TAMBUNAN: 29 August 2026 — The Bayu Ritma Sementa (BRS) Jazz Orchestra, which was re-formed about four months ago, won the Sabah State Level Jazz Orchestra Competition 2026 on 27 August.
The win earned BRS the chance to represent Sabah at the national-level competition at the Kuala Terengganu Convention Centre from 28 to 30 September.
Under the guidance of coaches from House of Music Arts (HOMARTS), BRS has developed into a team capable of competing at the state level, although some of its wind instrument players are still new and developing their basic music skills.
BRS Head Coach Nick Arddley Nicholas said this did not stop the team from competing.
“The biggest challenge for an arranger is how to create an arrangement for beginner players, but make them sound great and not sound like beginners,” he said.
BRS performed the song “Seri Langkat” with an experimental jazz arrangement, combining elements of Latin jazz, swing, neo-soul, R&B and progressive jazz.
The group is coached by Nick Arddley, together with assistant coaches Nick Auddrey Nicholas and Aerence Judih.
Teachers from SMK Tambunan, Delna Cleophas, Frenysia Frencis and Macrena S. Yubong, also played an important role in the training process.
The coaches and BRS management also thanked the students’ parents for their continuous support and encouragement throughout the training.
BRS is now continuing its preparations for the national competition with the aim of bringing pride to Sabah.
