Few dates on the school calendar reach the lofty heights of last Wednesday’s official launch event that celebrated the brand new collaboration between Regents and The Juilliard School in New York – a world leader in performing arts education.
Regents International School Pattaya’s Principal Iain Blaikie, as master of ceremonies for the event, said the forthcoming collaboration is going to be a highlight of his 25 years as an educator.
Regents’ Choir belting it out!
“This is a dream come true for me personally; I have to keep pinching myself when I consider what this means for the school. The wealth of knowledge and inspiration it will give to our students cannot be measured.”
Perhaps the most important part of the Juilliard-Regents collaboration is the design of a curriculum that will have input from both parties. Parents and students will be safe in the knowledge that performing arts at the school is of the highest calibre and of equal importance to any other of the subjects offered.
Ms. Emily Andrews conducting the Secondary Orchestra.
With over 100 years honing the talents of young performers, The Juilliard School in New York is widely regarded as a place where good musicians and performers become exceptional ones, boasting alumni such as actors Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve, trumpeter Miles Davis, Violinist Itzhak Perlman and famed composer and film scorer, John Williams.
In time, the name Charles Yang will almost surely be spoken of in the same breath as the aforementioned artists. A recent graduate of The Juilliard School – Yang, an American violinist, wowed the Regents’ Globe Theatre audience with a faultless performance that had parents, teachers and distinguished guests in raptures.
Pattaya Mail’s Sue K. (center) flanked by Head of Admissions and Marketing Tim Eaton (left) and Principal Iain Blaikie.
The effect it had on students, however, was even more immense. Clamouring to get a glimpse of the 26 year-old instrumentalist, pupils, inspired by his heartfelt performance, asked for selfies and autographs long after the show was over.
The event also saw several performances from pupils of all age groups. It was a comprehensive showcase of the school’s orchestra, and choir, as well as individual vocalists and instrumentalists. These students will be the first beneficiaries of a curriculum designed to foster creativity and motivation to excel.
The phenomenal Charles Yang – violinist extraordinaire.
Mr. Blaikie says the collaboration will have much farther reaching effects than just from a performing arts perspective.
“Instruction in performing arts has a proven track-record. When taught well, it has a positive effect on students in learning all of their subjects. It unlocks different parts of the mind, creating a sense of wellbeing that is paramount in the formative years.”
One thing for certain is that performing arts has been given a massive boost at Regents and the effect of the collaboration will be felt for many years to come.
Getting ready for the big show.
