Kian Kok Middle School's Chinese Orchestra enthralls audience with 'Traces' concert

Borneo Post

03-06-2025

Chin Sin Ni conducted the orchestra performance.
KOTA KINABALU (June 3): The Chinese orchestra of Kian Kok Middle School recently held a concert at the school hall, drawing an enthusiastic audience of parents, primary school students and Chinese music enthusiasts.
It featured a rich and emotive musical program, offering a delightful night where tradition met youthful passion.
The event was graced by Dr Deledda Tan Hui San, president of the SME Association of Sabah, as the guest of honour.
Datuk Clement Yeh, chairman of the Board of Directors of Kian Kok Middle School, delivered an opening speech. Both guests expressed their deep appreciation for the orchestra's dedication to promoting traditional Chinese music on campus and in the broader community over the years.
Themed 'Traces,' the concert symbolized the footprints of growth, the heritage of culture, and the youthful journeys of learning and perseverance. The repertoire for the evening showcased a diverse blend of traditional and contemporary Chinese music, including Forest Nocturne, Purple Reed and Butterfly, Light Clouds and Faint Moon, Pipa Whisper, In That Faraway Place, Liyue, Ussuri Boat Song Fantasy, Prosperous Times, Chasing Chasing Chasing, and Swaying Love.
The evening featured outstanding performances under the baton of several experienced conductors, including Leong Han Kui, Chin Sin Ni, Chong Cheng Chong, and Vui Chen Yew.
Together with the dedicated student performers, they brought the music to life, earning waves of applause from the captivated audience and demonstrating the orchestra's remarkable musical maturity.
In his speech, Yeh highlighted the history of the school's Chinese orchestra, which was founded in 1989 and has since become a pillar of the school's cultural life.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all supporters of the orchestra, noting that despite the wear and tear on instruments over time, generous community support has enabled the group not only to replace damaged instruments but also to acquire new ones, thereby enhancing the orchestra's performance capabilities.
Yeh called on all parents to be more involved in their children's school life.
'A round of applause, a few words of encouragement, or just being present – these small gestures are powerful sources of motivation for our children,' he said.
He further encouraged the public, corporate sector and alums to continue supporting the school's growth and cultural development.
Dr Tan herself a parent of two Kian Kok alums, shared her emotional connection to the school. She expressed her admiration for the students' dedication and the orchestra's role in preserving Chinese cultural heritage, urging young performers to cherish this rare opportunity to learn and grow through music.
The success of 'Traces' was a testament not only to the students' musical talent and teamwork but also to the community's shared commitment to cultural continuity. Through persistent practice and unity, the Chinese orchestra once again proved that the roots of Chinese culture remain strong in the hearts of today's youth.
Kian Kok Middle School's Chinese Orchestra will continue its mission to cultivate musical talent and promote Chinese cultural values, bringing more inspiring performances to the community in the years to come.