[NEW YCIS ARRIVAL] Primary Music Teacher Anne Dwyer

With the commencement of the Yew Chung International School of Beijing's 2016-17 academic year, the school has welcomed a number of new teaching professionals to further enhance the learning experience of students. We spoke with new ECE and Primary School music teacher Anne Dwyer on the music that role plays at YCIS Beijing and in the lives of our students.

Where are you from and how did you come to Beijing?

I am from Melbourne, Australia, and came to Beijing with my husband, Don Collins. Don is also working at YCIS as the Vice Principal, Senior School.

Where does your passion for music come from?

I have always loved music! I remember learning the piano and happily playing the same music over and over again until my mother would kindly ask me to play something else. Being able to share your love of music with students is an absolute privilege.

Tell us about your role at YCIS.

I am the ECE and Junior School music teacher, teaching all ECE and Years 1 – 5 children for classroom music. I will also be taking the Year 7 choir and will be involved in rehearsals for the School Musical. As part of the Performing Arts Department, I will be working with others to develop an integrated program.

Could you describe the music programme for students in Primary?

The Primary music programme at YCIS is very comprehensive. A range of teaching methods are employed to provide students with a programme that develops core skills. The strings program provides students with an invaluable start to their music education. The classroom music programme uses an extensive selection of musical instruments and singing is also included at all year levels. Add dance and drama offerings for the older Primary year levels, and it is clear that YCIS Performing Arts programme provides students with lots of opportunities to be curious and to learn through creating and performing.

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