Middle School Singers Grow in Skill, Voice, and Purpose at the AMIS Asian Honor Choir Festival 2026

Learning Through Music on an International Stage 

As a longtime member of the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS), Taipei American School continues to provide students with opportunities to grow through meaningful international musical experiences. In January 2026, TAS Middle School singers traveled to Dubai to participate in the AMIS Asian Honor Choir Festival, an immersive, collaborative event that brings together young musicians from across the region through shared artistry, challenge, and purpose. 

This year’s festival brought together students from more than 25 schools, offering TAS singers the opportunity to participate in two distinct ensembles: the Asian Middle School Honor Treble Choir and the debut Asian Middle School Honor Cambiata Choir. While each ensemble had a different musical focus, both challenged students to develop technical skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of themselves and others through music. 

Treble Choir: Technique, Precision, and Collective Sound 

The Asian Middle School Honor Treble Choir brought together 162 treble singers from 25 schools, working under the direction of Ms. Naarah Callender from the American School in Japan, with TAS Middle School Choir Director, Ms. Betty Chang, serving as piano collaborator. 

Over several days of full-length rehearsals, students focused on strong vocal technique, musical precision, and expressive performance. Singers explored the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and were challenged to adapt vocal tones across a wide range of musical styles and genres within the festival repertoire. The experience emphasized both individual responsibility and ensemble awareness, asking students to listen closely, sing with forward placement, and contribute to a unified sound. 

In addition to ensemble work, the festival offered solo audition opportunities. Each participating school could send one singer to audition in front of the festival’s choral directors. Representing TAS, Hazel L. ’30 was invited to be the first soloist in Sing!, Caitlin C. ’30 performed the fourth solo in Sing!, and Sophie H. ’30 was selected as the fifth soloist in the evening’s final piece, Bridge Over Troubled Water, a meaningful recognition of musicianship, preparation, and confidence. 

Cambiata Choir: Voice Change, Identity, and Meaning 

The 2026 festival also marked the debut of the AMIS Cambiata Choir, an ensemble designed specifically for students with changing voices. Bringing together 101 singers from more than 20 schools, the Cambiata Choir offered a space where vocal development and personal expression were equally valued. 

Under the direction of Dr. Brandon Miller from Shanghai American School Pudong, with Ms. Lisa Burns from Nagoya International School as piano collaborator, students worked intensively toward a gala performance held on Saturday, January 17. While technical growth remained central, rehearsals also emphasized interpretation and reflection, encouraging singers to consider the meaning behind the music they performed. 

The choir’s repertoire centered on the unifying theme of “Stand,” prompting students to reflect on what it means to stand tall, stand up for others, stand against injustice, and stand with conviction. One particularly meaningful selection, Yumma, introduced students to a song that has become a musical symbol of Palestinian culture and struggle. Through guided discussion and reflection, singers were encouraged to think critically about values, empathy, and responsibility. 

During the performance, students shared written reflections that gave voice to these ideas. Their statements addressed a wide range of experiences and beliefs, including standing against persecution and judgment, advocating for understanding around ADHD, affirming the acceptance of boys in the performing arts, recognizing food as a basic human right and source of connection, and supporting friends navigating mental health challenges. Other reflections focused on personal growth, acknowledging that practice leads to progress, pride, and meaningful performance. 

Student Voice: Confidence, Belonging, and Perspective 

Across both ensembles, students described the festival as an experience that extended far beyond musical skill-building. 

Evelyn P. ’30 reflected that she learned “music can bring people together even if you’re really different.” Abby H. ’30 noted the supportive environment surrounding auditions, observing that “everyone can and should be supportive so that people feel comfortable expressing themselves in a way that makes them happy.” For Hazel L. ’30, the experience reinforced balance in musicianship: “You need to work well to blend, but there are times when you can find your own style and voice.” Caitlin C. ’30 reflected on the diversity of approaches, sharing that “different schools and choirs focus on different things depending on their priorities.” 

For Cambiata Choir participants, the experience was equally transformative. Kai L. ’31 shared that the festival “changed my perspective on how I see the world, I see it more positively now.” Benjamin K. ’31, Aabon P. ’31, and Johnson C. ’31 emphasized individuality and courage, noting that “everybody’s voice is unique, and you should always try, because if you never try, you’ll never know what you can do.” Michael K. ’30 observed that “people with different cultures, nationalities, and personalities can unite in one place through music,” while Skyler Y. ’30 reflected on inclusion, sharing that “just because someone is a different gender doesn’t mean you should judge them.” 

Beyond the Stage: Cultural Learning in Dubai 

In addition to rehearsals and performances, students engaged in cultural learning throughout their time in Dubai. Their first day included exploration of Old Dubai via the metro, visits to the Museum of Illusions, a traditional lunch along Dubai Creek, a water taxi ride across the creek to the Gold and Spice Souks to learn about local history. These shared experiences deepened students’ understanding of place, culture, and community, reinforcing the festival’s broader focus on global connection. 

A Shared Finale and Lasting Impact 

The festival culminated in a gala concert celebrating musical excellence, reflection, and collective effort across both choirs. Through shared rehearsal, performance, dialogue, and cultural exploration, TAS singers returned home with strengthened vocal skills, greater confidence, and deeper insight into collaboration, identity, and belonging. 

Together, the Treble and Cambiata Choir experiences highlighted the power of choral music not only as a technical discipline, but as a space for empathy, expression, and growth, an impact that continues to resonate well beyond the stage. 

Building on these meaningful international experiences, Taipei American School will soon welcome student musicians from across the region as the host of the AMIS Middle School and High School Honor Band Festivals. The culminating concert will take place on Saturday, March 28, offering families and community members an opportunity to experience the vibrant spirit of collaboration, musical excellence, and shared learning!

The full 2026 Asian Middle School Honor Treble Choir & Honor Cambiata Choir Gala Concert is available below provided by AMIS.