“Seeing our students so inspired — whether encountering a brass instrument for the first time or learning directly from world-class musicians — was incredibly powerful. Experiences like this show the joy, unity, and confidence that live music can bring to young people.”
– Rhys Barker, Head of Primary Music
Beyond the concerts, Desford Colliery Brass Band worked closely with students through a series of high-quality, age-appropriate workshops, carefully designed to support learners at different stages of their musical journey.
At BIS HCMC, performers take to the stage to build confidence from age 3 and up. We believe that building these performing arts foundations early inspires achievement across the curriculum.
Supporting musical progression in Secondary
All Secondary students in Years 7–9 took part in workshops that introduced them to brass performance, ensemble playing, and the expressive power of live music. These sessions encouraged curiosity, confidence, and a deeper appreciation of musical storytelling.
In addition,
IGCSE and
IBDP music students, who are continuing their studies at examination level, benefited from more focused workshops with the band members. These sessions provided insight into advanced performance techniques, interpretation, and the discipline required to perform at a professional standard — reinforcing BIS HCMC’s strong and progressive music education pathway.
Last academic year, BIS HCMC also welcomed
Tim Rhys-Evans MBE, renowned UK vocal teacher, conductor, and musical director. He delivered a career talk for Year 10 to 13 students interested in pursuing performing arts at higher education level. Opportunities such as these allow students to learn directly from world-renowned musicians and gain a deeper understanding of potential future pathways.
“Working with musicians of this calibre gives our students invaluable insight into what musical excellence looks like at the highest level. It reinforces the strength of our music pathway, from early exploration through to IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme.”
– Ian Alexander, Director of Music
This approach reflects our commitment to supporting students who enjoy music for creativity and confidence, as well as those who wish to pursue it at the highest academic and artistic levels.
Strengthening UK–Vietnam cultural connections
The visit also highlighted BIS HCMC’s strong connection to British culture and education. The school was honoured to see the programme extend beyond campus, with the British Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City hosting the uplifting Brass on the Grass concert — a celebration that underscored the enduring cultural links between the UK and Vietnam through music.
A lasting impact
Reflecting on the visit, the impact on students was clear — from the excitement of experiencing live brass music up close, to the inspiration gained from learning directly from musicians performing at the very top of their field.
BIS HCMC extends its sincere thanks to the Desford Colliery Brass Band for their generosity, energy, and outstanding musicianship. Their visit was a powerful reminder of the joy, unity, and inspiration that live music brings to a school community — and of the vital role music plays in a rich, well-rounded education.
