Shumin, Year 9, Century Park Campus

Personally, I greatly enjoy the Music Programme at YCIS. Our musical education teaches us to embrace many cultures through learning about different styles and various types of music. Our Music teachers also always encourage us to participate in the school’s Co-curricular activities, such as the orchestras, rock bands, and choirs.

At YCIS, talented instrumentalists and singers are provided with countless opportunities to showcase their passions and skills in music. Whether it is at the winter or summer concerts, school assemblies, recital nights, or even in class or after school, our teachers encourage us to step out of our comfort zones and to explore beyond. Music is important at YCIS because our education also includes the arts, not just academics.

As for my involvement in the Music Programme, I am the bass guitarist in one of the rock bands at school. We’ve played at multiple concerts, and have also written a few original songs. Thinking back, one of our most successful performances was at the “Battle of the Bands”, a competition involving student bands from various international schools in Shanghai. I can still remember the dozens of blinding lights as we stood in front of the huge crowd, the inevitable feeling of stage fright, and the adrenaline that ran through us. And as the beat of the drums amplified the room, we began to play our hearts out.

As a band of six, we have experienced a fun two years together. We are on this journey together, and the Music Programme at YCIS lets us showcase our passion and skills in music.