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The annual Norwalk Public Schools All-City Band Concert took on an All-World feel when eight musicians from Kojo High School in Japan joined in to play. They are part of a group of 30 exchange students who have been attending the Center for Global Studies at Brien McMahon High School for the past week.
"It's something we look forward to," said their instructor, Toshihiko Takeda, who has been part of the exchange program for several years. "We've only practiced three times since we've been here, but I think we will sound good."
This year's trip has been especially memorable for the Kojo students, who left Japan just three hours before a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck their homeland. Although their hometown of Kenagawa was far enough south to have escaped much damage, Takeda said there are intermittent interruptions of electrical power and shortages of some foods. "I think the students are anxious to get back and see their families," he added.
After performances by the Norwalk High wind symphony and the McMahon jazz ensemble, combined bands from the two city high schools were joined by the visitors from Japan as well as members of the four city middle school bands.
Did you attend the All-City Band Concert? How did the kids sound?
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