From what I see, the milestone of the Ju Percussion Group’s 35th anniversary happens in a blink of an eye, but it is actually a lengthy process and a hard-won achievement. Every stride at every stage is the accumulation of countless small steps, which encompasses the efforts and contributions from many people which can stand the test of time.

I often feel that one person has limited ability. However, with a strong team behind, there will be unlimited possibilities and confidence to realize the dreams. Also, with clear directions and goals, one will “be willing to do, be happy to bear.” All the hardships are worth it.

The reason why the JPG can celebrate its 35th anniversary and why percussion music can move from the periphery of the stage to the center stage, becoming a popular music genre, is because of the enormous momentum from the team. For me, “home” is synonymous with creating a sense of belonging and practicing the core values. Thus, “home” is all about “shared” dreams—a shared environment, memories, dynamics, etc. From the past to the present, between the changing and the unchanged, we have found the meaning of eternity.

The pursuit of dreams has always been the purpose of the JPG’s existence. While realizing the dreams, it is extremely excruciating and difficult to tell the truth. Over the past 35 years, there have been great changes in the internal and external environment. The JPG’s pursuit of an even more refined, profound and expansive level has always been our unchanging core value. We have spared no efforts to achieve this goal.

While celebrating the 35th anniversary, the JPG has selected the Percussion Theater: “A Tale of Clay” to perform. “A Tale of Clay” is not only an important piece of work in the form of percussion theater. More importantly, the spirit and quality it presents echoes the development process and the JPG’s effort to safeguard its core values. Therefore, the Percussion Theater: “A Tale of Clay” will be back on the stage in January 2021. For me, this is particularly meaningful.

From the perspectives of works, talent, and audience, Taiwan has undoubtedly become an important stronghold for the development of percussion music in the world. Since we always “play for real”, we are not complacent with the status quo, nor are we satisfied with the current achievements so that we slow down our pace or slack off. On the contrary, on this foundation, my team and I have always been thinking: how to get better and even better?

Indeed, the height of today will be the starting point tomorrow. If we can continue to lay a solid foundation and expand our base, I am convinced that there is so much more potential for Taiwan’s percussion music to expand its space, and create added values for all sectors of life, thereby instilling endless vitality to our society. Our active performances around the world will certainly become a famous MIT (made in Taiwan) product!

Facing the challenges in the next stage, there must be adjustments and changes for the JPG’s thinking and approaches, but we will always stand by the mentality of professionalism, teamwork, discipline, and amicability, so as forge ahead. Looking to the future, we will continue to stick to our original intention, and use the percussion music as a medium to share the beauty of arts and culture. We look forward to your continuous support, encouragement and critique, and I would like to once again express my heartfelt appreciation to you all!