Jazz Band Tours Japan

The Conservatory of Music and Dance's Conservatory Concert Jazz Band has just returned from a trip to Japan. Under the direction of Bobby Watson, the group was invited by the city of Kurashiki, Japan, via the Heart of America Japan-America Society, to perform in Kurashiki. Performances were during Japan's 25th National Cultural Festival in Okayama. 

The all-expense paid trip allowed UMKC students to perform at a prestigious festival and learn more about the people and culture of Kansas City, Missouri's sister city.  

While away, members of the Jazz Band blogged about their travels at umkcjazz.posterous.com.   

Blog, Last Day
Our final day in Japan provided us with some free time and then the largest festival performance (which began with a formal tea ceremony).  We closed the show with a standing ovation, and had to do an encore.  Timings were crucial for the entire trip, thus we selected just enough music for the set.  The band had to do the encore from memory.  They did great!  We were all presented flowers at the conclusion of the show.  Bobby and Dan sold out of cd's as well and then we departed for our last dinner.  We enjoyed a variety of foods, and beverages and returned to the hotel.

The group traveled Oct. 30–Nov. 8.  As part of the National Cultural Festival, Kurashiki City Hall planned nine events, one of which was the Jazz Festival. The Concert Jazz Band also performed for students from several schools, a joint concert with Sakuyo University and as part of the final main stage concert at the Jazz Festival.     

The trip was underwritten by the city of Kurashiki, Japan, with special coordination from Kansas City's Heart of America Japan-America Society.

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