At noon on December 9, 2025, students from the general education course “Vibrant Choir” at Taiwan Tech brought their picture-book choral theater production “The Tree Still Stands” into the “Tower of Hope” at the National Taiwan University Cancer Center Hospital. This was more than just a performance - it was a genuine act of companionship within a medical setting, like planting a “giving tree” that quietly reminds us: even in the most difficult moments, someone is willing to step forward and gently hold you up.

Students from Taiwan Tech’s “Vibrant Choir” course presented the choral theater “The Tree Still Stands” at the “Tower of Hope” in the National Taiwan University Cancer Center Hospital.

“The Tree Still Stands” originated from the “life narrative” theme of the Vibrant Choir course. Professor Wei-Chun Wang from Department of Humanities and Social Sciences initiated the course using the picture book “The Giving Tree” as a starting point, guiding students through in-depth reading. From the text, they distilled core ideas such as “giving”, “companionship”, and “existence”, and gradually transformed these into the original choral theater work by integrating contemporary choral classics.

In terms of creative form, the production uses the “giving tree” as a central symbol, extending the picture-book narrative into mind maps and stage structure, and further translating it into interwoven choral parts and the rhythm of collective collaboration. The choir is not merely a musical performer, but also an extension of emotion and time - at times like environmental sound, and at others like the unspoken inner feelings of characters - allowing the drama to flow between music and action.

“The Tree Still Stands” is rooted in the “life narrative” theme of the Vibrant Choir course.

Professor Wei-Chun Wang, artistic director of the choral theater, stated: “Vibrant Choir is not just a music general education course - it is a journey of accompanying and understanding life. By leading students out of the classroom and into the real world, we present songs and creations inspired by reflections on life to patients and families who are fighting illness”.

Deng-Yi Chiu, a third-year student from the Department of Applied Arts at the College of Political Warfare (Fu Hsing Kang College), National Defense University, who participated in directing the production, explained: “The work does not follow a linear timeline. Instead, it interweaves fragments of different lives. Characters arrive under the tree at various stages of their lives. While each story is independent, they resonate within the same space, layering emotions and memories to gradually form a multidimensional and complete whole.”

The production integrates choral music and theater, where the choir becomes not only a musical presence but also an extension of emotion and time.

This performance also collaborated with the Beautiful Voice Choir and incorporated theatrical expertise from the Department of Applied Arts at National Defense University, forming a cross-university and interdisciplinary creative synergy. The stability of professional choral sound combined with theatrical movement created an experience in which the audience did not merely “hear” a performance but “lived through” a moment where emotions were gently held.

As the course teaching assistant, Pei-Shan Yu also participated in the rehearsal and performance process. She noted that students progressed from initial attempts to successfully completing the performance through teamwork—a gradual and cumulative learning journey. Entering a medical setting also allowed students to experience firsthand the connection between art and real life.

For students, stepping into the hospital redefined the meaning of performance. Students Kuan-Ling Chen (second-year, industrial design) and Wei-Cheng Lo (third-year, electrical engineering) shared that when they saw audience members pause, listen attentively, and even sing along while receiving IV drips, they truly understood that music can become a form of companionship. Violin soloist Cheng-Kuan Sung (second-year, chemical engineering) said that in that space, he deeply felt both the fragility and preciousness of life, and became more willing to cherish the present and those around him.

Hui-Shan Lin, a second-year student in commercial design, reflected: “What was most unforgettable was not a single moment, but the entire process - from repeated revisions and uncertainty to finally standing on stage and completing the performance. I realized that I truly could do it.” The impact of “The Tree Still Stands” also helped students see that this charity performance was like a mirror, reflecting their own efforts, team cohesion, and the role art can play in real life.

As the final melody faded, the story paused beneath the still-standing tree - but the song did not end. It remained in everyone’s hearts: somewhere in the world, someone is striving, someone is waiting, and what we can do is to support one another in our own ways, helping each other live with greater strength.

This performance also collaborated with the Beautiful Voice Choir and integrated theatrical expertise from the Department of Applied Arts at National Defense University, forming a cross-university and interdisciplinary creative force.