Wah Mei Drum and Bugle Corps
Explore the story of the Wah Mei, a youth organization based in Chicago’s Chinatown in the 1960s and 1970s.
Chicago Hardin Square Branch Library (1930s) by Frank P. BurkeChinese American Museum of Chicago
In 1962, Chicago's Hardin Square Park and Stanford Park were torn down to make way for the construction of Dan Ryan Expressway. Youths of Chicago’s Chinatown lost access to a public space to gather and play.
Wah Mei Drum and Bugle Corps Members Await Instruction (1961) by Harry TunChinese American Museum of Chicago
Devastated by the loss, Chinatown’s youths joined Wah Mei, a nascent drum and bugle corps organized by Chinatown American Legion Post 1003. The name “Wah Mei” means “Chinese American.”
Wah Mei Drum and Bugle Corps Taking a Break (1963) by Harry TunChinese American Museum of Chicago
Wah Mei members came from different backgrounds. Some had immigrant parents, others had family roots in Chicago as far back as the late 1800s. They attended different schools and went to different churches.
Wah Mei Drum and Bugle Corps Trumpet Players Lining Up (1963) by Harry TunChinese American Museum of Chicago
Supported by local organizations, businesses, and community members, Wah Mei offered free membership to its participants. It provided a unique opportunity for youths to receive music lessons and forge new friendships.
Wah Mei Drum and Bugle Corps Performing for Double Ten Celebration (1963-10-10) by Harry TunChinese American Museum of Chicago
Most Wah Mei members did not have a musical background when they signed up. Once a week on a weeknight, Wah Mei practiced in and around the On Leong Building. Some Chinatown residents volunteered to drive the kids who did not live in the neighborhood to practice.
Wah Mei Drum and Bugle Corps (1963) by Harry TunChinese American Museum of Chicago
Wah Mei started to perform in Chinatown and around Chicago. Their first uniform was a turquoise and orange Chinese-style ensemble donated by Walter C. James, a prominent Chinese American leader in Minneapolis and Chicago.
Wah Mei Drum and Bugle Corps Performing in Chicago Chinatown (1963) by Harry TunChinese American Museum of Chicago
Under the leadership of Digog Chan, Wesley Eng, Mac Lowe, Charlie Tun, Jeffrey Moy, and George Cheung, Wah Mei became a competitive corps and attracted youths beyond Chicago’s Chinese American communities.
Wah Mei Drum and Bugle Corps Practicing for Competition (1964) by Harry TunChinese American Museum of Chicago
When rehearsing for competitions, Wah Mei would practice in the parking lot by Soldier Field. They also bought new uniforms to participate in state and national-level competitions.
In 1966, Wah Mei went on a road trip and performed in New York City and Washington D.C. For many Wah Mei members, touring with Wah Mei was their first road trip outside Chicago. The kids climbed to the top of the Washington Monument and had a blast taking over the hotel pool!
Wah Mei Drum and Bugle Corps Excited for a Road Trip (1964) by Harry TunChinese American Museum of Chicago
Due to the lack of financial support, Wah Mei struggled in the 1970s. Former members who stayed with Wah Mei as adult leaders tried to keep the group together. Wah Mei disbanded in 1978, but it left a lasting impact on its members’ lives.
Wah Mei Drum and Bugle Corps Getting Ready for Performance (1964) by Harry TunChinese American Museum of Chicago
Wah Mei members strengthened their bonds within the community and forged new friendships outside of Chinatown. Some developed a lifelong appreciation for music, while others felt more connected with their Chinese American heritage by being part of the group.
Youth Solidarity in Storytelling Showcase (2024-03-16) by CBCACChinese American Museum of Chicago
Today, Chicago Chinatown’s robust youth organizations, programs, and events continue to enrich the lives of youths in our neighborhood and beyond.
To cite this exhibition, please use: "Wah Mei Drum and Bugle Corps" published online in 2024 via Google Arts & Culture, the Chinese American Museum of Chicago.
