EduAsiaNews, Yogyakarta – The Student Activity Unit (UKM) for the Student Choir (PSM), Sunshine Voice (SSV) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), has once again achieved a commendable accomplishment by securing Second Place in the General Category of the JCM Choral Competition 2026. This achievement represents not only the result of a long and intensive training process, but also serves as a stepping stone toward the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod International Choir Festival 2026, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this coming August.
The President of SSV UMY, Fajri Trias Fauzi Muhammad, who was also involved as a team official in the competition, explained that the choir’s participation in the JCM Choral Competition 2026 had been strategically designed as part of its preparation for the international stage.
“We began preparing for this competition in October 2025. For approximately four months, we underwent intensive rehearsals. From the outset, we positioned the JCM Choral Competition as a warm-up event for the actual international contest. It served as a stage trial to assess the team’s readiness before performing at a higher level,” Fauzi stated in an online interview with UMY Public Relations on Monday (16/2).
In the General Category, the competition featured various choirs, ranging from universities to senior high schools across the Yogyakarta region. The achievement of second place was warmly celebrated by all team members, considering the demanding rehearsal schedule and the high level of commitment required throughout the preparation process.
Fauzi emphasized that the competition held significant value, particularly in assessing the mental readiness of members, especially those participating in a competition for the first time.
“For us, this was crucial in measuring the team’s mental preparedness. Rehearsing and performing in a competition are two very different experiences. During practice, one may feel confident; however, when stepping onto the competition stage—especially for first-time participants—nervousness is inevitable. This experience provides valuable preparation before performing in Malaysia,” he explained.
In addition to mental readiness, technical musical aspects also became a major focus of evaluation. Differences between the rehearsal space and the performance venue were identified as key factors requiring improvement.
“Our primary evaluation concerns musicality. Our coach emphasized the importance of volume control, vocal blend, and overall musical quality. These are the aspects we are continuously refining as we prepare for the international competition,” he added.
Looking ahead, Fauzi expressed his hope that PSM SSV UMY will not only achieve higher accomplishments but also bring honor to UMY on the international stage.
“We hope to continue making our university proud, particularly when we perform in Malaysia. We aim for even better results. Our ultimate target is, of course, to bring home a gold medal,” Fauzi concluded. (NF)
