The Malaysian International Virtual Band Championships or known as the MIVBC was held and streamed online on YouTube, Facebook and Bilibili from 27th-29th August 2021 and the Grand Finals on 31st August. MIVBC 2021 offered categories of Solo, Ensemble, Concert Band and also Marching Band in 3 separate divisions, namely, Junior, Senior and Open.
Our SJPS Concert Band participated in the Junior Division in the Concert Band Category. Before submitting their video to the competition, the SJPS Concert Band practiced for months at home with the guidance of their seniors and instructors. The SJPS Concert Band presented their show “Colonel Bogey March” by Kenneth J. Alford, and won First Place with a Silver Award.
Some of our SJPS Concert Band members joined other Kuchingites in Kuching City Winds and attained first runner up with a gold standing in the Concert Band Open Category.
“When I practiced for MIVBC, I was constantly tired because it has been so long since I’ve played an instrument other than hitting drumsticks on a table due to this pandemic. Even if I’ve played crash cymbals before, I constantly felt like giving up. However, I’m proud that I didn’t. We managed to achieve silver and gold in two categories for the band. This competition has pushed me beyond the limits that this pandemic has confined me to and I won’t hesitate to pick up another challenge for the band because I care for everyone who is like a family to me, even if my way of showing love and appreciation is different from what people usually receive.”
– Megan Thien (F3 Gamma)
“We have teachers and instructors working hard and guiding us throughout countless practices leading up to the day, alongside parents and friends who were very supportive of us. This championship was fun and was a new experience for me, although it could have been more enjoyable in person, I am still grateful for this rare and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
– Rowena Chang (F2 Gamma)
The achievement of our SJPS Concert Band has encouraged all our SJPS Concert Band members to continue to persevere and work hard so that the band can put up better performances in the future. •
