TFS - Canada's International School

MOLLY Z., LEVEL V Molly Z. sees her music as representing more than just a hobby; it is her lifeline – a means to express her innermost thoughts and emotions. She has been performing piano since she was five years old and singing opera since she was 11. "When I get on that stage, I get to appreciate the complexity of the pieces I have been learning. I never really mind the audience – I'm not there for the applause," she explains. But the thing is, for me, music isn't something I just perform; I feel as though it is a part of me." Molly has an important role in the school choir as well as the band with her piano skills, but that is not all. She also directed her very first musical in April 2024. "This musical was really important to me because I had never done this before and I wanted to see where this could lead me." VALERIE T., LEVEL IV For Valerie T., music has been a part of her life since she could walk. "When I was only two years old, my family moved into an old house with a piano left there. I, as a curious child, started playing some notes and fell in love with the instrument almost instantly." Valerie started taking lessons later on and discovered her true passion for music. Through the years, I grew to appreciate the piano even more, especially after all the doors that were opened by playing it and the opportunities that I was given." Valerie was interviewed by Mundo Músico after having won numerous prizes in Europe, most recently at the World Piano Teachers Association competition in Spain. She explains how her interest in music has deepened: "Having always loved music, I began to appreciate it more when I started to imagine the stories behind it as I grew up." GEORGE G., LEVEL I "It doesn't matter how difficult the piece is; it only matters how you play it," says George G. At only 13 years old, George has completed 10 levels of the Royal Conservatory of Music's cello curriculum and composed his very own piece, which he plans to perform very soon. After meeting his idol, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, at the age of eight, this young student of the cello began to dream about his future in music. George aspires to attend The Juilliard School and later perform as a soloist. I love the cello so much; it inspires me to become something meaningful." TAYLOR X., GRADE 5 Taylor X., a talented 10-year-old pianist, started playing at four years and eight months. Despite the pandemic, she excelled in virtual lessons for nearly two years. Taylor's achievements include winning top prizes at competitions like the Kiwanis Music Festival and The Royal International Piano Competition, NEW AUDITORIUM, NEW POSSIBILITIES Amidst these experiences and aspirations, the prospect of a new auditorium at our school serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity. Designed to accommodate a diverse array of performances, from theatrical productions to musical recitals, the auditorium embodies our school's commitment to fostering artistic excellence and nurturing talent. "The new auditorium represents more than just a physical space," remarks Molly Z. "It shows the value our school places on the arts – a recognition of its transformative power in shaping lives and building community," Valerie T. adds. As the new auditorium moves towards construction, younger students like Taylor and George eagerly anticipate the possibilities it holds. "Having a facility like this is definitely a huge deal. This new area will help drive new musicians here to TFS," observes George. It will be a wonderful opportunity for future young musicians to continue enhancing their skills." In the eyes of these students, the performing arts represent far more than mere extracurricular activities – they are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a celebration of diversity and a catalyst for positive change. As TFS students continue to weave their stories on and off the stage, the new auditorium will stand as a tangible symbol of their collective journey – a space where creativity knows no bounds and dreams take flight. leading to performances at Carnegie Hall and the Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels. Additionally, she received mentorship from professors at The Juilliard School. As I get older, I want to continue performing for others because I enjoy music and want to share it with everyone." At the heart of this story are the voices of four students, each with their own unique journey and perspective on the transformative power of the performing arts. Moreover, we explore the anticipation and excitement surrounding the arrival of a new auditorium – a beacon of possibility and promise, poised to elevate our students' artistic endeavours to new heights. 25 TFS

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