With support from the College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Innovation Fund, Ohio State School of Music faculty traveled to Brazil in March to perform, teach and engage with students and community members at Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) and Orquestra Jovem das Gerais.
Arved Ashby, professor, musicology, David Hedgecoth, associate professor, music education, Susan Powell, professor, percussion, and Michael Rene Torres, assistant professor, saxophone, delivered a series of masterclasses, lectures and recitals in Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state, and Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais state. Ila Nagar, associate professor, Department of Near Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures, also joined the delegation.
“We engaged in some great dialogue and artistic exchanges with our new colleagues at the State University of the Amazonas and the Federal University of Minas Gerias,” reflected Hedgecoth.
One highlight of the residency program was a concert at UFMG, where the faculty performed for an enthusiastic local audience, followed by a reception organized by the Brazil Gateway. The group also visited "Orquestra Jovem das Gerais," a youth orchestra in the greater Belo Horizonte area, inspiring young musicians.
“This was my first time in Brazil, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to interact with students and faculty in Manaus and in Belo Horizonte. The students at both institutions were just amazing!” Nagar shared.
This residency program not only allowed Ohio State’s faculty to share their expertise with Brazilian students but also opened doors for collaboration and creativity between the universities and organizations. Ohio State is dedicated to fostering global connections and advancing educational collaboration across borders.