Dr. Juliana Stoughton’s journey to create the ISDenver school song, called “ISDenver Song” began like the soft murmur of a promising melody—a chance conversation with former Lower Primary Director and 10-year French-program parent Rachel Holland that planted a seed of inspiration. One warm summer day, as ideas mingled with the buzz of anticipation at the Summer Institutes, she was encouraged by ISDenver colleagues and friends. Juliana found herself on the cusp of something transformative. In that moment, the pulse of our vibrant international community and the unique soul of ISDenver surged forward, whispering the potential of a song that would resonate across hearts, time, and space.

Immersed in this creative atmosphere, Juliana embarked on a methodical yet deeply personal exploration of what it meant to be ISDenver. She wandered through the vibrant corridors of the school—both online and in person—where every click on the school website and every echoing greeting in the languages around her reaffirmed ISDenver’s multicultural identity. The school’s mission—to inspire intercultural understanding, academic excellence, principled behavior, and open-mindedness—became the palette from which she would draw her colors. The familiar sight and sound of daily life at ISDenver, especially the heartfelt affirmation “we celebrate differences” from colleagues inspired her to transmute those values into lyrical poetry and uplifting notes.

Determined to create an anthem that reflected a globally minded and inclusive community, Juliana immersed herself in the rich tradition of school anthems. Hours were spent exploring the musical landscapes of such pieces, absorbing the structures, tones, and subtle nuances that made each piece memorable. Alongside this musical journey, she dove into the school’s vision and mission, pulling out vibrant keywords and recurring themes of inclusivity and belonging. Treating the lyrics as a work of art—poetry with rhythm and gentle rhyme—she meticulously wove together phrases that celebrated bilingualism, multiculturalism, and the joyful spirit of growth that defined everyone from the youngest learners to the seasoned educators.

The true magic unfolded when the creative process blurred the boundaries between individual inspiration and community feedback. Conversations with school administrators, heartfelt discussions with teachers, and the echo of students’ own words enriched her tapestry of ideas. 

I love working with the students at ISDenver, and for me, this song is a reflection of the joy I experience every single day when I walk into the classroom. The energy, curiosity, and spirit of our students truly inspired the heart of this project.

ISDenver is also a place where I continue to learn and grow, not just professionally, but personally. I’m constantly inspired by the incredible staff, advisors, and teachers around me-their excellence, their character, and the way they express their own cultures and languages with such authenticity and care. Being part of this diverse community makes every day meaningful, and that deep connection is woven into every line of this song with joy and smiles.

- Dr. Juliana Stoughton

A Chorus of Collaboration: Shaping the ISDenver Song Through Community Voices, the IB Way

From the very start, the creation of the ISDenver song was a collective endeavor—one where the voices of students, alumni, parents, faculty, and staff came together into a single, resounding harmony. In a process reflective of the International Baccalaureate framework that values the unique perspectives of everyone in the community as rich and integral to learning, Juliana embraced each perspective, ensuring that every note and lyric truly represented the identity of the entire community. This collaborative spirit transformed the making of the song into a deeply unifying experience.

One underlying theme that emerged was the vision of ISDenver as a unique, unifying space—a bridge that connects individuals from different backgrounds through shared learning and communication. In every version of the song, that image was carefully embedded into the lyrics. It is not just a school; it is a symbol of unity and belonging, where differences are not gaps to be filled, but strengths to be celebrated.

Equally important was the way the song highlighted the school’s multilingual and multicultural identity. The contributions from those who participated in the process helped craft verses that celebrated the richness of many languages and cultures. Rather than viewing linguistic diversity as a challenge, the song embraces it as a precious gift—one that enriches every member of the ISDenver community. 

The process also underscored the values of equity, pride in belonging, and collective identity. The chorus—featuring lines like “Diverse and so proud” and “Together as one”—captures the spirit of a community that, despite its varied backgrounds, sings as one. 

The song’s final verses echo the vision of global citizenship and a shared future - but the song couldn’t just exist in English. To truly reflect the school, the coda that speaks not only to the idea of going far together but to a transformative understanding of one’s role in the broader world needed to be reflected in every one of our instructed languages. The collaboration process continued to the next vital step, the transcreation of the school anthem into Chinese, French, and Spanish.

A Universal Melody: The Journey of Transcreating “ISDenver Song”

As the ISDenver anthem blossomed into a celebration of unity and belonging, its transcreation into Chinese, French, and Spanish emerged as a vital extension of its core message. Recognizing that language is not just a tool for communication but a vessel for culture and identity, the transcreation process was embraced with the same passion and care that went into composing the original piece. Mini teams of faculty songwriters assembled from each language program to work alongside Juliana.

Transcreating the song for a community that thrives on multilingualism was a heartfelt collaborative endeavor. For the Chinese version, a dedicated team gathered in the music room every Friday. Their work was more than simply converting words; they harmonized the lyrical meaning with every note, ensuring that the melody and message resonated just as profoundly in Chinese. This careful crafting nurtured a deep sense of belonging for Chinese-speaking learners, showing that their language and culture are an integral part of the ISDenver narrative.

