The Yehudi Menuhin School in Qingdao, a nurturing ground for musical dreams, marked the 40th Teachers' Day with a heartfelt concert titled “Strings of Autumn.” Organized by the violin department, the concert celebrated the school’ s young teachers, who used music to honor their fellow educators. With every note, they expressed gratitude to the mentors who dedicate themselves to the art of teaching.
@ All Teachers: “Because of You, Teacher”
Before the concert officially began, three students — representing the primary, middle, and high school divisions — stepped on stage to deliver speeches in English, expressing their appreciation for their teachers. These heartfelt stories, drawn from everyday experiences, highlighted the deep connections between students and educators.
Wang Xize, a third-grade violin student, shared a lighthearted memory from his first days at school. He recalled mischievously locking his teacher out of the practice room, thinking it was funny at the time. Instead of reprimanding him, the teacher responded with patience and understanding, teaching him an invaluable lesson about forgiveness. "That experience gave me the courage to face my mistakes," Wang reflected.
Hu Tingzhang, a seventh-grade trumpet student, spoke about how much he enjoyed life at YMSQ. “Here, we each have our own practice room. The lessons are fresh and creative, and the teachers challenge us to think beyond the ordinary. My roommates feel like brothers, and the dorm staff care for us like family,” he shared. These small but meaningful experiences left a lasting impression on him.
Liu Shiyan, a high school piano student, expressed his gratitude, saying, “The care and guidance from every teacher, along with the kindness from my classmates, make this school feel like so much more than just a place to study. It feels like a warm, extended family.”
@ All Teachers A Musical Celebration of Skill and Passion
Throughout the evening, the school’s young violin instructors took the stage, performing in a variety of ensemble formats. The repertoire showcased everything from duets to larger group performances, blending the expressive voices of violins, violas, and pianos. Each piece reflected the teachers’ technical mastery and deep emotional connection to the music, drawing the audience into a world of pure artistry. The students in attendance were captivated, inspired by their teachers' command of the stage, and determined to achieve the same level of excellence.
Professor Wang Hong, head of the violin department, surprised the audience by stepping in as the evening’ s host. Deeply moved by the talent and dedication of his young colleagues, he shared his commitment to nurturing the department. “We are building something truly special together,” he said. “With the passion I see tonight, I believe we are ushering in a new spring for our department.”
The concert concluded with a joyful ensemble performance of the Romanian folk piece “Spring,” performed by all the young violin teachers. The bright, uplifting melody filled the Menuhin Hall, spreading warmth like sunshine on a spring day. It was the perfect way to close the evening, leaving the audience with a sense of joy and optimism.
As the final notes faded, students returned to the stage with bouquets, offering them to their teachers in a gesture of gratitude. The sight of flowers, music, and sincere words intertwined created a memorable and meaningful tribute to the 40th Teachers' Day. Through flowers, applause, and sincere words, the students honored their teachers, exemplifying the mutual dedication between teacher and student. This shared journey made this Teachers' Day at YMSQ especially meaningful, leaving a lasting impact that will continue to inspire both teachers and students in the years ahead.
