by kfi | Nov 27, 2024 | Music Department |
The KIS Music program is one of the most outstanding features offered at KIS. The KIS music department is the largest amongst all our departments, comprising an array of renowned musicians from India and internationally with professional concert experience spanning the globe. The school’s music tradition goes more than 100 years back and KIS alumni include a number of distinguished composers, professional musicians, and those with a lifelong appreciation of music. KIS students are regularly invited for collaborations by professional music groups in India and overseas.
The KIS music department offers a comprehensive Western Music program. Students have the opportunity to take individual instruction as well as participate in a wide variety of ensembles. Instructions are tailored to suit students’ abilities and progress, using methods both modern and traditional. Students are offered lessons in voice, piano, full array of string instruments (bowed strings and guitar), percussion and wind instruments (woodwind or brass).
In keeping with KIS’s vision and mission in India, KIS is one of the very few schools offering Indian Classical music both in the Hindustani and Carnatic traditions. Students have the option to study either traditions ranging from classical to modern popular music. Lessons are also offered in instrumental music such as the veena and harmonium. Students of Indian music are taken to Thiruvaiyaru (Tanjore) for their music field trip to the famous St. Thiagaraja Aradhana Festival in January every year. KIS music students also appear for the reputed Annamalai University Music Grade Certificate Exam.
Overall, KIS students enjoy a rich and varied musical life – both as performers and listeners. With concerts almost on a weekly basis, and ensembles ranging from soloists to orchestra – they develop an appreciation and love for all that music has to offer.
A donation to the Music Department allows the continuation of this excellence, including buying instruments, field trips for music students, musical performances, both locally and nationally, as well as making sure that KIS maintains the best teachers in the music field.
by kfi | Nov 27, 2024 | The Keith DeJong Music Award |
The DeJong Bequest to Kodai Friends International (KFI) may be used only for student music scholarships at Kodaikanal International School (KIS), as stipulated by the will of C. Keith DeJong.
The name Keith DeJong is synonymous with music. While in Kodai as a student, Keith excelled in the music program at Kodai School and graduated with his class in 1949. Kodai School provided a strong foundation for his professional career and welcomed his return in 1957, along with his wife Marcine and their first of four children. Keith taught music lessons to many students over the years. He directed the Band, Choir, and many ensembles. Keith’s beautiful tenor voice could stand alone in a solo, or blended with others, rewarding all within listening distance, and Marcine was known by all Sunday School kids as a pianist with gusto. Keith and Marcine were role models to the community, and their love of music continues through the legacy they left to KFI.
The Keith DeJong Music Award and Scholarship fund is a temporarily restricted fund basket, and provides support to two outstanding KIS grade 12 music students each year. Recipients, selected by the KIS Music Department, are awarded $750 (each) annually at Awards Assembly. In addition, the fund provides an additional $1,500 annually for music students of any grade level who need financial assistance for music field trips sponsored by KIS and/or for an additional instrument lesson if not included in the basic school fees.
by kfi | Nov 27, 2024 | Announcements, South East Asian Regional Scholarship |
The SEAR Scholarship is presented annually to two deserving students from the Southeast Asian region, initially being granted to students of Burmese origin entering Grade 11 at KIS. These students are recognized for their exceptional personal character, outstanding academic achievements, and unwavering determination to overcome challenges. The scholarship seeks individuals who not only strive for personal success but also demonstrate a profound commitment to making a positive impact on their communities.
This scholarship has been initiated by KIS Alumna Ms. Maureen Aung-Thwin (’66) in loving memory of her mother, Margaret Aung-Thwin, a dedicated educator and former KIS faculty member. It embodies the spirit of perseverance, academic excellence, and commitment to community values that Mrs. Aung-Thwin exemplified throughout her life.
Margaret Aung-Thwin’s legacy as an educator and translator is deeply ingrained in the SEAR Scholarship. Her multifaceted career spanned various countries and cultures, reflecting a life dedicated to education and cultural exchange. She was the first of fourteen children born to John F. Hodgson and Naw Thet Po, and she pursued her education with a BA and B.Ed from Judson College in Rangoon and an M.A. from SUNY Cortland. A Fulbright Exchange Scholar, she taught in various international settings, including schools in Rangoon, Kodaikanal, and Cornell University, and led adult education programs for the Miccosukee Native American community in Florida. Her significant contribution to Burmese literature, particularly through her translation of Ma Ma Lay’s “Not Out of Hate,” highlights her dedication to bridging cultural divides through education.
