Let the show begin: The VICCB staging its ‘Luminous Illumination’ at the championships.
MARCHING bands are often a spectacle to behold, with their musical performance, visual elements and synchronised movements.
Behind each successful show, however, is much blood, sweat and tears. Ivan Choong Yin Bong can vouch for it as he is a bagpiper and a colour guard of the Victoria Institution Cadet Corps Band (VICCB), which is the oldest such band in the country.
Fresh from its victorious outing at the recent Malaysia International Marching Arts Championships (MIMAC) 2023 in Johor, where the 95-member band emerged as the champion in the marching show band (senior division) category, the 16-year-old attributed its success to the over eight months of practice the bandsmen had undergone.
Describing the preparation process as challenging, he said the band had to pay meticulous attention to detail, synchronisation, musicality, artistry and accuracy, all of which contributed to the main criteria judged for a marching show, namely, visual, music and general effects.
According to Ivan, the band usually holds practices on Fridays and Saturdays but as the championships drew closer, he dedicated almost two-thirds of his time to the band.
To ensure synchronisation among all the sections – brass, percussion and colour guard – the band members were required to attend band camps every two weeks.
Standing tall: Ivan is one of the bagpipers in the marching band, in addition to being a colour guard.
“These camps typically lasted three days and two nights. We trained around the clock for up to 18 hours, from 11am to 5am the next morning, just to perfect and coordinate our movements,” he told StarEdu.
He added that the band members were sometimes required to join after-school sessions organised by their section commanders or instructors to refresh their movements and strengthen their muscle memory.
All their hard work paid off as the band was announced the winner at the championships, held from Sept 7 to 9.
“We felt a great sense of achievement and pride because we knew that a new chapter of history had been made in the band,” said Ivan.
He added that the feat was even more fulfilling for the VICCB because the five-minute “Luminous Illumination” show it had performed at the championships was a major comeback project after two years of inactivity due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This meant that about 95% of the bandsmen, including Ivan himself, had yet to experience a marching show as a whole.
“At first, the entire show was a bit overwhelming for me as I had never participated in one,” he conceded.
But he was spurred on by the positive mindset of his band members, who were determined to push their own limits and bring glory to their school, living true to the band’s “rise to the occasion” motto.
“Collectively, we overcame our nerves and learned to enjoy the process,” he said, adding that the band thrived under the guidance of VICCB instructors and alumni members Nazmi Naim, Fikrizaki, Zakaria Patrum and Mohd Hezrul.
He also credited the Victoria Institution community for supporting the VICCB logistically, financially and emotionally.
“Every student and teacher cheered for us and motivated us to never give up and to keep our heads up, and that is the beauty of Victorians,” he said. Despite the rigorous rehearsals, Ivan said these experiences are exactly what makes being in a marching band and a bandsman most enjoyable.
“For me, the most appealing thing about being in the band is the special skills gained, such as mental toughness and perseverance, all of which are extremely beneficial to one’s personal and social life,” he said.
Another appealing point, he added, is the marching band’s ability to convey a message through the pairing of visual effects and music, brought together by different individuals and sections as one.
Having spent an inordinate amount of time practising and performing together, Ivan said the bond he shared with his fellow bandsmen is “unshakeable”.
“Having lunch or dinner gatherings is our go-to method of staying together as a team and keeping our minds focused on our next target,” Ivan shared, adding that cooperation and cohesiveness are important values in a marching band.
Expressing his hope that the VICCB will continue to uphold its image and reputation in the marching band arena, he said what’s more important is that the members will continue to uphold its long-held principle: “Be proud, yet be humble.”
Hoi Kei, 21, a student in Kuala Lumpur, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. To join Star-NiE’s online youth community, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
Now that you have read the article, test your understanding by carrying out the following English language activities.
1 Write a congratulatory message to the VICCB.
In your message, express how its journey has inspired you. Then, go around and exchange messages with your friends.
What new ideas or phrases can you take away from their messages?
2 What are three other student activities that require mental toughness and perseverance?
Discuss with your friends.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes the use of English language in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
