Wind Instrument Workshop

On what would have been a regular Monday morning, the music students of S.I.A. were lucky enough to have a break from the norm and instead spent an hour or two with the talented Adolfo Mendoza in a Wind Instrument Workshop. Mr. Mendoza, who is referred to affectionately as Pong, is the principal bassoonist in the Phillippine Pops Orchestra. (You can read more about his expertise over here!)

The bassoon is probably a more obscure instrument as opposed to the regular flute and clarinet that would be named by many people when prompted to give examples of wind instruments. He plays a German (Heckel) bassoon as opposed to another slightly less common bassoon system, the French (Buffet) which has a different timbre. To further pique your interest, a sample of what his bassoon playing sounds like can be found at the end of this entry. 

He gave the students personalised advice as they demonstrated their skills in front of the group. Among the goldmine of pointers was the adjustment of the music stand to facilitate one's height. Simply by increasing the height of the stand would result in a more correct posture and in turn, an improved projection of breathing to play the instrument. Mr. Mendoza also highlighted the importance of colour when playing a note. Emotion is very important when playing a piece, and one must convey said emotions. For instance, playing notes in a brash and forceful manner in a romantic piece adorned with legato phrases is not particularly enjoyable to listen to. Paraphrasing Mr. Mendoza, "You do not shout 'I love you' to the person you love!"

Although his advice was geared towards music students, many of his wise words are applicable across all fields and walks of life. Instead of turning the page when faced with a difficult etude, or simply skimming over difficult phrases by playing haphazard notes in succession, he stresses that one must focus on their weaknesses in order to succeed. Regardless Hard work, persistence, determination and diligence are all important qualities for succeeding in the musical field. Just like the phrase shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars- Mr. Mendoza mentions the importance of dreaming big, and how there is no limit on your imagination. It's the will to make your dreams come true that will move you along. 

He shared his path to success with the group: from his repetitive practising of scales and etudes even while watching cartoons in his college years, to the incredibly physically taxing all-day practices at the conservatory. From his own first-hand experience, one can tell the journey to achieving excellence is never effortless. 

Broadening of horizons is what a workshop aims to achieve, and the thoughtful advice given by Mr. Mendoza was taken seriously into consideration by our budding young musicians. 

As a token of appreciation we received two copies of contemporary music from Philippines performed by Philpops Orchestra, including Mr. Mendoza himself. We hope to see him in Sabah again, and wish him all the best in his career in the Philippine music scene. 

Here is a clip of Mr. Mendoza demonstrating his skils: 

Sand Sculpting Competition!!

This year Astro Kasih has organized yet another exciting program involving the motive to save the earth and act as a long term commitment environmental programme to create awareness to the public. This event took place at teluk likas june 22 starts from 6am till 1.30pm for the sand sculpting competition. The participants were from various universities in Sabah. 

Apart from the main sand-sculpting event, a variety of programs happened during the day too. Namely a competition akin to one of the popular cooking competition TV program “MasterChef” was held during that event, as well as an emergency health demonstration, art colouring, sand art for the kids, a magic show, volleyball, and skimboarding.

This year SIA was invited to participate this awesome event in sand sculpting!

SIA participation consisted of lecturers and student for Team Nemo, and students for both Team Flameball and Team Sandmen. Determine, patient, team work and creativity is what matters into creating and moulding a mere sand into sand sculpture masterpiece.

With the unbearable hot weather, our team has kindly enough to tolerate the weather and go on as planned. The team has sweat their way since early morning as early as 6am into the scene and finish their final touch up at 1pm before the final judgement for every team. Each team need to present their art of environment in sand sculpture and their own story and reason behind the process of making it.

SIA Team won first prize worth RM3000 inclusive of 10 Quicksilver watches, and the other two team won consolation prizes each worth RM500. All the teams that participated also have been given prizes to acknowledge their hardwork and also the commitment to support the event.

Congratulations to all SIA participants! We will definitely support and nurture the earth with care.