This scholarship is not merely a financial grant; it is an invitation to join a community that values educational excellence, cultural understanding, and a commitment to improving the world. It is a tribute to the enduring impact of a remarkable educator and a testament to the power of education to change lives.
The scholarship will be granted to a female student entering KIS in Grade 11, and preference will be given to applicants with a family income that is not sufficient to cover all education-related expenses at KIS. The award will provide a scholarship of USD 10,000 to a Grade 11 student for each year of their study at KIS in the Diploma Program.
by kfi | Nov 27, 2024 | The KIS Scholarship Fund |
Initiated by Kodai Woodstock International, the Kodaikanal International School Scholarship Fund, formerly the KFI Global Citizen Scholarship Fund, was established during Kodaikanal International School’s (KIS) centennial year celebrations and has grown over the years to allow families in financial difficulty or from diverse backgrounds to send their children to KIS, providing them with an opportunity to receive a world-class education. To be eligible for a scholarship, candidates must demonstrate both financial need as well as academic excellence.
There are a number of scholarships KFI supports each year under this program, including the STEM Scholarship, The Presbyterian Church (USA) Award and the Dennis Lettenmaier Award.
The KIS STEM Scholarship for Women is awarded to a young woman entering KIS in Grade 11 with demonstrated academic excellence; an ambition to pursue studies and a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math with a commitment to serve her community.
The KIS STEM Scholarship for Women was originally initiated in 2021 by KIS Alumna Ms. Anuja Master Bose in memory of her mother Dr. Kunjlata Kothary Master, who was a talented and motivated trailblazer in the field of Science. Ms. Anuja Master Bose graduated from KIS in 1989 and served on the KIS Board of Council Members, deeply involved in the development of the School and supporting its mission and vision.
In 2023, this Scholarship has been made possible due to the generous contributions of Ms. Anita Khaldy, KIS Alumna (Class of 1982) in honor of her parents Mr. Sam Alphonso and Mrs. Rita Alphonso. The scholarship is for two years, granted to a female student entering KIS in Grade 11. Preference will be given to applicants with a family income that is not sufficient to cover all education-related expenses at KIS.
The Dennis Lettenmaier Scholarship contribution has been made possible through a 5-year recurring donation by Dennis Lettenmaier in memory of his mother and alumna Bernice Lettenmaier. The scholarship is aimed to part support a student who is likely to excel academically and one who can contribute to public service, artistic or athletic life of the school. The applicant must be an Indian citizen with eligibility independent of gender and religion. The applicant must show a will to succeed, critical thinking ability, leadership skills and perseverance in the face of challenges.
The outcome will be that the recipient acquires a well-rounded personality and excels academically, in his community service contributions and as a leader. Our commitment has been to offer a holistic education to students across the world who are unable to afford such an education. The scholarship would address the issue of unmet financial need which includes limited family income or funds not sufficient to cover education related expenses and for supporting deserving students in their success in life.
by kfi | Nov 27, 2024 | SEE Department Priorities Program |
The Social & Environment Experience Department (SEED) Priorities Program was established in recognition of a cherished classmate, Maj StormoGipson (’74), who left the world too soon.
Through the Social and Environmental Experience Department (SEED), KIS actively engages in initiatives that foster meaningful interactions between the students and the Kodai community, mutually enriching both parties. By integrating real-world experiences, the KIS Social Experience program blends comprehensive classroom teaching with a variety of community-oriented programs and activities. Participating in this program not only helps students to engage thoughtfully with others and respect the natural world, but it also prepares them to be responsible local and global citizens.
The objectives of the SEE Department Priorities Program is to accelerate experimentation and learning to achieve the KIS Social and Environment Experience Department (SEED) learning priorities. This would include the curricula-related priorities as well as other capacity building priorities, including staff training.
