Written By: Duy Minh Tran (11)

Photo Collage & Video By: Jason Chiem (11)

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For centuries, societies have befittingly revered elders as the guiding lights of wisdom and kindness. In accordance to that tradition, Honoring Elders Day has been an irreplaceable staple of IGDVS’s cultural cornerstone.

On October 21st, after months of meticulous organization and work, everyone was ready to put on a performance worthy of the elders’ enjoyment.

At exactly 9:30 AM, with the audience comfortably seated in the venue and inspecting their origami cranes, the Chinese Orchestra struck up its first notes to the traditional song “Mo Li Hua” (茉莉花). Following that was a heart warming sing-and-dance session by the kindergartners titled “I Would Like To Build The World A Home,” raising the spirits of every attendee with their kind and heartfelt singing.

Then it was two consecutive performances from the elementary school. The Fan Dance crew entered to present their impressive choreography, and then there was a Haiku reading of original poems written by the students themselves. The audience enthusiastically applauded the youngsters for their brave showcase of talents.

The sound of drums and cymbals boomed and clanged as the audience directed their eyes towards the emerging pair of lions, whose vigorous movements captured the audience with awe. Then, with their stubborn insistence, the lions convinced the special guests to hold up the calligraphy of 福祿壽 (Phúc Lộc Thọ – Happiness, Wealth, Longevity), once again affirming the wishes of all to our elders.

Following the bold and explosive performance, the Girl School Band eased the audience with soothing performances of Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” bringing back the melodies left down memory lane.

The elementary and middle-schoolers then performed a play about filial piety, based off of one of Venerable Master Hsuan Hua’s many stories. With their enthusiastic and sincere portrayal, the audience was deeply touched by the core message of the play.

Following was the Choir, whose elegant rendition of “The Music’s Always There With You” resembled the singing of angels. Hailey Tran then performed a dance titled Rose Garden, gracefully charming the audience with her every move.

After a brief pause for the procession of the Meal Ceremony, District Supervisor Glenn McGourty gave a powerful speech in honor of elders and youths, stirring up ovations across the hall. The guest singer Jonathan Davis then gave a performance of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young,” bringing a refreshing and positive start to the second half of the event.

Now with the addition of dining monks and nuns, the crowded hall became even more filled. The audience watched on in anticipation for what was in store for the remaining schedule.

The Dance Team streamed into the center of the hall, calmly guiding the audience into a state of peace with their gentle and delicate choreography. As they finished their dance, the audience cheered for their beautiful performance. Luckily for the attendees, they were given the chance to experience not just Chinese Dances but also Chinese music. The Advanced Chinese Class showcased their talent and mastery of the language through singing traditional songs. Following them was another Orchestra performance with traditional songs, faithfully delivering more of Chinese culture’s classics.

The sound of drums and cymbals returned, and rising from the flank was a Dragon with a glittering tint of gold. As the percussion beat out a driving tempo, the Dragon Dance crew continued to surpass themselves with increasingly elaborate moves, breathing life into the Dragon with each acrobatic movement. Rising and falling, the fierce beast marched on before crossing itself into a lemniscate shape, symbolizing a wish of longevity to the audience.

Katherine Wang then softly performed “Meditation,” giving everyone a minute to relax and reflect. The event was drawing to a close, and the harmonizing melody prepared everyone for the conclusion.

A drum’s thunderous beat resounded from the center, and then it was augmented as the entire Drumming Club joined together to fill the hall with sound. With each strike, the drums fired up the venue, and as sudden as it started the performance was over. The drummers however did not leave, and they gave the audience a chance to join the performance with 愛的鼓勵(Love Clap), filling the hall with the beat for a long time.

Like how all things in life are impermanent, the event had to come to an end. However, to audience and performer alike, the event had given them a lasting memory to be cherished.

And to all the elders out there, may your life be filled with the love and appreciation you rightfully deserve.