The 2nd “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition was held at Alfred University on April 2, 2011 in Room 302, Olin Building.

Group photo of all the participants and judges

The afternoon event began with a talk and performance by CIAU Guzheng teacher Wu Zhongbei (Daisy), introducing one of the oldest traditional Chinese musical instruments Guzheng to the audience and playing the famous music of Guzheng.

CIAU Director Dr. Wilfred Huang gave the welcoming speech, addressing the importance of encouraging more students to learn Chinese and of offering a good platform for Chinese learners to communicate and compete. He also expressed his thanks to Confucius Institute at Binghamton University and Confucius Institute at the University of Buffalo for cooperating together with CIAU for the first time to make the Chinese Proficiency Competition a great event. Following the welcoming speech, Associate Director of CIAU Carla Coch emceed the rest of the competition.

CIAU Director Dr. Wilfred Huang is giving the welcoming speech

Altogether 16 students participated in the competition at three different levels: senior group of college students, junior group of college students and high school students. Each student made a 2 -3 minute speech on a topic of choice followed by a talent presentation.

Contestants are making their speeches

Contestants are making their speeches

Topics for the oral part varied widely, including “the Year of the Rabbit”, “Horseback Riding”, “Why I Am Taking Chinese”, and “Travel to China.” The talent component included demonstrations of Tai Chi and Kong Fu, singing Chinese songs, making dumplings, and a pop song with dancing.

Contestant is performing Tai Chi

The level of competence was exceptionally high, and the audience – judges, students and parents – was very impressed and delighted.

The panel of extraordinarily distinguished judges was comprised of Professor Xinquan Liu, Chinese Director of CIAU; Dr. Wenzhong (Eric) Yang, Executive Director of the CI at the University of Buffalo; Professor Zhang Hong, Senior Lecturer of Chinese at Binghamton University, director of the Song of Silk performance troupe, and mezzo-soprano soloist; Dr. Sidney L. Greenblatt (Xining Ge), retired professor of Sociology, simultaneous translator for diplomatic delegations to China, and Immediate Past President of the Central New York Fulbright Association; and Dr. Yu Ruixiang, Dean of the School of Arts and Communication at China University of Geosciences in Wuhan.

Before the announcement of the winners, insightful comments were made by two judges: Sidney Greenblatt on the high level of proficiency he had seen and the benefits of teaching Mandarin in our schools, and Hong Zhang on how to improve stage presence and performance confidence.

Prizes were awarded to each of the 3 winners and trophy prizes to every participant. Winners of the junior group and senior group of the college students, both of whom are from Binghamton University, will go to Pace University in NYC for the final of the 2nd Chinese Bridge- East USA Chinese Proficiency Competition on April 23rd.

A festive dinner was held afterwards at the Powell Campus Center at Alfred University.

Overall, the competition was well-run and well-received. It showed the hard work of students and teachers and the commitment on behalf of everyone in attendance to the promotion of Chinese language and culture in western New York.