The Yokohama International School's
Japanese Music Program recently received two grants totaling three million yen
to support its performances during the International Society for Music
Education's 29th Annual World Conference, scheduled for August 1-6,
2010, in Beijing, China. As one of only two performing groups selected from
Japan, YIS Japanese Music Ensembles will perform several concerts featuring
traditional Japanese instrumental music.
Two
of Japan's most prestigious international foundations, the Japan Foundation and
the Toshiba International Foundation, awarded YIS a two million yen and one
million yen grant, respectively. The Japan Foundation, started in 1972, is the
only organization in Japan engaged in international cultural exchange in every
region of the world. This
organization contributes to world peace by promoting dialogue and interaction
between Japan and other countries. The Toshiba International Foundation,
established in 1989, is a non-profit, grant-giving organization dedicated to
promoting the understanding of Japan through international exchanges.
Every two years, ISME holds its conference for music educators and
performers from all over the world who gather for presentations, workshops,
concerts and exhibitions. This
year events will be held in the Chinese National Convention Center and the
China Conservatory of Music. ISME (www.isme.org) was formed by UNESCO in 1953 to promote music education as an important
component of general education curriculum, and to provide a worldwide platform
for music educators.
The mission of the YIS Japanese Music Program is to focus on
a deeper understanding and appreciation of traditional Japanese music through
education and performance. The program seeks to reach a broader international
audience for Japanese music through its activities in Japan and overseas.
Established in 2003, the program is the only English language-based curriculum
for Japanese music education in the world. With over 150 students enrolled in
the program, studies begin in Grade 4 and continue through the International
Baccalaureate Diploma Program in Grade 12. Japanese instrumental music
(13-string koto, 17-string koto, and shamisen) as well as Japanese music history/theory
is taught.
YIS Japanese Music Ensembles have
been awarded prizes in several key national music competitions, while
individual members have been honored with top solo awards. Ensembles have
performed at concert halls, temples and other venues throughout Japan, with special
performances at the Danish Embassy; the 150th Anniversary Yokohama
Port Opening Festival; the Diwali Indian Festival; and the International House
of Japan. Overseas concert tours have taken students to Australia as part of
the 2006 Year of Cultural Exchange and
to the eastern United States in 2008. The YIS Japanese Music Program has
previously received funding to support its innovative curriculum from IBM
Japan, Subaru of America, International House of Japan, The Noguchi Museum and
Keio Academy of New York.
