(Minghui.org) As the holiday season approaches, the Toronto Tian Guo Marching Band composed of Falun Dafa practitioners was invited to participate in three parades. Their bright costumes and energetic music were well received.
The first parade took place in Newmarket at 11 a.m. on November 18, followed by another one at 6 p.m. later that day in London north of Lake Erie. The third was the Beaches Santa Claus Parade at 1 p.m. on November 19.
Led by a banner, “Falun Dafa,” the band was greeted with warm applause during each parade. Some people said that they attended the events every year and liked the Tian Guo Marching Band’s music very much. Many said they were impressed by the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and were interested in learning the Falun Dafa exercises.
Parade in Newmarket at 11 a.m. on November 18, 2023.
The 67th Santa Claus parade in London north of Lake Erie at 6 p.m. on November 18, 2023.
Beaches Santa Claus Parade in Toronto at 1 p.m. on November 19, 2023..
D.J. White believes the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance bring happiness and health.
D.J. White, a Canadian aboriginal, is a well-known dancer and has received many awards in numerous dance contests. When he heard the Tian Guo Marching Band’s music, he went close with his child and danced to the music. He said he’s previously seen the Tian Guo Marching Band perform since he attends the event every year.
White said the band’s performances are precise and superb, and he considers it one of the best bands that's ever played in the city. He said the band performs well regardless of the weather. Although the weather this year is mild, it was especially cold one year. The temperature was below freezing that year, but the band still gave the community great music.
White accepted a flyer about Falun Dafa and read it. He was glad to hear the practice is suitable for people of all ages and he said he would look it up online. The principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are good and he believed they would bring happiness and health.
Jay (left) and his wife enjoyed the music during the Tian Guo Marching Band’s rehearsal.
When the Tian Guo Marching Band rehearsed before the parade, Jay heard the music and came with his wife. He liked the melody and said it was unique.
When he was told about Falun Dafa and the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, Jay said he agreed with them 100%. He believes if a person disciplines themselves according to these values and does the exercises, they will be rewarded. He said he’s been thinking of meditating recently, but has little time to attend classes. After he was told that one could learn the exercises free online, he was excited and said he would definitely learn them.
Eddie (right) and his father enjoyed the Tian Guo Marching Band’s performance.
Eddie lives in Newmarket. When the Tian Guo Marching Band passed by, his father clapped with the rhythm. Eddie said he’s heard the band perform in previous parades and found the music to be excellent.
Because the band members were well trained with good collaboration, Eddie was curious to know more about the band. A practitioner gave him a flyer and said that all the band members practice Falun Dafa. Eddie was glad that the practice improved mind and body, and asked about the book Zhuan Falun that was mentioned in the flyer.
When he heard that Zhuan Falun is Falun Dafa’s main book and teaches one to be good by following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, Eddie said this was what he was looking for. He would not only follow up and learn the exercises himself, but he recommended this to his father.
Audrey said her family enjoyed listening to the music played by the Tian Guo Marching Band.
Audrey watched the performance with her husband and daughter. She was impressed by the band’s size and music played by various instruments, especially the sousaphone, trombone, and saxophone. She said the music was cheerful and lively, while the pace and rhythm were neatly synchronized. She hoped to hear more.
When a practitioner told Audrey and her family about Falun Dafa, Audrey said she liked the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. She said it’s important to be a good person since it’s critical for people to understand each other. She planned to read more about Falun Dafa and share the information with others.
Alten is impressed by the music.
When the Tian Guo Marching Band passed, Alten took out his cell phone and began recording. He said that he was glad to see such a large band and said their music was great. He was very happy and said the band created a lively atmosphere for the holiday.
Alten was impressed to hear that the band members were all Falun Dafa practitioners. He said the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are important to everyone because they give people wisdom.