The UCLA Marching Band sent a 57-member ensemble to Hong Kong to
join lights, floats and thousands of other musicians to usher in
the Year of the Dog on Sunday.
The Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade,
in its 11th year, covered the streets of Wanchai’s waterfront
and electrified Hong Kong’s famous skyline.
Marching band Director Gordon Henderson was initially in
disbelief when he got the invitation from the Hong Kong Tourism
Board ““ he thought that it was some sort of prank.
After making his way to what he thought was the location of the
Hong Kong Tourism Board in Los Angeles, he was even more convinced
that his leg had been pulled.
But when he found out that he had been searching one floor too
high, his suspicions were disproved.
“It’s for real, and we’re taking 52 band
people and five from the dance team,” Henderson said.
“Our music department chair, Ian Krouse, is going on the trip
as well.”
Ravi Sahae, a third-year music student who plays trombone in the
marching band, was excited to be able to go on the
once-in-a-lifetime trip.
“Our directors kind of just told us about it one day. They
weren’t even sure if it was a real thing,” Sahae said.
“It’s all been somewhat matter-of-fact for me, that
I’m going there, but when I tell people I’m going, I
get huge reactions.”
Henderson said only one member of the group has been to Hong
Kong before, making the trip an eye-opening opportunity.
“Everybody’s got guidebooks now; they’ll be
reading them on the plane,” Henderson said.
An NFL-themed group was the only other parade entry representing
the United States, consisting of some Philadelphia Eagles
cheerleaders and a select group of NFL team mascots. Parade entries
came from 13 countries other than China.
Sophia Henry, publicity and promotions assistant for the Hong
Kong Tourism Board and a UCLA alumna, proposed sending the UCLA
Marching Band overseas.
“It’s really cool to be able to send something that
represents our alma mater,” she said.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board and the parade’s title
sponsor, Cathay Pacific Airways, Ltd., brought in over 40 local and
overseas groups to participate in the event, according to
information provided by the organization.
One million people bought tickets and even more were expected to
attend the event, described as a “fusion of East and
West,” where Chinese lion and dragon dances line the streets
alongside modern illuminated floats and international
entertainment.
Henderson described the selection process the band directors
implemented in order to narrow down the 250-member UCLA band to a
group that was originally projected to be only 40 people. They were
able to increase it to 52.
“It’s always a tough decision to make. We had band
members apply for it. The selection process was based on seniority
and playing ability,” Henderson said.
“We have a really good group going ““ we’ve put
in a lot of time over the last month,” he added.
Sahae also mentioned the added work the ensemble had to perform
in addition to normal band practice.
“It’s a privilege, no doubt, but it’s also
meant a lot of extra work and commitment. We were even rehearsing
on MLK Day,” Sahae said. “All the work is worth it,
though ““ I mean, a free trip to Hong Kong, and the event in
which we are participating is big and prestigious.”
The band had music selected especially for the parade, which
consisted mostly of songs that represent Los Angeles and
California.
The band played a medley of Beach Boys tunes, along with movie
music such as the theme from “Rocky.”
“We will be playing “˜Under the Sea,’ to make
the connection between Los Angeles and Hong Kong with
Disney,” Henderson said.
Disney has recently opened a theme park in Hong Kong.
The band had to spend much time rehearsing and playing in Hong
Kong, but they have free time to experience the area as well. In
addition to the parade, the Bruins have to play some mini-concerts
during the days following the parade.
The parade was televised in the United States and can also be
viewed online.
“We’re going to get 90 seconds of global airtime on
the Discovery Channel,” Sahae said. “And in those 90
seconds we’ll be playing “˜Movin’ on Up’
““ an appropriate song, considering the amount of prestige
we’re acquiring with our participation in this
event.”