Both the UCAS International College and the Sino-Danish College attended a chorus competition in memory of the December 9 Movement at the Yuquanlu campus on December 5.
37 International College students, from more than 10 nations, e.g. Pakistan, Thailand, Nepal, Kenya, Iran, and Rwanda, practiced since October. The greatest challenge for them was not the melody but rather the pronunciation of the Chinese lyrics. They downloaded the mp3 of the song and repeatedly listened to it, singing it in their dormitory rooms. Nothing is impossible for a willing heart. When the international students were wearing their respective national dress, holding two flags symbolizing the friendship between their home country and China, and singing the “Red Star Song”, they received a round of applause! Kenya students who performed traditional East African song and dance, accompanied with drumbeats and dancing, brought the feeling of the Africa savanna. The International College team received third prize.
The SDC student chorus, composed of 67 students, sang two songs, ‘The Jasmine’ and ‘Bella Ciao’. ‘The Jasmine’ is a popular Chinese folk song, which conveys wishes of peace and happiness for humanity. ‘Bella Ciao’ is an Italian song, honoring the great courage of soldiers defending their hometown. The students practiced singing for about two months, during which they learned more about China, and built closer friendships with each other.
For the international students, the chorus competition in memory of the December 9 Movement was more than a competition. It provided an opportunity for them to feel the patriotism and upward spirituality of China's young generation and experience Chinese culture and history.
