UCLA's Marching Band embarks on a tour of Taiwan in 2023
In a unique cultural exchange, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Marching Band embarked on an extraordinary journey in October 2023, touring Taiwan as an honoured guest during the country's National Day celebrations.
The tour, which was at the invitation of President Tsai Ing-wen, marked a first for the band, as many members had never left the United States before. The trip was described as an "extraordinary educational experience" by Eileen Strempel, the inaugural dean of The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
During their stay, the band members were warmly welcomed by the Taiwanese people, with daily treats including boba milk tea and delicious desserts. The band members also had the opportunity to interact with multiple bands, including the Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School Marching Band, the Republic of China Naval Academy Drum and Bugle Band, and the Emerald Knights Band from Tokyo.
One of the highlights of the tour was the band's performance at the National Day parade, where they showcased their "mighty interactive" version of the fight song "The Mighty Bruins." The crowd, including lawmaker Lo Chih-cheng, a UCLA alum, joined in for the 8-clap during the performance.
Band members expressed their gratitude to various individuals and organizations for making the trip possible, including director Ken Fisher, associate director Erick Jovel, Eileen Strempel, vice chancellor Monroe Gorden, tour guides, and others. The School of Music assisted in securing passports for band members.
The trip had a profound impact on the band members, with Angelina Chen, the feature twirler, surprised and delighted by her explorations in Taiwan. Emilia Magdaleno, on the other hand, was particularly impressed with the communal dining experience in Taiwanese restaurants and expressed appreciation for the trip, stating it would be told to future generations.
Sophia Buraglio, a fourth-year drum major, was particularly moved by her first-ever pineapple cake. The trip, she said, made an indelible impact on her.
For the Taiwanese people, the UCLA Marching Band's visit was a celebration of music, culture, and friendship. The band's performance not only showcased American collegiate music culture but also fostered goodwill and strengthened the bond between the two nations.
As of now, details regarding the trip, including specific reactions and documented impact, are not widely available in major sources or UCLA's public announcements. To get comprehensive details, reactions, and impact analysis, one can check UCLA's official band website, news outlets focused on college events or Taiwanese cultural coverage, and firsthand accounts on social media platforms.
During their educational journey, the band members were gifted experiences beyond their lifestyle in the United States, such as tasting boba milk tea, interacting with local bands, and performing at the National Day parade in Taiwan. The trip, for band member Emilia Magdaleno, also provided an unforgettable experience with communal dining in Taiwanese restaurants, leaving her with lasting appreciation for the expedition.
