Despite challenges posed by hearing impairments and autism, the wind band "Dream of Stars" from a special education school in Xiamen City, east China's Fujian Province, recently delivered an exceptional performance at their graduation concert, showcasing their passion for music and their unwavering confidence as they pursue their dreams.
Fifteen hearing-impaired students and two students with autism showcased their remarkable talents by performing six ensemble pieces and seven solos, with the assistance of their dedicated teachers. Their awe-inspiring performance left the audience deeply impressed and moved.
"It's really not easy because every child is unique. I truly don't know how much effort has been put in behind the scenes, and I was really moved by every moment of the performance," an audience member said.
The wind band "Dream of Stars" was established in 2017. It currently consists of 27 members from different grades, most of whom are hearing impaired, and some have autism. They play brass, woodwind, and percussion, and together they form a simplified version of a standard wind band.
With some instruments donated by the Dunshan Symphonic Wind Orchestra and some others purchased by the school, the children started to practice with the help of teachers from the orchestra and sign language teachers.
Their teachers said the process was very challenging because of the hearing impairment of the children, but they managed to find a way.
"I've tried different methods, like blowing air on their hands to show low and high notes. I've also pushed their bodies with my hands for guidance. I adjusted the pressure based on the airflow speed. For lower notes, I push him slowly. For higher notes, I exert more force," said Kong Qingyu, a trombone teacher.
"I have designed some gestures. For example, when everyone is getting ready, I would stomp the floor very hard, and the vibration indicates that it's time for everyone to play a note together. I also use body language, facial expressions and sign language -- any methods that come to mind to make them understand. I don't really care if the actions are unprofessional, as long as they can understand them, I will do that," said Xue Hao, conductor of the wind band.
The teachers of the wind band said the hearing-impaired children excel in terms of focus and observation skills and they also have strong resilience in the face of difficulties and challenges. Most importantly, they cherish the opportunity to learn music.
Yuan Lu has been studying the flute with her teacher Du Jiayu since the second grade of elementary school in 2018.
"She is very kind to me. She teaches me with great care. I'll keep playing. I want to get better," Yuan said.
In a world without sound, they create enchanting melodies, and the remarkable progress makes their parents very proud.
"I find it amazing that she can play so well, and that she can also play such beautiful music," said the mother of Li Ting, a saxophone player with severe hearing impairment.
Chen Zhen, director of the Xiamen Education Bureau, said the concert presented by the unique wind band will deeply touch the audience and resonate with them.
"This concert is not just a presentation to their teachers and parents, but also a showcase for the society. I hope that more people will believe in them and see their potential to become better," Chen said.
The success of the wind band comes from the combined efforts of the daring school, the philanthropic support of the orchestra, the unwavering dedication of the teachers, and the round-the-clock companionship of the parents. Together, they have made the impossible possible.
"Every little effort from each teacher is like a small raindrop, which gradually accumulates into a small stream. This concert implies many principles of special education. We need to embrace a differentiated view towards every life, providing them with sufficient nurturing so that each individual can shine in their own unique way," said Chen Shayin, principal of the Xiamen Special Education School.
Orchestra of hearing-impaired children hold special concert in Xiamen
