Students Perform in Music Festivals Around the World
Throughout the 2023-24 school year, YISS high school students auditioned and were selected to participate in multiple music festivals in Korea and abroad. The opportunity to showcase their musical talents on both local and international stages enriched their experiences and honed their musical skills.
In September, five orchestra students participated in the Bangkok International Strings Festival at the International School of Bangkok. Under the baton of guest conductor Dr. Kira Omelchenko, they tackled challenging repertoire with finesse. Notably, Tiffany Kang was selected as concertmaster, while Alice Lee was selected as first chair cellist.
February brought the KAIAC/KIMEA National Honor Festival at Chadwick, where YISS proudly sent two band students, seven orchestra students, and 13 choir students to collaborate with peers from across Korea. Luke Kim was selected as a soloist for the weekend's culminating concert.
Four YISS orchestra students were selected for the AMIS Orchestra Festival, which took place in February at Korea International School in Jeju. This was the first time that YISS students have been able to participate in an AMIS festival since before the pandemic, and it was a wonderful experience. AMIS is a worldwide organization, so selection for this ensemble is a high honor! Emily Dhong and Alice Lee were both chosen as section leaders as well!
This March, YISS welcomed orchestra students from ACSC schools across Asia to participate in the ACSC Orchestra Festival. After months of planning, everything came together. Students enjoyed rehearsals led by guest conductor Dr. Timothy Dixon of Messiah University, cultural outings including a cable car ride to Namsan Tower, service projects, a fabulous concert, and a beautiful closing banquet.
Simultaneously, 13 YISS band students traveled to the International Christian School of Hong Kong to participate in the ACSC Band Festival.
YISS middle school students also seized opportunities to participate in the KIMEA honor music festivals for band, orchestra, and choir alongside other top middle school musicians from international schools around Korea.
These music festival experiences exemplify YISS's commitment to nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and expanding the opportunities for our music students to learn and perform on stage with other talented musicians from around the world.