UCLA's Marching Band Introduces Golden Tunes in Japan
UCLA Bruin Marching Band Makes a Triumphant Return to Asia
The UCLA Bruin Marching Band has once again made its mark on the international stage, with a series of performances in Asia that included a return to the Ekitopia Festival in Nagoya, Japan.
The band's journey began in 2016, when they attended the Taoyuan International Band Festival in Taiwan. This was followed by their 2018 appearance at the Ekitopia Festival, where they delighted crowds on May 4 and 5. The band flew back to Los Angeles on May 7, but not before making another stop in Asia – the Chinese New Year Night Parade in Hong Kong, one of the earlier trips by the band to the region.
The Ekitopia Festival is held in Nagoya each year during Japan's "Golden Week," which includes The Emperor's Birthday, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children's Day. This year, the band was warmly welcomed by the governor of Aichi Prefecture, Hideaki Omura. Other performers in the parade included several local high school bands and traditional Japanese dance troupes.
Before the performance on May 5, the band traveled to Kyoto on May 6. There, they visited Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Temple), the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kameyama-koen Park, and ancient gates and shrines at Fushimi Inari-taisha. These visits were a chance for the band members to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of Japan.
The band's performances in Asia are not a new phenomenon. In 2010, fourteen members of the UCLA Drumline also performed at the Ekitopia Festival Parade in Nagoya, Japan. The band has also previously participated in the Chinese New Year Night Parade in Hong Kong in 2006 and 2008.
Upon their return to Los Angeles, most of the students from the band headed directly to classes, demonstrating their commitment to both their academic and musical pursuits. The UCLA Bruin Marching Band's history of participating in significant international events continues to grow, making them a shining example of the university's global reach.
Despite some online searches not providing any information about the UCLA Bruin Marching Band performing at the Ekitopia Festival Parade in Nagoya, Japan, it is clear that the band has indeed graced the stage at this event. The UCLA Bruin Marching Band's performances in Asia are a testament to their versatility and dedication, and they look forward to many more opportunities to share their music with the world.
