Kuching: A Music Dream

DOKUMEN x YAYASAN AMIR TRUST SCHOOLS PROGRAMME

KUCHING 17-20 NOV 2014

A MUSIC DREAM SK. TABUAN

When Hidayat told me, Let’s go to Kuching!

I was literally hopping up and down.

It was my first trip to Borneo.

These four days gave me a glimpse into a production team, which I was always curious to know.

Thank you, Dokumen for the opportunity.

Thank you, Yayasan Amir and SK Tabuan for valuable lessons in life.

17 NOV 2014

The atmosphere in school seems laid back, it is the last week of school for the kids. A wave of nostalgia sweeps over me when I see those children in uniforms. It has been years since I last been to a primary school; but this school, is no ordinary primary school. It sings of the music dream of dedicated teachers and hopeful students, the story of the Bee’s Buskers.

Ascending the stairs, we hear sound of instruments coming from a room at the end of the corridor. It does not take me long to immerse in the joyful atmosphere.

The students enjoy the music very much. At the cue of Cikgu Hadi, they play the most wonderful harmony. Whenever the practice stops, the room is fill with chatters and laughters.

The Bee’s Buskers, named by the students themselves, upholds strong tie of friendship amongst students of different year. Their love of music ultimately changed their attitude towards schooling.

Students found motivations for learning in this positive environment. It is these elevating changes that garner parents’ confidence towards the idea of their children involving in music band.

In fact, the music band has came a long way in SK. Tabuan since 2008. Cikgu Hadi has initiated the music band, then Pn Aluyah and Yayasan Amir came along and give great support towards this effort.

After a long pause, the practice resumes, and the moving music resonates in this small enclosure.

For a whole day, the song stuck in our head. Calling it a day, we hum the melody out loud on our way back to the hotel.

Kan ku curi hatimu Menyamun senyummu Kan ku culik cintamu Macam ku larikan lirikmu Kau tak perasan aku sukamu Dari dulu lagi Kau simpan hatiku Dari Darjah Satu Darjah Satu Pencuri - Mark Adam

18 NOV 2014

Today we wake up before subuh and rush to Amirrol’s house.

We already went there the day before to obtain the parental consent. Amirrol is all set to go to school when we arrived. His brother, a thin figure walks out from the room and has breakfast with Amirrol before sending him off to school.

We stroll around the school, taking photographs and footages. It is a beautiful morning. Warm sunlight fills the landscape.

I took a deep breath, sinking in this calming ambience. From a far, the children notice my gaze, covering their face with hands and shyly avoid my camera with giggles.

The evening sky is turning dark, we are in Amirrol’s house again filming an interview with his parents. Amirrol is one of the main character in the video we are producing. He used to be a problem student but gradually found his way interacting with his peers and in learning since joining the Bee’s Buskers.

19 NOV 2014

It is the day of perfomance for the Bee’s Buskers, also the day of celebration for most students. The school is holding its annual Hari Kecemerlangan where the children happily attend the second last day of school. The venue is crowded with parents and students sitting under the tent.

A cute voice announcing the names of award recipients. Students line up under the hot scorching sun with bright smile waiting for their turn to go on stage. The small stage is festive with bright pink and orange colours, decorated the day before by volunteers.

In between the sessions, performers are getting ready. A little girl throw a smile at me as she sees me. Shortly, they run up the stage and gave their best to entertain the attendees.

Indeed, everyone laugh in joy seeing their adorable performance.

The ceremony is at its climax when the Bee’s Buskers perform. Their music steal everyone’s attention. The lead singer is already in tears, singing one of the last songs. It marks the end of the primary education for the sixth graders.

20 NOV 2014

It is our last day in Kuching, we plan to go around the city for footages. Before we leave for the airport, we go back to the school to bid goodbye with the headmistress.

In retrospect, the journey was so brief yet impactful. I was very moved by the spirits of the educators and the students.

The exposure the production team has given was invaluable and exciting. However, I felt guilty for I can only help so little.

Nonetheless It is an enjoyable week spent in Kuching. Ah, I miss the children already!

photograph and writting by PLAYSTESEN