By Cheryl Wong, Mok Hua Zhe and Samantha Lim
KUCHING — St Joseph’s Private Schools’ biennial performing arts event, “Rhythm and Colour”, ran its course on August 2 and 3. This year, our theme was “Wonder: Seeking Truth, Goodness and Beauty”. Supported by Majlis Seni Sarawak (MSS) and held at Dewan Majma Kuching, our school production showcased breathtaking and award-winning performances—the joint effort of students and staff from three schools – St Joseph’s Private Primary School, St Joseph’s Private Secondary School, and St Joseph’s International School.
We were provided with a unique, once-in-a-year opportunity to build vital life skills, such as teamwork, as well as discipline in meeting expectations and deadlines, by being involved in the school production, from performances to promotional activities and backstage work. Throughout this process, we were mentored and supported by our teachers and volunteers. Here are our thoughts and experiences.
Reflections from the participants:
I originally joined the choir in my first year in secondary school due to the encouragement of a peer, whose rationale stemmed from the fact that my older brother was also a member of the choir. “Rhythm and Colour: Wonder” is my third school production.
Over the years, I’ve gone through these productions from various perspectives. I’m now more well-versed in the logistics department. Additionally, I have gained more musical skills and increased my passion for singing.
Experience works wonders in knowing what you’re supposed to do. I feel that the most valuable lesson I’ve learnt is resilience. Whenever I wanted to throw in the towel, I harboured the hope that the SJPS Chamber Choir would improve beyond our current capabilities. That’s what kept me going for the past three years, and the next to come.— Cheryl Wong (4 Theta)
Originally, I had no plans to help out with the school production this year, but that changed when I was invited to join the Student Reporters and Stage Crew. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, as I had never helped out with a school production before. I had zero regrets about my experience.
The stage management team was tasked with carrying props and setting up the stage for the performers. We were divided into groups with student leaders who successfully got everyone on board, while our teachers provided guidance in the background.
While it wasn’t always smooth sailing at first, it proved rewarding at the end. This dynamic environment was very unique, as we had to work towards a common goal as a team in a short period of only two months. As the rehearsals turned into the final performance, we had a firm handle on what needed to be done and absolutely nailed it. The invaluable camaraderie I built with the other students made the experience unforgettable.— Mok Hua Zhe (4 Phi)
When Ms Lillian Law reached out to me in 2023 with a new project in mind, which was to be a Student Reporter for the school production that year, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. This group was relatively new, with the idea of students taking the reins of article-writing and promotional video creation.
I was ecstatic to be part of the very first batch of Student Reporters, as it taught me skills I never expected to master, such as writing news articles and combating my camera shyness. This year, I was also chosen to be in the stage crew.
Juggling my duties with two separate departments was definitely a struggle at first, but it taught me one of the best lessons life has to offer – time management and a positive mindset to get things done.
One of my most memorable moments during my time as a Student Reporter this year was acting in the promotional video for our school’s production. In my opinion, this video fully complemented the theme of our school production – “Wonder”. Personally, I was not looking forward to filming the video, but I dare to say now that I would do it again, as it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone.
We, the young generation, rely too heavily on ‘mindless’ content online, but we would be surprised that with a little imagination and a sense of wonder, truth, goodness, and beauty can be perceived in everything.
Truly, the school production has changed my perspective on how I saw the performing arts. I used to believe that the only ‘stars’ of the show were the ones on stage. However, through my experience as part of the stage crew, I have been enlightened on the importance of everyone, whether on stage or off stage, is essential to a successful production.– Samantha Lim (4 Phi)
