February 18, 2025
Aidan Berg, an undergraduate student at the Butler School of Music (BSOM) studying Jazz Double Bass under Professor John Fremgen, has been named one of the 2025 Rainwater Grant recipients. Berg’s project, a residency featuring renowned trumpeter Etienne Charles, aims to enrich the University of Texas (UT) Jazz Department and foster collaboration with Austin’s vibrant arts community. In an interview, Berg shared the inspiration behind his project.
Selina Xu: “Can you tell me a short story of your project idea? What things inspired you?”
Berg: “The project is a residency with trumpeter Etienne Charles for the UT Jazz Department and a collaborative performance with an arts organization in Austin. I was inspired after participating in the first-ever Afro-Caribbean Big Band at Jazz Aspen Snowmass this past summer, in which I was fortunate to work with Mr. Charles for two weeks. Learning from Mr. Charles was transformative for my musicianship—I wanted to design a project that would provide a similar experience for my peers in the Jazz Department.”
Selina Xu: “Very interesting! Has anyone given you advice or guided you with grant writing?”
Berg: “I first found inspiration to begin grant writing from Professor Rivera. His Chamber Music of America grant to create his project Ofrenda served as a huge source of inspiration to curate something special like this residency. In the process of grant writing, I’ve received plenty of support and advice from Professors Rivera, Fremgen, and Sailors.”
Trumpet player Etienne Charles
Selina Xu: “Have you encountered any challenges when putting thoughts into practical work?”
Berg: “I think the biggest challenge was considering how big I could go with the grant. Incorporating a secondary performance for Mr. Charles felt, maybe, as though I was getting too big for my britches. However, in that process, I sought advice from professors, and their support reinforced my intention to go big with the proposal.”
Selina Xu: “What kind of impact will your project contribute to the community?”
Berg: “The project offers BSOM students the opportunity to learn from and hear a world-class musician. Masterclasses and guest lectures offer the chance for students to hear wisdom from Mr. Charles pertaining to entrepreneurship, entertainment, and performance. Furthermore, this project seeks to engage BSOM with the Austin music community at large by curating a performance for Mr. Charles with an arts organization in Austin.”
Selina Xu: “What should people look forward to in your project?”
Berg: “I think the purely educational side of the masterclasses and guest lectures offers a really unique experience for BSOM students. I'd encourage them to make the effort to attend these masterclasses. I believe everyone can benefit from Mr. Charles’ advice on being an independent musician looking to have a rewarding life in the arts. Members of the BSOM community should look forward to, what I believe, will be the most fun UT Jazz ensembles concert to date. Prepare to dance, sing, and laugh.”