Marching bands compete next month

JAKARTA (JP): The Grand Prix Marching Band Foundation in cooperation with the City Tourism Office will hold the 15th annual marching band competition at Istora Senayan stadium in Central Jakarta from Dec. 23 to Dec. 28.

Lisa Ayodhia, the organizing committee's chairwoman, said yesterday that at least 12 student marching bands and 12 public marching bands would perform in the contest next month.

"The overall winner will be awarded the (late) Mrs. Tien Soeharto perpetual trophy," Lisa said.

The winner of the student competition will be awarded a trophy by the Minister of Education and Culture, while the public group winner will be given a trophy by Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security.

Two marching bands from Malaysia are also expected to compete.

Some United States marching band judges have been invited to judge the competition, she said. (jun)