HUSD News Stories

Higley Schools, Ariz.- Higley Unified School District (HUSD) is planning exciting community events to celebrate the Lunar New Year, inviting families across the district to join in the festivities. 

The district’s annual Chinese New Year Celebration takes place at Coronado Elementary School on February 18th from 5:30-7pm. This festival brings together students, families, and neighbors for an evening of cultural appreciation featuring student performances, games, food, and activities that highlight the district’s Mandarin Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program. All families are welcome to attend and discover all that the program has to offer for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. 

In addition to the districtwide celebration, HUSD also highlighted outstanding student talent and meaningful cultural connections from around the world. Higley High School hosted a joint Lunar New Year Concert on February 11 with the Shijiazhuang Foreign Language Education Group (SFLEG), where Higley students and visiting performers collaborated on stage, which you can watch the full performance here. Student Kevin Chou also shared his internationally recognized original composition, Dragon Dance.

Another powerful highlight featured the traditional Chinese instrument pipa, performed by Aozi Jiang (蒋傲姿). Her performance of Ambush from All Sides captivated the audience with its intensity and technical brilliance. Aozi described the performance as follows: 

“As the pipa performs “Ambush from All Sides,” its resounding tones evoke clashing swords and galloping warhorses, powerfully and majestically showcasing the strength of traditional Chinese folk music on a foreign stage. Through the strings, ancient melodies are brought to life; through artistry, elegance is displayed—allowing the world to hear the power and charm of China’s traditional music." (Original in Mandarin: 琵琶奏响《十面埋伏》，金戈铁马、气势铿锵，在异国舞台上展现中华民乐的力量。以弦音传古韵，以技艺展风采，让世界听见中国传统音乐的震撼与魅力。)

 — by Pipa Player Aozi Jiang / 蒋傲姿

One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the world premiere performance of Peach Blossom Spring, composed by SFLS student Tianyu Zhang, who also serves as Concertmaster (1st Violinist) of the SFLEG Symphony Orchestra. The piece deeply moved the audience and received tremendous praise for its emotional depth and artistry. Reflecting on the experience, Tianyu shared: 

“I am deeply honored to bring the original symphonic work “The Peach Blossom Spring” to the United States for its premiere, resonating with audiences from both China and America. May music serve as a bridge to convey the beauty of the East and promote cultural exchange. I am grateful to HUSD symphony orchestra and to all the teachers and students for their support." (Original in Mandarin: 能携原创交响乐《桃花源记》赴美首演，与中美观众共鸣，我倍感荣幸。愿以音乐为桥，传递东方意境，促进文化交流，感谢交响乐团与所有老师同学的支持。 )

— by Tianyu Zhang / 张天与, Composer / 1st Violinist of the SFLEG Symphony Orchestra

The success of this event was made possible through the meaningful relationships HHS students formed during their travels to China. These connections helped establish the foundation for this exciting collaboration. First proposed in June 2025, the joint concert steadily evolved over the following months through dedicated coordination among the Mandarin and Music Group students and the leadership of Mr. Chesley Sharp and Mr. Steven Cheatham and Mrs. Panna Leatherby.

Together, these events highlight HUSD’s ongoing commitment to celebrating cultural traditions, supporting language education, and creating enriching experiences for our community. Families are warmly invited to join us in commemorating the Lunar New Year with Higley Schools, where we prepare learners for limitless opportunities.

View photos from the event