Eastern Mediterranean University 5th Inter- High School Music Festival took place at Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center on 29 April 2014 between 09:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. 8 high schools from various parts of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, namely, Dr. Fazıl Küçük Industrial High School, Erenköy High School, Namık Kemal High School, Polatpaşa High School, Bülent Ecevit Anadolu High School, 20 Temmuz Science School, Lapta Yavuzlar High School and Lefkoşa Turkish High School, participated in the festival.
The music festival which was open to public featured music groups performing two songs one of which is from regional tunes. Having one of the songs from regional tunes was put as a must to attract students’ attention towards local values. During the festival, food and beverage stands were set at the festival area. Additionally, academic units from EMU also set up their own stands and gave information to the students regarding their department of interest.
At the end of the festival, participating high schools were presented with plaques and certificates.
What did the Students Say?
Aslı Canalp (Namık Kemal High School)
I am a 10th grade student and we regularly take part in similar events as Namık Kemal High School. I play the keyboard in the band. I find this event really beneficial and exciting as it helps us demonstrate our talent. In the future, I would like to study in EMU in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department.
Aysel Kızılbora (Erenköy High School)
I am a 10th grade student in Erenköy Hıgh School. I am the soloist in our music group. Taking part in activities as such builds our self confidence and improves our stage performance. I am happy to be here and have plans of studying in the music department in EMU.
Berk Efendi (Akdoğan Polatpaşa High School)
I am a 10th grade student. I play the guitar in the band. I would like to study in the music field in EMU in the future.
Salih Tunççağ – (20 Temmuz High School)
I am happy to represent my high school here. I play the guitar in the group and believe that this event helps us become confident individuals. I think EMU is a very beautiful university and hope that I have a chance to study here when I graduate from high school.
Derin Kanık (Lefkoşa Turkish High School)
I am a 10 th grade student and extremely happy to take part in this organisation. I am the soloist in the group and think that this event is extremely beneficial for us. We both have fun and make friends from different schools.
Adem Ulugün – (Lapta Yavuzlar High School)
I am the soloist of the band and happy to be here. I believe organisations as such help us develop ourselves and take important steps in the field of music. EMU is a very beautiful university with education at highest standards. I may choose to study here when I graduate.
What did the Music Teachers Say?
Kürsat Öztürk – Music Teacher, Namık Kemal High School
We take part in this beautiful organisation every year. Opportunities provided for young musicians by EMU are really meaningful and important.
Burcu Karagöz – Music Teacher, Erenköy High School
We took part in this meaningful event previously. We thank EMU for supporting students’ self-confidence building process and socialisation.
Rahme Yahi – Music Teacher, Akdoğan Polatpaşa High School
This is a very beautiful organisation helping students build their self confidence through playing musical instruments. I believe the event will also assist students’ prospective professional lives.
Metin Kavaz – Music Teacher, 20 Temmuz Science High School
I find these activities extremely beneficial for students. Stage performance is extremely important and plays an important part in building self-confidence. We took part in this activity before and will definitely take part during the upcoming years. I hope activities as such increase in number.