Performing Arts Provision at BIS Hanoi

August and September saw the launch of a plethora of Performing Arts ECAs, including Brass Club, Junior and Senior Choir, Theory Club, Junior Orchestra, School Production, Ukulele Club and more besides. Students began their instrumental lessons and we are continually impressed by the progress they are making. There are spaces available on a variety of instruments and voice, so please do get in touch if you would like to find out more.

During the first half of this term, we had an international focus across the Performing Arts disciplines, developing our understanding of the arts beyond our own previous experiences. Areas explored include Indian Bharatanatyam dancing, West African folktales and Indonesian Gamelan.

The Nord Anglia collaboration with The Juilliard School continues to enrich the Performing Arts at BIS Hanoi and we have been delighted to work alongside our Dance, Drama and Music specialists virtually from New York City over the last few weeks to develop our provision further.

Our IGCSE and IB Music and Theatre Studies students are working hard to develop their practical skills and theoretical understanding across the disciplines and we have supported this with virtual masterclasses and a recent visit to ATH Theatre in Tay Ho to watch a production of Exception and the Rule; a production written by German playwright Bertolt Brecht, who Year 12 have been studying.

In the Primary School, we have been delighted to be involved with singing assemblies, exit and entry point days and working alongside staff in the Early Years Centre to develop a music provision for our youngest students.

Even with current restrictions there have been a variety of opportunities for students to perform, most notably our series of Live Lunches, which have been extremely well attended and the standard exceptionally high. Senior Choir also represented the school for Remembrance Day and sang beautifully. We look forward to more opportunities to share performances with the community in the new year.

The Performing Arts are a vehicle to simultaneously offer valid academic and career pathways whilst helping students find their voice, boost their wellbeing and develop vital life skills in communication, collaboration and self-expression. This is no more evident than in our preparations for the upcoming performances of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Students from across the school are developing their skills in performance and production and we are very excited to share the finished musical with an audience next month, alongside the Year 1 Christmas production and whole school Winter Concert. We hope to see many of you there!

Felicity Kirk

Head of Performing Arts (Maternity Cover)