S.I.A. Convocation 2014

Sabah institute of Art recently held their 21^st joint convocation ceremony together with Inter-American University for the first time last Saturday on 21^st June 2014 in YTL multipurpose hall, UMS. It was a celebration of success for the graduates of SIA and cheerful families and friends brightened up the hall with cheers and laughter.

A total of 23 fresh batches of graduates from SIA and 21 graduates from IAU celebrated the highest point in their academic journey. As the students had put all their hard work by wrapping up their sweat and toil in SIA, students were given the privilege of partaking in the ritual of walking down the aisle in the auditorium. Students who completed their studies for June graduation were awarded with diplomas, Bachelor Degrees, Master Degrees and Doctorates according to their respective fields.

At SIA, students are trained to add a skill dimension to their academics. Provide training for skill development to enhance the performance of these student’s in the industry. Work of excellence over the past 24 years has enabled SIA to bear the tag of a trustworthy institution with their lean concepts in colleges to teach the students the way to implement their knowledge in their field of work.

SIA chief executive officer Dato’ Wilson Yong Tung Yung commented that SIA Student is not shortfall comparing with other college and university and theirstudent is well receptive in the market with higher employability rate compare to the rest. SIA CEO further commented that SIA is also committed to foster the qualities of creativity in art and design by providing the platform and environment for students to achieve their professions particularly in Art and Design, who would provide leadership and catalysts towards the development and improvement of universal well-being”. Aspiring remarks given by Dato’ Wilson was a necessary impetus to cultivate the next generation of student success.

Guest of honor Dato’Suzannah Liaw also commented on the importance of the concept of 'never ever stop learning' because in life there will be twists and turns that cannot be predicted. In the future they will find fulfilment in other parts of their life which is unimaginable and also quote that wherever they work, they need to be not only professional but also caring, compassionate, ethical, a team player and able to cope with responsibility. 

As was customary, presentation of IAU certificate Hon Phd./Phd/MA/BA was awarded to the graduates’ by the Vice – President of IAU, Prof. Juliana Theresa, alongside presentation of SIA certificate of Diploma by the Guest of Honor herself.

The celebration of these graduates’ achievements could not have been possible without the support from their professors and lecturers that have guided them throughout the years of studying. Reminiscing the memories throughout their good times and hard times, the graduates eager to share the joy with their family and friends.

The graduates' accomplishments do not end here, but instead they shall take the challenge and strive to their best along the pathway to success. Sabah Institute of Art would wish to congratulate to all graduates of Sabah Institute of Art and IAU for their great success!

A short video featuring a few of the proud graduates and their reflections:

SIA GOOFY ROCK THE STAGE OF JAZZFEST!

SIA has returned this year to enliven this prestigious event KK Jazz festival 2014 in conjunction with the reception of the eight edition of the show last Friday 13 June 2014. Each year SIA will present their most talented new musicians to expose and sharpen their talents with a memorable opportunity. This year “SIA Goofy” a newly form band comprises of 10 young musicians rocked the stage of KK Jazz festival at Sutera Harbour.

The stunning performance started with our young and talented powerful lead vocalist Aivin Clint and Andy Lowie, Keyboard played by Brandon Laurie and Sam Jayasamry, Bass played by Matteo Ricci, Drums by Basal Christopher, our charismatic lead guitarist Erica Lee, and last but not least the head of the group Frank Chu who played the saxophone accompanied by Md. Safuan and Eugene Tang.  SIA GOOFY serenades the crowd performing 4 of their variety jazz feel song raging from P.ramlee “Manusia”, Gabrielle “That Groove”, Earth Wind and fire “September” and lastly Raisa “Pergilah” song which brings the crowd to sing a long and truly enjoyed their twisted style of music.

With the fine weather, breezing air and flashing lights, KK Jazz festival is full with energy throughout the event. Among spectators that present that day come as far as Italy, London, Philippines and not to overlook the local whom enjoying and supporting that this big event every year. Aspiring talented artist come from South Africa, Indonesia, Philippine, Italy mesmerise with their different ethnicity and knowing the roots of jazz where they come from.

