OUR PRIDE: Rita (sixth left) officiates at the concert by beating the drum. Among those in the picture are (from third left) Norlia, Wong and Ma.
MIRI: Playing music helps to groom children, build their character and motivate students to set goals and targets for themselves.
This was the experience of the students of SMK Chung Hua’s brass band (CH Band), disclosed its principal, Wong Kui King, at the opening of the school’s brass band 2-night concert here at Dewan Suarah on Friday.
“Children learn to be on the dot…as there is no room for a different note to be played, their discipline improves as they are put through drills where a difference makes the pattern imperfect,” elaborated Wong.
Rita Ting, the daughter of the school’s board president Tan Sri Dato Paduka Ting Pek Khiing and its chairman Tan Sri Dato Paduka Chai Yu Lan represented her parent in officiating at the concert.
Among others present were Rita’s husband, Ma Chee Kiong, vice-chairman of the school board, Chai Min Kian, School Management Unit head Norlia Jol and a representative of the Miri District Education Office.
Wong also expressed his appreciation for music by
quoting the school band’s renowned Japanese coach and conductor, Mitsuo Nonami’s favourite line – “There are so many countries in the world today that cannot enjoy music because of war, poverty and hunger. So, I truly appreciate this wonderful opportunity to create music with you in this beautiful and peaceful country of Malaysia for music is a tool for us to spread peace and love!”
Meanwhile, Rita in her speech reassured parents of the school’s commitment to give quality education to their children, telling parents that “your faith in trusting SMK Chung Hua in the business of teaching, grooming and moulding your children not only via education but also through co-curricular activity like music, is certainly not misplaced.”
Rita added the concert was a rarity here and urged all to be proud of CH Band’s musicians who were of international calibre and who had won many international awards.
CH band showcased a repertoire worthy of their previous international successes in Italy in 2007, Spain in 2009 and Kuala Lumpur, last year led by Mitsuo Nonami.
CH Band had won the overall Music Festival Championship in Guilianova, Italy, Best Choreography Award and the Most Popular Jury Award in 2007, the overall “Hercules Award” plus the “Most Popular Band Group Prize” in Murcia, Spain in 2009 and last year, they again captured the eyes of the judges with their musical talent in the World Marching Band Contest in Kuala Lumpur.