Interview by William Chan
Kam Chon Wai, organiser of Macau Continuo Winds, talked to the Post last week at the Macau Band Directors Association (MBDA) headquarters on Avenida do Almirante Lacerda about the wind band’s organisation and its upcoming performance.
Founded in 1996, the MBDA has long been dedicated to promoting wind music* in Macau, providing training in local schools. Kam, now a board member of the association, initially joined as a clarinet player. He explained that while the MBDA primarily focuses on students and youngsters, the idea of forming an adult ensemble emerged in recent years.
“Many former members, now balancing work and family, still have a passion for music but struggle to find opportunities to play,” Kam said. “Macau lacks platforms for adults to gather and perform, so we wanted to create one.”
Kam, who previously organised an alumni band for his alma mater, acknowledged the challenges of managing an adult ensemble. Members have varying skill levels and busy schedules – some even work shifts. “Despite these challenges, participants are enthusiastic and willing to adapt. Many compromise to attend rehearsals, which are currently held every Wednesday in the association’s practice room,” he said.
Next week, the band will stage its first performance at the Grand Auditorium of the Macau Cultural Centre. Thanks to Kam’s efforts in reconnecting with adult musicians individually, the ensemble now has enough players to support a full concert. Kam noted that as young musicians grow older, many transition from performers to audience members –even if they retain a passion for music. “The wind band’s goal is to bring these listeners back on stage, letting them experience the emotion of performing again,” Kam noted.
Kam emphasised that the association’s primary mission is expanding public interest in wind music. “We’re fortunate to have the association’s support for a concert, but there’s still a significant gap in the players’ skills – some haven’t played in over a decade. Through performances, big and small –including potential collaborations with groups like the Salvation Army—we hope to gradually improve in the future,” Kam said, adding that the association’s music lecturers are kind enough to offer free lessons to the participating members.
Kam pointed out he observed that younger members enjoy the camaraderie, while older players relive their school band days. “The goal is to sustain musical growth beyond youth,” Kam stressed. “With nearly 30 years of history and thousands of members, we hope for better resource allocation so more can join such activities.”
Macau Continuo Winds will perform with the Macau Pui Ching Symphonic Band next Saturday, July 19, at 8 p.m. at the Macau Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium. Tickets are priced at 100 patacas, with various discounts available. Scan the QR code on the event poster for details.
*Wind music refers to music that is played by wind instruments – music performed by instruments that produce sound by the vibration of air, such as woodwinds (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone) or brass (trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba).
Wind music also denotes music inspired by or evoking the Wind - compositions that mimic the sounds or feeling of wind, such as New Age ambient, or nature-inspired music (e.g., wind chimes, atmospheric soundscapes).
Examples: “Song of the Wind” (Santana), “The Wind” (Cat Stevens), or ambient wind-based compositions. – DeepSeek
Kam Chon Wai poses with his clarinet at the Macau Band Directors Association (MBDA) venue last week. – Photo by William Chan
Macau Continuo Winds rehearses in a practice room last week. – Photos provided by the Macau Band Directors Association
