Aged musicians find rhythm under highway bridge studio
As public parks were closed during the COVID-19 outbreak, many elderly music fans struggled to find a place to play their instruments. But they wouldn’t be beat and many gathered under a highway bridge across the Dianpu River in Xinzhuang and used the space as a studio to practise. Shanghai Daily photographer Dong Jun went along and danced to their tune.
Mr Wang, 70, is the only trumpet player under the bridge, while all the other musicians play saxophone. Wang said senior people need more to their cultural life than just taking care of the grandchildren.
Ms Liu bought her first saxophone and started to play four months ago. With the help of her friends, she can now play several different pieces.
Mr Wang, 65, has been playing under the bridge for more than a year. He said he enjoys the space’s sound effects. “If parks are our stage, the bridge is the best studio for practicing,” he said.
Mr Zhang, 78, who used to be an engineer before retirement, is a jazz fan and has played saxophone for three years. It takes him 20 minutes to reach the bridge on his bicycle. Once there, he can practice without worrying about neighbors’ complaints or rainy weather.
Mr Fang, 70, said he comes to the bridge to meet more friends with the same hobby.
Ms Zhu (left) and Ms Liu are the only two female saxophone players under the bridge.
Two elderly players read a music score on a mobile phone while playing.
Most days every player has his own time schedule and practices alone, but on weekends, they arrange a time to play together.
