Floating like a long canoe in the Caribbean, Cuba is an island of striking contrasts—mountains and white-sand beaches, dense forests and open skies. Along its northern coast, Havana pulses with history, color, and sound. Spanish, African, and indigenous influences swirl in the city’s architecture and music. Into this vibrant mix stepped Eastman professor Michael Wayne and four of his students, arriving for a weeklong exchange of education, discovery, and transformative music-making.
The idea for this trip first sparked during a conversation between Eastman’s Senior Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs John Hain ’02 (MM),’07 (DMA) and his longtime friend Dr. Rena Kraut. As the founder and executive director of the Cuban American Youth Orchestra (CAYO), Kraut was eager to welcome Eastman students into the fold.
CAYO, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit founded in 2016, fosters cultural exchange and musical collaboration between young musicians in the United States and Cuba. Its mission is to support, educate, and empower students, teachers, and audiences through musical workshops and performances. Rooted in values of collaboration, inclusivity, and curiosity, CAYO aims to bridge cultural and geographic divides. To date, more than 100 US-based students aged 13–28 have visited Cuba as part of the program.
Woodwind Week in May offered the perfect window for Associate Professor of Clarinet Michael Wayne to travel with four of his students: Audrey Bray, Eric Butler, Kevin Jin, and Adam Kolers. They packed their bags and their instruments—along with a donation of reeds and other supplies—for the 1,500-mile journey south of Rochester and arrived to sun, music, and possibility.
Left: Professor Michael Wayne with his students Eric Butler, Kevin Jin, Audrey Bray, and Adam Kolers. Right: Classic American convertibles from the 1950s are a common sight on Havana streets.
“My week in Cuba with CAYO was the most eye-opening and life-changing experience I have ever had,” said student Kevin Jin. “From the small talk I had with students at the schools we visited to the hours of rehearsals and ice cream socials I shared with the Cuban musicians, I learned so much about how much of an impact CAYO has on thousands of young people and musicians.”
“The talent, curiosity, and work ethic of Eastman was on full display for a week in Havana,” said Rena Kraut. “Under the leadership of Professor Wayne, these student musicians were exemplary ambassadors for their school, state, and country throughout multiple school visits, chamber music collaborations with their Cuban peers, and a final presentation open to the public.”
Music has long served to transcend language, politics, and distance. “CAYO believes that our shared values of connection, community, and humanity through music and music education provide the groundwork for future partnerships with Eastman,” Kraut added.
Jin echoed that sentiment. “Dr. Rena Kraut and everyone involved in CAYO are doing the difficult work of bringing inspiration and life to students who have the aptitude to become something further than their imagination but lack the resources to change their lives and make a real impact in their community,” he said.
Left: Professor Wayne teaching. Right: Professor Wayne and the Eastman students during one of their school visits.
Later this year, Eastman’s collaboration with CAYO will continue when Associate Professor of Viola Masumi Per Rostad and several of his students travel to Cuba for String Week October 12–17.
For more information, go to cayomusic.org.