garc\u00eda.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the highlights was the opportunity to meet Siemon Allen, a South African now residing in the USA with a phenomenally large South African Jazz archive, and to share in his wealth of knowledge of all things Jazz. Our cultural visits to historic places like The Black History Museum in Jackson Ward and the Civil War Museum were also educational highlights, not to mention the many jam sessions with everyone from VCU Jazz students to VCU professors to complete strangers!<\/p>\n

The visit to America was an eye-opener for all the students in the UKZN team, for each our first trip to America. It continued the fantastic relationship the two exchange groups have built with each other, and I’m looking forward to the next round of exchanges in March 2013!<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

\"Linda<\/a>
Linda Sikhakhane and Lungelo Ngcobo glow as they enter the Apple Store. Photo credit Antonio Garc\u00eda.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lungelo Ngcobo<\/p>\n

I had a great time in Richmond. It was an eye-opener: how the tradition of jazz is rich there, especially in terms of club gigs. There were gigs the whole week, which is very good and contributes a lot in terms of growth. I personally appreciate the per diem support: it really helped, as the food seemed to be a bit expensive compared to home. I also appreciate and acknowledge the hospitality and welcome from the VCU exchange group as well as the other individuals who helped out in with transport and contributed to a good time for us.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

\"Brunch<\/a>
Brunch time at Kuba Kuba, site of our Saturday farewell meal. Photo courtesy Antonio Garc\u00eda.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ildo Nandja<\/p>\n

The week we had in Richmond was very productive from the first day of our arrival till the last day of our stay there. I really liked the way our schedule was put together: from attending classes, master classes, the visits we had to different historical places, jam sessions\u2014we all felt like we were at home; and all enjoyed our activities.<\/p>\n

The highlight of the visit for me was all the information I got from students and lectures and people around Richmond, information that will improve my musicianship\u00a0and\u00a0my personality. I learned a lot.\u00a0Getting together with the VCU team, especially the students, has doubled our friendship and connection.<\/p>\n

I would like to say a big thanks to Prof. Garc\u00eda for everything he did for the VCU and UKZN teams in making these exchanges possible. I look forward for the next visit!<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Sakhile Simani<\/p>\n

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Garc\u00eda and his team for hosting us. I really enjoyed myself in Richmond. I learned some other things, such as how to fuse business and music. It was great to meet and play with new people: everyone was so kind, caring, and warm. I’m really honoured to be part of this exchange programme, and I am looking forward to next year’s visits.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

\"IMG_9510cropped.72\"<\/a>Linda Sikhakhane<\/p>\n

I would like to thank Prof. Garc\u00eda and the VCU team for hosting us in such a warm and exciting way. It was a very blessed and inspirational week in Virginia. First of all, the music students were very good company to us and were willing to share in whichever way. I found a lot of interesting ways of absorbing the jazz language, mostly in classes led by Prof. Skip Gailes, taking basic patterns and building towards a complex way of playing. I also realized that students do attend a lot public performances, and that helps them a lot in terms of their sound.<\/p>\n

\"Two<\/a>
Two Lindas: Linda Sikhakhane (UKZN tenor saxophone) and Linda Johnston (VCU Music Administrative Director). Photo credit Antonio Garc\u00eda.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The history part of things was quite interesting when we visited the museums, to see that the way of living has changed over the past years. You find a lot of unity, and that has a very big impact in the music culture as well.<\/p>\n

It was my first time in the States, but it felt like I’ve been there for years due to happiness brought by the sound and silence. I’m really looking forward to the March trip now knowing what America is about.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Sphelelo Mazibuko<\/p>\n

I can’t get the right words to express the way the exchange has impacted my life. What a pleasure it has been to meet wonderful people from across the world. The musical experience has been mind-blowing.<\/p>\n

My freshest memories of our trip to America began when we landed at the airport in Washington Dulles. The chilly weather in the morning reminded me of my hometown, Newcastle. I realized how much similarity American and Africa have. That on its own just made me feel like I was home, away from home.<\/p>\n

