Taipei school shines at global band events

2015/08/13

Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School’s marching band recently won two awards at U.S.-based Drum Corps International events, marking the team’s return to top form in the global music tournament.

Last appearing at the DCI World Championship in 2001, TMJHS took third place for the international class Aug. 4 in Michigan City, after Jubal Drum and Bugle Corps from the Netherlands and Gita Surosowan Banten from Indonesia.

Created in 1972 for competitors aged 13-22, DCI is hailed as the major league of marching music. The competition features participants from over 15 countries and territories, while attracting 60,000 showgoers annually at the world championship finals.

TMJHS also went on to bag gold at DCI’s SoundSport program Aug. 8 in Indianapolis, beating out 18 other teams representing Canada, the U.S. and mainland China. Launched in 2013 for ensembles of any instrumentation, the event places a premium on displays of unique talent and creativity.

“Such outstanding results have done justice to three months of rigorous rehearsals by our students,” TMJHS band director Damien Fan said. “It is a privilege for us to return to the event and we are proud to fly the flag for Taiwan on the global stage.”

The team’s stellar performances secured it an invitation to play an MLB fixture, performing the U.S. national anthem Aug. 5 at the Chicago White Sox’s stadium before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

TMJHS claimed world titles in 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010. The team is also reigning champion at various local tournaments, boasting a record 13-year winning streak at national indoor and outdoor marching band contests.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=233729&ctNode=413)