The Academy wins 2 Gold Diplomas at the Asia Pacific Choir Games held recently in Indonesia

The Soul Sounds Academy, intermediate choir of the renowned Soul Sounds returned with two new feathers in their hat after competing at the Asian Choir Games held in Indonesia recently. Having branched off from the premiere female ensemble that needs no introductions, this is not a first time for the Academy when it comes to participation on a global platform. The third installation of the Asia Pacific Choir Games was held from October 8^th to 18^th in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The choir, unlike the main body is a mixed choir consisting of those aged 14-16.

The 3rd Asian Pacific Choir Games was organized by INTERKULTER in collaboration with the provincial government of North Sulawesi, and supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia. The academy choir entered 2 categories in the Open Competition for non professional choirs, competing with other choirs from Indonesia mainly. Bronze, Silver and Gold diplomas are awarded to choirs that qualify, gold being the highest for all choirs who score more than 80 points.

The Academy Choir was placed 2nd in the Gold Category for the Pop and Jazz category with high scores given by all adjudicators. The panel of adjudicators included judges world over at the Choir Games. The Soul Sounds Academy Choir strived to set themselves apart through their overall presentation, musicality and selection of songs in both categories. The second win was in the scenic folklore category where their interpretation of Sri Lankan folk songs was admired by audiences and judges alike. Choreography was directed by none other than Jerome. L. De Silva, and costumes were executed by Jo Jo. Christopher Prins accompanied the choir on drums while Soundarie was on piano. They were conducted by senior Soul Sound, Lilanka Boteju.

The academy that initially started with 15 students, has now grown tremendously both in terms of numbers and talent. There are over 150 members at present. Speaking to Daily Mirror Life in an interview shortly before leaving to Indonesia for the competition, Director Soundarie David Rodrigo said, “Having been at the World Choir Games in China, Austria, and USA, I know for a fact that all choirs competing will be very good. Many Indonesian Choirs are of a very high standard, as such we know that the level of competition will be high, and we are prepared to not only face it, but also learn from it.

Training any group of students who are passionate about singing is always a pleasure and motivation for me - this is not to say that sometimes they do get on my nerves, especially if they are not fully focused, don’t learn their parts, notes etc.. because this slows down the pace we usually work at. At the Academy and with Soul Sounds, we believe in learning the notes fast, so that we could then work on the finer aspects, so there are times that things just don't move fast, but I guess at the end it all comes together when the music overtakes everything else, and we are all lost in the music so to speak!

We also had the one and only Jerome De Silva helping these kids with stage presence and choreography and this has added a lot of confidence to their singing as well. I also wish to thank all parents who have supported their children especially these kids who will be competing by giving them the financial support and the encouragement, because without them this would not have been possible.” 

Their achievement stands testimonial to the prowess and commitment of the team, the combination of which, we can be assured will propel them to even greater heights in times to come.

By Nivedha Jeyaseelan