The National Youth Orchestra Jazz, or NYO Jazz, toured several cities across China this summer, bringing young musicians eager to share their craft and make connections with local people through music.
For many of the musicians, this trip was about more than performing, but also their first chance to experience China — not through headlines or social media, but in person.
"My experience here has been really beautiful. It's really let me appreciate what the difference in the culture is," said Kris Johnson, band leader of NYO Jazz.
Such personal experience can sometimes challenge assumptions. For trumpet player Miri Izenberg, this was her first time in Asia.
"I've never been to Asia before, so it's been really meaningful to see just a whole new part of the world, really get immersed in the culture here in China. It's been great, and I know that I'm going to take these experiences with me back home," Izenberg said.
Jazz itself has a long history of crossing borders. Born in the United States, it has traveled the world, absorbing new influences and taking on different forms.
In China, these young performers also found that connection can happen even when words fall short.
"We actually had a few experiences, both in Shanghai and Taicang, where we played with people from the area. And there's a language barrier, but getting to play together — that was such a connection that I think transcends language or culture. So it was really beautiful to get to connect with them in that way," said Izenberg.
NYO Jazz brings music, American youth to China
