What is early summer? It is the moment people crave for a barbecue, a soda, watermelons or popsicles. It also comes with stunning rosy clouds boasting a sunset view. It is definitely a wave of vibrant music for youthful college students. On April 28th, 2023, the International School of Materials Science and Engineering, along with the School of International Education and the School of Foreign Languages, co-hosted the “Chasing Summer” music festival at a football field on Jianhu campus. At nightfall WUTers, both teachers and students at Wuhan University of Technology, gathered together on the lawn, waving glowsticks with rhythms and sharing passion for music. They were ready to be swept away by this musical feast.

The scene chimed in with that morning when the staff of the International School of Materials Science and Engineering set up the venue in an orderly manner. Its Youth League Committee and volunteers conscientiously fulfilled their duties, put the stage, lights, posters, curtains, and other facilities in place, and prepared bracelets with the concert logo, drinking water, glowsticks, balloons and other materials for each audience member.

At 6 p.m. sharp, the music festival kicked off after an opening speech from the host on the stage. The first performance was given by a band named Pluto, which performed three songs: Xiang Qu Hai Bian (Suicide), Hey Girl, and their original track, Hong Zhu Duan (The Red-Bead Bracelet Breaks). The band's performance worked the momentum and captivated the audience. Wu Junming and Xiao Yuntian sang a song titled Brothers, adding a heroic and ambitious tone to the festival. Bao Yuhan's enchanting flute solo, Li Yue Zu Qu (Glazed Moon Suite), lifted up the audience to another peaceful world. The Free band's three songs, Train Heading to the Clouds and Dreams Resting in Heaven, Yellow, and Elopementclimaxed the festival with more passion.

Following that, Shi Zhan delivered a powerful rap performance that hit the audience right in the ears. Xu Shihan's rendition of the classic old song Can't Take My Eyes Off You stuck the deepest chord of the audience's hearts. Huang Jihang and Shi Yuke then performed songs Ice Rain and Where Is the Promised Happiness respectively. With all the audience joining in the chorus, their performance created a harmonious atmosphere at night. The Vision band ended the show with five English songs, including Feel the Pain, Ceremony, Blade of Anchor, High and Dry, and Damaged Goods, bringing the the music festival to new heights.

As the melodies rippled, volunteers nearby were busy with on-site charity sales. They sold cheering sticks, fluorescent headwear, and fluorescent glasses to viewers, lighting up the field with live music and lively audience.

Thanks to the collaboration of three schools and the support of WUT's Youth League Committee and Security Department, the “Chasing Summer” music festival was successfully concluded in a well-organized manner. Students are looking forward to the next round of musical events on campus.

Written by: Zhang Runchuan

Shot by: The International School of Materials Science and Engineering(School of Materials and Microelectronics)

Translated by: Shi Zhan

Proofread by: Ruan Qihang