Music & Arts Program
QSI Shenzhen students benefit from comprehensive Music and Art programs from Early Years through Secondary IV. In Art classes, students express form, color, and space through a variety of tools and techniques with a view to bringing perception and growth in art appreciation to the individual student. Music classes consist of elements of ear-training, song, movement and interpretation, music theory, and music history with a view to public performances during the year. Students from two to thirteen years old participate in Art and Music classes on a regular basis, and as students progress into Secondary, their Fine Arts opportunities expand to include Photography, Film, and a vibrant Drama program. These course offerings celebrate creative expression and contribute to the well-rounded education students receive from QSI Shenzhen.
Music
Preschool Music
Music and Movement: The preschool Music and Movement program is designed to expose students to foundational concepts in rhythm, song, and dance in an engaging and safe environment. Early exposure to music ignites the imagination, promotes confidence, and is instrumental in language development. Our program makes music and movement exciting for students as they take part in high energy, dynamic lessons that make learning fun while also building fine and gross motor skills, fine arts appreciation, body awareness, and coordination. Students have a chance to explore musical expression on many different instruments and take part in annual performances for their parents twice a year in winter and spring concerts.
Elementary Music
Music at the lower elementary level is geared towards building a sincere love for music and a strong foundation in the elements of music. The students at the PLE campus study Rhythm, Timbre, Melody, Movement and Expression. It is through the study of these elements the young musician will gain confidence in the art of music. Whether music is recreational, ceremonial or used in the performance aspect; the foundation that is gained on this level will help the students continue to grow and succeed in higher level music classes. Students use a variety of rhythm instruments, Orff melodic instruments and their voice. The young musicians are engaged in studies that strengthen their ability to sight read music on their level and in a fun way! This is done through a variety of games and activities (whole group, small group and individual).
Middle School Music
Music is a required course for all middle school students. Starting at 10 years old, students may choose to remain in general music, or to switch to instrumental music. General Music is the standard music class which focuses on a variety of musical subjects. Students delve into music appreciation, theory, history, and technology. Music making in General Music can include: singing, composing, mixing, or playing pop instruments such as drums, ukulele, or guitar. General Music students may perform in a variety of different ensemble types. Instrumental music is an elective class taught using a concert band model. Students select a single instrument to master over the course of their middle school career. Beginners choose between flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. Later, some students may transition to other instruments to help balance the ensemble, such as euphonium, tuba, low reeds, or percussion. Instrumental music students perform in age-level concert bands.
Secondary Music
Music at Secondary includes IB Music classes as well as Instrumental Music classes. In IB music, students become well-rounded musicians by learning skills for performing, researching, composing, and arranging music. Instrumental classes include opportunities for students to play string, wind, and rock band instruments in ensembles with a focus on performing. Clubs are also formed after school to give students additional chances to collaborate with their classmates and form groups for performing music for school events and concerts.
Art
Preschool Art
In our preschool art class students focus on process art, which allows them to explore texture, structure, line, shape, color, values, and space in a safe and open-ended environment. We encourage students to experiment with many different materials and mediums to express themselves and uncover new artistic possibilities. Our preschool art classes help students improve fine motor skills as they manipulate different materials. Students naturally develop skills for planning, collaboration, and problem-solving as they work both independently and in groups to explore their world through art.
Elementary & Middle School Art
The Visual Arts program at the middle school level is based on fueling students' natural curiosity for exploration and the arts with a range of experiences designed to expose the students the full spectrum of the visual arts. While self-expression and individuality are encouraged, all students take part in process-oriented immersive experiences foundational to later development of their personal artistic voices, styles, and individual interests. Students take part in lessons in encourage exploration of many different mediums such as drawing, painting, ceramics, mix-media, and sculpture.
Secondary Art
The secondary visual arts program at QSI International School of Shenzhen has a carefully planned curriculum that engages students and helps them to develop their personal voice through self-expression. The program promotes transferrable skills such as critical thinking and creative problem solving as well as specialized skills in art history and analysis, design vocabulary, and art production. Elective courses are offered in Art I through Art IV, AP Studio art, and IB Diploma Visual art. Students begin their study in the Art I course to develop the foundational skills and gain experience necessary to be independently confident in the subject. From there, they can choose to go on to advanced art courses that offer a variety of content in 2D, digital, and 3D design. Students should leave the art program understanding the steps of the creative process and what it takes to connect to the world as creative thinkers.
Drama
At QSI Shenzhen, students from all levels can engage in a vibrant drama program that fosters personal growth through creative risk-taking. Whether they enroll in drama classes, participate in the student-led drama club, or join annual productions like the recent "Into the Woods," students are encouraged to experiment, play, and focus on detail in a feedback-driven environment. Whether students choose to enroll in drama class, participate in the student-led drama club, or be a part of one of our annual productions, drama students take part in a feedback driven process where experimentation, play, and attention to detail are emphasized. Members of our troupe, the Dragon Players, can also join the theater honor organization, the International Thespian Society.