The Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence (S-I-R) Program assists institutions of higher education in the United States with expanding programs of academic exchange. By supporting non-U.S. scholars through grants for teaching at institutions that might not have a strong international component, both the U.S. institution and the scholar grantee benefit.

Dr. Lisa Dresdner, Associate Dean of Liberal Arts/Behavioral & Social Sciences (LABSS) at NVCC reported that the scholar-in-residence will be teaching one section of Music History and Appreciation, with a focus on Latin American and Caribbean music.  He will also be team-teaching the Jazz Ensemble with another instructor, Henry Lugo. 

Through a collaborative agreement with the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra (WSO), Karam will be performing at their Christmas concert traditionally held in the Mainstage auditorium on the Waterbury Campus. He will also be teaching with Bravo Waterbury! twice a week. Bravo is an intensive after-school music education program for students at Children’s Community School in Waterbury. Inspired by Venezuela’s “music education miracle” known as El Sistema, which is a program for social change started over 30 years ago by politician and musician Jose Abreu, Bravo is unique to Waterbury.  In collaboration with The Leever Foundation, the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra, Children’s Community School and other community partners, Bravo provides music education, instruments, and mentorship to Waterbury youth. Karam’s teaching will culminate in a performance with the students from the program. http://www.waterburysymphony.org/bravo/

A calendar of musical events, featuring the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence, include poetry readings, a performance in the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Arts and Culture Collaborative (ACC), and a collaborative NVCC/WSO musical event that celebrates South American culture, with the participation of WSO and our ARTS faculty and students.

On campus, Karam will be invited to be a guest speaker in some of the College’s First Year Experience classes. As a teaching scholar he will play an integral part in the NVCC Music Society and other student clubs. He will also play an important role in academic and cultural activities throughout the campus.

NVCC Dean of Community Engagement, Waldemar Kostrzewa commented that, “Felipe is a perfect fit for the college and community. His professional and teaching experiences will allow us to benefit from his talents in many ways. NVCC and the Greater Waterbury communities will enjoy his energy and musical creativity. We are fortunate to have him with us for the year.”

Associate Dean Dresdner shared the enthusiasm of the NVCC community.  “We’re thrilled that for the third time we have the honor of hosting a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence on our campus. We are excited about the ways his presence will enrich our whole campus and, in particular, our amazing Visual and Performing Arts program.  We also look forward to the many ways we can introduce him to the greater Waterbury community.”

More information about Felipe Karam is available on his website: http://www.felipekaram.com/menu.html