ISKL Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: A Retreat to Remember

The start of the 2025-2026 school year marked the beginning of a new musical season for ISKL’s Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (IPYO). Beginning with an energetic retreat in August, 90 High School musicians came together for intensive rehearsals, teamwork, and community building under the guidance of their teachers.

The six-hour retreat held in ISKL’s Robert B. Gaw Theatre and suite of music rooms was a showcase of pure musical passion. Students dove into full-orchestra rehearsals, practicing their scores that they had been working hard on during the June/July holidays.

A major highlight was the opportunity to work in small groups during sectionals - rehearsal sessions where musicians are divided into smaller groups based on their instrument. Led by Middle School Band Teacher Jonathan Baird and High School Strings Teacher Vincent Cee, ISKL’s talented team of music teachers provided invaluable guidance and support. The students' commitment was clear from the start, and the high level of musicianship and enthusiasm set an impressive tone for the year ahead.

However, the retreat wasn't just about the music. It was also about building a strong community, which is so crucial for an orchestra that plays in unison. To begin the retreat, students participated in team-building activities to get to know one another and create a collaborative learning environment that fosters unity and effective teamwork.

One team-building exercise consisted of groups of 10 students who were given an excerpt from the “How to Train Your Dragon” score, where they had to create a dance or movement video to accompany the music.

Grade 12 students Annika C. (‘26) and Daniel L. (‘26), who play the saxophone and clarinet, respectively, assisted at the retreat as part of their Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) project, which is a core component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. They shared, “This team building exercise helped us bond as a group, especially because students who weren't in the same music group and not in the same grade had the chance to connect.”

This form of unity and bonding is crucial, as the shared experience of making music together truly helps transform a collection of individuals into a single, harmonious orchestra.

When asked specifically about the benefits he experienced from the retreat, Daniel explained, “I think having retreats like these is pretty good because usually you only have one and a half hour practice and that never feels long enough. Having a six-hour practice like this improves our technique because we can focus on the music for the whole day.”

Annika also reflected on her retreat experience, sharing, “I think one of my favorite parts of the retreat was my sectional practice because it was a good time to show your leadership skills, and have more say because when you're in a smaller group, it is easier to articulate about how you're playing."

All of this hard work will culminate in the much-anticipated annual IPYO concert on November 3 in the Melawati Theatre at ISKL’s campus in Ampang Hilir. Audiences can look forward to thrilling highlights, including the dramatic fourth movement of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, stirring excerpts from Wagner’s Tannhäuser, and exciting selections from the scores of Jurassic Park and How to Train Your Dragon. The program for the concert promises a dynamic and memorable evening of music, which, combined with the dedication of ISKL’s accomplished musicians, will be a truly inspiring event to kick off a school year filled with musical growth and joy.

Keen to learn more about ISKL's Performing and Visual Arts programs? Visit our Beyond the Classroom page for more information here.