Upper School Musicians Jazz It Up in Germany

Taipei American School Upper School students recently traveled to Düsseldorf, Germany, to participate in the AMIS (Association for Music in International Schools) High School Honor Jazz Festival and Jazz Skills Workshop.  

This unique global jazz event brings together young musicians from international schools worldwide for a celebration of jazz performance and learning. Following their successful video auditions, three TAS students were selected for the Honor Big Band, while two others joined the Jazz Workshop. 

At the festival, Honor Big Band members brought their prepared parts and were guided in putting together their final performance by the guest director. The Jazz Workshop participants benefited from specialized sessions designed to deepen their understanding of jazz techniques and improvisation, expanding their musical range. The event culminated in live performances, where both the Honor Big Band and Workshop students dazzled an enthusiastic audience. 

Mr. Luke DallaGrana, TAS Upper School Band Teacher, highlighted the importance of milestone events like these for the development of young musicians: “Of course, there’s the musical technique side of these events, but there’s also the chance to meet and connect with other musicians from around the world. Different countries, cultures, languages, and skill levels come together through their shared love of music. Many of them stay in touch for years afterward.” DallaGrana also noted the energy and inspiration that the festival atmosphere brought to the students, saying, “They perform with all these great musicians and come home thinking, ‘I want to play better.’” 

Ms. Stella Chang, TAS K-12 Music Teacher, also attended the festival and helped support and guide the students throughout the experience. She agreed with Mr. DallaGrana on the lasting benefits of the AMIS experience, “The skills and connections gained at AMIS enrich their musical journey and inspire these students to continue as lifelong learners,” she said. 

Congratulations to these students for growing as global citizens in perfect harmony with their passion!