The Chinese People's Liberation (PLA)'s military band will unveil newly composed works, fresh arrangements, and an expanded instrumental lineup at Wednesday's parade, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
As the largest formation at the military parade, the joint military band consists of more than 1,000 members, all selected from elite performers from all services of the PLA.
Dubbed the "metronome of the parade," the joint military band set the rhythm for the marching troops.
The performance will unfold across five distinct segments: prelude, ceremony, parade, march-past, and finale -- each designed to reflect the evolving rhythm of the event.
Alongside iconic wartime songs such as "Along the Songhua River," "On the Taihang Mountains," and "Defend the Yellow River," the band will debut original compositions crafted specifically for the occasion. Among them are bespoke marches synchronized to the passage of each military branch, offering a tailored musical tribute as their formations advance.
Fifteen types of instruments will be used in the performance, including bugles, French horns, clarinets, snare drums, and saxophones. To better align with the thematic elements, the band has increased the proportion of woodwinds section and creatively combined brass and percussion to enhance the music's grandeur. In addition, choreographed movements will add visual flair to the performance.
The military band will be the first to enter the parade ground and the last to leave, performing continuously while standing for hours.
"We begin training at 06:10 everyday, starting with a one-hour session focused on military posture. We also focus on standing at military posture while holding instruments, as well as standing at military posture while performing. The goal is that we can stand for three hours without wavering and play for three hours without error," said Zhou Lei, a member of the military band.
In a profound symbolic gesture, the band members will be arranged in 14 rows, representing the 14 years of China's resistance, with 80 ceremonial trumpeters positioned at the front to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory.
PLA military band to unveil new musical works at China's V-Day parade
