Before the first bell rings, the school is alive with a passionate energy. The air hums with the sound of live music, as two gifted teachers weave melodies with the piano and violin. Their music fills the atmosphere with a vibrancy that seems to touch the very core of every listener.
In the background, a different kind of creative energy is unfolding. A group of helpers prepare a makeshift piano in honour of the feast of St. Cecilia, patron saint of musicians. But this is no ordinary piano – it is a rather sweet creation, with vanilla wafers forming the white keys and KitKats standing in as the black keys. These moments in the morning transform the school into a sanctuary of inspiration, a place where the flow of music intertwines with the spirit of creativity.
Every day, the Lower School students experience a morning break in a fun and energetic way: they join together as one big group for what the school calls “Movement Minutes.” For a few minutes, the students gather in the atrium to learn folk dancing. Right now, they are mastering the steps to the “Circle Waltz Mixer.”
To make the experience even more exciting, the talented music teacher, Ms. Szalados, plays live music to set the perfect rhythm for the students to dance to. The combination of movement and music makes these moments a highlight of their day.
As the final bell of the week sounded at 3:30pm, the atrium buzzed with excitement as students across the grades gathered around the grand piano for a somewhat impromptu sing-along to Disney’s Frozen songs. Miss Kim led the charge, playing the fun tunes, and before long, more and more seemed to join in, with singing or dancing! Parents picking up their children could not help but smile as the sounds of joyful singing echoed through the halls, with voices wafting in from various directions. It was an unforgettable moment of convivial music making as a community, creating a memorable experience for pupils, parents, faculty, and staff alike!