Scotch College

Sights and sounds in Shanghai

The Scotch College Military Band took on a busy rehearsal, performance and sightseeing schedule during a memorable 2008 Shanghai tour.

Last term, 21 members of the Scotch College Military Band travelled to Shanghai to participate in an international marching band festival at the invitation of the China Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles.

They were accompanied by the band’s Musical Director, Mr David Musk, Scotch’s Director of Music, Mr. John Ferguson, and by me.

While in Shanghai, they performed in a street parade with 30 other bands from around the world, which was televised across China and attended by an estimated 30,000 people.

There was also time for sightseeing in the Bund, famous for its British colonial buildings that overlook the Hangpu River. A river cruise afforded magnificent views of the neon-lit skyscrapers of the Pudong area, and provided some time to get to know members of other bands.

The bands gathered again the next day to rehearse for an evening spectacular the following night at the Fudan University Stadium. This involved individual performances by all bands and some massed band performances.

Some more sightseeing was arranged in the Old Town area of Shanghai and the French Concession. The evening concert produced an outstanding display by many bands which had already been to the marching band world championships this year. The experience of playing with, and observing, bands from around the world at this level was a wonderful opportunity for our Military Band.

Our band’s marching style, choices of music, uniforms and military commands made our performance unique – a real highlight of the night. The concert was recorded and televised, and the school hopes to receive a copy soon.

A day trip to Hangzhou was also arranged, which enabled the band to see some of China outside of Shanghai – the beautiful West Lake area, tea villages and silk factories.

The band’s last day allowed time for a final performance – a lunchtime concert for the students of the Shanghai Conservatory School. The students were amazed, as our colourful band struck up in their main courtyard and began marching around their small campus in the French Concession. It was terrific to keep up our relationship with the Shanghai School in this way.

A busy schedule of rehearsal and performances, as well as sightseeing, gave the members of the Scotch College Military Band who went on the 2008 Shanghai tour a very exciting and memorable school trip. GS