This summer, Singing Hearts went to Suzhou, a city with a history of over two thousand five hundred years, for a week of immersion in choral arts, architecture, and the humanities.

  Ms. Xiong Shiling, choral arts expert from Taiwan, used a lively and layered method of teaching. Under her instruction, the students broke into groups to compose, played musical scale games, and singang  multi-part harmonies. With a healthy dose of competitiveness, the students became more attentive and creative.

  On Day Four of the camp, the students pulled off a flash mob at the Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre, with the support of their teachers and parents. For them, it felt magical singing in front of complete strangers passing by, creating a moment of resonance, and blending back into the crowd immediately afterwards. We applaud their bravery in stepping out of their comfort zones.

  The closing ceremony opened with ¡°Moving Forward,¡± a song in the Southern Min language. Then, the students reflected on memorable moments from the camp with handmade presentation boards. Finally, awards including the Group Leadership Award, the Service Award, and the Progress Award were given out.

  It¡¯s true that all good things must come to an end. However, they would part ways with cherished memories of their time together, and a refined sense of appreciation for music and life. Someday their souls will blossom like lotus in the summertime.