Wow: the wonderful staff, musicians, and students from VCU made us feel like we were part of the VCU family. It was a pleasure to meet the CATS again (C.J., Victor, Trey, Brendan, Chris, and Justin), who have been more than just friends; they have shown us brotherhood.<\/p>\n

\"UKZNLegacyCamelPanA72\"<\/a>The weather was beautiful; and it complemented the wonderful shows we attended in Richmond, from The Camel (Glenn Wilson Quintet, Rattlemouth, NoBS), Bogart’s (Victor Haskins Group), to VCU’s Vlahacevic Hall (Darryl Harper Faculty Jazz Recital, VCU Wind Ensemble). I enjoyed every moment we spend with the cats jamming and listenings to jazz over drink. What a pleasure it has to meet inspirational musician Profs. Gailes and Richards, to have them share information with us was a great opportunity.<\/p>\n

My highlight would be meeting and listening to Prof. Tony Martucci peforming in The Glenn Wilson Quintet: what an excellent drummer! I realize we were at the reality of the sound of jazz, the pulse pushing forward unlike how we swing in South Africa. The forward-playing motion was amazing. I could realize that this language is big and needs to be explored. Pity I couldn\u2019t get a chance to get a quick lesson from him, but I should say that just listening to him play at The Camel was a complete class.<\/p>\n

I am glad we meet wonderful new friends: Colleen, Michelle, John, Nick, Abinnet, and more from VCU. It has been great; their hospitality was humbling. But I would like to give the greatest thanks to Profs. Neil Gonsalves and Tony Garc\u00eda for working tirelessly for this trip: great musicians empowering great future musicians. Thanks also to the wonderful VCU administrators: great people; they were so welcoming. Thank you!! I truly cannot wait for the upcoming trip back to Richmond.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s all for the Love of Jazz. Showing Some Love!<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Chris Ryan<\/p>\n

Having our African friends visit was a fun-filled, whirlwind week. It was only too bad it went by so fast. We started things off with a meet and greet\/pizza\/jam-session hang at Prof G.’s Sunday afternoon. It was great to see the guys as well as Neil and Nareen Gonsalves and get to make a little music right away. Later that night the cats joined us at C.J.’s and my gig at the Commercial Taphouse. The guys got to check out music from the Larri Branch Agenda and then sat in and played an inspiring version of “Oleo.”<\/p>\n

\"VCU<\/a>
VCU guitarist Chris Ryan, VCU saxophonist Brendan Schnabel, UKZN saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane, UKZN pianist Lungelo Ngcobo, and VCU saxophonist Trey Sorrells mix it up at The Camel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The next night was the UKZN ensemble debut at The Camel here in town. It was so nice to hear their music here in Richmond. It was also really cool to hear the sound the cats had developed compositionally.<\/p>\n

A few other great memories I have are hanging at John Bradberry’s with everyone, taking the guys out to the mall, and–always a favorite of mine–brunch at Kuba Kuba. I am already looking forward to seeing everyone again and anxious to see how things on both continents develop musically.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

C.J. Wolfe<\/p>\n

Hosting the South African students in Richmond was another great learning experience. I appreciated what those guys had done for us while we were in Durban, and I wanted to help as much as possible.<\/p>\n

Having them here made our daily lives seem more interesting because we were seeing through their eyes what we think is mundane. One of the funniest things was when they tried root beer at a pizza joint and told me that they call that flavor “bubble gum.”<\/p>\n

\"Enjoying<\/a>
Enjoying the NoBS! Brass Band at The Camel. Photo credit Antonio Garc\u00eda.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trips to the museums were fun, places I had not even been to before then. Our nightlife seemed to take a toll on them because they were not used to staying out late, plus we went out every night! In Durban it had been the opposite for us because we would go to our B&B early and not be able to sleep for a while.<\/p>\n

