Inaugural Sarawak International Band & Orchestra Festival 2024 to celebrate music, culture in Kuching from Sept 17-20

Scan the QR code to register for SIBOFest 2024.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Aug 1: The Band Lab (Persatuan Wind Orkestra Kuching), renowned for its advocacy in wind band and music education for Sarawakian youths, has announced the inaugural Sarawak International Band & Orchestra Festival (SIBOFest) 2024.

Set to take place from Sept 17 to Sept 20 at Lodge Secondary School Kuching, this vibrant four-day festival is themed ‘Music, Culture, and Friendship’.

“The primary objectives of the festival are to expand access to music education by providing affordable, professional workshops for musicians and educators, and to enhance professional development through masterclasses that improve the skills of local musicians and educators,” as stated in a press release.

Distinguished figures in band education and music will be in attendance, including Japan’s Aikodai Meiden High School Symphonic Band of 60 members.

This band has won 17 gold medals at the All Japan Band Competition, the most in Japan.

Other notable tutors and performers include Sensei Hiroki Ito, the Singapore-based mixed instrument ensemble K⼝U, Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia, and the Euroasia Association of Performing Arts.

SIBOFest 2024 will culminate in a Finale Gala Concert on Sept 20, showcasing talents from both local and international musicians who took part in the festival. Tickets are available at https://thebandlab.com/sibofest/.

Highlighting the concert will be compositions from local composer Yeo Chow Shern and the global debut of SIBOFest’s theme song by Japanese composer Keigo Makino, inspired by Sarawak’s ethnic music.

On-site, participants can access affordable wind and percussion repair services by professional Japanese technicians.

Additionally, a complimentary basic wind instrument repair workshop led by guest Japanese technician Tohru Taniguchi will be available for band educators and the public on Sept 19, although spots are limited.

SIBOFest 2024 also promotes community engagement through immersive educational activities focused on local traditions and cultures.

The festival’s events will include Community Kamek workshops for learning local delicacies and traditional dances, and a Borneo Adventure session offering a firsthand experience of local life in Kuching.

Supported by the Ministry of Education and the Department of Education Sarawak, SIBOFest 2024 offers free admission for Malaysian government schools, with fees starting at RM100 for other institutions.

Observers, including music educators and accompanying teachers, can register for selected events for RM30.

The Finale Gala Concert is free for registered observers, with tickets available to the general public for RM30.

Registration is now open at https://thebandlab.com/sibofest/. Further details will also be available on the website. — DayakDaily