The Wind Ensemble from NCYU’s Department of Music participated in the 2024 World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) Conference held in Gwangju, South Korea. Their performances at the indoor main concert on July 17th, as well as the music contest and outdoor concert on July 18th showcased the uniqueness of Taiwanese original music. Highly praised by WASBE Chair Dr. Colleen Richardson and members of the International Board, they earned the highest honor in Taiwan. After the event, WASBE Chair Dr. Colleen Richardson commended the members of the Department of Music’s Wind Ensemble.
The WASBE Conference is one of the most prestigious events on the international wind music calendar that attracts leading wind ensembles and professionals from all over the world. The conference this year took place from July 16th to July 21st in Gwangju, South Korea. In their performances, the Wind Ensemble from NCYU’s Department of Music not only showcased their strength, but made a significant contribution to bringing the art of Taiwanese wind music onto the world stage. In the 40 years since the WASBE Conference was held biannually, this is the first time a Taiwanese university has been selected to join the event. This is also the first time the R.O.C. Flag appeared on the WASBE stage, alongside the flags of other participating countries during the opening ceremony in South Korea. It is of extraordinary significance to Taiwan.
To participate in the grand event, the Wind Ensemble from NCYU’s Department of Music performed original works by Taiwanese composers Ruei-Ran Wu, Chen Yi-Chen, and Lee Che-Yi. These works incorporate a rich variety of Taiwanese elements, including Hakka culture, everyday life, and Chiayi’s unique characteristics, making the music more locally distinctive and culturally profound. In addition to their spectacular performances, the Wind Ensemble from NCYU’s Department of Music were invited to present new compositions (Category I) at the WASBE’s music contest. During the event, they actively attended concerts to appreciate performances by bands from different countries, where they learned about conducting, arranging, and performance techniques in wind music. Performances from around the world provided valuable opportunities for the members of the Wind Ensemble to learn and improve their professionalism.
NCYU President Han-Chien Lin expressed his
gratitude for the support and sponsorship from various sectors, which allowed
the Wind Ensemble from NCYU’s Department of Music to debut on the WASBE stage
on behalf of Taiwan. This is an honor for the Wind Ensemble from NCYU’s
Department of Music and for Taiwan as a whole to demonstrate their musical
talents and achievements on the stage for the world to see. In the future, the
Wind Ensemble from NCYU’s Department of Music will continue to strive and
enhance their artistic prowess, so that they can present more wonderful musical
works to the audience. They also hope to have more opportunities to participate
in international music events to enhance Taiwan’s influence on the global music
scene.
Photo 1: The
R.O.C. Flag flew alongside the flags of participating countries during the
opening ceremony of the 20th WASBE Conference in South Korea.
Photo 2: The
Wind Ensemble from NCYU’s Department of Music performed at the main concert on
July 17th.
Photo 3: WASBE Chair Dr. Colleen Richardson (right) presented a
certificate to the concertmaster of NCYU’s Wind Ensemble.
Photo 4: The
Wind Ensemble from NCYU’s Department of Music attended the 2024 WASBE
Conference in Gwangju, South Korea.
Photo 5: NCYU
President Han-Chien Lin (left) presented a commemorative flag to WASBE Chair
Dr. Colleen Richardson (center) and posed for a group photo with Assistant
Prof. David Shih-Wei, Lin, Conductor of the Wind Ensemble, NCYU.
Photo 6: Assistant Prof. David Shih-Wei, Lin (first from right), Conductor of the Wind Ensemble, Department of Music, NCYU, posed for a group photo with the judging panel of WASBE’s music contest.