The project was meaningful in more ways than one for Hui Ping, who is from Miri herself. She shared, “When I was learning the trumpet growing up, I often wished for greater opportunities to learn from more experienced musicians. Though arranging all the individual coachings alongside aural and theory training was not easy, I really wanted the students to gain a new learning experience, and to see how rich and enjoyable pursuing music can be. I initially wanted to do the project after completing my junior recital, but the people I spoke to were so excited and supportive that I decided to do it there and then – not for the modular credits or my coursework, but for the community.”

Regional collaboration formed another special aspect of the project. While the team initially planned to visit only Miri, their supervisor Assoc Prof Ty Constante floated the possibility of expanding to Brunei through connection with founder of Expression Music Ms Lily Chiam – a colleague that he met during YST’s participation at the SEADOM Congress. The students were thus able to expand their reach, working also with Jerudong International School and the International School of Brunei. Natalie shared, “I initially envisioned my sole task on the trip to be teaching students, but the process of collaborating with overseas partners showed me the extent of behind-the-scenes planning that was required. The exposure I gained in planning and administration was beneficial and will certainly help me in future events.”

The entire trip culminated in a final performance at the Gymkhana Club Miri, where the team presented an hour’s worth of chamber music for an audience of over 200 people, ending off with an arrangement of a Malaysian song Sejahtera Malaysia jointly performed with a choir comprising members from the participating Miri secondary schools. It was a warm celebration of the relationships forged on the journey.