By Owen Lee
The sound of unity echoed through the halls of SMJK Yuk Choy on a Sunday afternoon, as five school teams took to the stage in a powerful display of rhythm, resilience, and cultural pride.
The 24 Festive Drums Campus Showcase, organized by Ipoh Drum Academy, brought together students from different secondary schools in a celebration that was not just a performance, but a revival of spirit.
At the heart of this initiative is Cayson Chong, the driving force behind the showcase. His inspiration? A heartfelt mission to reignite the pulse of 24 Festive Drums in schools after the long pause caused by the pandemic.
“Schools are the heart of this culture,” he said. “Many teams were struggling to get back on their feet. We wanted to give them a proper stage which can provide the reason to come together, to perform, and be proud again.”
There were 8 drum performances including an opening ceremony performed by Ipoh Drum Academy. There were a total 150 drummers from Ipoh Drum Academy Teams, SMJK Yuk Choy, SMK Menglembu, Chung Hua High School Seremban, and UTAR Kampar.
More than just a drum performance, the event served as a living embodiment of Ipoh Drum Academy’s three core pillars: education, culture, and connection. Each beat, each movement on stage told a story of discipline, teamwork, and passion. From energetic opening numbers to emotionally resonant original compositions, the students proved that art thrives when youth are empowered.
A unique highlight of the showcase was the presentation of six original drum pieces with each of them prepared and choreographed by the school teams themselves. Some had help from their coaches, while others were fully student-led. The preparation took 1 to 3 months, but the results were heartfelt and deeply personal.
“What matters most is that the works came from the heart,” Chong said. “Each piece carried the team’s own story, energy, and style.”
The roots of 24 Festive Drums go back to Malaysia in 1988. It is a homegrown art form that fuses traditional Chinese percussion with a distinctly Malaysian identity. For many young performers, this modern cultural expression offers a bridge to their heritage.
“It’s more than performance,” Chong emphasized. “It’s a spirit of unity, discipline, and cultural continuity.”
That spirit was felt strongly by the audience. The hall was packed with enthusiastic supporters like families, teachers, and music lovers, where many of them were overwhelmed by the depth and maturity of the students’ work.
“Some were moved to tears,” Chong recalled. “That kind of feedback is the highest praise.”
Organizing a multi-school showcase wasn’t without its challenges. Coordinating rehearsals, managing different school calendars, and handling technical logistics took patience and teamwork. But thanks to strong support from teachers, volunteers, and school administrators, the showcase went on without a hitch.
Above all, Chong hopes that this experience leaves a lasting impact on the young drummers.
“I want them to walk away with confidence, purpose, and connection. These are lessons for them to go beyond the drums.” he said.
As the final beat faded and the applause filled the hall, one thing was clear: it was more than a showcase. It was a movement, and its rhythm continues to echo in the hearts of a new generation.
