University of NorthTexas Promotes "Taiwanese Music in Western Garb"

In collaboration between the College of Music of the University of North Texas (UNT) and the Cultural Division of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Houston, two concerts entitled "Taiwanese Music in Western Garb" were presented at UNT Stan Kenton Hall on December 2, 2004 and at SouthmontBaptistChurch on December 4, 2004.Dr. James Scott, Dean of College of music of UNT and Mr. Yuri Chih, Director of Cultural Division of TECO in Houston jointly lunched these special events in Denton, Texas.

To make the events much more fruitful and meaningful, both parties cooperatively use contemporary concept to redress traditional and popular Taiwanese melodies with jazz idioms, hoping it will bring people inspiration of new musical idea and perspectives from western jazz into eastern traditional and contemporary music.

Six melodies were presented.They are: From the First to the Fifteen, Country, Tomorrow Shall be Better, Ode to Republic of China, Flower, T'is Not, Scarlet Sister.The marriage of Eastern and Western influences has spurred creative development among American students.