Budai Fishing Village Youths Board Patrol Vessel 'Yunlin' to Play Sustainable Movement for National Oceans Day

(Central News Agency reporter Cai Zhiming, Chiayi County, 9th) The Budai Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO), composed of 'fishing village children' from Chiayi County, boarded the Coast Guard patrol vessel 'Yunlin' on the 7th to perform, playing a sustainable movement for the 7th National Oceans Day. The members also took a marine education class, gaining the courage to brave the winds and waves.

BYSO was invited to perform on the flight deck of the 4,000-ton Yunlin for National Oceans Day, delivering powerful renditions of 'Pirates of the Caribbean', 'I Believe', and 'Radetzky March'. Xiao Yupei, chairperson of the Taiwan Science, Arts, and Culture Education Association which founded BYSO, told CNA reporters today that as the symphony resonated with the sea breeze over Kaohsiung Port, these youths from Budai, Chiayi, proved their abilities with their instruments.

Xiao said that after the performance, Yunlin Captain Shi Jiezhang led the BYSO members on a tour of the patrol vessel that guards the nation's maritime borders. From the expansive deck to the ship's interior, the children experienced the daily life of Coast Guard personnel firsthand, gaining a profound appreciation for marine protection. This rare experience will become their strongest motivation to brave the winds and waves and courageously pursue their dreams.

Xiao expressed gratitude to Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Cai Yiyu and Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling for their assistance in arranging the shipboard performance and for preparing the children's favorite foods: hamburgers, fried chicken, drinks, popcorn, and ice cream.

Cai Yiyu posted on Facebook that allowing the children to stand on such a special stage created precious memories for their growth. He said that no matter how big the stage they face in the future, they will not be afraid, because they have already had the most unique experience of playing music on a patrol vessel that protects the ocean.

The BYSO Budai Youth Symphony Orchestra is Taiwan's first cross-school collaboration model, bringing together students from five schools in Budai Township—Budai Junior High, Budai Elementary, Buxin Elementary, Xincen Elementary, and Jingshan Elementary—all of which have an inseparable connection to the sea, for symphony training and performances. (Editor: Zhang Mingkun) 1150609