CHANGHUA, Taiwan (AFP) — At a funeral in rural Taiwan, musicians wearing pleated mini-skirts and go-go boots march around a coffin to the beat of the 1980s hit “I Hate Myself for Loving You.”

The performance in a Changhua County farming community is a modern mash-up of ancient Chinese funeral rites and folk traditions, with saxophones, rock music and daring outfits.

Da Zhong women’s group is part of a long tradition of funeral marching bands performing in mostly rural areas of Taiwan for families wanting to give their loved ones an upbeat send-off.

The band was composed mainly of men when it started 50 years ago and has evolved into an all-women ensemble.

“I constantly try to innovate, come up with new ideas, and adapt to modern times,” said band manager Hsu Ya-tzu, 46, whose mother-in-law founded the group.

“I want to break away from rigid traditional mindsets to keep this profession relevant.”

Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalists joined Da Zhong as they performed their choreographed routines in handmade white-and-sky-blue uniforms at three funerals over two days.

Starting before dawn, the women marched in formation playing their saxophones and a drum as the leader twirled her baton and blew a whistle.

The music was loud enough to wake the nearby living as they led the coffin and mourners to a cemetery or crematorium where traditional funeral rites were performed.

“It felt like a celebration, almost like a joyous occasion rather than a funeral,” mourner Hsiao Lin Hui-hsiang, 74, told AFP as his family cremated an elderly relative.

“Since she lived past 90, it was considered a happy farewell.”

Funeral director Chang Chen-tsai said marching band performances were supposed to “liven up the atmosphere” of funerals and were usually reserved for the old.

“It should be lively, it cannot be too quiet,” said Chang, 64, who has been organizing funerals for 40 years.

Hsu said the band had changed with the times. Many years ago, for example, the women wore trousers but now super-short skirts were acceptable.

Finding new performers was a challenge due to the early morning starts, said Hsu, who has expanded into birthday parties, company year-end events and grand openings.