The University of Michigan Symphony Band is set to tour China in May.

The Ann Arbor university's School of Music, Theatre & Dance made the announcement, saying the China visit comes 50 years after the band's tour of the Soviet Union, eastern Europe and the Middle East.

School Dean Christopher Kendall says the China concerts will provide the Michigan students with a "priceless opportunity to experience Chinese culture while offering audiences a uniquely American form of music."

Kendall says the U-M Symphony Band will premiere compositions by Michigan faculty.

He says that just like the 1961 Soviet tour, the 2011 trip to China will be a "transformative journey."