Wei Jie

Claudiamente@hotmail.com

THE 2024 Shenzhen Wind Music Festival and the 10th Shenzhen Wind and Percussion (Solo and Ensemble) Performance were held in Shenzhen on Aug. 27 and 28, attracting nearly 400 participants from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The event featured a diverse range of wind and brass instruments including flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons, saxophones, trumpets, French horns, trombones, tubas, and percussion, serving as a platform for students and music enthusiasts to share their talents and exchange.

According to to Deputy Director of Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra Shao Bing, who served as the chairman of the judging committee of the event, notable musicians were invited to join the judge panel, including Professor Yang Tong from the Central Conservatory of Music specializing in saxophone and Sangji Dunzhu, vice dean and clarinet professor of the Music College of the Northwest Minzu University. These established musicians offered valuable insights to participants on mastering musical instruments.

In addition, professionals from many prestigious universities and music institutions also contributed to the judging process.

Participants competed in solo and ensemble categories across different age groups, allowing them to showcase their skills and learn from each other. Zhang Hanyun, a clarinet player of the youth group, expressed gratitude for the learning experience provided by the event.

“It allowed us to learn from and enjoy the performances of other participants. I’ve gained valuable experience and encouragement from the music masters and expert judges,” he said.

Zhang, who has taken part in this event for the third time, said that playing a musical instrument has become an effective channel for many students in Shenzhen to relieve the stress of academic life.

Parents also spoke highly of the event, saying that the event not only provided their children with a platform to hone their musical talents, but also enhanced their teamwork and cooperative abilities [in the ensemble].

“I was amazed to see so many students participating in the wind music festival,” said Su Yuan, a parent who grew up in Shenzhen, adding that the musical landscape in the city had evolved tremendously.

“Twenty years ago, it wasn’t that common to see wind instrument in instrumental music education in Shenzhen,” she said.

Su added that she hoped Shenzhen will host more of these art events, which are good to nurturing the younger generation’s musical literacy.