Original Song: Unbarred Smile
In the spring of 2020, with the COVID-19 epidemic getting more and more severe and while our smiles were covered by masks, we realize that we would not be able to return to school as scheduled. At that point, our hearts were heavy and a feeling of sadness lingered in the air. Our music teachers have led the students on a musical journey through online distance learning, where they can not only learn about music, but also utilize wonderful melodies and rhythms to help clear the haze in everyone’s heart.
Even at home we also found many homemade “musical instruments” that can produce interesting sounds. The first and second graders used homemade instruments to explore different sounds that can be used to make music. They also studied different styles of music with their instruments including learning the interesting “Cup Dance.” With chopsticks, spoons, wrapping paper and other everyday objects, the students created different sounds and experienced new sonic discoveries, uncovering elements that helped them complete the rhythm challenges put forth in the lessons. They also took part in creative activities involving interaction with their family members, in an attempt to motivate familial dialog through music, with the hopes of enjoying the musical activities and games together.
Under the guidance of the teachers, the upper primary and middle school students reviewed the instrument families, pitch, the way that they vibrate and how they make sound. Through the appreciation of the composition “Peter and the Wolf” students learned to identify characters and emotions through music and match them to the video. Now, the students are using what they have learned about musical instruments to design their own instruments out of recycled materials, so stay tuned for that!
Finally, our primary and middle school students, under the guidance of the team of teachers recorded the song “Unbarred Smile”, with emotive voices that expressed their thanks and blessings to the first-line medical staff and to pay tribute to the heroes of the epidemic response. Teachers showed their beautiful smiles in preparation for the return of the students to school. Those voices and smiles embody our most sincere wishes.
Our local and western teachers have collaborated to produce video after interesting interactive video, using animated and vivid body language to show the wonder of music, coupled with interesting and challenging music games. Children can experience not only the fusion of interdisciplinary knowledges, but also be able to express their feelings through music. Music classes have brought welcome moments of joy to the student’s life at home.
Although for the time being it is still not possible to meet our lovely students on our beautiful campus, our music classes online are a tailored and unique experience for students, so that we can also enjoy the world of music from the comforts of our homes. We look forward to a quick return to our campus, and just as the song says: “the cloudiness is gone, there still will be a blue sky, we will return to our campus, and we’ll draw an unbarred happy smile!”