First Shenzhen Intl. Schools Friendship event hosted

A student from Korean International School performs Taekwondo at Shenzhen International Schools Friendship winter concert in Shekou on Friday. Wang Haolan

Students from Merchiston International School sings a Chiristmas carol at Shenzhen International Schools Friendship winter concert. Wang Haolan

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The inaugural Shenzhen International Schools Friendship (SISF) winter concert was held in Shekou on Friday, aiming to build a close-knit community for all of the international schools in the city.

Shekou International School (SIS) co-hosted the winter concert in collaboration with Shenzhen Municipal Education Bureau at its Jingshan Campus, where friendship and talent blossomed in the SISF concert despite the chilly drizzle.

“On behalf of the education bureau, we hope to provide a platform where all of the international school students and faculties can befriend each other and enjoy wonderful shows,” said Liu Jinying, an official with the city’s education bureau.

Performances were staged by 11 international schools in a variety of forms including choir, dance, drama and band. The performers were mostly selected from afterschool student clubs.

Greg Smith, head of SIS, said, “Seeing how talented the students are and how much joy they get from music and performance, our adults are also deeply inspired and encouraged to improve.” 

Lu Lu, the marketing director of Shen Wai International School, said the concert provided a platform for students from the school’s Acapella club and the dance club, to showcase their talents. According to Kimberly Sheppard, the elementary music specialist at SIS, the dramatic play, “A Kid’s Life,” is a trademark of the school’s drama club and best demonstrates the students’ musical and theatrical flair.

Teachers are also involved in the rehearsal and performance of the programs. Ernald Boyd, the MYP coordinator of International School of Nanshan Shenzhen, played a drum with the school’s band for the piece “Into the Storm.” He said, “I am happy that the event could build a community that is not about judging and competing with each other. Every student and teacher here can learn from each other and improve themselves.”

International schools also showcased their in-class achievements in performing-art education. “We have a strong instrumental music education team that integrates well with the school,” said John Wright, director of the performing arts at Merchiston International School.

Folk cultures were also unfolded to the international community. Students from Shenzhen Japanese International School performed “Soran Bushi,” a sea shanty sung by fishermen in Hokkaido to encourage each other. 

The SISF winter concert is part of SIS’s 30th anniversary and will continue as a regular event.