TAS Hosts AMIS Honor Band Festival, Welcoming Student Musicians from Across Asia

Taipei American School recently welcomed student musicians from across the region for the AMIS Middle and High School Honor Band Festival, held from March 26 – 28. Bringing together 174 auditioned students from 26 international schools, the festival offered a dynamic opportunity for our young musicians to collaborate, refine their skills, and perform at a high level in a shared musical experience.

Selected through a competitive audition process, students arrived already having prepared their repertoire at their home schools, setting the stage for an intensive and fast-paced rehearsal experience. Over several days, two ensembles – one Middle School and one Upper School – worked through demanding music that required both technical precision and close ensemble awareness. As one student reflected, the process was less about the individual and more about “learning how to listen differently, adjust quickly, and trust the group,” a shift that became evident in the confidence and cohesion of the final concert at the Guy Lott Jr. Auditorium. 

That sense of collective growth extended beyond the rehearsal room. Students found themselves navigating not only new music, but new perspectives – building quick connections with peers from different schools and cultural contexts. For many, it was this exchange that defined the experience: a reminder that while their training may differ, their musical language is shared.

Guiding this process were two distinguished guest conductors. Christopher Ward, who led the Middle School Honor Band, emphasized ensemble awareness and responsiveness, noting how quickly students adapted to one another and grew into a unified sound. For the Upper School Honor Band, Dr. Pamornpan Komolpamorn brought a complementary focus on refinement and expression, challenging students to move beyond accuracy and shape the music with intention and meaning.

Beyond the music itself, the festival created space for meaningful connection – both within the ensembles and with the host city. Participating students and faculty were hosted at the Grand Hotel and attended a performance at Taipei Eye, adding a cultural dimension that complemented the musical focus of the festival and broadened their understanding of Taipei and Taiwan.

Hosting the AMIS Honor Band Festival reflects TAS’ ongoing commitment to providing students with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. As a host school, TAS created an environment where students and guest conductors could focus fully on the music and on one another. As Luke DallaGranna, Upper School Band Teacher at TAS, shared, “Our goal was to create the conditions for students to do their best work together and to make the most of this experience.”

The Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) supports music programs across a global network of international schools, offering festivals and professional learning opportunities that promote excellence, inclusion, and lifelong engagement with music.

The success of this year’s festival was made possible through the collective effort of the TAS band team and organizing committee, along with the support from faculty, staff, and campus operations across the school. Their work ensured a seamless and welcoming experience for visiting students and educators, allowing the focus to remain on music, collaboration, and connection. As the final notes of the concert concluded, the festival marked a shared experience of growth and music-making that extended across schools, cultures, and communities.