Tsinghua International School (THIS) presented Dec. 2, 2025, its much-anticipated annual Secondary Winter Concert, an event that served as a heartwarming celebration against the winter chill for the entire school community, fostering connection among students, faculty, and families.
The Secondary Winter Concert 2025 brought together students from every corner of the THIS Performing Arts Department, showcasing the collaborative spirit and artistic growth of our students in band, choir, piano, drama, and dance classes and clubs.
With most ensembles ranging from 10–40 students, the performance represented the combined work of middle and high school musicians, who together created a rich and varied program for the school community.
01 Program
The program of this year's Secondary Winter Concert reflected the material students had studied and refined throughout the semester.
Opening "Adventus" from the Grade 8 Concert Band was the opening piece, which was followed by selections such as "Autumn Gives Her Hand to Winter" by the Grade 8 and High School Choirs and "Santa the Barbarian" performed by the Grade 8 Band.
Bernard Geoxavier, Associate Head of Secondary Division, joined the performance as the special guest narration.
Odin Li, Larry Li, and Oliver Tsui were featured in prominent piano solos.
Drama Club presented two theatre excerpts— "Meet the Plastics" and "It's a Hard Knock Life"—while the Movement & Dance class contributed original choreography through a mash-up of pieces.
Other popular works featured in the concert included "Waltz No. 2" by the High School Advanced Band, "Golden" performed jointly by Grade 6, Grade 7, and High School Choir, and "Sleigh Ride" by the Jazz Band.
The High School Concert Band performed "Snowscape" and "Christmas at the Movies." The concert concluded with "A Holly Jolly Christmas," performed by the combined Performing Arts classes.
02 Innovation
This year's winter concert departed from the tradition of a music-only winter performance. The Performing Arts Department thoughtfully expanded the program to include student work from Drama Club and the Movement & Dance class to ensure the full diversity of the department was represented onstage.
Considering a broader representation of classes this year and the cap on concert length, a separate Middle School Performing Arts Showcase will be held in January to feature our younger secondary students.
In addition, THIS Primary Winter Concert is scheduled on Dec. 12, 2025. Stay tuned!
03 Preparation & Rehearsal
Students had been preparing for this concert throughout the entire semester. Each ensemble's rehearsals were embedded in their regular class time or their after-school activity sessions, allowing students to develop technical skills, ensemble awareness, and artistic expression.
In the final weeks leading up to the performance, classes added focused run-throughs, sectional work, and coordinated scheduling across departments to bring all groups together seamlessly.
04 Teachers' Joy
Today's performance celebrated the hard work that our students have invested since August.
Adam Matejek, Head of Performing Arts and Instrumental teacher, shared that it is a joy to teach the student musicians each day, and all the music teachers were excited to share their achievements with the entire school.
"As Performing Arts teachers, we are proud of the growth our students demonstrated. Not only have they improved in their musical, theatrical, and movement abilities, but also in their confidence, teamwork, and willingness to take artistic risks."
-- Adam Matejek
Performing Arts Department's message through this concert was simple: the performing arts are a space for creativity, courage, and community.
05 Acknowledgement
For this successful winter concert, the entire Performing Arts Department and the Faculty of THIS would like to extend our sincere appreciation to：
All Secondary teachers for supporting our students and allowing time for additional rehearsals during this busy season,
All Support Staff members, including IT, Media and Logistics, for their invaluable coordination, technical support leading up to the concert, capturing moments of us throughout the semester, and sharing this event via livestream,
Parents and guardians of our performing arts students for allowing us the privilege of working with your talented children each day and for nurturing their love and interest in the arts at home.
