By KT Leong
Ipoh, 18 July – Ipoh Parade introduced another first to Perak with its second “Sekolahku Berbakat” event in collaboration with the Perak State Education Department; the Drumline Battle.
The event pitted different bands against each other from schools across Perak, bringing together rhythm, coordination, and showmanship in a spectacular display of musical excellence.
Ten teams participated in this first-of-its-kind event at Ipoh Parade, with SMJK Sam Tet’s Tofu Drumline, decked in suits of blue and silver, and SMK St. Michael’s MMB Drumline, imposing in flashes of green and black, facing off against each other in the finals.
“To be a witness to these students’ passion is a privilege and an honour, and we couldn’t be happier to have been the facilitators for such an occasion,” comments Lim Huey Tyng, Manager for Ipoh Parade’s Advertising & Promotions (A&P) Department. “We are proud to feature the immense amount of talent that resides in Perak through our Drumline Battle, and we hope that we will be able to continue working with the Perak State Education Department to showcase unbridled talent, such as these teenagers, to a wider audience.”
While SMK St. Michael’s MMB Drumline were the ultimate victors for the day, winning RM2,500 in cash prizes, first runner-up SMJK Sam Tet’s Tofu Drumline proved to be no pushovers, having cleanly swept the other two awards available, namely the Most Popular Band award and the Most Creative Costume award.
The latter team invested heavily in new costumes costing around RM9,600, which shimmered at every step, and they took home winnings totaling RM2,500.
The Avengers Drumline from SMK Menglembu secured the second runner-up position. After winning silver in the showcase round, they came back strong in the battle round to claim third place, earning a prize of RM1,000.
The fourth and fifth places went to the Dark Knights from Malay College Kuala Kangsar and the OMB Drum Corp from SMK Raja Permaisuri Bainun respectively, with each team receiving RM500.
“Opportunities like this allow schools to expose their drumlines to competition, helping them improve their skills and stage presence,” remarked one of the judges, Jimmy Wong from Persatuan Kesenian Pancaragam Malaysia (MAMA).
In his closing speech, Dr. Nor Haslan Bin Nor Zaman, Unit Head of Student Talent Development (Co-curriculum) at the Perak State Education Department, praised the excellent performances by the schools’ teams. Dr Nor Haslan declared that the Perak State Education Department will fully endorse this programme to be held annually, ensuring continued opportunities for students to showcase and develop their talents. Also present was Assistant Director En. Wan Muhamad Huzairi bin Shukri.
