Collaborative Concerts

By: Dr. Emily Stewart

Every middle school student at ISB has the opportunity to learn to play an instrument. It could be a string instrument in the orchestra, a wind or percussion instrument in the band, or their own singing voice in the choir.

These music ensemble classes are highly valuable to middle school students. They provide an opportunity to develop musical skills and knowledge including playing an instrument, reading music, and working as part of a team.

These skills are transferable and help students in other areas of their lives, such as improved concentration and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, participating in a music ensemble fosters a sense of community and belonging among students at ISB, as they work together to create something beautiful and meaningful.

Through teaching skills such as improvisation, arrangement, and composition, the ensembles also serve as a creative outlet and a source of personal fulfillment for the students. Exposure to a variety of musical genres helps to broaden students’ cultural horizons and increase their appreciation for the arts.

Students also have the opportunity to continue their musical journey in the High School Orchestra, Band, Chorus, and Jazz Band. The middle school music ensembles give two concerts per school year, with additional performance opportunities at assemblies and other special events. These concerts are significant occasions for young musicians to celebrate and share their talent.

“‘Thrilling’ would be the best word to describe how I felt about this performance. Throughout the concert I felt exhilarated, and at the end of every piece I felt good, not because of how well I did but because of how good the entire orchestra sounded together.”

The Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) is a non-profit international organization that provides students with an opportunity to develop and improve their musicianship. It is an organization that demands excellence in music and challenges the students to work together, collaborate, and to strive for the best.

Students that wish to audition submit recordings of themselves to a panel of judges – the judges then select the most advanced musicians for each instrument to form one prestigious honor This. The judges do not know where the students come from, what school they are currently enrolled in, or the name of the student.

Last year, ISB was proud to have a total of 30 students accepted into the AMIS International Honor Band Festival as participants or alternates.

The students that are accepted into AMIS must learn a plethora of difficult music prior to the festival and upon arrival at the festival, they are required to rehearse with a guest conductor and collaborate with the top musicians from other AMIS member schools.

These festivals require great dedication and focus from our students. The festivals are designed to further educate our students in global issues and cultural diversity through performance and the study of music. It is truly a great educational experience for the students and ISB is proud to be a member school of AMIS.

The AMIS MS Band festival was held in Bombay, India, hosted by the American School in Bombay. Students participated in Indian traditions and cultural activities including yoga, Bollywood dancing and Holi! What an incredible experience for our young band musicians.