Anaheim, California— Recently, in the parking lot outside Angel Stadium, a chorus of staccato snare drums, thumping tubas and stomping shoes filled the gray morning air with an impassioned melody. Stacks of travel-used cardboard boxes and pristine musical instrument cases are stacked at one end of the cracked asphalt, and dozens of young performers line up in tight formations, marching and dancing around the vast venue. and playing.
With the Rose Parade just days away, it’s one of the last chances for the Kyoto Tachibana High School Green Band to practice an eight-song medley and backup dancers.
Yuika Oi (left) and Karin Yamamoto enjoy a relaxing moment as they take a break from rehearsals for the upcoming Rose Parade.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
The Japanese school will appear in the Pasadena parade for the third time on New Year’s Day as one of 24 bands scheduled to perform in the parade. It will join an international contingent of bands from Mexico, Panama and Denmark.
The Japanese band’s whirlwind tour of Southern California begins on Christmas Day, when performers and their instruments begin arriving at Los Angeles International Airport. For most, this is their first visit to the United States.
They practiced Thursday and Friday, then rested at a nearby hotel and were escorted back and forth by long charter buses while local volunteers transported their instruments in a Penske moving truck.
The Kyoto Tachibana High School Green Band rehearses for the Rose Parade in the parking lot of Anaheim Angel Stadium.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
When asked about their first impressions, many of the younger band members commented on how friendly the Americans they met were. Some people raved about the food, especially the restaurant’s bacon and eggs – which is unusual in Japan.
“Everything is big. Lots of cars and highways,” 18-year-old saxophonist Kokoro Kumagai said through an interpreter. “We went to the supermarket and everything was big and colorful. Everything looked delicious.
The band is considered the best and most innovative high school marching band in Japan. Until a few years ago, when the school began admitting boys, the orchestra was composed entirely of girls. This year, 109 current students and 82 recent graduates are heading to California.
The Kyoto Tachibana High School Green Band is considered the best and most innovative high school marching band in Japan. Until a few years ago, when the school began admitting boys, the orchestra was composed entirely of girls.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
Band members dispersed throughout Southern California on the weekends, staying with family from Seal Beach to Ontario. Many said they were excited to experience normal American life, perhaps visiting some tourist attractions or shopping between jobs. Their schedule is packed, with a benefit concert Sunday at John F. Kennedy High School in La Palma, an appearance at Pasadena City College’s Festival of Bands event in conjunction with the Rose Parade on Monday and a New Year’s Eve appearance at Disneyland. performed in the parade.
Bob Kunihiro said he hosted two band members at his Anaheim Hills home in 2018 and decided to do it again this year. He takes them to local restaurants and discount stores, which he says is a popular choice because American clothing is generally more expensive in Japan, especially with the yen’s current weakness.
“It’s a lot of fun. I really enjoy it and the kids are really nice,” Bonhon said. “A lot of the kids don’t speak much English, so they’re very worried. I speak a little Japanese, but I also use Google Translate, which helps a lot.
That sense of fear evaporated as they donned their signature yellow-and-black collared tops and orange skirts (the few male players wore black pants) and lifted their instruments into the air. The orchestra is a burst of coordinated energy, with members jumping rope, high kicking and salsa dancing while playing tunes, more lively than your average marching band.
“About 200 high school students and graduates will perform an impressive performance combining dance and music,” said Fumihiko Yasuda, principal of Kyoto Tachibana School.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
“About 200 high school students and graduates will perform an impressive performance combining dance and music,” said Fumihiko Yasuda, principal of Kyoto Tachibana School, as he watched Friday’s practice. “The steps are very deft, the voices are beautiful, and they play eight tunes.”
Band leaders say they chose songs that American audiences of all ages will enjoy, from Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” to the Beach Boys’ classic “Surfin’ USA” and jazz standards. “Sing Sing,” made famous by Benny Goodman.
For the band members, the day of the Rose Parade begins in the predawn hours, as they are expected to arrive near the parade route around 3 a.m. A medley of songs. They circled the streets of Pasadena before wrapping up in the late morning.
The Kyoto Tachibana High School Green Band listens to the music director’s performance during rehearsal.
(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)
The next day, the high school students returned to Japan and they had to prepare for the exam. Graduates will spend an extra day in the United States to visit Disney parks elsewhere.
“We want to play really good. We want to enjoy ourselves and we want everyone watching to enjoy themselves,” Kumagai said. “This is harmony. We want the American people to understand peace and harmony through our music and parade performances.
