Teachers College, Columbia University, maintains a unique academic and artistic relationship with the Chinese Culture University in Tapei, Taiwan. Each year, a Music Department Professor spends three weeks during the summer teaching graduate students, many who then follow-up with a visit to Teachers College to complete a degree program. In the past, Dr. Hal Abeles, Dr. Lori Custodero and Dr. Bert Konowitz have offered a variety of innovative courses in thisTapei based program.

In the summer of 2000, Dr. Bert Konowitz offered courses in Jazz Improvisation and in Classical Music Improvisation in Tapei. The students were outstanding and many of them were invited to compose an original composition to be considered for performance by SPIRIT, the Resident Improv Ensemble at Teachers College in New York.

Ms. Sheveling Huang, pictured above, wrote a creative composition for SPIRIT entitled "Kangaroo." The composition uses a variety of improvisational techinques presented during the summer 2000 courses in Tapei and was accepted by SPIRIT for rehearsal and later performance at a major program. Dean LAN-Ku Chen, Director of Graduate Institute of Arts at the Chinese Culture University, and Viking Associate Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, graciously supports the liaison established between the two Universities by Dr. Hal Abeles, Music Program Coordinator.

SPIRIT is also very proud of Ms. Yu Tai Su, a Chinese Culture University graduate student presently attending Teachers College in New York, and a regular clarinetist with SPIRIT. She has been involved in the rehearsals of Sheveling Huang's Kangaroo.

Finally, Dr. Bert Konowitz was invited to compose an original composition, with improvisational activity, for performance with the Chinese National Orchestra in Tapei. Arrangements to realize this project are being reviewed presently.

Visiting students from Taiwan are cordially invited to submit works for performance consideration. All scores should be submitted to the following address:

Dr. Bert Konowitz
SPIRIT (Box 139)
Music Department
Teachers College, Columbia University
New York, NY 10027