| |
 |
Locals applaud HK youth
|
Li Dan
RESIDENTS of Happy Valley Park, in Overseas Chinese Town, were treated to an enthusiastic performance by the HK Youth Marching Band, the drums, bugles, uniform steps and cheerful smiles of the young people earning happy applause for their Spring Festival show.
During the four-day benefit performance from January 25-28, six concerts were given, bringing traditional Chinese music as well as compositions of popular foreign musicians to local residents. When the melodies of Fengyang Drums and Descendants of the Dragon rang in the Happy Valley, visitors could not help singing along and cheering.
The group, most of the members of which are HK students and other youths, has been champion of the HK marching band contest since its establishment in 1991. It also performed at the 1998 World Marching Band Festival in Kanagawa, Japan, winning a special award. With all its members volunteers, the band often performs for communities on festive occasions.
The youngsters, who stayed at the International Youth Hostel at the Happy Valley during their stay in SZ, spent their Spring Festival with locals. Though the weather was often miserable, they performed at the Happy Theatre anyway. Some caught colds for their trouble, but the young Hong Kongers insisted in performing. "It's our honour to perform for our countrymen and friends on the mainland during this traditional Chinese festival," one member said.
Miss Ma, a staffer with Happy Valley Park, told us that the HK youths were very polite and friendly. "Besides the normal performing time, they spent several hours each day practicing, never complaining of being tired or cold," she said.
|
|
|
|
