Memories of friendship (by Satoshi Yagisawa) 

Men of Winds (Hong Kong)
Conductor: Ma Man Ki
Y-theatre, Youth Square
24 November 2022
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Memories of friendship (by Satoshi Yagisawa)
The song was composed by a renowned Japanese composer Satoshi Yagisawa for young performers. The song was composed as a reminiscence of the good times he shared with whom he cherished tremendously from his band live in junior high and high school. He hopes to inspire young performers as he did with his experience.
“Friends from junior high and high school are still treasures of my life. This is especially for those of us in band as we shared many times of laughter and tears through our music, and are still connected by a lifelong bond. I composed "Memories of Friendship" wishing that young performers also had many friends to treasure for a lifetime. I will be very happy if this work becomes a page in your memory. I look forward to hearing the joyful, cheerful and thoughtful performances to come!” - Satoshi Yagisawa.
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Introduction
Men of Winds (MOW) is a non-profit, senior community wind band explicitly established for men aged 50 and above. The band was formed in the Spring of 2019 to provide a musical experience for men with seniority of 50 years and above. The band also helps these men explore and develop their musical talents by providing music education for those who had never played music and continuing music education for amateurs or already have existing music knowledge.
MOW also aims to increase public awareness of ageism and change the perception of the public (both young and old) that learning is a lifelong process and age is not a barrier. Apart from changing public discourse in the aging population, we also hope to inspire the older adults that they are still capable of pursuing dreams, especially artistic dreams that had long been put down when they were young due to life circumstances. At a higher level, we hope that this project would be a catalyst for promoting elderly arts.
MOW currently has two sub-bands (advanced and intermediate levels) that presently constituted about 40 members, with on-going expansion. With the establishment of bands playing musical works of different levels, members can enjoy the musical experience despite varying music skills.
Men of Winds had been actively participating in music and arts events i.e., Along the Edge Festival, Buffet Crampon Clarinet Competition Hong Kong 2019 and won the Bronze Award, Malaysia International Virtual Band Championships Malaysia 2021 and won the Silver Award. Currently, the band is also part of the Art and Social Change Network of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.