I attended the Japan Band Clinic.
Some Japanese participants might have felt that there were quite a few foreigners at the JBC. In fact, about 5% of the attendees were from other Asian countries. I had a mission to welcome them officially and privately. I spoke in English, Mandarin, and some very basic Cantonese. Now, I feel like I’ve returned to Saitama from overseas.
Before the JBC, I spent a couple of days with band members from China.
It was an enjoyable and educational experience visiting the Yamaha Ginza Shop, the Yamaha Atelier, an elementary school in Saitama, the Yamaha Toyooka Factory, and the Yamaha Innovation Road at their headquarters.
Spending time in Japan with people I usually see in China was a great experience too!
During the JBC, my collaborative work “Golden Jubilee” was performed by Narashino Municipal Higashi-Narashino Elementary School at the final concert, and my arrangement of “Polovtsian Dances” from the opera “Prince Igor” was performed by Okayama Gakugeikan High School.
It was a great honour to have my work performed both in a concert and a clinic. Their absolutely fantastic performances amazed me as well!
