As the year draws to a close, students from grades 6-8 of the Middle School Section of SHSID welcomed a meaningful Art Festival. This time, the middle school section collaborated with the Shanghai Children's Foundation (SCF), organizing students to participate in the 31st Annual Charity Campaign through charitable arts performances. During these days filled with warmth, teachers and students demonstrated responsibility and care through their actions, jointly composing a splendid chapter in the sea of arts.

Prior to this, the middle school section’s art enthusiasts and the eighth-grade service-learning group jointly organized two flash mob events for the Art Festival. During these events, attendees were treated to exquisite cultural and creative products, unique Art Festival merchandise, and surprise-filled mystery boxes. Additionally, a variety of vibrant performances entertained the audience. In the resonance of art and spirit, students actively participated in charity sales, not only building anticipation for the upcoming Art Festival but also demonstrating their support for charitable causes. This initiative exemplifies the junior high school section's educational philosophy of fostering students' sense of responsibility, empathy, and social commitment.

The afternoon sun bathed the campus on December 19th as the Middle School Art Festival officially kicked off. At 12:50 PM, the Wind Ensemble launched the opening notes with “Radetzky March,” whose uplifting melody transported everyone into an inspiring world. Following Mr. Yu Xiwen’s introduction, all eyes were drawn to the center of the stage, eagerly awaiting the important moments to come—the special segment featuring the collaboration between the middle school section and the Shanghai Children's Foundation. After watching a heartfelt video showcasing students' involvement in various charitable activities, Ms. Zhang Zehong, Secretary General of SHS, took to the stage to deliver a speech. She welcomed all participants and supporters and emphasized the importance of this event in cultivating students' sense of social responsibility. The atmosphere was both warm and solemn.Ms. Shi Qiuqin, Deputy Chairman of the Shanghai Children's Foundation, then took to the stage to deliver a speech, encouraging more people to join in charitable activities. Finally, amid enthusiastic applause, Ms. Zhang Zehong, Secretary General of SHS, Mr. Liu Lian, Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, and Mr. Shen Tianyuan, Vice Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, together with Ms. Shi Qiuqin and Mr. Chen Yong, Deputy Chairman of the Shanghai Children's Foundation, and Love Ambassador DouDou, jointly presented symbolic certificates of love to student representatives who participated in the charity performances and sales, recognizing their selfless contributions and active involvement. In addition, Ms. Liu Fang, Vice Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School and Mr. Ni Minxue, Director of SHSID Middle and Primary School Teaching Affairs Center, also attended the event. After the final certificate of love was solemnly presented to a student representative, the Art Festival officially entered its performance segment.

In this vibrant and diverse performance, the club programs showcased the dedication of both teachers and students. The G3-6 SPDC Dance Club ignited the atmosphere with their energetic dance program “Christmas Dance,” where lively rhythms and graceful movements transported the audience into a festive sea of joy. The Middle School Choir delivered harmonious and touching renditions of “A Little Fulfillment” and “Watching It Snow,” with gentle melodies that conveyed warmth and emotion. The Opera Club captivated the audience with a quartet performance of “Intorno All’Idol Mio,” demonstrating the timeless charm of classic opera. The G6-8 Classical Dance Club’s performance of “Jasmine” was a masterpiece of elegance and emotional depth, fully showcasing the essence of Chinese traditional culture. The String Ensemble’s rendition of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5-First Movement, was both stirring and profound, taking the audience on a journey through time to experience the grandeur and immortality of classical music. Finally, the G7-8 SPDC Dance Club presented the modern and dynamic dance program “Lose Control,” an exhilarating performance that conveyed the boundless energy and potential of youth.

On the stage of the Art Festival, the individual talent show showcased the diverse talents and creativity of the students. The song “Wanjiang” conveyed deep emotions, while the choir rendition of “Mynlie” touched every listener with its sweet melodies. Rock Band’s vibrant performance of “Last Christmas” ignited the audience’s enthusiasm. The classical dance “Zhuo Qinglian” and the ballet medley “Ballet Variation Medley” displayed graceful movements, transporting the audience into a world of poetry and beauty. Eighth-grade students also presented the dynamic and energetic pop dance “A Déjà Vu Armageddon,” filled with youthful vigor. In the instrumental performances, the piano duet “Chopin Duet” and the piano-saxophone duet “Pequeña Czarda” wove beautiful melodies with harmonious notes. The heartfelt piano-vocal performance of “Write a Song” resonated deeply with everyone. The Zheng-Cello duet “Butterfly and Orchid” combined Eastern and Western instruments perfectly, offering the audience a unique and memorable musical experience. Additionally, collaborative programs between teachers and students added special charm to the event. Many eighth-grade students performed the musical theater song “We’re All in This Together” alongside foreign teachers, while seventh-grade students collaborated with Ms. Wang Lu to play the erhu piece “Horse Racing.” These outstanding performances earned prolonged and enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Additionally, the energetic sixth-grade students from the middle school section showcased their teamwork through class performances. Their renditions of bamboo flute pieces such as “Golden Snake Dance,” “Rice Fragrance,” “Compendium of Materia Medica,” and “Blue and White Porcelain” demonstrated their solid musical skills and conveyed their love and dedication to Chinese traditional culture. The song “Good Time,” with its lively melody and vibrant performance, injected boundless energy into the venue. “I Remember” touched every listener’s heart with its gentle vocals, evoking a shared sense of nostalgia for cherished memories. Dances like “Descendants of the Yan and Huang” and “Universe” highlighted the students’ vibrant and spirited demeanor, while “The First Day” and “Let’s Go” further ignited the enthusiastic atmosphere on stage.

As the grand finale, the teachers took to the stage themselves, presenting the musical and dance performance “Ascending Spring Mountain.” This program bridged the gap between teachers and students, pushing the Art Festival to a new climax. In the joyful music and vibrant dances, teachers and students shared an unforgettable moment together, bringing the festival to a warm and touching conclusion.

As the sunlight gradually faded, the Art Festival activities came to a warm and touching conclusion. This event was not only filled with the charm of art but also witnessed the convergence and transmission of countless acts of kindness. Let us carry this warmth forward, believing that more wonderful moments await us in the future, waiting to be created.

Written by Xu Qinyou

Photos by Parents Volunteers, Ginger Xu, 8-1 Max（G8 Photography SL Group）

Edited by Shen Tianyuan, Zheng Wenyin, Luo Cong, Charlie Su, Judah Kuhn