In September 25 to 29, YISS music students from jazz band and choir participated in the AMIS (Association of Music for International Schools) High School Honor Jazz Festival and Jazz Skills Workshop in Düsseldorf, Germany and the KIMEA National Honor Jazz Festival in Jeju. 

Over the course of the two festivals, our high school students showcased their musical skills, collaborated with a diverse, global group of talented musicians, and learnt from accomplished teachers to improve their own craft. 

The AMIS festival took place at the International School of Düsseldorf, from September 25 to 29, and featured schools from all over the world including Europe, Asia, and the US. Our students participated in instrumental and vocal jazz skills workshops and, at the end of the festival, performed at a concert of the various songs they had practiced throughout the festival. Several of our students were even given the honor of performing their technical skills as soloists.

The KIMEA (Korean International Music Educators Association) Jazz workshop allowed high school jazz students to collaborate with students from the other KIMEA schools to learn more about jazz and improvisation. They were split into different groups based on their experience and learned from a selected KIMEA teacher about the intricacies of what makes a great jazz musician. After the workshop, the students were treated to a masterclass and a performance by professional jazz musicians in the area. Students also had the opportunity to share their music with the other students at the “Jam Session.” Musicians that participated in this event had a fantastic time sharing their love for jazz with all the other international schools in Korea!