New York Jazz Academy Cuba Trip 2014 Memories

 
New York Jazz Academy traveled to Cuba in December 2014. Below are some videos compiled from the trip. Highlights included the Havana International Jazz Festival, exchanges with Cuban musicians, late-night jam sessions, historical site visits, a stay at the Hotel Nacional, and, of course, witnessing history, when relations between the U.S. and Cuba were re-opened.
 
Another highlight was workshopping with young Cuban music students. In the first video below, watch an entirely spontaneous and improvised arrangement and performance of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, including young Cuban music school students and New York Jazz Academy musicians. This was prompted right after hearing the young alto saxophonist and pianist perform a duo arrangement of the same song. The moment of cultural connection was inspiring, to say the least!
 
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