Habari! It is an absolute honor to welcome the ISSEA community to the International School of Tanganyika for the 2026 ISSEA Band and Choir Festival.

This year, we invite you to embark on a "Safari of Sound." Just as a safari across the Tanzanian landscape reveals the breathtaking harmony of the natural world, this festival is a journey through the vast textures and rhythms of human expression. Whether you are navigating the intricate pulse of a complex score or finding your voice within the soaring unity of the choir, you are part of a unique ecosystem of creativity.

At IST, we believe the arts are the heartbeat of our community. Music, much like the local spirit of Umoja (unity), is rooted in the power of connection. Under the expert guidance and vision of our music directors, Jonathan Hewitt and Damaris Said, our campus has been transformed into a vibrant hub for this musical expedition. We have prepared our stages and our hearts for your arrival.

To our visiting musicians: your dedication to artistic excellence while balancing the rigors of the IB is truly inspiring. I encourage you to look beyond the sheet music—build bridges with peers from across the continent and let the spirit of collaboration guide every note.

May your time in Dar es Salaam be filled with "Aha!" moments and friendships that resonate long after the final chord.

Let the safari begin!

Karibu sana to IST and karibu to ISSEA Band and Choir 2026!

We are so glad to welcome you to IST for this special event. One of the things I appreciate most about living in Tanzania is the importance of warmly welcoming guests and making all a part of our community while you are with us. I hope that throughout your stay you feel a part of the Twiga family.

Arts events are a little different in the ISSEA world because the focus is not on competition, but on collaboration. Instead of competing for first place, you will instead work together across schools, support each other, and learn from one another. In such a short time you will prepare a wonderful concert which is more than just a musical performance: you will exemplify what is possible when a group of passionate people come together to create something beautiful. In many ways, your work over the next few days is an example of what we should also be doing out in the wider world.

Along the way, I hope you also have fun! ISSEA is a chance to connect with your peers across the region, to renew old friendships and make new ones, and a chance to experience a culture different from what you know. 

I wish you all the very best as you learn and play together.