KYS Orchestra proves that their performance was “All or Nothing”

By Siti Sara Iman binti Ahmad Terrirudin and Kyra binti Fadrinuraqmar

The annual KYS orchestra concerts are held to showcase our students’ musical talents as well as becoming a flagship of music education in Kolej Yayasan Saad. Every year, hundreds of spectators spend their evening in our very own Great Hall to indulge in the prominent showcase of orchestral music, with pieces ranging from symphonic melodies to even musical soundtracks.

Our music department has cleverly designed a whole orchestra comprising of students with all backgrounds of music, whether they were intermediates or even beginners. All orchestra members went through many sectionals and rehearsals, including the Orchestra Camp held during the school holidays in June.

“All our efforts were meant to be shown in a singular night, but we mustn’t forget all the other nights before.”

Sarah Falisya, KYS Orchestra member

Speaking of their dedication, they also went to great lengths to accomplish what they have done during the performance day. For instance, even during the MCO period, the orchestra members still maintained their practicing routine at home.

Recordings were also sent every week to keep their playing in-check, and our music teachers conducted hybrid rehearsals. Aside from that, there was also a short period when the KYS Great Hall was under renovation.

The renovation did not stop the KYS Orchestra from finding an alternative rehearsal venue. During the 1-2 month period, we found other places to rehearse. From the Admin foyer to the Resource Centre, it took us quite a while to get used to the sound projection of our playing.

In addition to that, the KYS Orchestra also held a Matinee Concert for the lower-form students in the same week. The matinee serves as a preview of the actual gala performance. It’s safe to say that everyone enjoyed the show that afternoon.

“I’m very proud of all of us for staying till the end and I hope that most of us will continue this journey next year!”

Khaleeda Azrul, KYS Junior Orchestra member

Moving along, on the 19th of August at 8:00 pm, the Annual Concert was held at the newly-renovated Great Hall.

The Junior Orchestra started the night with two pieces, including “Liberty Bell” by John Philip Sousa and a repertoire of pieces from the 1956 film, “The King and I”.

Next, it was the KYS Orchestra’s turn to light up the night. They performed a range of pieces, including classics such as Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and “Chanson du Toreador” from the Carmen Suite.

Two of the KYS songbirds, Khyra and Edria, mesmerized the audience by belting out two songs that awed the whole crowd.

Afterward, the KYS Orchestra resumed their performances with a repertoire by Richard Rodgers from the 1965 hit movie “The Sound of Music”. Their performance struck the hearts of the older audiences who grew up watching that classic musical. Unfortunately, soon the night came to an end. The concert ended with “Don’t Stop me Now” by Queen and an encore piece, the theme from the movie “Indiana Jones”, composed by Paul Lavender.

“It was a spectacular and grand performance, the orchestra members really put all they had into that one night.”

Ahmad Shukry, spectator