The time they spent here was very short, and it was bittersweet when they had to leave. I can’t wait to go back in the spring to see them again.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Victor Haskins<\/p>\n

\"Oliver<\/a>
Oliver Hill, civil rights attorney from Richmond, presented in the Black History Museum. Photo credit Antonio Garc\u00eda.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Having the UKZN students here in Richmond for a week was a wonderful experience. It was great to get to introduce them to a different culture. It was especially awesome to witness the community support for the UKZN ensemble when they played at The Camel to a packed house!<\/p>\n

When they weren\u2019t performing, the UKZN team had the opportunity to visit the Black History Museum, Tredegar, and some malls and American stores\u2014a fine introduction to the lifestyle here in America. During most of the days they also sat through some of our classes at VCU\u2014Jazz Arranging, Jazz Form & Analysis, Improvisation, Music Industry, and ensembles. I think that it is cool and valuable to see how classes are taught and how people learn in a different place, because it can give insight into why someone thinks a certain way when one understands their natural environment.<\/p>\n

On most nights they also had the chance to go and hear live music on the Richmond scene, where they actually came and sat in with my band\u2019s weekly gig. Being able to share experiences\u2014especially musical experiences\u2014is one of the few ways to get really close to someone; and their presence was really special at the performance that night.<\/p>\n

Those guys brought such a wonderful spirit and vibe wherever they went, and I feel as though that\u2019s exactly the kind of treatment they received from everyone with which they interacted. I think I speak for all us on the VCU team in saying that we will miss sharing meals, music, stories, and hanging out. Our return trip to Durban in March cannot arrive soon enough!<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Trey Sorrells<\/p>\n

\"Jam<\/a>
Jam session at Prof. Garc\u00eda’s house. Photo credit Antonio Garc\u00eda.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When we left South Africa in early August it was a sour moment,\u00a0especially\u00a0for me. I felt like there was so much more to learn from our friends there. Well, at the end of\u00a0September they returned; and the learning process rapidly began again, immediately upon shaking their hands. We jammed for a while in\u00a0Professor\u00a0Garcia’s\u00a0house. This was so much fun: every musician knows that communication not with words but with music is the best way to catch up.<\/p>\n

Throughout the week we attended gigs played by local and not-so-local artists, both teams enjoying the music. One of my favorite moments was the UKZN hit at The Camel: they played\u00a0extremely\u00a0exciting music that was also true to their culture; and everyone in the audience seemed to have really liked it. It was really nice having their team in some of our classes.<\/p>\n

Sometimes I would forget that they were visitors. I can’t wait to see them again in March. I’m pretty sure we all are going to have a\u00a0lot\u00a0to talk and play about.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

Brendan Schnabel<\/p>\n

After coming back from a special experience with our friends in Durban, it felt like no time at all until we were on the receiving end of our exchange. I believed, like everyone else, that we owed our visitors as inviting an atmosphere as they had given us; and I believe we all stepped up to the occasion.<\/p>\n

\"VCU<\/a>
VCU and UKZN friends relax in front of a beautiful mosaic in Richmond featuring 1950’s Richmond saxophonist Jay Peters. Photo credit Antonio Garc\u00eda.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was great that our guests were able to see so much live music in Richmond. From NoBS to Labragenda, Victor’s group, and their own performance at the Camel, I feel our UKZN counterparts could not have enjoyed a better representation of what our jazz music scene here in Richmond has to offer. Most impressive to me was\u00a0the reception the students received at their own performance. I know they were touched by the unique charm and energy of Richmond club-goers, and it made me happy to see people on our end as excited about this exchange as the people in Durban were.<\/p>\n

