Hey Jude' – J. Lennon & P. McCartney [arr. N. Iwai]

Men of Winds (Hong Kong)
Conductor: Yip Yuk Chuen
Y-theatre, Youth Square
24 November 2022
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"Hey Jude" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles that was released as a non-album single in August 1968. The song, written by Paul McCartney and credited to John Lennon for some contributions, has been long-used as a generally encouraging message. McCartney originally wrote a rough version of the song, called "Hey Jules," to cheer up Lennon's then five-year-old son, Julian, during his parents' divorce. It eventually became "Hey Jude."

McCartney also wrote "Hey Jude" at a tumultuous time in his own life. The song was written while the band was doing studio sessions for the White Album, according to Rolling Stone, when the band members were notoriously feuding. At the same time, he and his then-girlfriend, actress Jane Asher, were splitting up.

Lennon apparently thought the song was written to him as a blessing on his relationship with then-new girlfriend Yoko Ono even though she was straining his and McCartney's relationship.

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Introduction
Men of Winds (MOW) is a non-profit, senior community wind band explicitly established for men aged 50 and above. The band was formed in the Spring of 2019 to provide a musical experience for men with seniority of 50 years and above. The band also helps these men explore and develop their musical talents by providing music education for those who had never played music and continuing music education for amateurs or already have existing music knowledge.

MOW also aims to increase public awareness of ageism and change the perception of the public (both young and old) that learning is a lifelong process and age is not a barrier. Apart from changing public discourse in the aging population, we also hope to inspire the older adults that they are still capable of pursuing dreams, especially artistic dreams that had long been put down when they were young due to life circumstances. At a higher level, we hope that this project would be a catalyst for promoting elderly arts.

MOW currently has two sub-bands (advanced and intermediate levels) that presently constituted about 40 members, with on-going expansion. With the establishment of bands playing musical works of different levels, members can enjoy the musical experience despite varying music skills.

Men of Winds had been actively participating in music and arts events i.e., Along the Edge Festival, Buffet Crampon Clarinet Competition Hong Kong 2019 and won the Bronze Award, Malaysia International Virtual Band Championships Malaysia 2021 and won the Silver Award. Currently, the band is also part of the Art and Social Change Network of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.