A recent event at CIS involved nine secondary music students and music teacher Tom Anderson in a masterclass collaboration with Yong Siew Toh (YST) Conservatory of Music at National University Singapore.

Alumnus Evan Y (Class of 2019) who studies at YST and is currently interning as a CIS music teacher coordinated the event bringing together approximately 180 music students from local and international schools.

The masterclass, held on Friday 18 March, involved a Zoom session featuring music faculty from YST Music Conservatory and several students who led four breakout rooms. Evan served as host and guided participants through the sessions, introducing inquiry activities around score study and analysis, performance practice and pedagogy.

Students from our symphonic band, MYP and DP music classes participated, and were delighted to see some oversees CIS music alumni join the session. From the United States, CIS alumni Kaelen A, music major at Berklee College of Music in Boston, joined the Zoom call as did Shi Yun C (Makiyo) from China.

This event allowed CIS students to network with other local school music students, and share what life had been like during COVID as well as comparing attributes from schools’ music programmes. Facilitators led discussion and analysis regarding ensemble playing, music scores and other pedagogical practices of various instruments. Students were able to share their contributions and ask questions in each of the breakout sessions.

Students had a real opportunity to benefit from the expertise and knowledge of YST music faculty and the collaborative practices of other students. It was a valuable collaboration with university level faculty and music students from across the island.