Drum Corps’ Cutest Shine in Osaka

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15 drum corps from around western Japan came together in Osaka, Japan, the oldest member of any group being 6 years of age, for the 21st annual "Shining Beat" Infant Marching Carnival. This unique event took center stage at the historic Osaka Castle Hall on Tuesday, November 3rd. Day care centers and kindergartens representing Osaka, Nara, and Hyogo prefectures were represented as these children performed for the hundreds of family members and fans, performing a wide range of music from pop tunes to big band with a side of popular musical selections.

On hand to welcome the tiny marchers was pro-mark consultant and educator Steve Ulicny, who, in his speech, reminded everyone the importance of music in each of our lives today, as it is a tool to become better citizens in the future. Mr. Ulicny provided non-ajudicated commentary to each of the performing drum corps.

In attendance as an exhibition unit were the Jokers Drum & Bugle Corps from Kyoto, Japan, debuting their 2009 program, "The Life of a Clown." They will be performing in competition on Sunday, November 8th in Osaka at the 2009 Kansai Marching band Contest, where they will compete for a spot in the All-Japan Marching Band nationals at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan this winter. The Jokers also introduced their indoor percussion ensemble "Fierce" at today’s event.

After the hard work and stellar performances, the infant drum corps were awarded with visits from famous anime characters as well as balloons full of prizes at the end of the show.

The Infant Marching Carnival "Shining Beat" is put together by the All Japan Infant Marching Association, and is supported in part by the Osaka Prefecture Education Board, the Hyogo Prefecture Education Board, the Osaka City Education Board and the Hyogo Prefecture Childcare Society.

Posted by on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009. Filed under Other.