AMIS Music Conference - A School Milestone with a Remarkable Personal Story

We are truly honored to host the prestigious Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) Music Educator Conference, for the first time ever in Vietnam. But more than just a milestone for our school, this event carries a special connection for one of our very own—elementary school music teacher Ranya Ayache.

At SSIS, every melody tells a story, and Ms. Ayache’s story is a true symphony of passion, dedication, and the power of music. Twenty years ago, she was a middle schooler in Beirut, Lebanon, with a love of music. When she auditioned and was accepted to the AMIS Honor Choir Festival, it solidified her lifelong passion for music. Now, her story comes full circle as she prepares to attend the AMIS Music Educator Conference as a dedicated and enthusiastic music educator at Saigon South International School, embodying the transformative effect of AMIS.

"In 2004, I was a young student with a passion for vocal performance. Being accepted as an Alto singer for the AMIS festival held in London, England, was an experience that solidified my dream that music is what I wanted to do with my life," Ms. Ayache shares, pondering the memories of rehearsals, friendships, and excitement of performing on an international stage.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Today, Ms. Ayache channels that same passion into her role as a music teacher at SSIS. Her journey from an AMIS participant to a dedicated educator now attending the conference herself, embodies the very essence of what AMIS strives to achieve—empowering music students and teachers to pursue their lifelong passions.

“Nurturing students' passion for music feels like lighting a spark that can ignite their dreams. Middle school Ranya would have never imagined that her love for music could ripple outwards, helping young students find their rhythm and voice,” Ms. Ayache shared.

Celebrating Community & Music

As SSIS prepares to welcome nearly 200 music educators to the AMIS Music Educator Conference on November 9 - 10, it is more than an honor; it’s a celebration of our collective musical journeys. Joining our own dedicated SSIS music teachers, Mr. Leif Larson, Mr. Aaron Furry, Ms. MacKenzie Doyle, Mr. Leon Corpening, Mr. Stephen Ada, and, of course, Ms. Ranya Ayache, are educators from all around the world—including Europe, Africa, and Asia—each embodying their own story of the path that led them to teach music.

We can’t wait for the collaboration and inspiration of their universal language of music, which is sure to enrich the musical opportunities not only for our students but for students globally.