Seisen music students Sora Ihara (Jazz Workshop- trombone, G9), Sara Kishiku (Jazz Workshop - alto saxophone, G9) Adithi Saisekar (Jazz Workshop- flute, G9), Mei Yamada (Honor Big Band & Combo - drums, G9), Mitsuki Kohno ( Jazz Workshop - guitar, G10), Yura Imai (Jazz Vocal Workshop, G10), and Rina Ogawa (Jazz Vocal Workshop, G10) participated in the AMIS Jazz Festival hosted by the International School of Düsseldorf from September 25~ 30.   They were accompanied by their music teacher Naoko Hashimoto-Uesaka and learning support specialist Patrick Frain who is also a bass guitarist.

The Jazz Combo, Honor Big Band, Vocal Jazz Workshop, and Instrumental Jazz Workshop rehearsals sizzled with musical energy and excitement.  The students had productive days of musical learning inspired by their workshop leaders' guidance.  
The students' confidence and creativity blossomed day by day, evident in their increasingly adventurous jazz solos. They also didn’t forget to try some schnitzel at the famous restaurant HeimWerk!

Combo Night showcased the talents of the rhythm section students from the Honor Big Band. Seisen drummer Mei Yamada gave stellar performances of three jazz standards as a member of Combo #3: "All of Me," "Blue Bossa," and "The Chicken".  The combo's remarkable chemistry was on full display as they captivated the audience with their energetic and passionate performance. 

On Saturday, the AMIS Jazz Instrumental Workshop, Jazz Vocal Workshop, and Honor Big Band had their culminating performance, filled with electrifying jazz solos, incredible harmony, and budding friendships.  The Honor Big Band and Honor Vocal Jazz Ensemble wowed the crowd at the Gala Concert, bringing the audience to their feet. 

The Seisen students and the teachers enjoyed a quick morning excursion before the flight on the last day.  In Altstadt, they visited Marktplatz, one of the most beautiful squares in Düsseldorf with its iconic equestrian statue of Jan Wellem and the Schlossturm(palace tower) along the Rhine River. They took a stroll on the fashionable Königsalle on the way to Heinemann, a famous confectionary store most known for its chocolate.  They enjoyed an exquisite slice of their cake at the cafe on the second floor and bought some chocolates for our families and friends waiting at home.
Congratulations to our Seisen jazz musicians!