Y12 students' contributions to Arts and Culture acknowledged

The following year 12 students were nominated by their peers as having demonstrated a passion for Arts and Culture, making strong links to curiosity and communication at a local and global level.

Sofia Ferranti is an extremely enthusiastic musician. She enjoys all genres of music and especially thrives on rock having early inspiration from her father. Sofia grew up listening to bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Guns N' Roses. At present, the underground band Catfish and the Bottlemen is top of her list of bands to listen to. Sofia is also extremely passionate about Fine Art. In the IBDP she is working across the theme of ‘fairy tales and morals’. Sofia spoke of how Paula Rego’s artwork morphs animal heads onto humans, and how this surrealism was evident when she visited the Paula Rego Gallery in Cascais. Sofia particularly liked the etchings which used nursery rhymes, such as the ‘3 blind mice’ within her process. Sofia hopes her future career will be related to music performance and composition.

Yihao Liu spoke with such energy about his love of music and how the Music Department at SJS has provided so much support in allowing him to develop as a musician and grow in confidence as an individual. Yihao has progressed from being part of the Junior Orchestra to the Chamber Orchestra. He plays both the trumpet and drums past grade 8 (distinction) and feels extremely privileged to have played the trumpet at the Great Albert Hall in London. Yihao particularly enjoys classical and jazz, but also listens to country and pop showing his versatility and appreciation of various genres. Music has allowed Yiaho to make friends, develop self-confidence, and improve his communication skills. The different musical events he has participated in have often taken him to new places which have provided many opportunities to explore, collaborate and introduce him to different perspectives.

Jacob Pedersen has a wide variety of interests linked to many different aspects of Art and Culture. As a Third Culture Kid, he feels that exposure to many different paradigms has helped him become open-minded and curious to investigate the inspirations of various cultures. Having lived in both Europe and Southeast Asia, Jacob brings a new and mixed style to the music and art he composes. This can be seen in the 90s skater-style painting he is working on at present. Much inspiration also comes from visiting modern art galleries such as the MOMA in New York. He uses up-to-date software in composing and sampling music. This is then shared with friends and the public when DJing. Jacob spoke of how he is thoroughly immersing himself in his collaborative CAS project, in which his team are making an album which implements the sounds and atmosphere of the ocean. The album will be available soon and monetary donations will then be given to a local charity to help support environmental issues.

Jo Stedman
Head of Year 12