(Minghui.org) The Tian Guo Marching Band was invited to participate in the 31st Chiayi City International Band Festival in Taiwan, held the weekend of December 16, 2023. More than 50 wind instrument bands from all parts of the world participated in the event. The Tian Guo Marching Band, formed by Falun Dafa practitioners from throughout the Asia Pacific region, performed in the finale. The grand contingent played majestic and peaceful music on the busy streets of Chiayi City. Hundreds of thousands of spectators from all parts of Taiwan witnessed the band’s performance, with many cheering and clapping along with the music.
The Tian Guo Marching Band was invited to perform at this year’s Chiayi International Band Festival on December 16, 2023.
The approximately 3-km-long parade route began from the fountain roundabout in the city center, moved along Zhongshan Road and ended at the city sports stadium.
The International Band Festival was first held in 1993. This year marks the 12th time the Tian Guo Marching Band was invited to perform. The band wears Tang and Song dynasty traditional costumes and their instruments include percussion, woodwind and brass. The band played a mix of Chinese and Western tunes, giving spectators a unique audiovisual feast. This year, the band consisted of 230 Dafa practitioners from different countries in the Asia Pacific region, their music conveying the beauty of Falun Dafa.
A Calm and Positive Energy
Established in 2006, the Tian Guo Marching Band strives to show people the beauty of Falun Dafa through pure and tranquil music. Band members follow the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance in their daily lives. Performing in all parts of the world, the band has been invited to play in over 200 events domestically and internationally. Band members’ blue and white traditional Chinese costumes and beautiful music catch people’s attention wherever they perform.
Many people said the music of the Tian Guo Marching Band has positive energy and they feel a warm and calming influence from the music. Mr. Chen, an engineer who attends the festival every year, said, “The values of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance expressed by the Tian Guo Marching Band are excellent. There is so much chaos in the world today, [the band] gives people food for their souls.”
Mr. Chen, an engineer who attends the festival every year, was full of praise for the Tian Guo Marching Band.
Another spectator, Mr. Zhang, said, “From the MC’s introduction, I learned that the band members practice Falun Dafa. They all look energetic and have smiles of their faces. I am impressed.” He went on, “The music played by the Tian Guo Marching Band makes people feel warm and calm. People feel great listening to it.”
After watching the band perform in the parade, Ms. Li said, “I admire them for their synchronization even though they come from different countries and regions. Their music helps me feel relaxed.”
Ms. Lin and her family praised and thanked members of the Tian Guo Marching Band for performing such great music.
Ms. Lin and her family complimented the band. “I thought they were energetic and upright,” she said. “The group was majestic. I thank band members for coming from overseas and bringing such good music. They want to pass on the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance and the message of peace. This is wonderful!”
Sharing the Beauty of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance Through Music
A team of practitioners dressed as celestial maidens accompanied the Tian Guo Marching Band during the parade, adding to the festive atmosphere. The maidens handed out pretty lotus flowers and information about Falun Dafa to the people along the parade route.
Mr. Shi from Sydney, Australia, one of the conductors in the Tian Guo Marching Band.
Mr. Shi from Sydney, Australia, a conductor in the band, said, “I’ve always wanted to participate in this international band festival. I hope to show the audience how amazing Dafa is through music and by upholding the founding principles of the band—Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance. I feel honored to be able to promote Falun Dafa through music.”
Ms. Zhuang, another band member from Sydney, added, “I cherish this opportunity. I hope to bring the beauty of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance to people through bright, uplifting music.”
Mr. Zhong from Taipei (wearing blue costume), a conductor in the band.
Mr. Zhong from Taipei, who is a conductor in the band, said that for 18 years, he has traveled to countries including India, Hong Kong and the U.S. to promote Dafa through performing in the band. Just seeing the smiles on people’s faces is satisfying. He reminds himself not to forget why he joined the band and to persist in sharing the beauty of Dafa with others.
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