US students display their chops

The MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble's first trip to China opens eyes on both sides, Xing Wen reports.

Jake Capistrant absolutely crushed it. The 19-year-old American with blond hair rocked the crowd at a recent concert in Beijing, stunning everyone by singing the powerful and uplifting classic song Haohan Ge (Hero Song), followed by an effortless rendition on the suona, a traditional Chinese wind instrument.

"The Hero Song was fun to learn. Last semester, we only played it on our instruments, but then I learned the words the best I could. I love the melody. It's so expressive and triumphant," says Capistrant.

He was part of a concert by the Middle Tennessee State University Chinese Music Ensemble and a group of teenage players of traditional Chinese instruments from the Beijing-based Soong Ching Ling Peace Angel Art Troupe on July 17.

The MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble, directed by Han Mei, an ethnomusicologist and established guzheng (Chinese zither) performer, is a credit course at the university's school of music that is open to the entire student body.

The ensemble aims to broaden cultural horizons, offering students hands-on practice that enriches their musical vocabulary, enhances their international understanding, and extends and strengthens their music theory and history studies.