TCU Brass Faculty Strengthen International Partnerships Through China Residency

The TCU School of Music Faculty Brass Quintet completed a residency in China this summer, bringing performances, masterclasses and collaborative teaching to students and audiences as part of the first Soochow University International Music Exchange & Orchestral Arts Week. The 10-day residency, centered at Soochow University in Suzhou with an additional performance at Jiangsu Normal University in Xuzhou, highlighted TCU's commitment to international artistic collaboration while reaching an estimated 4,000 participants.

Organized in partnership with TCU alumnus Eric Liu, an artist diploma graduate and trumpet educator at Soochow University, the residency grew from his vision of creating lasting academic and artistic connections between the two institutions. During the visit, faculty members presented concerts, taught masterclasses, coached students and collaborated with the Soochow University Symphony Orchestra.

“Hosting the TCU Faculty Brass Quintet at Soochow University has been an incredibly honorable and heartfelt experience,” Liu said. “This residency marks the longest and most in-depth international faculty collaboration in the history of the Soochow University School of Music.”

For the faculty, the residency offered an opportunity to engage in meaningful cultural exchange beyond the concert stage.

“I think the most meaningful aspect of the residency was that it went far beyond a performance trip,” said Clay Garrett, assistant professor of professional practice in tuba and euphonium. “Music created immediate points of connection across language, culture and educational systems.”

The final concert drew a capacity audience of more than 1,100 people, including university and municipal leaders. For Professor Jon Burgess, the extended time on campus was what made the experience especially impactful.

“We were able to interact with and get to know the students, faculty and administration,” Burgess said. “I hope TCU will continue to develop this important cultural exchange so our students can experience its benefits firsthand.”

The residency reflects the growing global reach of the TCU School of Music and the strength of its international alumni network, laying the foundation for future collaborations between TCU and Soochow University.