Current News
CISDSU Launches Six Arts Program at Kate Sessions Elementary School
November 30, 2018
Confucius Institute at San Diego State University (CISDSU) launches the Six Arts Program at Kate Sessions Elementary School. The program aims to teach the students the Six Arts subjects, including Tea Ceremony, Chinese music, Mahjong, Calligraphy, Painting, Chinese Chess, Magic Puzzle, Taichi, Martial Arts etc. The program will start from January to March, 2019, a total of 10 weeks.
On December 5, CISDSU Six Arts Program team met with the Education Enrichment Team at Kate Sessons along with a school visit. Parent leaders and student ambassadors warmly welcomed the delegation from CISDSU and gave them a tour of the school. After the school both teams discussed further plans for the program. We look forward to bringing fun and exciting cultural experience to the students though the Six Arts.
Confucius Classroom of the Year: Adobe Bluffs Elementary School
December, 2018
Confucius Classroom Student Kamila Carter Speaks at CI Global Conference
On December 4, 2018, Confucius Classroom student Kamila Carter delivered a speech at the Confucius Institute Global Conference. The conference took place in Chengdu, China this year.
Kamila Carter who is the child of deaf parents, studies at TDS Middle School in Lakeside, one of the Confucius Classroom schools provided by the Confucius Institute at San Diego State University (CISDSU). She spent her elementary school years at Riverview International Academy, also one of the CC schools. Here students are provided a Chinese Immersion Program in order to grow their Chinese speaking abilities. Her multilingual talent shines in life and on stage – she speaks five languages: Chinese, English, Spanish, American Sign Language, and Mexican Sign Language. Kamila received the National People-to-People Award from the Confucius Institute at the U.S. Center in Washington D.C. in September and was selected as the student representative for the CI Global Conference this year. Congratulations to Kamy!
Barnard 3rd Grade Six Arts Field Trip
November 30, 2018
From November 29th to 30th, 2018, CISDSU hosted a field trip for the 3rd grade students from Barnard Elementary School. The field trip featured two main activities: A Taste of Six Arts and Chinese Tofu Making.
During the taste of the Six Arts, the students learned about the Chinese culture in a fun and exciting way. At each “Art Station” the students experienced different aspects of the arts, for example, a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, Guzhen, Taichi, magic puzzle, calligraphy, and an abacus. During the second part of the culturally rich experience, students made two traditional Chinese cold dishes: Scrambled Tofu and Dried Tofu String Salad. Afterwards, the students drew their tofu recipes based on what they learned.
The Six Arts field trip not only provided opportunities for the students to learn about the Six Arts and practice their language skills, but they also had the opportunity to experience Chinese culture and Chinese food making for the first time. Many teachers and parents who came with the students expressed that they enjoyed the field trip as well as the students and were happy to see their children learning and experiencing a new culture in a fun and educational environment.
CISDSU Hosted Retirement Reception for Supervisor Ron Roberts
November 28th, 2018
On the evening of November 28th, the Confucius Institute at San Diego State University (CISDSU), along with the San Diego Asian Pacific Community, co-hosted a reception to celebrate San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts’ retirement. The event was held in the Six Arts Center at SDSU.
At the reception, community leaders delivered speeches to thank Supervisor Roberts, some of whom included, Former San Diego City Councilman Tom Hom, APAPA-San Diego Chapter President Ron Cho, Adobe Bluffs Elementary School Principal Edward Park, Asian Business Association President & CEO Wendy Urushima-Conn, San Diego Asian Film Festival Director Kent Lee, Past Chairman of the Board of the Asian Business Association Lois Fong-Sakai, Board of Directors of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum Michael Yee, and President & CEO of Focuscom Dan Hom. Lee Ann Kim served as the emcee for the evening.
During the event, CISDSU prepared Chinese performances including, Guzheng “Blue and White Porcelain”, Guqin, Seal Carving (later as a gift presented to Supervisor Roberts), and Taichi Kungfu Fan. Supervisor Roberts presented a proclamation to Dr. Lilly Cheng, Managing Director of CISDSU, appreciating her dedication and contribution towards the promotion of Chinese language and culture in San Diego. THANK YOU Supervisor Roberts and we wish him a retirement full of joy and happiness!
