History of the Band in Taiwan

The development of the band in Taiwan originated in the late nineteen century during the Japanese occupation period (1895-1945). Under the military music trend of militarism, the band was brought into many places in Taiwan. According to the published paper in 2007 by Professor Ye Shuhan, "The Development of Band of Taiwan, in the Japanese Colonial Era", as early as 1897, the Japanese school in Taiwan organized a band; in 1909, the first Normal School in Taipei (now the Taipei Municipal University of Education) also had a band.

After 1949, the ROC government moved to Taiwan. Bands were flourishing in all schools and universities. Those famous schools, such as NTU, NTNU, Taipei Municipal Chien-Kuo High School, Taipei First Girls High School, Taipei Municipal Zongshan Girls High School, also has excellent bands, and got good reputations worldwide.

In the 1970s, the economy developed fast and successfully in Taiwan. There were many band activities not only in the school system but in the society. The Zhi-Chiang Band, supported by the Ministry of Education (now the CYC Band), became a place for the elite players to play. Former conductor includes Prof. Chen Chenhsiung, Prof. Chang Dasheng, and Prof. Kuo Lienchang. Prof. Yeh Shuhan is the active conductor. They all play an important role in the history of Taiwanese band development. During the 80s, there was a first band organization established in Taiwan, the first chairman was Prof. Yeh Shuhan. In 1993, the affiliated band of NTSO was founded. And from the same year on, the city of Chiayi hosts Chiayi International Band festival every year. All these events contribute to the development of the band.