Courtney Snyder
School of Music, Theatre & Dance
The Brazilian Musical and Cultural Traditions program offered a faculty-led study abroad experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, designed to immerse University of Michigan band students in the musical, cultural, and historical contexts of Latin America. The program marked the first time a UM band ensemble performed in South America and the first time a UM ensemble performed at the World Association of Symphonic Band Ensembles (WASBE) international conference. Throughout the experience, students engaged in performances, educational sessions, and linguistic and cultural learning that expanded their musical perspectives beyond the European and American classical traditions that historically dominate the concert band repertoire.
In-country experiences combined high-level international performances with deep cultural immersion. Students performed at two historically significant Rio de Janeiro venues—Teatro Municipal and Igreja de São Francisco de Paula—to standing-room-only audiences. They served as the performance ensemble for an international conductors competition, collaborating with conductors from Spain, the United States, Brazil, and Colombia to adapt to diverse rehearsal techniques and artistic interpretations. Beyond the stage, students explored Brazilian culture through Samba, Latin American dance traditions, rhythm workshops, and conversational Portuguese. They also examined the historical impact of European colonialism in Latin America in comparison to the history and cultural development of the United States.
Upon returning, students brought back an expanded artistic worldview, enhanced adaptability, and a commitment to advocating for a broader, more inclusive concert band repertoire. The program fostered cross-cultural communication, strengthened ensemble responsiveness, and provided firsthand insight into the international music profession. Students returned equipped to approach musical performance with greater cultural context, nuance, and authenticity.
Learning Objectives
Repertoire & Performance Practice – Develop a deeper appreciation for Brazilian, Colombian, and Argentine composers while applying culturally informed and authentic performance practices.
Artistic Adaptability – Strengthen ensemble responsiveness and communication skills by collaborating with international conductors using varied styles, rehearsal techniques, and musical perspectives.
Cultural & Historical Context – Examine the historical impacts of European colonialism in Latin America, draw comparative connections to U.S. history, and understand the cultural origins of regional music and dance traditions.
Cross-Cultural Communication – Build confidence and flexibility in navigating non-English-dominant environments through immersion and conversational Portuguese.
Professional Engagement & Advocacy – Gain firsthand insight into the global music profession while developing the perspective to advocate for a more inclusive and diverse concert band repertoire.
