YOGYAKARTA- The Marching Band (MB) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in 2010 collected many achievements at the national level. One of those was the second place winner in the Grand Prix Marching Band Indonesia 2010, from 26-27 December at Istora Senayan, Jakarta. This achievement made UGM proud as this was prestigious as compared to other competitions. “This achievement repeated the previous similar experience in 2005,” said chairman of MB UGM 2010, Frail Ikhsan, on the night of thanksgiving in Gelanggang Mahasiswa UGM, Sunday (27/2).
UGM team has made better achievements in the past few years. In 2007, UGM was ranked sixth and in 2008 was ranked fifth. Frail said that in this competition, the UI team won the first place, while the third was the Provincial Government of Banten. UGM was also the best in Horn Line category, second place in Solo Percusion, second place in Solo Pit Instrument, and second place in Duet Horn.
Frail said their achievements in the Grand Prix Marching Band Indonesia 2010 were impressive for them as their departure to Jakarta was during the Merapi eruption which had made them doubtful whether or not to go. "Some were in panic, while some students went to their home towns to escape the eruption. And we only had 8 months to practise,” he said.
The Geography student class of 2007 said that one of the factors for their success was regular practises. Despite limited equipment and venue, they kep the spirit hight to practise three times a week. "The rehearsals ran till night. During holidays, we we rehearsed in the morning. Ahead of the competition, we rehearsed almost everyday. Sometimes we rent an indoor venue,” he explained.
Meanwhile, chief executive of MB UGM, Prof. Dr. Timbul Haryono, M.Sc., in his speech said that the achievement should be able to boost their spirit to win any competition they join. "Don’t let it make you get carried away. Keep the spirit to win!” Timbul said.
Similarly, Yosi, alumnus of MB UGM, hoped that his successors keep learning from any competitions. Self-confidence, according to Yosi, needs to be enhanced as it is one of the elements to achieve a victory. "The UGM team is awaited for everytime it makes a performance. What surprises will be shown by UGM? These are all our capital to perform more confidently,” Yosi said.
On the thanksgiving night, a show of MB UGM costumes was held. Previously, a rice-cone cutting ceremony was done by chairman of MB UGM 2011, Ricky Joshua Simanjuntak, the cone was presented to Prof. Dr. Timbul Haryono, M.Sc. The audience were enthusiastic joining the gathering and enjoying the traditional food that were served.