Six talented members of the CIS Jazz Band represented our school at the 2025 AMIS Honour Jazz Festival and Jazz Skills Workshop held at the American School Hong Kong from 1–5 October. The festival brought together talented student musicians and band directors from 19 international schools around the world, along with a distinguished jazz big band conductor and a representative from Berklee College of Music.

CIS students took part across three ensembles: four in the Jazz Skills Workshop, one in the Jazz Combo Band, and one in the Honour Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Throughout the week, they worked closely with professional jazz musicians and educators, developing their improvisation, ensemble, and performance skills. Students connected with peers from across the globe, rehearsed intensively, and participated in masterclasses led by world-class jazz artists.

The first performance of the week was Jazz Combo Night, where students performed in small instrumental ensembles to an enthusiastic audience, followed by the Jazz Workshop Bands, and finally the grand finale Gala Concert featuring the Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Big Band. CIS Music Coordinator Dan Hartig also served as the Instrumental Jazz Workshop Assistant, helping to lead rehearsals and conduct two of the concert pieces.

The CIS Jazz Band, which launched just last year, has quickly become one of the school’s most exciting new ensembles, already making plenty of noise on and off campus. From a packed performance at Blu Jaz Café in Singapore to now performing at the AMIS Honour Jazz Festival in Hong Kong, the group continues to establish CIS as a school that values creativity, improvisation, and the vibrant spirit of jazz.

Reflecting on the experience, Dan Hartig (Music Coordinator) shared:
"It was incredible to watch our students grow in confidence and musicianship over just a few days improvising, collaborating, and finding their own musical voices. The sense of community and artistry at AMIS is something truly special." 

Ann Zellhoefer (Teacher Supervisor) added:
"I am thrilled that our students had this experience! The directors leading the festival were outstanding, bringing a wealth of expertise, passion, and inspiration that deeply impacted our students. Under their guidance, the students developed a stronger sense of musicality, collaboration, and confidence. This festival was an great opportunity for these students to challenge themselves, learn from peers, and immerse themselves in the world of jazz. I am so proud of their progress and excited to see how this growth will continue to influence their musical journeys."

Congratulations to our jazz students for their achievements and for representing CIS with excellence!