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The American School of Doha (ASD) hosted its fourth annual Sing Out Primary Choral Festival recently, bringing together young singers from schools across Qatar for a day of music, unity, and celebration.This year’s festival highlighted the power of collective singing as one voice and the joy that comes from making music together, a statement saidThe festival showcased mass choir performances conducted and led by Brita Fray, featuring over 300 students from Doha English Speaking School, Al Khor International School, Park House English School, Dukhan English School, Qatar International School, GEMS Wellington School, and the American School of Doha.Supporting them were ASD Lower and Upper Elementary music teachers Sanae Yamaura, Jennie Andreasen, and Lisa Cheung. Guided by their dedicated music educators, students filled the theatre with uplifting choral repertoire that reflected collaboration, harmony, unity, and shared purpose.The event also featured an ensemble of guest musicians whose artistry elevated the performances and added vibrant energy to the festival.The event was supported by ASD's administration comprising director Dr Victor Guthrie; Upper Elementary School principal Brian Donaldson; Upper Elementary associate principal Selina Peay-Collins; Lower Elementary principal Craig Campbell; Lower Elementary associate principal Abigail Kasky; and associate director of athletics and activities Trent Howell. 

The American School of Doha (ASD) recently hosted the Global Art Teachers Exchange (GATE), an international conference that brings together visual arts educators from around the world to collaborate, learn, and celebrate creativity. Established in 2018, the GATE provides relevant, practical, and affordable professional development designed specifically for visual arts teachers. Each year, a different international school hosts this independently organised and funded event, with the goal of fostering collaboration and the exchange of innovative teaching practices. This year, the ASD welcomed 65 art educators from more than 25 countries, for a weekend of immersive workshops, presentations, and cultural excursions. The programme is aimed at inspiring new ideas and strengthening global connections in arts education. “After a year of preparation, from proposal to selection among top international schools, we were thrilled to open our doors to art educators from across the globe,” said ASD visual arts teacher and GATE team lead Klara Hermanek. “Our Visual Arts team is passionate about creating an environment where creativity, expertise, and collaboration thrive,” she said. “Hosting the GATE was a chance to share the love of art teaching with colleagues worldwide.” Spearheaded by Inge Winters, Joni Muller, Carla Otero, Wendy Zarter, Klara Hermanek, Ryan Pace, Liz Estudillo, and John Venditti, the ASD Visual Arts Department led the event, showcasing the school’s dedication to artistic excellence and global engagement. At the heart of the GATE is its participatory model: attendees lead workshops, facilitate discussions, and share classroom-ready resources. Sessions ranged from early childhood to high school art education, emphasising hands-on, practical approaches directly applicable to the classroom. The conference concluded with a strong sense of community and renewed enthusiasm for teaching the visual arts, underscoring the universal power of art to connect people across cultures and inspire lifelong learning, a statement added.