Ju Percussion Group (JPG, 朱宗慶打擊樂團), an internationally acclaimed music group and Taiwan's first percussion ensemble, will be performing an evening concert at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), one of the largest drum and percussion events in the world, on Nov. 11.
The performance will feature five compositions, including "BeyonD the bEnd (超越彎折)," "Seek (探)," "Solar Myth (射日)," "Attraction 2 (吸引力之二)," and "Tsá-Tshi (菜市仔)," showcasing the group's unique approach to "blending tradition and modern, balancing East and West."
Composed by Chang Chiung-yin (張瓊櫻), "Solar Myth" was inspired by a legend shared by several indigenous tribes of Taiwan. It tells the story of tribe members who decided to shoot down the extra suns in the sky. The work is for six mallets and three percussionists, which allows it to express the multi-tonal quality of competitive playing.
Ju Percussion Group was originally invited to perform at the PASIC in 2020, however, due to the pandemic, a virtual version of the annual convention was held instead. This year, the group received an invitation from the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) again to perform at the convention in person.
Founded by the renowned percussionist Ju Tzong-Ching (朱宗慶) in 1986, the Ju Percussion Group has become well-known around the world for its innovative mix of cultures and styles. The members play Western percussion instruments as well as different forms of traditional Asian music.
This year's PASIC takes place from Nov. 9 to 12 at the Indianapolis Convention Center, featuring concerts, clinics, panels and presentations by the finest artists from all over the world. The four-day event showcases all areas of percussion — drum set, marching, keyboard, symphonic, world, recreational, education, music technology, new music, and health & wellness.
(Photo courtesy of Ju Percussion Group)