[Report] Percussion ensemble festival in Setagaya

Organizer's comment

This concert started as a project to celebrate Tomoyuki Okada's 88th birthday. As part of the celebration, we asked OPE (Tomoyuki Okada Percussion Ensemble) to perform, but it turned out that this was the year when the Tomoyuki Okada Percussion Ensemble was celebrating its 50th anniversary, so we decided to hold a commemorative concert on this occasion.

From the early stages of planning, Professor Okada provided us with a great deal of help in practical matters, including proofreading application forms, pamphlets, and MC manuscripts. He also accompanied us to various rehearsals with the Steel Orchestra, Komureid Ensemble, and Marimba Orchestra, and we were able to work with him every day, and we felt our spines grow as he continued to guide us with the same care and attention in every situation.

I participated as a member of the graduate ensemble and took lessons from Mr. Okada for the first time in a while. It was a valuable time for me to face things that I had not realized when I was a student, and to learn a lot. Being able to come into contact with the teacher's teachings again is the greatest asset of all.

For this concert, alumni, who we don't usually get to meet often, gathered from all over the country and were able to play music together in a warm atmosphere reminiscent of a reunion. I truly believe that it was because of Professor Okada that we were able to gather so many colleagues together.

In the finale of the second part, past percussion ensemble members who were in the audience also took to the podium and performed together on stage, creating a truly symbolic moment that transcends generations. It was a moment in which the feelings that each of us had held over a long period of time were gently enveloped by the music and became one.

At the end of the launch, Professor Okada said,
"I was just born first. You all have the talent."
These words were deeply engraved in our hearts as the greatest encouragement and proof of trust.

This concert was only possible because of Mr. Okada. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for being able to share such a special moment through music, transcending generations and positions.

Percussion Comrades Executive Committee
Executive Committee Chairman Kazuhiro Akiba
A&M Music Partner Co., Ltd.