Chinese Martial Arts Demonstration at Hilltop High School
November 16, 2018
On November 16th, CISDSU Project Manager Anne Chu and Six Arts Instructors Rensong Li and Dan Liu visited Hilltop High School, a Confucius Classroom School affiliated with CISDSU. During their visit, Ms. Chu introduced the Chinese Summer Camp Program for High School Students offered by CISDSU. Afterwards, Professors Rensong Li and Dan Liu presented a spectacular Taichi Kungfu Fan performance for the students. Afterwards, Professor Li led a traditional Chinese Martial Arts demonstration. Students followed the instructions to learn some basic Martial Arts techniques, including Horse Stand, Balancing Skills, and etc. Through the interactive demonstration, students got the opportunity to experience Chinese culture through Martial Arts.
CISDSU Participated in International Peace Village
November 15, 2018
On November 15, 2018, the Confucius Institute at San Diego State University participated in the International Peace Village at the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. CISDSU showcased Chinese culture through performances like music, Tai Chi, and martial arts and had elaborate table displays at the event.
At noon, CISDSU performers brought to the audience a Guzheng piece called “Blue and White Porcelain”, followed by a Taichi Kungfu Fan performance. Both performances won rounds and rounds of applause from the audience. During the event, CISDSU also hosted a table presenting the 2019 Shanghai Summer Program information to students. Here students were able to learn about the study abroad program details, tentative itinerary and scholarships opportunities.
CISDSU supports the International Peace Village event each year to further promote Chinese culture on SDSU campus. Out of all the countries that presented their culture at the event, Confucius Institute won third place in showcasing their culture. Through performances, information session, and decorative table displays, CI was able to reach a number of students and spread awareness for the Chinese culture.
Chinese Tea Ceremony Kicks Off International Education Week Celebration
Novermber 14, 2018
There’s absolutely no way of learning and experiencing the Chinese culture without a cup of tea. The Confucius Institute at San Diego State University hosted a Chinese Tea Ceremony at the Six Arts Center on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.
At the event, Tea Master Jason Huang demonstrated how to properly prepare the tea in a traditional Chinese way. At the same time, Professor Dan Liu accompanied the ceremony by playing beautiful Guzheng music in the background. During the event, Ms. Chudan Li introduced the 2019 Shanghai Summer Program to the students. After the information session, Professor Rensong Li led a Tai Chi demonstration to the audience. The students were able to practice the relaxing motions and experience traditional Tai Chi movements.
The Chinese Tea Ceremony was a kick-off event for the celebration of International Education Week at San Diego State University. The Confucius Institute is proud to be part of the celebration each year because their goal is to share the Chinese culture to as many students as possible. CI holds events in the Six Arts center and is always welcoming of students. To help share their culture, CI is always brainstorming new ideas to help bring the Chinse culture to SDSU in fun and relaxing ways.
SDSU New President Adela de la Torre Visits Six Arts Center
October 15, 2018
On Monday, October 15, SDSU President Adela de la Torre Visited the Six Arts Center. CISDSU Managing Director Dr. Lilly Cheng, Co-Director Professor Cunlu Zhang and all staff members welcomed her with tea, zither music, Taichi, and one-stroke painting. While enjoy a cup of tea, President De la Torre expressed her wishes to further collaborate with CISDSU to strengthen educational programs and cultural exchanges between SDSU and China.
September Teachers Training
September 29, 2018
On September 29, CISDSU hosted the September Teachers Training at the Six Arts Center. Managing Director Dr. Lilly Cheng presented on the topic of “New Thoughts on the New Silk Road”. Thirty-three Hanban teachers and volunteers attended the training. During the training, the teachers also discussed how to further develop the Six Arts program at Confucius Classroom schools.
