Bruneiโs performing arts scene in school is growing rapidly with competitions in choir, drama and traditional music happening on a regular basis. Although most of the secondary schools in Brunei teach performing arts as an extracurricular activity, many students are taking their passion for it to another level.
Pg Remi makes music at Misha Studios (Melabau Complex, Kg Serusop). You can contact the studio by emailing him at bravoechoalpharomeo@yahoo.com or follow his Instagram @mr.bear.and.his.ukelele
Hello Cikgu Remi! You started music classes at Sayyidina Husain. Well done!
Iโm proud to say that we are the first local secondary school that teaches music as part of our curriculum.
How did that come about?
We wanted to make music education accessible to local students because we do know that learning music can be expensive. My former principals, Cikgu Zarina Hj Khadir and Cikgu Hajidah Hj Abd Wahab, an officer in the Department of Co-Curricular Education (JPKK) at the Ministry of Education, both agreed to the idea of making music learning accessible for students. Music has been proven to assist our ability to learn. When a student is learning music, theyโre having fun. Basically, my classroom is like a therapy session every day. We sing and make noise. We play board games as well.
How does board games relate to music?
I have a board game called โSimon Aโ which is a musical take on the famous game โSimon Says’ but in music format where they try to remember the patterns. Thereโs lots of humming as the students try to recall the notes.
[related]Thatโs part of the teaching technique?
My line of music education uses the Kodรกly method, an approach to music education pioneered in the 20th century by Hungarian composer and linguist Zoltan Kodรกly. First, we teach students to recognise sounds, counts and patterns. We also employ hand signs, where every sign or pattern has its own sound. I think itโs best to train your ear and identify sounds first because thatโs an important aspect in music education.
You coordinate performance programmes, teach music, train to teach music, and you also do things for other schools. Tell us more about that.
Occasionally, JPKK will request assistance in training which could be for new choir teachers or judging in competitions; and Iโm thankful for all these opportunities. It has built my repertoire from being just a teacher to being a composer, judge and trainer as well.
Who are your biggest inspirations when it comes to teaching music?
The first being my late father, Pg Hj Mohd Salleh Pg Hj Chuchu, who was supportive of me and always told me to follow my dreams. Another inspiration is my studio partner, Suhaimi Abdul Rahman, of Misha Studios. Weโve been working together for a long time and he was the one who suggested to me that itโs time for public schools to have music. Then thereโs my former principal, Cikgu Zarina, who suggested for music in our school. Because of her, I took it upon myself to get certified as a music teacher.
The final inspiration is Cikgu Hajidah, from JPKK, who gave me the opportunities to train others, become a music judge, go on exchange programmes and learn other kinds of music. She also helped me to become fond of teaching music.
