TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruin Marching Band and the Emerald Knights marching band from Tokyo University of Agriculture Second High School will perform on Oct. 10 (Tuesday) at Taiwan's 112th Double Tenth ceremony.
Marking their first appearance as U.S. performers in Taiwan's National Day ceremony, a group of 127 students and 12 UCLA Bruin Marching Band teachers arrived in Taiwan on Monday morning. This visit marks their first trip to Taiwan in seven years.
Known as "The Solid Gold Sound," the UCLA Bruin Marching Band is also scheduled to perform at the plaza in front of Chiayi County Hall in southern Taiwan on Friday and Saturday. Some members expressed excitement about trying local dishes and bubble tea.
The General Association of Chinese Culture (GACC) also invited Japan's Emerald Knights as guest performers this year. This follows the 2022 appearance of Kyoto's Tachibana High School Marching Band, known as the "Orange Devils," in the celebration.
Comprising 148 students, the Japanese marching band gave a preview of its National Day performance in Kaohsiung a day earlier and staged a surprise flash mob dance performance in Taipei today.
The GACC stated that the presence of international music bands could showcase Taiwan's friendship with the U.S. and Japan.