Reflecting further, I think Richmond might be one of the greatest choices for first-time visitors to America. It offers the wide variety of activity and culture of a big city yet still has the personality and warmth of a small town. Similarly, Richmond is a line of demarcation of sorts for northern and southern American culture, blending the two in a unique way. This, combined with the important history of the city, make me believe our guests got so much out of this trip. Both the UKZN team and our own VCU team have a lot to work with, and I’m excited for what next year’s reunions will hold in store for both of our communities.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

\"George<\/a>
George Allan, instrument technician, with Linda Sikhakhane, whose horn Mr. Allan repaired.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Justin Esposito<\/p>\n

Re-kindling our experiences and relationships from our trip to Durban was a timeless venture. Upon the UKZN team\u2019s arrival I was unsure of what their first impressions of Richmond, Virginia would be. With Richmond being the capital of the confederacy and having its own history with civil and human rights, there is common ground shared with South Africa\u2019s history of Apartheid. Talking with the UKZN team about their impressions of the Apartheid with what they have experienced through older generations shows how far countries like the United States and South Africa have come within the development of human equality.<\/p>\n

\"UKZN<\/a>
UKZN and VCU folks share a farewell brunch at Kuba Kuba in the Fan District. Photo courtesy Antonio Garc\u00eda.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Equality was an impacting theme on the week we spent with our South African counterparts. When we were able to play and exchange with our guests, everyone was granted the same opportunity to have their voice heard within the context of the universal language we share that is jazz. This music allowed us to pick up right where we started in terms of developing and building upon the international relationships we have formed. When you share a cultural identity within a powerful force such as jazz, you share the keys to a special community. I garnered a sense of that community while hosting the UKZN Jazz Legacy Ensemble, and this foundation allows us to create something special and long-lasting through jazz music.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As part of VCU Jazz’s “International Partnerships Major Initiatives Award” grant from VCU and VCUarts, students and faculty of the Jazz Studies Programs of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Durban, South Africa) reunited in late September 2013, this time in Richmond. Our own Victor Haskins (trumpet), Justin Esposito (bass), C.J. Wolfe (drums), […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":913,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-365","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-vcuukzntrip2"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/365","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/913"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=365"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/365\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=365"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=365"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=365"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":363,"date":"2013-08-19T16:21:46","date_gmt":"2013-08-19T20:21:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wp.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/?p=363"},"modified":"2020-01-27T12:49:20","modified_gmt":"2020-01-27T12:49:20","slug":"trip-1-vcu-jazz-visits-south-africa-julyaugust-2012","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/vcujazz\/2013\/08\/19\/trip-1-vcu-jazz-visits-south-africa-julyaugust-2012\/","title":{"rendered":"Trip 1: VCU Jazz visits South Africa (July\/August 2012)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Greetings!<\/p>\n

If you would enjoy a visual travelogue of VCU Jazz’s recent travels to South Africa, read on!<\/p>\n

BACKGROUND<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Victor Haskins (trumpet), Justin Esposito (bass), C.J. Wolfe (drums), Brendan Schnabel (tenor sax), Chris Ryan (guitar), Trey Sorrells (alto sax), and Prof. Antonio Garcia, Director of Jazz Studies (trombone)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Sebastien Goldswain (guitar), Lungelo Ngcobo (piano), Sphelelo Mazibuko (drums), Prof. Neil Gonsalves, Director of UKZN’s Centre for Jazz and Popular Music (piano), Linda Sikhakhane (tenor sax), Sakhile Simani (trumpet), and Ildo Nandja (bass)<\/p>\n

As you may already know, VCU Jazz received an “International Partnerships Major Initiatives Award” (IPMI), a grant I wrote (and with excellent guidance from others) to bring American and African citizens together in musical and personal understanding. VCUarts generously matched the grant. Titled “VCU and the University of KwaZulu-Natal: A Jazz Bridge to Greater Understanding,” this grant project will bring together students and faculty of the Jazz Studies Programs of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa over the course of this VCU academic year. Here are some links to UKZN, if you wish:<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.ukzn.ac.za<\/p>\n

Discipline of Music<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n