[Theme Special] Bonghwa Dongyang Elementary School: Students Compose “Our Song” - A Melody of Daily Life
Bonghwa Dongyang Elementary School has unveiled a new school song, uniquely crafted with input directly from its students, capturing the essence of their everyday experiences.The project originated within an AI Music Festival class,where student-suggested words and stories formed the lyrical foundation of the song.
Teacher Choi Ju-min of Bongseong elementary School composed a radiant and cheerful melody, intentionally mirroring the children’s natural language. Lyrics reflect beloved school activities like experiential learning, school lunches, and playtime on the floor playground. the school describes the initiative as “a special educational experience that records the scenery of a small school through song.”
Initial reactions to the song were varied. Some students initially rated it low, with one stating, “It’s hard to give even 1 point.” However, with repeated practice, student satisfaction grew. Positive feedback evolved to include comments like “It’s 67 points” and ”The melody is good,” and as choir practice progressed, students’ enthusiasm visibly increased.
Students shared their evolving feelings, noting, “It was strange at first, but it got better when we sang it together,” and “I think it has become a song that will remember our school for a long time.” Teacher Choi emphasized the importance of the acclimation process,stating,”As the process of getting used to it is important,we reflected the children’s reactions in our work.” Teachers observed a clear positive shift in students’ expressions throughout the practice period.
School officials believe the song has fostered a stronger sense of community, noting, “It seems like one song became an opportunity to unite the emotions of the community.”
The school has adopted a dual-song approach: maintaining the existing school song as a link between current students and alumni,while utilizing the new song as a contemporary reflection of student life.
A closing performance featuring a chorus between students and the local music team ‘Autumn Garden’ in the school auditorium was met with keen applause. Students expressed their enjoyment, saying, “It was better to sing together than to sing alone,” and “I liked school better.” The school ultimately evaluated the project as “an opportunity to further strengthen the intimacy and community that are the strengths of a small school through music.”