Young musicians from China and the U.S. are finding harmony as marching bands from both nations come together to create powerful moments of connection, rhythm, and shared purpose.
In October 2025, young marching band musicians from China and the United States came together in Beijing and Shenzhen to rehearse, perform, and most importantly, connect. Their shared love for music struck an instant chord.
"We all knew what the rhythm was, and we just started playing it together," said Yang Guandao, a drummer from Beijing 57 High School.
"We didn't talk about it before. We just got together and said, 'Hey, let's play some drums,'" said Thomas Trinh, snare drum player from U.S. Valley Christian High School.
"Even if you don't speak the same language, you're definitely playing the same language. And you trust each other to follow that instruction and create something really cool," said Trinh.
What began as a drum battle quickly evolved. The fusion was both musical and cultural, as the students' shared performance demonstrated the possibilities of a collaborative spirit.
"The giant group drumline that wasn't even organized - that would stick with me because it's just powerful. In the drum battle, you could show off what you do, but as a full group, you can achieve such a better sound," said Trinh.
"Collaboration is more fun than competitiveness. I mean, it's kind of like America and China. When they are against each other, it doesn't help anyone," said Daniel Hankins, another member of the Valley Christian High School band.
"'Marching' means moving forward. When we march together, so too will the friendship between our two nations," said Yang.
For participants, the exchange meant building bonds through shared effort.
"We knock, and they're always there -- responding, opening the door, walking toward us. In this exchange, effort isn't one-way. What we give is also returned," said Xie Haoting, saxophone player from Beijing 57 High School.
"Every time we bring students here, it changes them for the better. And it makes for, I think in a very little way, a better world. I think we need more in person, eyeball-to-eyeball, face-to-face, and less this (fewer misunderstandings through the screen). That is not necessarily the truth. So I think that's why it's important that people connect in person," said Jeff Wilson, director of Music Arts from Valley Christian Schools.
"The future of U.S.-China relations lies with the youth. And that future is full of promise," said Jiang Tao, chief producer of the 2025 China-U.S. Marching Band Youth Exchange China Tour.
By August 2025, over 30,000 young Americans had traveled to China under the "50,000 in 5 Years" initiative, a program announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2023. The initiative seeks to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs over five years.
Youth bands strike new chord for China-U.S. ties
