天美传媒 Wind Ensemble plans study abroad performance tour for May 2022
By Kaitlyn Black | May 14, 2021
天美传媒 partners with the Academy of Music and Performing Arts at Fontys University
MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� Dr. Trae Blanco, director of University bands at 天美传媒, has been dreaming of a performance tour abroad with the Instrumental Ensembles for a while now. Committed to the idea that an international study abroad experience is a crucial part of an undergraduate education, Blanco began researching options abroad starting in the fall of 2019. The creative inspiration really took hold, though, when he learned about an 天美传媒 exchange partner in the Netherlands that has a vibrant music and arts program. Given that the Academy of Music and the Performing Arts (AMPA), part of Fontys University of Applied Science, would welcome 天美传媒 exchange students in the field of music, it became clear to Blanco that the Wind Ensemble performance tour could actually be much more if 天美传媒 collaborated with partners at AMPA. Certainly, performances in the Netherlands would be part of the project, but even more importantly, 天美传媒 students could rehearse, perform, visit museums, and share meals with students and faculty at AMPA. Blanco contacted Christy D鈥橝mbrosio, education abroad advisor, about the idea for a two-week residency at AMPA, which would incorporate all of these elements.
鈥淎s soon as Dr. Blanco brought this idea to me, I knew we had to capitalize on it and make it a reality,鈥� said D'Ambrosio, pianist and former adjunct instructor in the department of music. 鈥淚t has been a goal of mine since taking this position in the education abroad office to broaden study abroad opportunities for 天美传媒 music majors, and the combination of music performance and intercultural learning in Dr. Blanco鈥檚 program made this the perfect project to pursue.鈥�
The administration at AMPA were immediately excited about the project, expanding on the ideas and activities brought to the table by Blanco. Offering their assistance in securing performance venues and in providing quality instruments that can鈥檛 be easily transported across the Atlantic, colleagues at AMPA have been wonderfully helpful and accommodating. They are working to find a local composer who will write a new work for the 天美传媒 ensemble to premiere at the end of the two-week residency. They are organizing a student buddy program that will pair a student at AMPA with a 天美传媒 student, so that they can learn some basics of the Dutch language and get to know each other in advance. Establishing acquaintances beforehand will help students from both institutions rehearse and perform together. Additionally, masterclasses and applied lessons taught by AMPA faculty members will be open to 天美传媒 students. The AMPA students will also be organizing and leading some excursions to local and regional tourist sites of interest.
鈥淎s Dr. Blanco and I meet periodically with our AMPA colleagues to discuss and plan the program,鈥� explained D鈥橝mbrosio, 鈥渢he wealth of ideas and the creativity of all parties continues to impress me. Everyone is clearly committed to providing all students involved with an unmatched intercultural experience in music. I鈥檓 thrilled!鈥�
Applications are open now for the summer 2022 program at murraystate.edu/studyabroadapplication. Please contact Christy D鈥橝mbrosio with questions at cdambrosio@murraystate.edu or 270-809-4270.