The Students’ Taiwanese Opera Club of Taipei Municipal Xihu Elementary School was founded in April, 1997. Under the support of the former and the incumbent principals, Mr. Peng, Hsin-wei, Ms. Lin, Li-hsien, and the instructor Mr. Lin, Jen-jung, this club has thrived a lot. Xihu Elementary School is now famous nation-wide because students, parents, teachers, and the Ming Hwa Yuan together, have involved wholeheartedly in cultivating new talents for Taiwanese Opera. Xihu Elementary School plays an important role in passing down this precious traditional heritage to younger generations. Aside from regular school or club activities, the Students’ Taiwanese Opera Club is often invited to give public performances, like the Double Tenth celebration events. Their fantastic performance often causes a great sensation among audiences. Also, after the 921 earthquake, they were the first troupe to arrive at Puli to give benefit performances.

“We never expect children to make a living by playing Taiwanese Opera. We simply hope that these children would know more about their own culture, and further influence their families and friends.” Miss Suen Tsuei-feng remarked when the club was first founded. Both the former and the incumbent principals, Mr. Peng, Hsin-wei and Ms. Lin, Li-hsien, hope that the club can arouse the culture and education authorities’ attention on Taiwanese Opera. Mr. Lin Jen-jung regards his job as a long-term work. His future goal is to organize an experimental class to pass down Taiwanese Opera. Moreover, even students of Xihu Elementary School are aware that they have the responsibility to carry on this mission as well!

After the club is founded, the school dean, Miss Lin, Fang-ru further introduces the beauty of Taiwanese Opera to all the students of Xihu Elementary School. She created a project of Resident Artists and designed courses including music for voices, stagecraft, costumes, and facial-mask makeup. All students are encouraged to attend these courses. Through experiencing these meaningful courses, students start to grow interest in Taiwanese Opera. School teachers’ teaching ability in dramatic performance is also upgraded through this project.
The Ming Hwa Yuan offers full cooperation from courses to relevant activities. The Ming Hwa Yuan lend costumes and props to Xihu Elementary School, and Miss Suen Tsuei-feng never misses her class with Xihu students. She sincerely shares her learning experience in class and demonstrates a variety of music for voices and stagecraft. Students are all deeply inspired by the Ming Hwa Yuan’s contribution.