Taoyuan band festival spurs youth musical participation

2015/12/10

An international band fiesta offering young talents the opportunity to take part in and help invigorate the local music scene is underway in northern Taiwan’s Taoyuan City.

Organized by the local government’s Department of Cultural Affairs, the nine-day Taoyuan International Band Festival features two lectures and 14 performances by 46 marching bands, orchestras, student groups and wind ensembles from home and abroad.

DCA Commissioner Chuang Hsiu-mei said the government’s long-term efforts in promoting wind music are bearing fruit. “This is illustrated by the fact that more than 30 of the participating groups are from Taoyuan.”

Echoing Chuang’s remarks, City Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan said all of these homegrown musicians are extremely talented and have honed their skills to precision.

“Given the rising popularity of the event since its launch 12 years ago, we have expanded the scale by inviting Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps to stage one performance at Zhongli Night Market and five at local schools Dec.10-11 during the festival.”

The world-renowned band comprising youths aged 14-22 is one of 13 founding members of Drum Corps International, widely considered the Major League of U.S. marching music. It is also a six-time DCI World Champion.

Another highly anticipated program involves a series of shows by Hong Kong Heilan Pipes and Drums and local marching bands like Taipei’s Jianguo High School and Jingmei Girls High School, as well as Taoyuan’s Shin Shing High School Dec. 12 at city stadium.

Following these performances is a special show led by well-known trumpeter Yeh Shu-han in conjunction with Taipei City-based C.Y.C. Wind Orchestra and close to 1,000 high school students from around Taiwan.

“This ambitious undertaking on the same day at the same venue is certain to leave showgoers thoroughly impressed by our musical stars of tomorrow,” Chuang said.

Running through Dec. 13, the festival includes other leading lights such as Taiwan flutist Hua Pei and oboist Casper Tsai. The pair will play on the second last day of the event at city stadium.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=239976&ctNode=2194&mp=9)