CMA Creative & Friends Carnival: Celebrating 30 Years of Music, Friendship and Memories

On 5 September 2026, at the Creative & Friends 30th Anniversary Musical Concert, it looked like a stage filled with musicians, familiar faces, proud teachers, supportive families, community friends and performers coming together for one memorable evening.

ribbon cutting (L-R) CMA principal Ms Daphne Chin, Mr Richard Chin and CMA Director CMA Director Mr Chin

Organised by Creative Music Academy (CMA), the celebration marked three decades since the academy began its journey in 1996. However, rather than merely marking a milestone, the concert became a reflection of everything that had been built along the way: musical skills, confidence, friendships and connections that have lasted through the years.

The theme, “A Journey of Music, A Lifetime of Friendship”, couldn’t have been more appropriate.

From First Notes to the Stage

For many music students, learning an instrument starts with something quite simple – learning where to place their fingers, how to read a note, or how to keep a rhythm. Those early lessons can lead to a very different experience over the years: standing beneath stage lights, performing before an audience and sharing music with others. That transformation was evident throughout the anniversary concert.

CMA students took centre stage to demonstrate their abilities on the piano, drums and violin, performing a diverse selection of music that reflected the range of their training and interests.

The evening moved effortlessly between classical compositions and contemporary favourites, with performances ranging from Au Clair de Lune, Minuet in G and Symphony No. 40 to popular numbers such as Billie Jean, September, Someone You Loved and Can You Feel the Love Tonight.

There were also ensemble performances, giving the younger musicians an opportunity to experience the different dynamics of making music together rather than performing alone.

A Stage Shared With Friends

The word “Friends” in Creative & Friends was very much reflected in the programme, with guest performers and community groups joining the celebration.

The Friendship 18 Taichi Club brought a different form of performance to the stage, while the SAKJ String Quartet added further instrumental variety.

The MGS Military Band provided the opening performance, while the Anderson Premier Military Band returned for the finale.

Having different groups share the same stage made the anniversary feel like a community celebration rather than simply a music school concert.

Among the performers was someone whose appearance carried particular meaning for the academy. Former CMA student Alan Cheah Quek Lim, who is visually impaired, returned to perform We Are the Champions, followed by Merdeka Medley.

His performance was a reminder that the influence of a music education can extend far beyond the years spent attending lessons.

Students grow up, move on and take their own paths, but the skills, experiences and memories gained along the way remain with them. Having a former student return to the stage during the academy’s 30th anniversary was therefore a fitting part of the celebration.

Sara Ng on the violin accompanied by Yvonne Young on the piano

Celebrating Those Who Make It Possible

A music academy may have students and teachers at its heart, but a successful 30-year journey requires a much larger circle of support.

Parents and families play an important role, from the first music lesson to rehearsals and performances. Teachers and mentors provide the patience, guidance and encouragement needed to help students progress. Behind the scenes, production crews and venue teams ensure that all the hard work eventually comes together on stage.

The anniversary concert provided an opportunity to acknowledge all these contributions.

It was also an occasion to honour Mr Richard Chin, the VIP guest, for his generous support of CMA. He contributed RM20,000 to Creative Music Academy and also donated RM500 each to the MGS Military Band, Anderson Premier Military Band, Friendship 18 Taichi Club and SAKJ String Quartet.

His contribution extended the spirit of the evening beyond the performances themselves, supporting both the academy and the groups that helped make the celebration possible.

Recognising Musical Achievement

The anniversary celebration also gave CMA an opportunity to celebrate its students’ achievements.

Six CMA Distinction Holders 2026 received trophies in recognition of their dedication and musical progress.

CMA Distinction Holders alongside Alan Cheah

For a student, recognition such as this represents much more than a trophy. Behind it are countless hours of practice, learning from mistakes, repeating difficult passages and continuing even when progress does not come easily.

To receive that recognition during CMA’s 30th anniversary made the moment particularly special.

A Powerful Musical Finale

After an evening of individual performances, ensembles and guest appearances, the concert built towards its grand finale.

The MGS Military Band joined the Anderson Premier Military Band on stage for a combined performance of “Malaysia MADANI – Rakyat Disantuni”.

MGS Military Band and Anderson Premier Military Band perform Malaysia MADANI – Rakyat Disantuni

The Anderson band brought another reason for celebration, having recently been named first runner-up at the Perak State-Level Merdeka Parade.

For the finale, all the performers returned to the stage, waving the Jalur Gemilang as the two military bands performed together.

It was a fitting conclusion to an evening that had brought together music, friendship and a strong sense of community. Thirty years of music, a lifetime of friendship, and many more notes still to be played.