On December 10, under the soft drizzle of a wintry day, the SUIS Pudong Wind Ensemble took to the stage at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center as part of the ‘Beauty of Nourishing the Heart, Blooming with Art’ 2024 Eastern Aesthetic Education Joint Celebration. This event, hosted by the Shanghai Pudong New Area Education Bureau and Eastern Aesthetic Education Alliance, sought to showcase the harmonious integration of aesthetic education into student development.
As the first school to perform, the SUIS Pudong Wind Ensemble opened the event with a performance that reflected their dedication to music and teamwork. The students, with their harmonious melodies and earnest expressions, brought to life the collective effort of months of practice. The notes of the wind instruments resonated beautifully in the hall, creating a moment of quiet awe and heartfelt appreciation among the audience.
This opportunity not only allowed our students to demonstrate their musical accomplishments but also underscored SUIS Pudong’s emphasis on cultivating artistry and a collaborative spirit. The performance embodied the values of sincerity, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence, leaving a meaningful impression on all present.
Behind the Music: Reflections from our Performers
Joanna(GRADE 5 ): Veteran team member Joanna said, “Every time the audience would ask us, ‘Are you nervous when you are on stage?’ ‘How could we be! We’ve been on stage so many times that we don’t feel nervous at all. This time, I also really liked the pipa ensemble program. Chinese folk music is so beautiful. The stage of the Shanghai Oriental Art Center is not small, and I still hope that we can perform for everyone on an even bigger stage in the future. Let’s go to the Jaguar Concert Hall!”
Andrew(GRADE 5 ): I’m grateful to the school and the teachers of the wind ensemble for giving me the opportunity to get in touch with and fall in love with the saxophone. The weekly rehearsals and performances on different stages have enabled me to gradually grow from being nervous and unconfident at the very beginning to becoming a familiar and confident performer. Especially the performance at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center this time was my first time to step onto such a big stage, and I felt extremely honored and happy. As the leader of the voice section, I also realized that the harmonious cooperation among different voice sections has made our team more and more united!
Gina(GRADE 6 ): In the band, during rehearsals, we were at ease and relaxed. Everyone practiced again and again, corrected wrong notes, and the whole process was full of joy. However, it was quite different when we went on stage to perform. Facing the spotlights and the audience, our hearts were filled with both nervousness and excitement. On the stage, we released our emotions to the fullest, as if we had merged with the music. Every note became more powerful, and that feeling was both thrilling and unforgettable.
Evelyn(GRADE 3 ): I joined the first echelon of the SUIS PD Wind Ensemble this year, and I’m so proud of it! On the stage, I completed the performance very well together with my elder schoolmates. I heard the prolonged applause ringing out at the scene, and I’m proud of myself and our team!
As the final notes faded and applause filled the hall, the young musicians of SUIS Pudong left the stage with pride and inspiration. This memorable performance marks not just a milestone in their musical journey, but also a testament to the transformative power of aesthetic education. We look forward to witnessing these students continue to grow, creating more moments of beauty and joy that resonate far beyond the stage.