In the afternoon, CISDSU Co-Director Cunlu Zhang and Project Manager Anne Chu gave an orientation to the new Hanban teachers and volunteers. This fall, CISDSU received nine new Hanban teachers and volunteers.
Xiamen University Delegation Visits Six Arts Center Du Nam Xuong Six Arts Welcome Hall Unveiling Ceremony
September 28, 2018
On September 28, led by Chairman of Xiamen University Council Dr. Yan Zhang and Director of the Southern Base of Confucius Institute Headquarters Dr. Tongwen Mao, the Xiamen University delegation visited the Six Arts Center. During their visit, the delegation participated in the Du Nam Xuong Six Arts Welcome Hall Unveiling Ceremony, which was hosted by Mr. David Du, his son Mr. Kurtis Du and guests at the Six Arts Center.
In the morning, SDSU representatives, including SDSU Provost Emerita Dr. Nancy Marlin, Dean of Education Dr. Barry Chung, Professor Sam Shen, Professor Cheryl James-Ward, Professor Lois Olson, Professor Gene Lamke, Professor John Cleary, University Development Associate Vice President Ms. Adrienne Vargas, arrived at the Six Arts Center to welcome the guests. Managing Director of CISDSU Dr. Lilly Cheng and Co-Director Cunlu Zhang served as hosts at the luncheon after the ceremony.
2018 Moon Festival Celebration at Balboa Park
September 22, 2018
On Saturday September 22nd, the Confucius Institute at San Diego State University and House of China co-hosted the 2018 Moon Festival Celebration. This has been the fourth consecutive time that the two institutes have come together to host this celebration. The Moon Festival has become one of the city’s biggest events hosted at the historical Organ Pavilion at Balboa Park. This year, about 30,000 people from all over the County of San Diego and beyond, gathered together in the audience and surrounded the area to witness this year’s magnificent performances.
At around 5:40 pm, the evening’s program started with a grand performance by the Korean American Community. The group performed an energetic and exciting traditional Korean drum dance. After this grand opening, emcees including Michael Chen from channel 10 news, Confucius Classroom students Kamila Carter, Asha Frye, Leela Zaveri-Tabb, and Texas Zubiller, welcomed the audience to this year’s Moon Festival Celebration in English, Mandarin, and in American Sign Language. Read more
The evening’s events featured our partner university - Xiamen University’s Arts Troupe, who performed a danced titled, “National Unity”. The art troupe later performed group dances: “The Beautiful Scenery”, “The Beauty of Hui’an Women”, and a Chinese entrustments performance called “A Moonlit Night on the Spring River.” A Singer from Xiamen University and a Confucius Classroom student Leah Markworth performed together a traditional Moon Festival song, “The Moon Represents My Heart”. The professional Chinese performances brought by Xiamen University Arts Troupe were the highlights of the evening.
Confucius Classroom students from Barnard Asian Pacific Language Academy, Adobe Bluffs Elementary School, and Riverview International Academy, provided extraordinary programs to celebrate the Moon Festival. The students from Barnard Elementary performed a musical called “Mulan,” which was adopted from the story of Hua Mu Lan from ancient China. Next, the students from Adobe Bluffs Elementary sang, “Wishing We Last Forever” in Mandarin. The students from Riverview International Academy, a Confucius Classroom (CC), also gave a magnificent and jaw dropping Chinese Yoyo performance. The flying LED yoyos, the energetic music, and daring tricks by the student, left the audience in awe. Another group of Riverview International Academy students also left the audience amazed with their Kungfu Fan performance. Later, Barnard Elementary students performed a Yi minority dance called, “July Torch Festival.” Friends and staff of the Confucius Institute also participated in this year’s celebration. A Chinese Martial Arts performances was done by Six Arts Instructor Rensong Li, Taichi Master Siu-Fong Evans, senior citizens and CC students. A Guzheng and Chinese Dance, One Stroke Painting was performed by CI Staff and CC students. Afterwards, Christopher Adamson took the stage to show the audience the magic of the Chinese abacus.
