| Tianjiao International Education Group has helped us prepare a fantastic music tour to Beijing and Tianjin. The educational experience was one that I will never forget. There was an incredible balance of history, culture, language and social interaction. The venues of our concerts were truly amazing which helped to make our performances that were meaningful. I really appreciated being able to interact in the “hands -on” activities, Tai- ji lessons, dumpling making, and especially the lunch with our Chinese family in the Hu Tong house. The performance on the Great Wall of China was certainly a highlight of my career and in my opinion, the best part of the trip was being able to extend our goodwill as ambassadors of the US and make some impact on the relief efforts to help the victims of the Szechwan earthquakes. Our memories will last a lifetime and I am looking forward to our next trip to China. |
| |
Troy Davis
Director of Band, Aragon High School, California, US |
| I just wanted to say that this was one phenomenal experience here in China with the entire Music Department. I will cherish every memory here with all of the many, many talented musicians, supportive chaperones, and parents that helped contribute to the trip. I am so grateful to have you as my teacher and I appreciate your efforts in making this visit one exceptional experience. I will continue to practice my musicianship and I hope I will be able to see you next year in 08-09. It has been a good one. |
| |
Andrew Oxendine
Student, Aragon High School, California, US |
| Enver Creek Secondary School |
In March, 2008, the Enver Creek Secondary School from Surrey, BC, Canada concert band, which consisted of 75 students, successfully held a series of performances in China on the Great Wall, Ba Yi Secondary School in Beijing, and Xi’an Conservatory of Music. This concert band is proudly led and directed by Mr. Alan Henderson, the music head at Enver Creek. During the 9-day stay, all students felt extremely honored and were excited to be the first band members to have ever performed on Tianjiao’s music tour.
The entire group had been preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime experience for almost two years and is very thankful for the opportunity to learn about China’s ancient history, geography, customs, and culture in this truly unique music exchange program. This group of students, parents, and educators, Surrey School Board trustee Ms. Laurae McNally and school Principal Mr. Michael Jellema, although kept with exchange performances with Chinese school bands, also got to enjoy the exciting sights, scenery and learn about one of the oldest nations in the world.
In an interview conducted by China Central Television (CCTV), the national television network of the People’s Republic of China, both Ms. Laurae McNally and Mr. Michael Jellema commented this trip was extremely successful and they would like to recommend Tianjiao’s Music Program to all School Trustees, band teachers, and students in British Columbia. |
‘ We chose the music program because it provides the opportunity for students to experience the different culture, probably a once a lifetime opportunity to go somewhere else. Many of our students probably would not have this opportunity without this particular program…
… I would say it was very successful; lots of things going on for our students, keeping them busy, and seeing different things all day long. And, today’s performance just really made impression on myself. It is a great experience to see different schools, private school and public school. It is a great experience for our kids’. |
Michael Jellema
School Principal
Enver Creek Secondary School |
