Talented elementary musicians from across the country gathered at Seoul Foreign School (SFS) for the annual Korea International Music Educators Association (KIMEA) Elementary Choir Festival on March 15. While older students typically participate in orchestras or bands, these young vocalists stepped into the spotlight for a celebration of choral melodies.

This year marked the first time DIS participated in the festival since COVID-19. With no auditions required, any eager student had the chance to join this unique opportunity. “We haven’t joined it because the event didn’t have an actual concert last year. But this year, I heard it was happening at a huge concert hall, and I wanted our students to experience performing as a big choir,” elementary music teacher Mr. Park said.

Despite different backgrounds and motivations, the choristers shared one goal–to sing beyond their schools’ borders. “I really like singing, and I’m also in elementary rock band, so I wanted to join with other friends,” said third-grader Ruby Kim.

However, scheduling conflicts forced some students to make tough decisions. “It was challenging for elementary students to choose because rehearsals could only happen on Tuesdays, which conflicted with elementary volleyball,” Mr. Park said.

The choir continued with its committed members, and the young musicians undertook hours of practice. “There were 5 rehearsals to practice about 20 songs. It was very tiring, but singing at the end was fun,” said third-grader Celine Park.

After weeks of preparation, the choir set off for Seoul before dawn, ready for their final performance. The grueling eight-hour round trip tested their endurance. “One of the biggest challenges was the early 5 a.m. departure and the long travel time,” said Mr. Park. 

Despite the fatigue, excitement built up as the young vocalists arrived at the venue, surrounded by fellow singers across Korea. As they stepped onto the stage, they embraced the moment to perform as a full ensemble. “My favorite part was when I got to sing with many different people from other international schools,” said Kim. 

The final performance featured a diverse repertoire, each piece conducted by different music directors from international schools. The audience enjoyed multiple genres of choral tunes, ranging from the classic harmonies of Mozart’s Solfege Sonata to disney favorites. 

The choir performed “Canon of Hope,” a moving piece inspired by a line from a poem by Emily Dickenson that symbolizes resilience and optimism. The concert reached its climax with an energetic medley from the Disney movie “Wish.” The lively finale showcased the enthusiasm of the ensemble, closing the event on a high note. 

Beyond the music itself, students gained more than just performance experience. “It was exciting to meet different people, and I even made new friends. I was proud of myself after the event,” said Park. The festival provided young musicians with a platform to build meaningful connections and showcase their passion on a broader stage. 

With renewed confidence and inspiration, many are eager to refine their skills and take on new challenges in future festivals. “My favorite part was singing in front of many people. It was so fun to perform with different people, and I want to participate again next year,” said Kim. 

View the performance here.

Gallery • 6 Photos

Olya Karpenko

Energy fills the auditorium as young vocalists raise their hands and belt out each note with enthusiasm. The aspiring musicians enjoy their choir debut, and their enthusiasm builds with every measure.