The Pearl City High School Marching Band has been invited to participate in the July 2007 Beijing Olympic International Youth Festival, which is a prelude to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in China. It is one of only two bands from the United States invited to the historic event.
The 200-member strong band will travel to Beijing for a 10-day tour from July 9-18, 2007 involving numerous public performances and parades, as well as opportunities for touring and cultural exchange. Festival participants include performing arts youth groups and organizations from all over the world. Never before has such an event been held in China, that brings together people of so many ethnic and national backgrounds to perform together on the same stage!
"Our selection is based on your past successes, excellent reputation and recommendations from prestigious American Organizations," said Rebecca Ji, Director of the Chinese-American Cultural Bridge Center, in extending the formal invitation to participate. "This is a special opportunity for your students, along with young musicians from all over the world, to come together in the spirit of the Olympics," she concluded.
"We are excited and honored to be invited," said Chad Kamei, Director of the band. "We are thankful for the hundreds of students, parents, and band teachers that have preceded us, and established the finest program in the country."
Gerald Suyama, Principal, added "The Pearl City High School Band has performed in many national and international venues, but this opportunity to travel to China and participate in this historic event is truly special. Whenever any band from Hawaii participates in an international event, the students represent their country, their state, and their school/community. We are proud to do just that."
"It's a tremendous opportunity and a big responsibility to represent Hawaii and the United States," said Max Louie, President and drum line captain of the band.
"This is a good opportunity to share our culture with other young musicians from around the world," said Jordie Ocenar, Band Treasurer.
"As an alumnus of Pearl City High School and a state senator representing the Pearl City community, I am very proud of our musical ambassadors and this special honor that they have received," said Senator David Ige (Pearl City/Aiea). "The Pearl City High School Marching Band has proudly represented our state in numerous events in the past, including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and the Parade of Roses in California. Again, they will continue their tradition of sharing music and the Aloha spirit."
The band will visit many of China's cultural and historical places, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Royal Summer Palace. The tour is sponsored and organized by the Chinese-American Cultural Bridge Center.
The Marching Band will be honored on Friday, November 3rd at the Mayor's Office at 2:45pm.
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To view photos from the Formal Announcement held at the Pearl City Cultural Center Auditorium on October 11, 2006 - CLICK HERE
To view photos from the Press Conference held at Pearl City Cultural Center on October 12, 2006 - CLICK HERE