As the new year approaches, the semester draws to a close. To showcase the achievements of elementary students in music and creative arts classes, and to allow their families to experience the creativity and expressiveness fostered by Dehong’s holistic education philosophy, Dehong Shanghai hosted a unique Elementary School Art Show. This immersive show featured a promenade style, guiding families on a journey through music and art across the campus.
The show began with a dynamic drum performance by Grade 3 students, where the thunderous beats reflected the vibrant energy of the young performers. Each drumbeat resonated with youthful enthusiasm, setting a rousing tone for an inspiring showcase of artistry and passion.
As the drumbeats faded, Mary Giles, Elementary Music Teacher, introduced the upcoming musical performances and shared her profound insights on music. She emphasized that singing is the foundation of music, which is why Dehong Elementary places great importance on vocal training at every grade level: "Singing allows music to resonate with our souls, transforming our physical and emotional state. Particularly in choral singing, every voice has its unique character, and the harmony evolves through the interaction of its members, creating performances that are truly one of a kind. This is the beauty of collaborative art — where all participants connect deeply, striving together to achieve the ultimate expression of music and emotion."
At Dehong Shanghai Elementary School, music classes emphasize singing across all grade levels while also introducing students to a wide range of instruments and musical styles each semester, centered around specific themes. Students have the opportunity to form various types of bands based on their learning content, exploring the joy of diverse musical expressions.
Grade 1 students formed a glockenspiel band, pairing their bell-like tones with choir performances of classics like “Jingle Bells” and “Chong Er Fei”. Grade 2 students incorporated ethereal drums into their renditions of “Big Big World” and “Song Bie”, creating a serene and meditative atmosphere.
In addition to the opening Chinese drum performance, Grade 3 students spent the past semester focusing on vocal techniques and exploring ways to express emotions through singing. Their medley performance of “Little White Boat” and “It’s a Small World” beautifully showcased their understanding of music and the empowerment it brings.
While the music curriculum for Grades 1 to 3 focuses on fostering an interest in music and building foundational knowledge and skills through simple instruments and singing, the curriculum for Grades 4 and 5 broadens students' horizons. By exploring music from diverse cultures, students gain an understanding of various musical styles and experience the richness of global cultural diversity.
Grade 4 students explored Celtic music through traditional songs from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, incorporating circle dances as celebratory expressions. Their performance of a “Celtic-Oriental Medley” combined choral singing and circle dancing, enriched by Xinjiang melodies, showcasing the beauty of cultural fusion.
Grade 5 students delved into Indonesian gamelan music, highlighting its unique harmonies and rhythms with tuned percussion instruments. Their a cappella rendition of “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody” further demonstrated their precision, rhythm, and teamwork. Their cohesive and captivating performance not only highlighted the art of choral singing but also reflected the confidence and vibrancy of Dehong students.
Following the performances, families moved to the Art Valley to view visual art created by Grades 3–5 students. The exhibition featured a wide array of works: Grade 3’s collage art, Grade 4’s self-portraits, and Grade 5’s 3D art projects. The variety of mediums and styles offered a feast for the eyes, with each piece drawing viewers in with its unique perspective, colors, and textures. The exhibition celebrated the extraordinary creativity and thoughtful expression of Dehong students, leaving visitors in awe.
Matt Tollitt, the Head of Creatives of Elementary School, expressed high praise for the students’ works and creative abilities: "Their artistic skills and craftsmanship are truly remarkable, showcasing creativity and expression beyond their years. These pieces reflect not only their technical abilities but also their thoughtful engagement with art — fruits of their dedication and enthusiasm this semester. We look forward to more exhibitions in the coming semesters to highlight the artistic talents and passions of even more students."
Art is an integral part of holistic education at Dehong Shanghai. From grand performances, exhibitions, and festivals to the art scattered throughout the campus, a vibrant and creative environment surrounds student. In this atmosphere, every student can discover their artistic stage and experience the joy and power of art. Moving forward, Dehong Shanghai will continue creating opportunities for students to explore art’s limitless possibilities, shine their brightest, and write extraordinary chapters of growth.
