HumasUPNVJ – Cheers of victory echoed when Gita Advayatva's name was announced as the winner of two gold medals at the 5th International Bandung Choral Festival (IBCF) 2025, a prestigious choir competition that took place on October 10-11 and was attended by various vocal groups from Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Korea.
The Long Struggle to the World Stage
The journey to victory was no easy feat. The head of PSM Gita Advayatva, Hana Zuhria Hanum, revealed that her team needed up to ten months of preparation. The preparations began with member auditions, routine rehearsals three times a week, and the development of a well-thought-out performance concept. "Our training was quite intense. Besides singing, we also learned choreography, created mini-theatres, and channeled the right expressions so that each song had life," she said.
This dedication is further enhanced by their practice, including accompanying pianists and receiving extensive input from professional coaches. All of this is done with one goal in mind: to perform at their best and bring the university's reputation to the international level.
Competition and the Spirit of Collaboration
At the 2025 IBCF, Gita Advayatva competed in two categories: Mixed Choir and Pop Jazz. Competition in both categories was fierce, with participants from diverse backgrounds, ranging from high school choirs to independent groups and universities from Malaysia and South Korea.
However, the competitive spirit was accompanied by a sense of camaraderie. "Besides competing, we also forged new relationships with many choirs from various countries. It was a very valuable experience," said Hanum.
The Upbeat Melody of “Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing”
One performance that caught the judges' attention was Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing," a re-arrangement by Arya Brahmantya Boga, pianist and member of the Gita Advayatva team. The song was not only performed with solid vocal harmonies, but also energetic choreography and stage presence. "This song is cheerful and fun. We not only want to sing it, but also enjoy its meaning and share that happiness with the audience," said Hanum.
Challenges and Unforgettable Moments
Behind the glitz and glamour of the stage and the two gold medals, there was a story of struggle overcoming various challenges. Among them was maintaining team spirit amidst a long training schedule and the difficulty of finding sponsors to support their journey. But all the fatigue paid off when the awards ceremony arrived. "That was the most memorable moment for me, when I stood up to represent the team to receive the medals and certificates. The scores we received were very satisfying, and it was the result of our hard work together," he recalled with emotion.
Victory for Campus and Nation
More than just an achievement, this victory symbolizes the spirit of National Defense through arts and culture. "For us, this victory is a tangible testament to the hard work, discipline, and togetherness of all our members. For UPNVJ, this is our real contribution to elevating the university's reputation to greater heights," he emphasized.
He added that this victory shows that UPNVJ students not only excel academically, but also excel in the arts and culture.
Harmony for the Future
At the end of the interview, the chairperson expressed her hope for continued support from the campus and community. "Our hope is simple: that the campus and community will continue to be part of our journey. With their support and trust, Gita Advayatva will continue to strive to provide the best and further enhance the reputation of UPNVJ through harmony and achievement."
The story of Gita Advayatva is one of harmony born of discipline, togetherness, and an unyielding spirit. From a small campus practice room to the international stage, they prove that music is more than just notes, but a universal language that can carry the name of their beloved campus around the world.