Music, Youth Recognition, and Community Connection

HMAE was pleased to participate in a community gathering hosted by the Hubei Association of Midwest America on September 5, 2026.

Before the formal program began, HMAE’s Red Dragon Band Group welcomed guests with a warm-up performance of Blossoms Under the Full Moon (花好月圆). The afternoon continued with guest remarks, a community meal, and a talent showcase featuring more than a dozen performances.

Near the end of the program, an HMAE board member performed a Chinese flute solo of Tianlu (The Heavenly Road, 天路), adding another traditional Chinese musical element just before the final group chorus.

The event also included the presentation of the 2026 Outstanding Youth Talent Award, jointly presented by the Hubei Association of Midwest America and the Wuhan University Chicago Alumni Association. Five young people were recognized. Four of the recipients have been involved with HMAE in different ways: Emily Zhou, Alex Zhang, Alex Jiang, and Calvin Cao. Alex Jiang had left earlier and was unable to join the on-stage award presentation.

For HMAE, opportunities like this are about more than performance. They give young people meaningful ways to share their talents, serve the community, build confidence, and stay connected with people across generations and organizations.

HMAE is grateful to the Hubei Association of Midwest America for the invitation and warm hospitality, and we look forward to continuing to build connections through arts, education, and community engagement. （用到了芝加哥时报的照片，如果不同意，请告知，我们马上替换）

One Community • Many Cultures