17“The Arts are something that reach something deeper inside of us – some call it humanity, others may call it our soul – but there is something about the Arts that speaks to us in ways that nothing else does.”
–––– Peter Pagett, Secondary and IBDP Music Teacher
By: Jasmine Leung
Last week, on March 17th, the DP1 Music and DP2 Visual Arts students came together to present their work at the 2025 IBDP Arts Showcase.
Musical Performances
The showcase began in the theater with an opening ceremony featuring DP1 Music students. Peter Pagett, the IBDP Music teacher explained, “the showcase directly linked to the IB Music curriculum as the “Presenting Music” component of the DP Music course where students need to complete a set amount of performing and creating (12 minutes and 6 minutes respectively).”
The showcase kicked off with a guitar solo by Kea L., who performed a rendition of music from the Studio Ghibli film Nausicaä and the Valley of the Wind.
Kea shared, “The main challenge was transforming an orchestral piece into a guitar solo, as I had to play multiple instrumental parts on one guitar.” Reflecting on being the first performer of the night, he added, “I felt nervous at first, but once I started playing, the nerves faded, and I really enjoyed the experience.”
The musical portion of the showcase continued with five other performances, including vocalists, composers, and flutists.
Among them is Lucien Z. (grade 11), who presented an original digital composition inspired by stories he writes in his free time. Lucien described the process of composing as both challenging and rewarding, “The freedom in composition made it difficult to decide which direction to take, but it was a great learning experience.”
Reflecting on the students’ journey, the Mr. Peter Pagett shared:
“What made me most proud was hearing all of the performances and creations on stage and thinking back to how each student has developed. Even if the performances and creations weren’t ‘perfect’, each student showed growth and tenacity to continue and improve through the whole process—and I know they’ll continue growing into the future!”
Visual Art
The Visual Arts exhibition, taking place in the SP library, was on display until March 28th . The exhibition displayed the culmination of hard work of DP2 students, providing a platform for students to demonstrate their technical skill, conceptual depth, and engagement with global perspectives—key components of the IB curriculum. Each student curated their own exhibition booth, showcasing their two-year artistic exploration throughout their course.
Mr. Siddhartha Bose, the Secondary IB Visual Art teacher shared, “One of my proudest moments was seeing students confidently explain their experimental works—pieces that began tentatively but grew into powerful narratives blending traditional motifs with contemporary materials. Watching them articulate deep personal connections to their art, I saw the IB learner profile come alive: risk-taking, reflective, communicative. That moment, where vulnerability met courage, stays with me.”
This growth was palpable in students like Hengyu Z. (grade 12), who centered her exhibition around the theme “Symbiosis”, defined by “the realization that we are not the only residents on this planet—we share the biosphere with countless other beings—and this coexistence shapes our identity in an often-neglected way”.
She shared her struggles with the research-heavy components of the course, such as the Comparative Study and Process Portfolio. “Art research was more challenging than I expected, but it improved my ability to write academically about art. I’m relieved it’s over, but proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Another art student, Seamus B. (grade 12), centered his exhibition around theme “Movement”, using “Movement” as a reoccurring element in each artwork, ranging from abstract ideas to the visually representation of movement. He focused on the digital aspect of art, creating on Photoshop.
A piece of advice that he brings to future art students is, “When planning a piece, it is important to experiment with different compositions in order to determine which will best fit the theme/idea you want to express.”
Ending
For the DP2 Visual Arts students, the Arts Showcase marked their final exhibition before graduation. The event evoked mixed emotions, both pride in their accomplishments and nostalgia for the journey they have come through.
One student remarked, “It felt surreal. We used to imagine it to be as grand as a wedding day, but it was actually short and ordinary in a way. Still, it’s a unique experience we’ll always remember.”
Another added, “It’s bittersweet—I’m sad it’s over, but proud of the work I’ve done.”
As the lights dimmed on this year’s showcase, the Mr. Peter Pagett summarised the essence of the event, “these students have dedicated their time to something that transcends time and space – even science has yet to unlock why we find music and art so appealing. Every artwork and performance here invites us to see the world through new eyes.”
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