This year’s celebration was bigger than previous years. The afternoon program started with a rocking performance from the classic rock band, “The Internationals.” A band in which Principal Edward Park from Adobe Bluffs Elementary is a member. Afterwards, 12 students from the Mission Bay High School Jazz Band delighted the audience with a mixture of New Orleans jazz and a few traditional Chinese songs. The festival also included new performers, such as the Meenal’s Academy of Performing Arts who performed a beautiful Indian classical dance, Kathak set to a contemporary fusion track.
Xiamen University Arts Troupe Performs at Adobe Bluffs Elementary School
September 21, 2018
On September 21, 2018, Xiamen University Arts Troupe visited Confucius Classroom School Adobe Bluffs Elementary School. The Troupe brought to the students beautiful Chinese dances, martial arts, and Chinese instruments performances. Over 400 students and teachers welcomed the group and watched their performances that day.
Xiamen University Dean of Arts College, Mr. Yuanzan He, commented after visiting the school: “I am very impressed with the students’ Chinese proficiency level at Adobe Bluffs.” This year, Adobe Bluffs just started their Mandarin Immersion Program. The school officially established to be a Confucius Classroom School in 2017.
CISDSU Student & Parent Received National People-to-People Award in Washington D.C.
September 15, 2018
The 2018 the Confucius Institute National Honors Gala celebrated the best that each Confucius Institute community around the US has to offer. Two people who were honored at the event in Washington DC on September 15th were Kamila Carter and Love Zubiller, both of whom are active members of the Confucius Institute at San Diego State University (CISDSU). Kamila and Love were among several hundred people throughout the U.S. who submitted essays about their Confucius Institute experience to the 2018 People-to-People National Essay Competition. The two of them were selected along with eight others to travel to Washington, D.C. to receive their honors.
CISDSU Guzheng Instructor Dan Liu Performs at the 5th Bohua Music Concert
September 9, 2018
On September 9th, the Bohua Academy of Chinese Musical Arts held a concert at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts in San Diego. Since spreading the culture is an important aspect of the Confucius Institute at San Diego State University (CISDSU), we were invited to participate in the concert. CISDSU Six Art instructor Dan Liu performed a song called, “Jiang Yue Chang Xiang” on the traditional Chinese instrument Guzheng. Also, she was part of the orchestras led by Conductor Lianxiang Liu. All of the performances breathtaking programs for the audience to enjoy visually and auditorily. The concert was not only made by the performers who stood on stage, but also everyone who worked behind the scenes. With their dedication to express and educate people on the importance of Chinese culture, the Bohua Academy of Chinese Musical Arts put on a wonderful concert that connected with the audience.
CISDSU Hosted Retirement Banquet for Supervisor Ron Roberts
September 6, 2018
On September 6, 2018, the Confucius Institute at San Diego State University hosted a retirement banquet for the San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts. Over 400 guests from government, companies, and educational institutes attended the banquet. At the dinner, Dr. Lilly Cheng and Mr. David Du gave heartfelt speeches to convey their appreciation of Supervisor Roberts and to celebrate their many years’ of friendship together. CISDSU staff member Ms. Chudan Li served as the emcee for the evening.
During his term, Supervisor Roberts expressed his appreciation of Chinese culture and language. Since he believes that today’s world leaders should speak more than one language, he encourages multilingual education. This year, on behalf of the San Diego County board of supervisors, Supervisor Roberts donated a statue of Confucius to the Six Arts Center at San Diego State University. He also visited the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) in Beijing, China to discuss future collaboration opportunities between Hanban and San Diego.
During the banquet, CISDSU team presented a gift to Supervisor Roberts: a one-stroke-painting of a horse, which is his Chinese zodiac sign. Supervisor Roberts has not only made great contributions to San Diego, he is also committed to building bridges between China and the United States. We wish him the best on his journey after retirement.
