KUCHING: The Band Lab (Persatuan Wind Orkestra Kuching) emerged as the champions at the recent Malaysia International Wind Festival (miwFEST), held at Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan in Kuala Lumpur from Sept 9 to 10.
This prestigious event showcased the band’s exceptional skills and unwavering dedication, bringing home a collection of impressive awards that have filled Sarawak with pride.
The Band Lab founder, conductor and president Jesmond Siew expressed that their journey had been truly remarkable.
He acknowledged that their victory was a testament to the united efforts of the band members and extended heartfelt gratitude to their parents, sponsors, and Sarawakians for their unwavering support.
“We hope to continue inspiring and nurturing the next generation of musicians in our region, fostering a legacy of musical excellence.”
The Band Lab achieved remarkable success at miwFEST 2023, earning several awards, including: Gold award and champion in the Woodwinds Ensembles (Open Category) for the Band Lab Saxophone Quartet; Gold award and first runner-up in the Woodwinds Ensemble (Open Category) for the Band Lab Flute Trio; Gold award and champion in the Brass Ensemble (Open Category) for the Band Lab Brass Octet; Silver award and champion in the Concert Band (Open Category) for the Band Lab Concert Band; Gold award and champion in the Chamber Winds (Open Category) for Echo Winds.
The Band Lab’s achievements at miwFEST go beyond mere awards. They serve as a beacon, igniting a profound appreciation for music in Sarawak and beyond. Their resounding success not only celebrates Sarawak’s rich musical heritage but also highlights its potential to shine brightly on the global stage of music.
The Band Lab has not only made its local community proud but has also showcased the transformative power of music, capable of uniting and inspiring people from diverse backgrounds.
For the record, this year’s miwFEST featured over 57 bands and ensembles from countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and others, with more than 1500 participants.
