Playground of Ujung Pandang has become one of the unforgettable memories in my mind. The event was full of nerve-wrecking experiences, happiness, frustration, and tears. All of Cikal students tried to show the best of themselves. And I believe that everyone succeed to do it. But actually, in my opinion the most important is how we really put our time and heart in the preparation for this event. And also how teachers, students, and every member of the Sekolah Cikal Surabaya create bonds of trust and understanding during the entire preparation months. So I will try to include all of those ethereal feelings in this notes.
Before I start, I will explain shortly about what is Playground of Ujung Pandang. Well, the event ‘Playground of ______’ itself is an annual agenda in every Sekolah Cikal. In the event, every students shows what they’ve learned throughout the entire academic year, based on the subject they chose. The subjects are: Drama and music which are included in the performing arts, and visual arts, math, science, ICT, and the rest of the school subjects which are included in the subject showcase presentation. All of these subjects showcases and performances are wrapped up with an Indonesian based – theme. This theme are always different every year. Now that (I hope) you understand about the event, please enjoy this notes of mine!
“Every person is a new door to a different world.”
-Six Degrees of Separation
It was on March when the preparation for Playground of Ujung Pandang began. In the first meeting of this subject’s preparation, all students who chose music in MYP were told by the music teacher that the concept of our performance is a band and it will be the closing ceremony of the whole performing arts show. We didn’t want to let anyone down. Therefore, we did a lot of discussions about the plan of this closing ceremony / performance.
The original plan was making a mash-up that consists of 5 songs: Fana Merah Jambu – fourtwnty, Angin Mamiri, Zona Nyaman – fourtwnty, Something Just Like This – The Chainsmoker & Coldplay, Sebuah Kisah Klasik – Sheila on 7.
Our first several practices for this plan didn’t went as smooth as I expected. There were many trials and errors that we faced. Especially when it comes to cooperation and communication between each member of the team. We were definitely didn’t used to work with each other seeing that most of the member doesn’t come from the same friend group or class. But we really tried our best to overcome this obstacle together.
“Don’t make things too complicated. Try to relax, enjoy every moment, get used to everything.”
-Angelique Kerber
When the preparation of the music division was almost finished (exactly a week before PoPang), there was a major change of plan that happened suddenly. From a mash-up that consists of 5 songs, we need to change it into a mash-up that only consists of 3 songs so that the song choices can be more matching with the Ujung Pandang theme. Those 3 songs that were left are Angin Mamiri, Zona Nyaman, and Sebuah Kisah Klasik.
Frankly speaking, we were so upset because of it. The only thought we had at that time was about our many useless practices that we did. But at the same time, we knew that we had no time to rant about everything.
Thankfully, our music teacher quickly made another arrangement that was based on our newest discussion, and it took us 5-6 days to make it as good as the previous arrangement. From all of these hectic practices, we realized that the cooperation of our team has improved a lot. We have learned so much about understanding each other and about how we need to pay attention to others as much as we do to ourselves. So at the end we are really, really, proud of ourselves because of it.
“We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.”
-Winnie the Pooh
The D-day of Playground of Ujung Pandang came earlier than everyone thought. Everyone were so nervous yet excited for it to start. That morning, I saw that most students were practicing their lines for the presentation or drama. While most teachers were basically panicking because of the event.
Before I continue the story, I want to tell you that Playground of Ujung Pandang in Sekolah Cikal Surabaya were divided into 3 sessions of performing arts and subject showcase. I performed two times, the first one was singing in the break time between each of the session and the second one was in the third session of the main performance for the closing part. So when I wasn’t performing anything, I observed the parents and felt their big enthusiasm. From their facial expressions, I saw how they were so excited to see their children’s achievement, or how they were very proud and happy seeing it.
My first performance that I did at the break time to entertain the parents went pretty well. I sang Adu Rayu from Tulus, Glenn Fredly, & Yovie Widianto, and also Beauty and the Beast. I wouldn’t say it were very great, since my voice and my overall performance was only in an average level. Well, it’s in my opinion.
My main performance was at 2.30 pm. At the backstage, I was really scared and nervous. I had this negative feelings that my performance won’t be great, or that everyone will be disappointed at me, and etc. But when I stepped onto the stage, everything felt different. All of my worries were suddenly gone and I felt like the stage was ours only. With all of the positive vibes, I personally think we all did a great job in performing the songs. So I’m very grateful that it went well.
Lastly, I just want to say a very big thank you to teachers who put their largest effort in preparing ‘Playground of Ujung Pandang’ event this past months. Without them, our performances won’t be this successful and memorable, and there probably won’t be any tears of happiness and large satisfaction from everyone.
Ayunda Damai 