Sabah Institute of art will continue to be affiliate and giving big support in performing various prestigious events such as KK Jazz Festival and to support the donation funds for goodwill project within Sabah and in the hopes to perform largely in front of the crowd with good music in different genres in the future.

Of Art and Football

With the flags raised in Brazil and about half the people you know either celebrating or wallowing in despair, the last thing you’d think about is art. From personal experience, the Beautiful Game is called the Beautiful Game for a reason: it is an art, and it influences art.

Sabah’s very own Red Hong Yi is at it again, creating masterpieces without using a paintbrush. This time round it is World Cup themed- with the likeness of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar painted with nothing other than- you'd never guess- a football. There is a video and more info here, of this fancy footwork.

It is an undisputed fact that the actual movement of the players across the pitch is an art in itself. But innovative methods of using the human body to become art always intrigued me- on more than one grand adventure across the oceans, I have encountered very, very still men with pigeons perched upon their arms coated in silver paint, deceivingly posed as statues. Here is one woman who became the World Cup.

For those of a more minimalist inclination, Tony Miotto’s interpretation of the various teams’ crests might tickle your fancy and end up being one of your many methods of showing allegiance to your favourite team. Or second favourite, in light of the inevitable (and outright surprising, in certain cases) knockouts in the group stage.  

(I have a certain degree of inclination towards the boys in sky blue and white. You have to admit, the colour combination is aesthetically pleasing.)

Digitally Inspired Media created eight posters in honour of the World Cup- the geometrical contours are so many levels of gorgeous. 

("As part of our tribute to these heroes, we have created a series of exclusive posters for the star contenders of the World Cup, inspired the titles of blockbuster films that justify the dedicated traits of each player better than the respective movies itself. To create these posters, we incorporated a cutting-edge crystal design, symbolizing the presence of a singular, strong inner core with an outer surface that is capable of transcending boundaries and achieve the impossible, much like our heroes who give everything they have for the spirit of the most beautiful game ever played.")

Amongst all the glitz and glamour, there are always the less-than-favourable aspects of the event that plague the host nation, acknowledged by everyone, yet left unspoken by many. Street art lining the urban landscape of Brazilian cities are a means of protest and outcry. Satirical and bold, the images focus on the harsh reality as opposed to the almost illusionary ideals of glory. However among the negativity, there are also more positive portrayals of the World Cup sandwiched between the unglamorous. More at the link.

Another interpretation of the political tensions present surrounding the event is the following sketch by French artist Pez/Pierre Yves Riveau. The intricate detail is somewhat symbolic of the many complications society has been entangled in. Such lovely form and a clear message that leaves an impact. 

On a lighter note, everybody loves stickers. Especially during World Cup season: the one-every-four-year hunt for the rare sticker of your favourite. Gotta stick ‘em all. One couple requipped the good ol' crayon and felt tip to share their interpretations of the stars. Ranging from a strong caricature likeness to deeply challenging abstractness, you will be entertained, hopefully even inspired. Proceed with caution, especially if laughter is not acceptable in the environment you are in. 

Quite unfortunately I have not encountered any in Kota Kinabalu (or have I just not been out of the house?) and I feel a bit left out. Perhaps I should walk in this couple’s footsteps and create my own Panini stickers. All for a bit of a creative exercise, and most importantly for a bit of a laugh.

Last but not least are the photographs taken during the World Cup- which I might leave that for a separate post, as if I were to share my favourite photos I would be here all day. I hope that this might leave some food for thought, or perhaps convinces you to watch the World Cup: it is worth it if you enjoy sports and a good atmosphere (besides the pain of sleepless nights which is a regrettable ailment Malaysians suffer from due to the dreaded existence of timezones). Who knows, you might be similarly inspired to work on creative pursuits. After all, this game is not just about 22 men and a ball. 

- F. C.