The French version carried its own elegance as they approached the transcreation process with sensitivity and insight. The French team meticulously refined the phrasing to preserve the musicality of the original English lyrics. Their collaboration went a step further—they even adapted a complete music score with French lyrics perfectly fitting the melody. This level of detailed dedication ensured that the French version did more than simply read well; it sang beautifully, mirroring the graceful flow and spirit of the community it represents.

In a truly unique approach, the Spanish team’s creative energy ventured down two paths: one version was brought vividly to life with a sung demo by our Director of the Spanish Program and Accreditation Maria Rodriguez, and another was recorded by Spanish Faculty Gaspar Sahuquillo’s father-in-law, Victor José Aguilar, a music teacher in Spain. Inviting the voices of all K-G8 Spanish teachers at ISDenver to cast their votes, the final version emerged as a symbol of collective decision-making, echoing the school’s democratic spirit of unity. This moment was powerfully affirmed when a video of middle schoolers singing the Spanish version was showcased at the Spanish Festival in the Gymnasium—an emotional culmination where past and present converged, as teachers reconnected with students they had nurtured in earlier years.

Bringing the song to life in all four languages—English, Chinese, French, and Spanish—was indispensable. It ensured that every student, regardless of the language they were learning or speaking, felt seen, heard, and a vital part of this vibrant community. The transcreation process, steeped in dedication and creativity, transformed the original anthem into a mosaic that truly reflected the linguistic and cultural richness of ISDenver. Every translated word, every adapted note served as a reminder that the school’s strength lies in its differences and its unity, binding individuals together through the universal language of music.

In many ways, this transcreation journey stands as a testament to the power of collective creativity—a process where the passion for music met the dedication to inclusiveness, leaving behind an anthem that sings not just in multiple tongues, but with the shared heartbeat of an entire community. It invites us to reflect on how our differences can harmonize into something genuinely uplifting and unforgettable.

The ISDenver School Song Is Born

Every note and every lyric was tested in the fires of authenticity, ensuring that what she created wasn’t merely a song, but a living testament to the spirit of ISDenver. Once the language was set, the focus shifted to melody. Opting for a pop-inspired tune that was as breezy as it was bold, Juliana crafted a melody that was both uplifting and instantly familiar—a tune that could easily be sung from the playgrounds of ECE to the hallway of Grade 9.

In Juliana’s studio, the internationally-acclaimed composer began her magic and the transformation came to full bloom. With her digital keyboard connected to her computer and the rhythmic hum of Logic Pro, layers of brass and strings were carefully arranged to evoke a sense of festivity. Each chord was chosen to mirror the school’s energy and forward-thinking passion—a musical embodiment of ISDenver’s vibrant character. The eventual recording of a demo into an MP3 allowed her to share this creation with the entire community, ensuring that every student, teacher, and family could join together in song, united by its joyous cadence.

Yet, amid the technical strides and creative breakthroughs, there lay moments of heartfelt vulnerability. One of the most unforgettable was the first time the song came alive—not as mere notes on a page, but as a shared experience. On a crisp fall morning, as voices of all ages converged in a joyful chorus, the anthem revealed its true purpose. The challenges of finding the perfect blend of poetic lyricism and catchy melody melted away in the warmth of that shared experience, affirming that the song was not just an art piece, but a living, breathing celebration of unity and belonging.

For Juliana, the ISDenver school song is more than a composition—it is a vibrant narrative of shared experiences, a manifestation of the school’s core values, and a melodic emblem of a community that thrives on celebrating every difference. This anthem is a reminder that when diverse voices come together in harmony, they create a symphony of belonging, pride, and collective hope.

When students sing the ISDenver song, I hope they feel a deep, joyful embrace—a unity that goes beyond language. Whether in English, Spanish, Chinese, or French, may every note remind them that their voice is celebrated, their culture cherished, and their belonging undeniable. Every lyric is our shared heritage and commitment to a community where each student is seen, valued, and connected to something truly special.

- Dr. Juliana Stoughton

ISDenver Song: A Tradition For The Ages

Juliana sees “ISDenver song” not merely as a musical composition but as a vibrant tradition that will weave itself into the very fabric of the school’s life. Over time, this unifying anthem is set to be sung at Cérémonie d'Ouverture, assemblies, Graduation, International Day of Peace celebrations, and other milestone occasions—each performance a thread tying the community together.

As new students join and alumni carry forward cherished memories, the song becomes a constant reminder of ISDenver's core values: belonging, inclusion, global citizenship, and unity. More than just a song, it celebrates who we are—a community where every voice, every language, and every individual contributes to a grand, harmonious narrative.

In singing together, the community reinforces its collective identity, crafting a musical memory that resonates long after graduation. The hope is that this song will not only fortify the heart of the school as a unified whole but will also provide each student with a profound sense of belonging, purpose, and connection—a legacy of shared culture and community spirit that endures across generations.

