The magazine of Montclair State University Fall/Winter 2022

Acclaimed bassist and bandleader Christian McBride, a six-time Grammy Award winner, inspired student musicians at the Cali Immersive Residency, a professional residency program of rotating solo artists and ensembles at the John J. Cali School of Music.

McBride headlined events, including a master class and Cali Conversation, a series at the John J. Cali School of Music that engages the University’s visiting world-class artists in discussions largely centered around arts education, teaching and learning.

“Primarily, I want our students to see their musical heroes as human beings who had to deal with many challenges in their journey, and I want them to hear how fellow artists perceive the education ecosystem surrounding us,” says Cali School Director Anthony J. Mazzocchi. “All it takes is one moment from one conversation to unlock something for our students here.