Twenty-five students and five chaperones from the International Schools Foundation (ISF) in Hong Kong traveled to Busan to participate in a music exchange with students of Busan Foreign School (BFS). The trip originated with a shared vision of Dr. Don Grant, a former BFS band teacher and the MS/HS Principal of BFS.  The idea, to promote friendship and understanding through music, was realized on Tuesday, October 8 at the Hong Kong to Busan Friendship Concert, held at the Design Council Event Hall in Centum City, Busan.

Students from ISF, led by Dr. Grant, came to BFS on Monday, October 7 for the first time and joined BFS intermediate and advanced band students and choir students for a shared rehearsal. The ISF students also worked with BFS beginning band students so that all levels could improve their skills. The rehearsal time on Monday was the only shared rehearsal the two groups would have before the dress rehearsals on Tuesday.  Even though this was the only time they rehearsed together, both groups had practiced the music since the Spring of 2024.

On the night of the concert, the Event Hall was transformed by the hard work of the BFS operations team who brought in flowers and event posters, making the lobby welcoming and warm. Additionally, BFS hired a professional videographer who created a fantastic short video of the dress rehearsal to play on the screen as audience members stepped off the elevator. BFS student Hailey said, “I felt rich!” when the cameras were pointed at her.  As guests walked into the theater space they were welcomed by soft music and a professionally lighted interior.

The audience was treated to an evening of music, first from the ISF band/orchestra, followed by different BFS groups including their concert band and choir.  The BFS advanced band brought down the house with their rendition of Havana Nights featuring grade 11 Joy as a soloist.  Joy was also instrumental in preparing the logistics for the trip, finding and booking, among other things, the concert venue and a Korean BBQ restaurant willing to host all of the visitors from ISF.  Her contributions to the success of the event cannot be overstated. 

Perhaps the most meaningful part of the concert was when the groups performed together. The combined choir and ISF strings section came together for More of Me, which included an arrangement for strings by grade 9 ISF student Cheryl.  Their closing number Together We Are Better struck an emotional chord with the audience and reminded everyone of the power of music to unite people from different cultures, backgrounds, and generations.

Closing out the evening, the ISF and BFS bands and orchestra sent the audience out the doors with a spring in their step and the last bars of The Great Locomotive Chase echoing in the halls. BFS Grade 8 student  Neel said “It was amazing to hear how the piece sounded once we added in all the missing parts. It was the first time we heard the way it should sound.” G9 Kyle added that he appreciated the shared sound, comparing it favorably to other events like KIMEA.

Throughout the evening the music teachers from both schools joined in to play the trumpet, tuba, euphonium, and percussion instruments. Even though they were in the background, supporting the students, it was clear that they were professionals and excellent instructors.

The following day the combined bands played a mini-concert in the BFS gym for the Middle School and Elementary students. BFS School Board Chair, Mr. Ronald Haddon spoke and gave grade 11 student Joy an official citation from the school in recognition of her hard work to help organize the event.

That afternoon students from both groups went to Haeundae Beach for a fun beach activity together before returning to BFS for a well-deserved fried chicken feast. They closed their time together with a dance party and Karaoke in the BFS auditorium.

Even though BFS students had two late nights, they were energized by the positive experience. Grade 8 student George said, “Getting to be with people from another culture and seeing how we are similar was a great experience.” 

When asked whether the ISF students would consider transferring to BFS they said that the quality of the school lunches might convince them to make the switch. The two schools are vastly different, ISF students are bilingual in Mandarin and English and study the IB curriculum whereas BFS students come from a variety of different backgrounds with many languages spoken at home, attending a school with an American-style curriculum. ISF also has about ten times as many students as BFS.

The ISF/BFS music exchange succeeded far beyond the expectations of its planners, Dr. Grant, Joy, Ms. Harris, Mr. Henzi, and Ms. Pochon. The concert brought the whole BFS community together, reminding the audience of the power of music to unite and build connections.