The FMIPA choir team participated in a choir competition between work units at the University of Jember (25/6). Getting participant number 3, the FMIPA team performed the Garuda Pancasila song and the chosen song Gundul-gundul Pacul. Dressed in Javanese nuances, the invited guests smiled at the action of wearing sunglasses from the FMIPA men’s team. Present on the agenda were UNEJ leaders, Rector, Vice Rectors and Deans at UNEJ.

The FMIPA team, before competing, was directly encouraged by the Dean of FMIPA UNEJ Drs. Achmad Sjaifullah, M.Sc., Ph.D. who also attended the event. “Thank you for following the training well and being able to work together even though the team is from several elements, there are lecturers, students as well as Dharma Wanita. Show your best, hopefully you will get the best and FMIPA will win,” he said. The Dean and leaders of FMIPA fully support the team that will compete in the annual routine agenda of voice guidance between work units at the University of Jember..

The day before, all participants were given the opportunity to try out the stage and wait for the performance. Also the process of entering and going on stage according to the variety of the committee. All teams are also given time to sing the obligatory and optional songs with a time of 10 minutes. The conductor is also given the opportunity to arrange the position of the choir team according to the available stage.

The FMIPA choir team has been practicing since early last June. Limited time to prepare for performances, from team building to regular practice 2 times a week. “We make most of our time by consistently attending and being disciplined in time so that we can give the best presentation results,” said vice Dean II FMIPA Purwatiningsih, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. who took part in the choir team.

Bring in coach Barkah Widi Pribadyo, the choir team which is divided into soprano, alto, tenor and bass practices diligently amidst the routine activities on campus. “We learned to sing together according to the score because the jury’s assessment of our appearance was based on the sheet music that was deposited,” explained Mr. Barkah. It’s not normal for the team, because they are busy with understanding scores and harmonizing notes

The obligatory Garuda Pancasila song chosen is indeed heard everyday, but with the division of votes, the difference in the first and second rounds as well as the alternative coda makes it even more beautiful to hear. Even with Gundul-gundul pacul, who doesn’t know this song. With harmony, Javanese songs can motivate you to move. “Make sure to take the right breath, sing correctly, not just memorize and always pay attention to the beat of the notes,” concluded Mr. Barkah after each practice.