On the 15th of September, together with NJJO (Nationaal Jeugd Jazz Orkest), I traveled to Germany to spend a week of exchange with Bujazzo. We came together to prepare for three concerts. Yet, what we got from this experience expanded way beyond this goal.

The programme of the week allowed for a perfect atmosphere for learning, rehearsing and getting to meet inspiring and passionate musicians. From rehearsing new repertoire from the other orchestra, to hearing your own repertoire being played by different musicians, exchanging knowledge with different orchestra leaders, playing with new musicians, organizing jam sessions, attending self-organized workshops and creating our very own football tournament, this experience would definitely be something that I would repeat and recommend to all young musicians.

The facilities that were available to us were able to create a comfortable space to work and live in. We had the chance to rehearse with both orchestras at the same time in the big rehearsal rooms available. During our free time, we had the possibility of practicing individually in the practice rooms. In the evening, we could organize our very own jam sessions in our very own bar; a space underground, with no neighbours, in which we could socialize, be inspired by fellow musicians' style, and come together to do what we love most. The rooms were comfortable, and having private beds with a maximum of two people per room was important to get good rest after long days of hard work.

One of the things that I enjoyed the most and found very valuable, was the space that was given to us to organize workshops for one another. Through this we were able to see the knowledge that our fellow orchestra members have besides what you hear when you play together. Personally, I take home with me the information that we was given by a group of female musicians from Bujazzo. They shared their experience in the jazz community as women, opening up the space to have a discussion about the difficulties female musicians face and the different roles that we can all take to improve the situation. Male musicians have a big responsibility in this, and should play a role in the solution.

There was so much talent together! The most inspiring thing for me was to be able to see the amount of hard work that the other orchestra members were willing to put in to follow our passion. It is clear that if we were there, it is because we are all very ambitious musicians, and we take the work that we do seriously. During the week, spending as much time as possible practicing your instrument became the norm; the thing to do. In a surrounding such as this, one gets reminded of what it means to be a musician.

Furthermore, as young musicians, this experience was very valuable in order to expand our relations and network. “Two nations under one groove,” brings together musicians from the Netherlands and Germany. This exchange provides roots of entry into the jazz scene of each other's countries, allowing us to have this network as a point of entry to connect with more people. This can help out when organizing a tour, looking for gigs or seeking out new opportunities.

I am very grateful for having been able to work together with both Niels Klein and Reinier Bas. Being able to learn and rehearse with orchestra leaders with such incredible talent led to a very significant learning journey. I think opportunities such as this one are essential for creating a strong jazz music scene within Europe, and I hope that many more are granted such opportunities in the future.