James Leung

Over the past 40 years, Music Office has nurtured generations of musicians and music lovers. To commemorate this moment, Music Office has invited some outstanding alumni and former Music Administrators to share their precious moments at Music Office.

James Leung (Former trainee and instructor of the Music Office, former member of the Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra)

James Leung began his instrumental training in the Music Office in 1979. Before that, he was an active member in a school band. “When I was in Form 4, the school identified some students who loved music and pooled some instrumental instructors to organise instrumental training classes in school. I learnt to play the bassoon at first, but my training came to a halt after I completed Form 5. As recommended by my instructor, I later continued my training in the Music Office.” Afterwards, Mr Leung joined various district orchestras under the Music Office and subsequently joined the Hong Kong Youth Symphonic Band. He was then employed by the Music Office as an instructor to give instrumental training and to manage music scores. Working in the Music Office laid a good foundation of musicianship for Mr Leung. “I had to copy the part for each instrument from the full scores before distributing it to members for practice. I could not simply copy the parts mechanically, but had to think if the range was right and to transpose the notes where necessary. More importantly, the job had to be done within a very short time. A newly arranged piece would be used for rehearsal in just three days’ time! I was trained to read and write the music scores quickly, and to be well familiar with the characteristics of Chinese and Western musical instruments.” This experience was very beneficial to Mr Leung’s subsequent career. He has been the Director of Music of the Hong Kong Police Band for years, and has led the band in marches and performances. He has witnessed almost all the historic occasions of Hong Kong, and has led the band to overseas performances and exchanges. To him, the state of mind for working as the Director of Music of the Hong Kong Police Band is more or less the same as that for a musician in other orchestras. “Undoubtedly, the police band is unit of a disciplinary force. Due to operational needs, its mode of operation is quite different from that of an ordinary orchestra. We have to strictly abide by discipline. There are also differences in methods and sections of rehearsals and mode of management. Yet, in terms of musical performances, we are the same as other orchestras. Of course, we have certain limitations on repertoire; we cannot play whatever music we like during ceremonies. However, when the time comes, we may still perform something we like.” He said with a smile that it was not particularly difficult to be a disciplinary officer. Like other Superintendents, Mr Leung went through tough training in the Police College, including physical training, legal knowledge, police rules and use of firearms. He was no exception and he had to pass the assessments before joining the police force formally. “Being tormented by the elements was common to us. We have to look vigorous and energetic in ceremonies. Fortunately, members of my band are physically fit.” Being a music director in a police band is not easy. On the day of the interview, Mr Leung was rehearsing the passing-out parade for the Police College in Wong Chuk Hang. Although it was a rehearsal, the supervising officers held stringent requirements on band members and passing-out members as well as every detail of the march. “They will wear neat ceremonial uniform during the real parade!” Marching on the searing parade ground requires powers of endurance. Mr Leung reckons that music is beneficial to personal development. “Music training is an ideal discipline training for children. To make good music, you must make effort in practice. Working hard makes good music, and your effort produces results. The satisfaction from a successful performance is irreplaceable.” The Music Office not only laid the foundation for Mr Leung, but also connected him with a lot of friends who love music. “Music requires co-operation and understanding. In my opinion, all music learners should join ensembles.” Many of his band mates in the old days are now his good friends, and he treasures their friendship dearly.

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