Dedicated music teacher heading to Afghanistan
Print Edition
AS a coordinator for the primary and early childhood music program at Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (YCIS), I feel we are very fortunate to have such fantastic music teachers and ample resources to be able to teach our students an array of instruments and musical genres. In addition, YCIS places a great deal of focus on the continued professional development of its staff, and as such, this summer I’ll be going to Kabul to teach music at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM).
ANIM is an incredible school for Afghan children, providing its students with the opportunity to receive a world class music education. It is the only institution of its kind, and I am very excited to have the opportunity to be a part of it.
In Afghanistan, music was banned under the Taliban, but since 2009, ANIM has worked hard to bring it back. It is the only music school in Afghanistan and it is committed to educating those who rarely receive formal music education. In fact, half of the students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and half are women.
The program at ANIM currently has a strong string focus but it’s difficult to find woodwind and brass teachers in Afghanistan. At the moment, there are brass students enrolled in the school without a dedicated brass teacher, thus I will be going to teach trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium and tuba.
The Afghan Youth Orchestra that I’ll be working with is made up of Western and traditional Afghan instruments played by a group of very talented young musicians. In 2013, they even had the opportunity to tour in the United States where they performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert venues, including Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center. What these children are doing is extremely inspiring. By creating beautiful music in a country that’s been ravaged by war, they’re showing that even in the most difficult circumstances, music will always find a way.
As a teacher, it’s important to always continue learning and developing new skills. I am very much looking forward to not only learning from other teachers and students in Afghanistan, but also immersing myself in an entirely different educational setting from the very international one found at YCIS.
Two of my favorite things about teaching at YCIS are the international student body and global mindset. I’m sure that my experience in Afghanistan will provide me with new tools and ideas that I can share with my students and fellow colleagues upon my return, continuing to add to the unique, globalized learning environment at our school.
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