Artistic pursuits bond a community together

In the joyful tune of the Spring Festival Overture, Jiang Chenglian moves her forearms rhythmically, her face flushed with excitement. This is the last rehearsal before her Chinese music club plays at the community Spring Festival gala, an annual event that turns the Jin Zhuyuan community into a big family.

The Chinese music club performs in a community event. [Photo provided by Jin Zhuyuan community committee]

Described as a spiritual home by Jiang, the music club is more than an interest group for the neighborhood. Once a lead singer in the singing club, Jiang was chosen by members to fill the indispensable role of conductor for the singing club and the Chinese music ensemble.

"I feel needed and respected. And I also made some friends here, we spend a lot of time together outside of club activities," said Jiang. By her energetic and always-smiling look, it is hard to believe that she lost her only child in her 30s and has been fighting cancer herself since 2018. "Most people are surprised when they find out my condition. Music helps me stay positive, and the clubs make me feel happy and fulfilled, I don't feel like a patient," Jiang laughed.

Established in 2008, the Jin Zhuyuan Community accommodates more than 10 thousand residents. "Jin Zhuyuan is an acquaintance society as most of our residents come from rural areas. It is particularly important to socially and emotionally connect them if we want to offer a satisfying and pleasant living environment for residents," said Tong Mingxian, Party secretary of the Jin Zhuyuan Community Committee.

After conducting extensive questionnaires in the community, 34 clubs and societies were established to serve the interests and needs of the residents. Each club is led by a resident with a specific skill. They will organize daily practice and coach the club members. Additionally, the community committee invites professionals to give lessons to these varying clubs.

Zhang Zhengquan, who has been playing the Erhu since primary school, is part of the Chinese music ensemble. His wife, He Kaibi, leads several clubs and societies, including the Taiji club. Zhang Liling, the daughter of the family, is the head of a dancing society.

"These clubs and societies are not only a way to improve skills, but also a chance to know our neighbors. We feel a sense of belonging and enjoy doing things as a group,” Zhang said. Thanks to these clubs, neighbors who were once strangers that bickered over trifle things now resolve problems with a smile.

The changes that these clubs have had in the community are obvious in the lead up to the Spring Festival gala, according to Yang Xin, deputy Party secretary of the committee. Residents were reluctant to participate in community events before, Yang said, but now, it doesn't take long for the residents to stage a fine performance.

The number of societies and clubs in the community is increasing. "The committee will identify new needs in the community and welcome new requests from our residents. It is our intention to make the Jin Zhuyuan community a better place for the residents," said Tong Mingxian.