A Beijing high school marching band's journey to the prestigious 2025 Drum Corps International World Championships in Indiana became more than a musical performance -- It turned into a bridge of cultural exchange when the students visited Muscatine, Iowa, a city with deep ties to U.S.-China friendship.
The city of Muscatine, nestled alongside the Mississippi River, in the U.S. state of Iowa, holds a special place in U.S.-China relations.
It is here that President Xi Jinping, in 1985, then a county-level official in north China's Hebei Province, led a delegation to the U.S.
And that bond has strengthened over the years, as this school marching band from Beijing became the latest Chinese visitors to the city. Sarah Lande was one of the hosts for the 1985 delegation.
"You all are ambassadors of friendship. And as ambassadors of friendship and youth, you are the future of the U.S.-China relationship," said Lande, who used to be executive director of the non-profit organization Iowa Sister States.
The students were in the U.S. to compete at the Drum Corps International World Championships in Indiana. Following the competition, the students traveled to Muscatine, and visited the house where President Xi stayed during his 1985 trip.
They watched Muscatine High School's marching band prepare for a concert, before students from both schools spent time bonding over music.
"Our orchestra was established in 1991, and now it has been over 30 years old. It's one of the top orchestras in Beijing and China. Today we've brought it to the United States to participate in premier competitions, broadening our students' horizons," said Pang Wang, vice principle of the High School Affiliated to Beijing Institute of Technology.
"Young people from all countries should unite and engage in friendly exchanges -- sharing our traditional cultures, technologies, and hobbies. This way, the world can become better connected as one community and achieve more coordinated development," said He Yakun, a Chinese student.
"I believe this can help break down cultural barriers. For example, when American students visit China, they can learn about Chinese culture. It allows both sides to improve by learning from each other's strengths," said Zhang Yuxuan, another Chinese student.
The students' words were echoed by Lande.
"I encourage these kids when they get home to tell their story of their visit to their friends, and encourage the young people to carry on for the future, 'cause they are the future," she said.
With hundreds of U.S. marching band students expected to undertake a similar trip to China in October, these musical exchanges are expected to compose a powerful refrain -- one of understanding, respect, and friendship that resonates far beyond the football fields where they perform.
Student marching band competitors bridge cultures between China, US
