Music Gives Color to the Air of the Moment

By Esther Yang

Due to the pandemic, the Music Department announced recently that there would not be any live concert performances this semester. But students still get to perform what they have learned in class differently, by recording videos.

The current situation changed many aspects of our society, especially in the Music Department. Band trips and choir trips are canceled, and there is no showchoir or men’s and women’s ensemble rolling in this period.

So right now, there is only one choir happening: the concert choir. This year’s choir is filled with talented people from different grades. However, since the students didn’t get a chance to bond by going on the trip, the class’s vibe is different compared to the previous years.

Moreover, when school had just started, many students seemed like they gave up on having a concert. Students learned various songs without the certainty of having a performance. However, one day, Ms. Goh surprised the students by announcing that there would be a concert happening by filming videos.

With the news, she also introduced two new songs to the students: “Truly Brave” and “Music Changes the World.” Then Ms. Goh added, “In times like this, we should sing from our heart and give hope to the people. In our lives’ darkest times, music consoles us, gives us joy, and brings us back together. Music lives, no matter what.”

Although it did not go as planned, the concert is still happening. Students in choir got an opportunity to make a music video of  “Truly Brave” to make the music more exciting and directly deliver messages to the audiences. Some of the seniors are also sharing their experiences in the choir through a short interview.

It is hard to look on the bright side, but there is always a good part of the story when one looks closely with patience. As Amy Park (9) expressed, "I really like the fact that we still get to perform during this pandemic. However, it’s kind of disappointing that we don’t get to perform in front of many people. Still, on the other hand, if we make a music video, more people will get to see our performances (such as my parents, who are not living in Malaysia) with better quality and elegant performances."        

Music speaks what cannot be expressed with words, soothes the mind, and gives it rest. It also heals the heart, and connects our souls. It touches our emotions and comforts us. In the song “Truly Brave” it says,

I see your true colors shining through.

I see your true colors and that’s why I love you.

So don’t be afraid to let them show.

Your true colors, your true colors… are beautiful like a rainbow.

The choir hopes the concert this time will make you appreciate your moments, bring back your memories, heal your pain, and share happiness. Please join this journey with us and stay tuned for the concert!