Canadian International School (CIS) will create new musical and performance opportunities for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 with its new Academy of Music. DANIEL HARTIG, the K-12 Music Coordinator, and TOM ANDERSON, the Choral and Instrumental Lead, share more about the new music academy and music ensembles.
Dan has 10 years of experience teaching music and has been at CIS for three years. Tom has 35 years of experience teaching music and has been at CIS for 20 years.
What’s the motivation for launching your new Academy of Music?
Dan: We’ve been expanding the music programme offerings at CIS, and we want to continue creating unique musical experiences for all of our students and the larger CIS community.
Tom: My passion is to see CIS achieve its potential as a leading music department on the island.
What’s required to join?
Dan: While all levels of music proficiency are welcome to join the Academy, we have specific groups, such as intermediate and advanced music ensembles, that are audition-based. We try our best to have an opportunity for anyone that wants to enhance their musical abilities.
Tom: Have a passion for music! Then choose an activity that best suits your skills and interest, be it lessons, performance, a workshop, training or a special event.
What are some activities that students can participate in?
Dan: There are several music ensembles in primary and secondary, such as orchestra, choir, modern band and even music technology workshops. One of our newest offerings is school-day instrumental and vocal lessons, where students can learn how to play an instrument. They can even take buddy lessons with one or two friends from the same grade level!
Tom: The opportunities across choral and instrumental experiences include private lessons with professional instructors, masterclasses at the local music conservatory, and seminars, workshops and collaborations across divisions and grade levels. The Secondary school ensembles include the Rock Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Chamber Strings, Inspirations Junior Choir and Harmonics senior choir.
What about performing?
Dan: The wide range of performance opportunities throughout the year include musicals for early years, primary and secondary schools, as well as ensemble performances and even rock band concerts.
Tom: Existing opportunities include seasonal and semester-based concerts, assemblies and open-house events. Secondary school music students regularly perform in academic classes for peers and assessments.
Any performances by the Academy of Music lined up for 2024/25?
Dan: The students are preparing for various performances in the school’s various spaces. These include the Black Box and main theatre, as well as external performances at partner venues.
Tom: Grades 3 and 5 will begin work for their musical at the start of 2025. Weekly rehearsals have already started for the Secondary school musical, Legally Blonde. The Symphonic Band will begin practising in September for a big performance in November.
What are you most looking forward to doing with the students in the music academy?
Dan: I’m excited to expand music performance opportunities for our Academy of Music students, both through private and buddy lessons. Also, to help them discover new passions in the arts.
Tom: Inspiring and engaging our students with new performance opportunities and having students involved in external competitions, workshops and collaboration.
Canadian International School is at 7 Jurong West Street 41.
6467 1732 | cis.edu.sg
This article about CIS’s new Academy of Music first appeared in the October 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy! Read about CIS’s award-winning eco garden and its Chinese-English bilingual programme, and hear CIS students reflecting on their Yale Model United Nations.
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