Support Sarah Whitaker's Academic Journey in Brazil

Hello everyone! My name is Sarah Whitaker, and I'm currently a first-year graduate student at Michigan State University's College of Music, in Jazz Studies.

In my senior year here at State, I had the opportunity to explore one of my hobbies by learning Brazilian Portuguese. This language journey has led me to study abroad this summer in São Paulo, Brazil for Tulane University's Summer in Brazil six-week program. I believe the program's focus on Social Justice directly ties to my work as a jazz musician. Jazz cannot be thoroughly learned or performed without a deep understanding of the social climate of its creators.

I will be following in the footsteps of drummers such as Max Roach and Terri Lyne Carrington, who have put social justice at the forefront of their musical careers with works such as We Insist! and New Standards Vol.1 respectively. During my time there, I will participate in classes such as immersive Intermediate Portuguese and Contemporary Issues in Brazil.

In a time where understanding and patience are needed now more than ever before, I'd love the opportunity to expand my global and musical awareness by traveling to Brazil this summer.