Written by: Esme
Edited by: Sofia
Visual by: Mr. McCarthy
Instead of the trophies and rankings of IASAS sports events, IASAS Music focuses solely on the joy of making music with some of the most musically talented students across Southeast Asia. Covering choir, strings, and band, it brings together a unique blend of people who share a similar passion and drive.
Throughout the festival, every IASAS music student participated in three main events. Firstly, they each performed a solo of their choice in front of a panel of adjudicators and received detailed on-the-spot feedback. Each school also prepared two octet pieces that highlighted careful collaboration and months of preparation.
These smaller settings often became some of the most memorable parts of the event. A choir delegate from the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), Jena, shared that, “one of my favorite parts was getting to work with all of these amazing singers on really, like, difficult pieces.” She described the event as intense but rewarding, highlighting the strong sense of community that grew from it.
On the last day, the festival concert brought together the three main ensembles to culminate the repertoire they had prepared over the course of the event. After days of rehearsals and workshops, delegates experienced what it felt like to perform in a large, unified ensemble comprising musicians from across Southeast Asia.
One of the most exciting parts of the festival concert was the delegates’ conductors, whom the Fine Arts Council and ISM music staff worked tirelessly to find. The choir ensemble was directed by Marla Ringle of Texas Christian University in the United States. “She was so energetic and fun, but it also taught us a lot. Thank you, Dr. Ringle!” shared one upperclassman choir delegate.
Additionally, Sophie Holbrook of Seoul Foreign School (SFS) was chosen as the director of the band ensemble. Though SFS is not a member school of IASAS, Mr. Nazareno of the band department at ISM had met her before and believed her careful balance of care, connection, and commitment made her a perfect candidate for the role.
For seniors, this IASAS was especially important. Most of them had participated in IASAS arts festivals before, and so this event became one of their final opportunities to perform alongside peers from across the region. For some, the final festival performance becomes a symbolic farewell—not only to IASAS but also to the musical communities they have built throughout high school. Standing on stage with dozens of other musicians, seniors experience a moment that captures the spirit of the event: different schools, different cultures, and different musical backgrounds coming together to create something unified.
The festival concluded with a final concert, during which the band, choir, and string ensembles presented the repertoire they had prepared over the three days. Though it can be stressful and challenging at times, most delegates agree that IASAS Music was a strong reminder of the unique power of music to connect people. In just three days, students who arrived as strangers leave as collaborators and friends, carrying with them new musical ideas, new connections, and a deeper appreciation for the joy of making music together.
