By Lillian Law
KUCHING — The first Roman Catholic Brigades’ Band members of the 11th Kuching Company of the Boys’ Brigade (11KCHBB) and the 11th Kuching Company of the Girls’ Brigade (11KCHGB) held their inaugural meeting on 11 May at Blessed Sacrament Church. The meeting was led by Lt Raymond Sii. The interested members had a fun time trying out the different instruments—wind, brass and percussion.
The idea of this band was conceived at the same time when 11KCHBB, the first active Roman Catholic Boys’ Brigade in Sarawak, and 11KCHGB, the first Roman Catholic Girls’ Brigade in Sarawak, started at Blessed Sacrament Church in 2018, with the blessings of Archbishop Simon Poh and then-parish priest, Fr Felix Au. However, the journey to establish this band took five years as both brigades built up the foundations of their young members first before embarking on this new chapter of their journey.
11KCHGB Capt Cynthia Chan said this is truly a milestone for both companies. After their fifth anniversary celebration last year, the two companies decided to make it a point to start the band this year. She added that the two companies worked well together and this cohesiveness results in the birth of the band.
Both 11KCHBB Capt Clement Sii and Lt Raymond Sii were active in the Second Kuching Company of the Boys’ Brigade band when they were younger. Capt Clement shared how he experienced God’s blessings and grace during his time in the band. His brother, Lt Raymond Sii, is still active in local community bands and excited to pass his passion and musical knowledge onto the next generation of the Brigades.
When asked what stokes his passion, Sii said, “Band members not only come together to learn music but also community-building skills, teamwork and discipline. Being committed to the Brigades’ Band will build up one’s character and confidence and as such, one is able to untap his or her potential and appreciate being part of a bigger organization that has group goals. I still get a buzz when the band I am in achieve something together. We do not get to see the results immediately but the hard work will pay off in the long run.”
Long-term formation of the young is the core of the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigades’ programmes, aptly encapsulated in their mottos—“Sure and Steadfast” for the Boys Brigade and “Seek, Serve and Follow Christ” for the Girls’ Brigade. The Roman Catholic Boys’ Brigades and Girls’ Brigades incorporate the teaching of the Catholic faith in their spiritual formation.
In 2022, the 16th Kuching Company of the Boys’ Brigade started at St Joseph’s Cathedral and this was followed by the start of the 13th Kuching Company of the Girls’ Brigade a year later. Both registered organisations are international and inter-denominational.
The Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade of both parishes meet every Saturday from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm. Interested young people from the age of 10 to 17 or adults who are keen to help the Brigades may contact the respective captains for more details:
Blessed Sacrament Church
11KCHBB – Capt Clement Sii 0168958393
11KCHGB – Capt Cynthia Chan 0168083638
St Joseph’s Cathedral
16KCHBB – Capt Desmond Chan 0198168229
13KCHGB – Capt Julita Chen 0168968277
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