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For Yiannis Karavassilis (Class of 2011), his journey through American School of The Hague was the foundation for a life shaped by music, creativity, and global connection.

 

Having attended ASH from 1997 to 2011, from Pre-K through 12th grade, his experience was deeply rooted in the school’s vibrant arts culture. Music, in particular, became a defining force early on. As a member of JAKK, ASH’s afterschool choir, he found not only artistic inspiration but also a life partner—meeting his wife during senior year: “We’ve been together since 2010,” he reflects.

 

Beyond choir, his High School years were filled with performances and creative exploration. From Night to Remember and Winter Ball to International Days, he found himself constantly on stage, often with bands he formed himself. One class, however, stood out above the rest: MIDI. Taken from 5th grade onward, it sparked a passion for music production and songwriting that would later become a career.

 

Another unforgettable highlight was participating in AMIS, an international choir bringing together top student singers from schools around the world. “The level of musicianship and connection in that group was incredible,” he recalls, pointing to the experience as a powerful example of ASH’s global spirit.

 

At the heart of his experience at ASH was something even more enduring than musical training: a deep respect for diversity. “Learning to genuinely respect and connect with people of all nationalities, cultures, religions, and backgrounds” is what he consider one of the most valuable takeaways from his time at the school. It’s a skill that would later prove essential in his professional life.

 

“ASH played a major role in shaping who I am,” he explains. “Growing up in such a diverse environment gave me an intuitive ability to connect with people from all backgrounds. I didn’t fully appreciate how rare that was until later in life.” Today, working with artists from around the world, that ability to build trust and meaningful relationships has become a cornerstone of his success in the music industry.

 

Throughout his journey, several educators left a lasting impression. Mr. Cramer, his Musical Instrument Digital Interface teacher and the composer of the ASH theme song, recognized his potential early on and helped lay the groundwork for his career. “He believed in me,” he shares, “I often wish I could show him what his encouragement helped create.” Mr. Jimenez, the choir accompanist, also made a great impact: “ He was an incredible musician and one of my biggest supporters. He always made me feel valued, and I still hope to reconnect with him someday.” Mr. Edwards, his 8th Grade math teacher, encouraged his musical interests—even organizing ASH’s first Talent Show and bonding over a shared love of rock music.

 

Yannis also credits the High School Library and its librarian as a key influence, recalling how he was consistently guided toward the right books at the right time. One moment that particularly stands out is being given the opportunity to introduce author John Green during a visit to ASH.

 

After graduating, Yannis continued to pursue his passion, studying Audio Engineering and Music Business at SAE Institute in Rotterdam, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts. His professional career began in 2014 at Heroic Music Group, where he grew from an entry-level role into leadership, gaining experience across artist development, marketing, releases, and operations.

 

Since 2017, he has worked as a senior executive at CloudKid, a Berlin-based independent record label, where he focuses on building sustainable artist careers and navigating the ever-evolving music landscape. Alongside his role, he remains active as a recording artist under the name updog, amassing over 100 million streams.

 

Looking back, it’s clear that ASH was more than just a school. It was a place where creativity was nurtured, relationships were formed, and a global mindset; something that continues to shape his life and career to this day.