The International French School (IFS) is proud to announce that Ms Julie Demange, Secondary Music and Choir teacher, has been appointed to the prestigious French Ordre des Palmes académiques.
What is the French Ordre des Palmes académiques?
The Ordre des Palmes académiques is one of the highest national honors bestowed by the French Republic. It recognizes distinguished academics and educators for their exceptional contributions to education, culture, and the promotion of the French language and arts worldwide.
A Journey Shared Through Music
We spoke with Ms. Demange about what this honor means to her and looking back on her journey as an educator:
“I learnt about the appointment at the beginning of the school year, and my first reaction was a mixture of surprise, joy and emotion. I was also very grateful to my former principal for putting my name forward for this distinction.
It is difficult for me to associate it with one particular achievement. I see it more as recognition of something built gradually over the years through music, teaching, encounters and many different projects.
Choirs have of course been a constant thread: concerts, recordings, collaborations, French and Francophone repertoire, and the Chorasies, which we created in 2012 to bring together students from French schools across the Asia-Pacific region through choral singing.
Teaching abroad has also given me the opportunity to share French and Francophone musical culture while opening it to the many cultures around us. That exchange has always been very important to me.
I receive this distinction with a lot of gratitude. Music is never something you do alone, and neither has my journey been. So many talented students, colleagues, musician friends and musical partners have been part of it over the years.”
This is a remarkable achievement that reflects Ms Demange’s dedication to her students and her enduring impact on cultural exchange across the region. From the entire IFS community: Congratulations, Ms Julie Demange!