I see this song becoming a lasting part of ISDenver’s traditions as a unifying anthem that brings our community together year after year. Over time, I hope the song will be woven into the rhythm of school life like singing at opening ceremonies, assemblies, graduation ceremonies, International Day of Peace, and other milestone events. As new students join and others graduate, the song can serve as a constant thread that ties everyone to the spirit of ISDenver: our shared values of belonging, inclusion, global citizenship, and unity.

It’s more than just a song but a celebration of who we are. Singing it together reinforces our identity as a global citizen as a whole person and multicultural community where every voice matters. I believe it will not only strengthen the heart of the school as a whole community but also become something students carry with them long after they leave ISDenver—a musical memory of belonging, purpose, and connection.

- Dr. Juliana Stoughton

Reflections, Musings, and a Glimpse Into What Dr. Juliana Stoughton Dreams For the Future

Juliana reflects on the journey of composing ISDenver Song with heartfelt gratitude. “I’ve been incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work on the ISDenver school song. It’s been so much more than just a musical project—it’s been a journey of discovery, reflection, and connection.” As she set out to capture the true spirit of the school, she ventured beyond the formal boundaries of the vision and mission statements, immersing herself in our vibrant international community. By exploring school events, classroom learnings, and the myriad contributions of the community, she uncovered what makes this school so uniquely special.

This creative expedition broadened her perspective—not only as an educator but also as a member of a global community. The process deepened her appreciation for the core values ISDenver lives by: global-mindedness, inclusion, belonging, and unity. Each lyrical line and every melodious note brought these ideals to life, embodying the heart and soul of a community where every voice matters. The experience was a vivid reminder that the song is not just about music; it encapsulates a shared heritage and the collective spirit that defines ISDenver.

Looking ahead, Juliana dreams of expanding the legacy of the ISDenver anthem. One day, she envisions a dedicated recording studio at ISDenver—a creative haven where the school song could be brought to life with a full choir of students and teachers, supported by both a faculty and student ensemble. This space would serve as a collaborative effort that truly captures the community’s spirit, unity, and heart. It’s a vision that promises to nurture new musical traditions and further solidify the bond that the anthem creates among generations of learners.

About Juliana Stoughton

Korean-born Dr Juliana Stoughton studied piano in Vienna for further education at the age of 12, began conducting at 15, and composing at 18. Ms Juliana has been teaching music to students of all skill levels for 28 years. Her composition works have been performed and broadcasted throughout the world (USA, Canada, Asia, Europe, South America, Australia, and New Zealand) including at the International Computer Music Conference, the International Conference of the College Music Society, the Aspen Music Festival, the Sydney Biennale, Society of Composers, Inc., the Society for Electro-Acoustic Music in the United States, the International Review of Composers, the Echoes of Space, Rarescale: New music for alto and bass flute, Electronic Music Midwest Festival, Belvedere Chamber Music Festival, the North American Saxophone Alliance Conference, the Kentucky New Music Festival, the Society of Music Research, CFAMC Biennial Conference, the Pan Music Festival (ISCM), the Seoul Music Festival, the Pusan Contemporary Music Festival, the Sung Nam Choir Festival, and the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation Art Song Festival for Young Composers (TV Channel 13, MBC, South Korea). Ms Juliana’s orchestral work, From Dawn to Sunset was premiered by Asociación Joven Orquesta Provincial de Málaga (JOPMA) to celebrate the International Women’s Day viewed via TV Broadcasting channel canal sur in Málaga (España), Spain. Ms Juliana’s other artistic outlet is a composition series Cantus Curatio (Healing Melody). These works utilize a variety of contemporary creative practices with each work dedicated to the victims of difficult life events. Ms Juliana currently enjoys teaching at the International School of Denver in Denver, CO.

Accolades and Acknowledgements

The adage is true. It takes a village. Juliana extends deep gratitude to the entire ISDenver community for their contributions in making the ISDenver Song a harmony for the ages. Special thanks go to Rachel Holland, Ryan Anderson, Marzia Mauffrey, Katie Williams, Hope Forgey, Jenny Nealon, Alexis Wooll, Kristy Okunade, and Risa Machovec. Their reflections, along with additional input from Dani Toller, Megan Muller, Laura Bayona, Jennifer Pettigrew, Elyssa Hernandez, and Holly Freeman, guided the song toward a form that resonated with clarity and strength.

Gratitude is extended to our language program faculty that lovingly and thoughtfully brought the ISDenver Song to life in each of the target languages:

• Chinese Faculty Songwriters: Yoyo Sinnott, Shuo Chen, Chunzhi Wang, Ivy Vaisman, and Tracy Chang
• French Faculty Songwriters: Christele Turner, Hélène Hernández-Caudron and Amélie Yellen
• Spanish Faculty Songwriters:  Maria Rodriguez, Alberto Pereda, Javier San José, Diego Castano, and Gaspar Sahuquillo