KUCHING, Aug 9: The ‘Rhythm and Colour: The Family Celebrates!’ event, held on Aug 5 and 6 was staged at the St Joseph’s Private School’s Central Atrium with a synchronised symphony of rhythms and a symbiotic splash of colours much to the delight of the audience.
According to a press statement, the event featured outstanding performances by students from primary, secondary, and international schools.
Tickets for both nights of the event, which was also a fundraiser for a new block of educational facilities, were sold out within two days.
Through generous crowdfunding, close to RM52,000 was raised.
The hybrid format of the event provided audiences with the opportunity to celebrate the occasion together.
The Chinese Music Ensemble set the tone for the night by performing the rendition, ‘Joyous’ as the opening act, which was followed by ‘Pulai’, a poem recital in multiple languages by the primary school students who drove home the schools’ emphasis on family and community values.
The message was further highlighted in the drama ‘Reunion: Family’ by the Chinese Language Club members who did not mince words on the issues faced by most modern families.
The Chamber Choir put on a memorable performance with a medley of traditional folk songs such as ‘Rasa Sayang’ and ‘Lenggang Kangkong’.
The Sara Dancers of Wonderful Sarawak put on a wonderful show dressed in traditional costumes as they danced to the song graciously provided by Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).
Ballet dancers also performed a beautifully choreographed fusion of footwork to the theme song ‘Another Day of Sun’ from the musical ‘La La Land’, as well as a lively Bollywood dance and K-pop dance.
Furthermore, in memory of two teachers and a student who had passed on in recent years, Jesuits Fr Stanley Goh, Fr Alvin Ng, Fr Joseph Ng and Br Aaron Lee, Marist Br Robert Teoh, Br Emil Alada, Franciscan Sr Celine Wee, Sr Irmina Peter, and Sr Cecilia Norma presented a hymn ‘It is Well with My Soul’, as they led the audience in prayer.
Joining the fun and fund-raising items was the external renowned band, At Adau, who hyped up the crowd to dance to their songs that would be featured in their upcoming concert, ‘Chimera Odyssey’.
The grand finale, a combined performance by the St Joseph’s Community Orchestra, the Concert Band, and Chamber Choir, saw the audience joining in the schools’ signature song, ‘Kamek Orang Sarawak’ written by Fr Alvin Ng, SJ and arranged by Benedict Lo.
In expressing his gratitude, St Joseph’s Private Secondary School Principal, Fr Stanley Goh SJ said the performances were the result of the hard work and commitment of students.
Goh’s colleague, St Joseph’s International School’s Principal, Br Robert Teoh FMS, expressed that it was a remarkable opportunity to work as a family of schools and to develop the creativity and talents of the students.
Similar sentiments were expressed by St Joseph’s Family of Schools (SJFS) chief executive officer (CEO), Christopher Chua who thanked all teachers, students, parents, and well-wishers who contributed to the success of the concert and the fund raising.
Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang also attended the first night of the event, while Deputy Premier of Sarawak Dr Sim Kui Hian attended the second night together with members of the SJFS Board of Management. — DayakDaily
