After securing a gold medal in the Bali Choir Competition 2017, the Convent JB Choir team had to strive hard for yet another two competitions in 2018. The first one was in Kuala Lumpur and the other was in Singapore. The outcome of the two competitions were truly disappointing as we only achieved a silver and a bronze medal each. Our morale was at an all-time low. Nevertheless, in line with our motto “in whatever we do, we do our beat”, we decided to exert ourselves and therefore took part in another international choir competition, A Voyage of Songs (AVOS) Bangkok 2019.

Selections began during the year-end holidays in 2018. With only about four months to equip ourselves, practices began in November. Our school team had to be on par with professional choir teams worldwide within these four months. Thankfully, we received professional coaching from Miss Fam Qing Rui, who had cooperated with several outstanding local composers to promote modern choral music. Due to her hectic schedule, Ms. Fam could only conduct once a week sessions with the choir. Hence, the members diligently attended the training sessions. It boosted their spirits and they definitely wanted to soar higher when Ms. Fam complimented them saying that our choir girls portrayed great potential.

On the flip side, the members struggled to raise funds to provide a stipend for the coach. We had to put our heads together to find ways and means to raise funds. One of the activities was selling pizza during recess and after school from time to time. Thankfully, we raised sufficient funds to see us through.

At midnight, on 19th July, the team was ready to take off to Bangkok. 35 students, the youngest being only 13 years old, and five teachers headed to Changi Airport, Singapore for Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. Upon arrival, the team headed to the competition venue for a sound check session.

20th July, it was the big day for all of us. Once ready, we went to the venue clad in our new competition dresses and renewed spirit. As we entered the hall, there was pin-drop silence. It felt like we were in a pressure cooker. I would say that our girls performed admirably. We could see it from the judges’ façade too. The judges were from the United States of America, Philippines, Singapore, China, Thailand and Indonesia. We heaved a sigh of relief when it was over as we could finally let our hair down.

Finally, the grand finale had come. Contestants and judges started to fill up the grand hall. Seconds felt like years while waiting for the announcement of the results. As all the silver medalists unfolded, we knew that we already secured the gold medal. We felt utterly overwhelmed, squealing in our seats, waiting for the announcement of our name. Upon the declaration that the Convent JB Choir was a gold medalist, it was simply music to our ears. All our hard work and effort had finally paid off. Viva la Convent JB Choir.