G11-12

On the morning of December 18th, the 11th and 12th graders dazzled crowds with spectacular performances in the annual Art Festival, lighting up the Grand Auditorium with their vivid displays and memorable highlights. With the hosts of the Art Festival energizing the crowd with an introductory skit, the student spectators were left excited by the months of preparation their fellow performers had put in.

The tone was set with the grand performance of SHSID Wind Ensemble, which demonstrated a powerful presence through the coordination of its members. After the ensemble’s performance, the students showcased their remarkable talents through heartfelt singing, rapping, and dances that had the audience moving in sync. There were also many unique performances in this Art Festival---a group of seniors performed an imitation of synchronized swimming using a blue mattress, eliciting surprised reactions from the audience. Besides, athletic-themed performances, such as karate and calisthenics, also played a significant role, highlighting the diversity of student interests at SHSID.

The Art Festival was mainly dominated by group performances. Other than the Wind Ensemble, the SHSID String Orchestra and the school Choir also delivered an impressive show with their coordinated deliveries. Each student played a monumental part in contributing to a large showcase, connected the efforts of many though a united heart. Another performance type that was noticeably popular this year was the band showcases. All the band members coordinated well with each other, giving out signals like professionals to keep the group on track.

Between performances, the students were also entertained by the periodic showcases of the ASB-run lottery, which randomly selected students from the crowd to receive gifts. With Christmas approaching, these lotteries brought a merry spirit and delighted the crowd greatly even during the intermissions. We extend our gratitude to the ASB for their contributions, including moving equipment, managing lighting and audio, and coordinating the order of each performance. Although they remained behind the scenes, their dedication to the Art Festival ensured that all students could enjoy cheering alongside their friends as the year came to an end.

The students were given an opportunity to shine, but we must not forget the amazing performances by the teachers. In one of the teachers’ performances, SHSID High School Principal Ma led the karaoke, signaling a bright future for students about to embark on their university journey. Other teachers prepared gifts to students, handing out presents and wishes to students as they joyfully unpackaged them. Their remarkable performances left lasting impressions on the students, fostering for deeper bonds between students and teachers beyond academics.

Although the Art Festival lasts for only a few hours, each performance represents students' deep love for arts and tireless preparation as they strive to display the best version of themselves under the spotlight for all, leaving their precious mark on the Grand Auditorium stage.

G9-10

The icy winds of winter could not dampen the fiery youth within the students. Alongside the impending new year, the eagerly anticipated art festival for grades 9-10 unveiled on December 18th in the Grand Auditorium.

This year's art festival featured a multitude of programs, diverse in nature, including dances, songs, instrumental performances, dramas, and more. Everyone gave their all, showcasing their talents and igniting the unique passion and vitality of this season with dazzling performances.

The opening piece of the art festival was performed by the SHSID Wind Ensemble. A melodious flute solo kicked off, like a gentle breeze brushing past, bringing a fresh breath of early spring. Sometimes affectionate, sometimes joyful. The deep and heavy tone of the horn echoed like the deep earth, while the bright melody of the trumpet pierced through clouds like a beam of sunlight. The trombone harmonized with its wide vocal range, sometimes gentle as murmurs, sometimes passionate as shouts. The entire orchestra played in unison, with alternating dialogue between saxophone and oboe, accompanied by precise percussion beats, presenting a stunning musical feast.

Subsequently, various performances took the stage one after another, ranging from the heart-pounding orchestra performances to the graceful or passionate dance routines; from the soulful and moving duets that sounded like melodies from heaven to the ingenious folk music performances... After long hours of meticulous preparation and unwavering effort, the students standing on the stage today shone like the brightest stars in the night sky, radiating dazzling brilliance.

In the dimly lit hall, the SHSID String Orchestra slowly took the stage, and the moment the bow lightly touched the strings, the whole world fell into a solemn silence. With the conductor's gesture, the First Movement of “Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67" exploded like thunder - those four concise and powerful notes, like the knocking of fate, struck the hearts of every listener. The shock of the double bass is like a deep whisper of fate. The violin plays quickly, like a hero struggling in the torrent of fate. The dialogue between the viola and cello is like a hymn of struggle and hope, one wave never ends, another wave rises.

The teachers walked onto the stage with light steps, transforming from their usual image of imparting knowledge in the classroom. Using familiar animated films as the backdrop, they created secondary works: some danced gracefully, some played melodious guitar tunes, and some presented a "fire" magic trick...

A group of students passionate about Chinese theater, inspired by "Thunderstorm," cleverly fused tradition with modernity to create a script that respected the original work while being filled with novelty. They delved deeply into human entanglements and family secrets, breathing new life into the characters through delicate emotions and innovative stage design, cleverly incorporating the perspectives of contemporary teenagers, making the work profound and close to the audience. After countless discussions, rehearsals, and adjustments, the script became increasingly splendid, and their performance earned a round of applause from the audience.

Every note is full of deep affection, like a spring breeze brushing across the wilderness, gently stirring people's heartstrings. From electrifying group street dance routines to stirring and elegant traditional Chinese music performances; from melodious ancient-style singing to creatively reimagined classic plays; from harmonious multi-part band ensembles to heartwarming teacher performances—students poured their passion and talents into creating a thrilling feast for the senses. Interspersed throughout the event were exciting lucky draws, with the audience eagerly watching the big screen, hoping to see their names appear.

Finally, the SPDC Hip-Hop Dance Club brought the 2024 Art Festival to a perfect conclusion.Let's meet again at the art festival next year!

(Written by 9(6) Xiaoxiao, 9(1) Yili, 9(9) Victor, 9(6) Arianna, 11(8) Beeno Nie, 12(3) Geoffrey Ku   Surpervised by Ms. Yu Lijia, Ms. Shi Meijun, Ms. He Sijia   Photos by SHSID Media Group, Mr. Sun Hao   Edited by Ms. Shi Hanyue   Proofread by Mr. Cody Allen Turner   Reviewed by Ms. Gu Ying, Ms. Shen Chenli)