Mr. Wang Hesheng (L) and Raquel Rodriquez after the performance

Raquel Rodriquez performing with the Washburn University Wind Ensemble at Shanghai Normal University

Another concert scene

Washburn University trumpeters with trumpeters from Beijing Normal University ...

... and with Trumpeters from Tianjin Conservatory of Music

The Washburn University Wind Ensemble traveled to China on a two-week concert and cultural tour of China from May 15-28th, 2007. The tour included performances of selections from both Eastern and Western repertoire. Raquel Rodriquez, instructor of trumpet at Washburn University, was featured on La Virgen de la Macarena by Koff/Mendez and Dance under the Moonlight by Chinese composer Wang Hesheng.  Mr. Hesheng was present at the first performance at Beijing Normal University.  Wang Hesheng is a composer for the Military Band of the Chinese People's Liberation Army: he has written numerous pieces for wind bands.

The Washburn University Wind Ensemble also had educational interactions with Chinese youth ensembles. At each concert the WU Wind Ensemble had joint performances with Chinese wind ensembles.  Performance venues included Beijing Normal University, Tianjin Conservatory of Music, Tianjin Shiyan Zhong Xue, and Shanghai Normal University.

The Washburn University trumpet studio also had the opportunity to speak and exchange ideas and gifts with trumpeters from the Universities in China.  Chinese students were able to speak English and were gracious to the American students.  Washburn students gave the Chinese students gifts of valve oil, music, and WU t-shirts.  Many friendships developed between the students from different countries.

Links:
Brass at Washburn University
Raquel Rodriquez