CISDSU multitalented students showcased Six Arts at the Consulate General’s Open House
August 16, 2018
On August 16, 2018, the Confucius Institute at San Diego State University (CISDSU) participated in the Open House hosted by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles. During the event, CISDSU students impressed the guests with their Six Arts talents. “I would like to thank the teachers and students from CISDSU for your commitment and dedication to the Chinese language education and cultural exchanges. Also thank you very much for bringing us the wonderful Chinese culture performances today.” remarked by the Consul General Zhang Ping.
At 4:00pm, CISDSU “Six Arts Family” – the Abbouds kicked start the event with Lion Dance and Chinese gong and drum. Their 6th grade triplets Tasie, Luca, Ava and 8th grade sister Magdalena became two little lions: red and purple, which are the auspicious colors in Chinese culture. Their performance presented the liveliness and humorousness of the lions. CISDSU students Kamila Carter and Texas Zubiller served as trilingual emcees (Chinese, English and American Sign Language). The performances included Guzheng, tea ceremony, Fan dance, Taichi Kungfu Dance, Abacus, Peacock Dance and Chinese speech. During the interactive program, Texas changed into chef costume, preparing to showcase how to make dumplings. He invited Consul General Zhang Ping, Dr. Lilly Cheng, CISDSU Managing Director and guests for the dumpling making. The event ended with a Chinese style buffet. The multitalented students from CISDSU were the highlight of the evening. The Open House event deepens the guests’ understanding of Chinese culture and strengthens the friendship between China and USA.
A Taste of Six Arts with Professor Wai Ng
August 13, 2018
On Monday, August 13, Professor Wai Ng warmly welcomed our Confucius Institute team to his house for a taste of Six Arts: Chinese calligraphy & painting, Chinese tea ceremony and Chinese orchestra music.
At noon, Professor Wai Ng and his family greeted us at Fung Fung Yuen restaurant in Mira Mesa. Guests and hosts enjoyed a great meal of dim sum and great conversations. Afterwards, Professor Wai Ng showcased some of his beautiful Chinese paintings and calligraphies at his house, followed by Chinese tea ceremony and tasting, and Chinese & western orchestra music. During tea ceremony, he introduced us to three types of tea: green jasmine tea, Taiwanese green tea “Biluochun”, and puer tea. Professor Ng is a talented artist with an engineering background. He started to learn painting in 1997 after his retirement and now he has become one of the top Chinese painting artists in San Diego. All the guests are impressed with Professor Ng’s talents in Chinese culture and are grateful for his hospitality.
2018 Chinese Six Arts Summer Camp
August 10, 2018
The Confucius Institute Six Arts Summer Camp was held at SDSU Six Arts Center from Monday, July 30th to August 10th, 2018. This two-week summer program focused on Chinese culture and language. The mission of the camp was to develop and improve the students’ proficiency in Chinese through Chinese classes and Chinese cultural activities.
The theme of this year’s Chinese class is “Ten Days Travelling in China.” By visiting six regions (Northeast, North, Central, Northern Frontier, Western and South) in China, students learned different regions’ cultures, landscape and foods. Additionally, some famous cities were also introduced so students. After class, many students excitedly expressed that they look forward to visiting these places in the future.
A variety of Chinese cultural activities enriched our students’ summer camp experience. They made the Peking Opera Mask, wrote Chinese calligraphy with the Chinese calligraphy brush, did paper cutting and folding, and watched a tea ceremony demonstrated by Chinese teachers followed by tea tasting.
On the last day of the camp, parents were all invited to the Six Arts Center for the closing ceremony. Students showcased what they have learned during the two weeks. Students performed Chinese singing and dancing, Chinese drama, mental math and Taichi. Parents were so delighted that their children had the opportunity to keep learning and sharpening their Mandarin skills through the summer camp. Students all expressed that they would love to come back to the summer camp next year.
Kudos to Adobe Bluffs!
August 9, 2018
On August 9, 2018, Adobe Bluffs Elementary School held a special night to introduce their first ever Mandarin Immersion Program for kindergartners. This inaugural group is composed of 26 families. Penny Jingpei Wang, the new Mandarin teacher, introduced herself to the group. Kudos to ABES.
