Orchestra's visit exposes Beverlye Magnet students to Chinese music, culture

East met West Friday, Feb. 3, in Sony Hall at Troy University, Dothan Campus.

Through the auspices of the Confucius Institute at Troy University, 138 Beverlye Magnet School band students were invited to hear the Nanjing University Ethnic Chinese Music Orchestra, led by Prof. Zhang Jingbo, perform selections from its Melody of Spring 2012 program. It proved to be both an eye- and ear-opening experience for the young musicians as they listened to 21 Chinese university students play the traditional folk music of their homeland on a variety of ancient instruments.

“It’s really cool,” said Caroline Krista, a sixth-grade student who plays the trumpet, of the music. “There were so many different instruments that I have never seen before. The music was really pretty. I’ve never really heard Chinese music before until coming here.”

Payten Railey, also a sixth-grade student who plays the clarinet in the BMS band, says the variety of musical instruments used in the performance was fascinating. She noted one in particular.

“The little guitar thing (ruan) was pretty cool,” Railey said. “It sounds like a real guitar-banjo together.”

While the students were enthralled with what they saw and heard, one performer really captured the fancy of the audience. Performing a suona (reed) solo, “Picking Dates,” the young man displayed not only immense musical talent, but he was also a crowd-pleaser with his wonderful show of humor throughout the number.

The cultural event is part of an ongoing program at Troy University through its relationship with the Confucius Institute.

“There are more than 250 Confucius Institutes worldwide,” said Dr. Don Jeffrey, vice chancellor of the Dothan Campus. “Troy University has the only one in Alabama. You have to apply to have one. It shows the magnitude of the interface. We were fortunate to be selected for one (housed on the main campus in Troy).”

Jeffrey says the university likes to bring interesting cultural experiences to the local community.

“We do this a couple of times a year,” Jeffrey said. “Last year, we brought in a dance group from China. This year, we’re fortunate to have the Nanjing University orchestra.”

Vincent Jackson, director of the BMS band program, says it was an opportunity he didn’t want his students to miss. With the aid of Gayla White, PTO president at BMS and an employee of Troy University, an invitation was extended to the students to hear the 90-minute performance.

“We’ve had a wonderful time,” Jackson said of the concert and the visit with the Chinese students and officials from Nanjing University. “I believe this experience will give our students more appreciation of music that’s not from our area. I think it will add enthusiasm (to their musical efforts). We will try to teach them some Chinese music. How they read music is totally different (from us).

“Overall, it has been a great cultural exposure for all of us. Music is a universal language. Their performance really touched me.”

The stop in Dothan was just one of many on the orchestra’s tour through the United States. Their final stop will be in Tampa, Fla.

“They are visiting universities that have Confucius Institutes on site,” said Matt Clower of Troy University’s Office of University Relations. “Their visit was offered at no cost to Troy University.”