The original London West End production of the musical Matilda, introduced by Seven Ages, has been performed at Beijing Erqi Theater since November 17. This extraordinary stage play is a must-see for both adults and children.
Musical theater, which evolved from comic opera and light opera (also known as “operette “), was initially termed “musical comedy” before being shortened to “musical.” This genre of opera, combining dialogue and singing, originated in Britain in the late 19th century.
Haidian Kaiwen has embarked on a new venture by bringing a phenomenally acclaimed classic musical into the school campus.
An Attempt, a Passion, and an Obsession
This is not merely the debut of the Chinese copyright performance but also a renewed exploration of music education and an original “musical field diary” at Haidian Kaiwen.
After careful consideration, the Demoiselle Crane Choir became our most suitable “experimental sample.”
After over a year of professional choral training and participation in numerous competitions and performances, these students face a new challenge: evolving from being “the first” to being “the only.” This became a shared focus for the choir teachers and the principal.
Thus, musical theater emerged as a consensual attempt.
The classic musical “Les Choristes” became our choice.
We guided the students to recognize, understand, and feel the script’s content, allowing them to embody the characters within it — this is musical literature education.
We trained the students to express through notes and convey their resonance with the characters through chorus — this is choral training.
We engaged the students in experiencing the hardship and joy of rehearsals through dance movements, costumes, props, and group training — this is comprehensive arts education and teamwork education.
Consequently, this course included not only “voice, stage, movement, and expression” but also the implicit growth of the students’ minds and bodies.
Gradually, some began rehearsing despite injuries and illnesses, some formed training teams independently, some proactively assisted schoolmates, some refused recess breaks, and some even offered role suggestions to teachers.
We realized they had fallen in love and became obsessed with this course.
Our initial trepidation about exploring the unknown turned into growing anticipation for this performance.
This is the authentic charm of music education.
Music Education: Illuminating the Ordinary
Not every student can become an all-encompassing “hexagonal warrior.” At Haidian Kaiwen, we encourage our students to “replace gaps with differences” and “let strengths shine.” Every course is a window to explore possibilities, and every teacher is a “magician” who can potentially change a student’s life.
Music serves as a medium for students to express their inner emotions, find their identities, and achieve personal accomplishments. At Haidian Kaiwen, our music curriculum centers on the fundamental principle of musical aesthetics. It aims to cultivate students’ perception and appreciation of music, enhance performance skills, deepen their understanding of musical forms and emotional content, and comprehend the role of musical elements in musical expression.
Teachers at Haidian Kaiwen are responsible for understanding students’ individual differences and using targeted teaching methods to help them discover and develop their musical talents. We also emphasize cultivating students’ creativity and imagination, encouraging them to go beyond textbook knowledge to develop independent thinking and aesthetic abilities.
Education in all fields is interconnected; intellectual, aesthetic, and moral education are never isolated. Through the practice of musical theater, we aim to boost students’ confidence in musical performance, develop their individuality and imagination, foster a sense of cooperation and creativity, and guide them to become more self-disciplined, positive, and proactive learners.
Mathieu’s Redemption, the Essence of Education
“Les Choristes” prominently explores the themes of educational methods and the essence of education. The play posits that truly effective education is through personal example rather than inhumane punishment. The nature of education is to enlighten the soul, just as Mathieu uses music to inspire the children to discover life’s possibilities. The underlying theme is the realization of self-worth, where Mathieu finds redemption through the children, rekindles his love for music, reconciles with his failures, and envisions his own path.
Whether it is Mathieu or the children, through this encounter of teaching and being taught, they ultimately “become themselves.”
Music serves as the catalyst and the thread that weaves the story together. However, what truly creates miracles is the warmth, kindness, inclusiveness, and belief of the educator.
“One tree shakes another tree, one cloud pushes another cloud, one soul awakens another soul.” This is the fundamental principle and essence of education.
Haidian Kaiwen has always advocated for “holistic education” rather than “comprehensive education.” Through this performance, we aim to bring educational techniques back to the essence of education. We hope that both educators and students “become better versions of themselves.”
▲ Music Teacher Bei Wang
I am very pleased to be part of our school’s collaboration with Seven Ages to bring “Les Choristes” to Haidian Kaiwen. As a music teacher who interacts with students daily, I believe “Les Choristes” is highly relevant to the essence of education. It is a story that combines the ideals of educators with the growth of children. This time, the Demoiselle Crane Choir, consisting of 21 students from grades four to six at Haidian Kaiwen, participated in the performance. I witnessed their growth throughout their journey from initial unfamiliarity to their current passion and excitement for musical theater. Stage performance requires a collective effort, with the continuous connection of lines and mutual energy exchange among the children. This process has been a breakthrough in communication and expressiveness for each student.
▲ Music Teacher Letitia Tao
The process of rehearsing “Les Choristes” with the students has allowed me to witness significant changes in them. Initially, our choir members needed more confidence, doubting their ability to perform in a musical. However, through repeated rehearsals and building close cooperation, the children began to feel the energy and influence within the group. They developed a genuine love for the project, willingly sacrificing their rest and playtime to practice. I observed that they practiced proactively and independently, forming a collective practice mentality without needing prompts from teachers. This opportunity has also deepened my understanding and appreciation of my profession. Education should enlighten the soul and tailor teaching to each child’s strengths without giving up on any student. This remains our long-term educational goal.