Dr Akhmad Arifin Hadi, IPB University Lecturer and the Person Behind the Achievements of IPB Agria Swara Choir
Thrilling the world stage with sound harmony, IPB Agria Swara Student Choir (PSM) has made various brilliant achievements. Most recently, one of the Student Activity Units (UKM) of IPB University won the title of Grand Prix General Champion of the 34th Praga Cantat International Choir Competition and Festival at the National House Na Vinohradech, Prague, Czech Republic on November 11, 2023.
Behind the success of IPB Agria Swara Choir in gaining achievements, there are great figures who continue to provide enthusiasm and inspiration, one of which is Dr Akhmad Arifin Hadi, SP MALA. Dr Akhmad is the supervising lecturer of IPB Agria Swara Choir, along with his colleagues, Dr Rimbawan and Arvin Zeinullah, as coaches.
Dr Akhmad Arifin Hadi, who is also the Chairman of the Department of Landscape Architecture at IPB University, revealed some of the secrets of the success of IPB Agria Swara Choir so that it can continue to exist and excel until now.
He said the key to the success of an organization is that each component of the organization must have the same soul. In this case, all members and administrators of PSM IPB Agria Swara must have the same artistic spirit, especially in the field of voice.
“In nurturing the soul of art, all members must be given the opportunity to perform, so that the soul of art does not die out,” continued Dr Akhmad. He also added, if a strong artistic spirit has been formed, the training process will run by itself, and there will be no sense of compulsion. However, of course, a strong commitment is also needed.
Dr Akhmad revealed, in fostering IPB Agria Swara Choir, he tried to give students space to improvise their own creativity and limit themselves in technical matters. “Agria Swara is like a car that goes fast. My job is not to accelerate, but to brake so that students stay on track,” he said.
During his tenure as a supervisor since 2020, the moment when IPB Agria Swara Choir received awards and praise was a joyful experience for Dr Akhmad. He also shared some memorable experiences, one of which was being able to meet his colleagues during his college days at IPB University’s Landscape Architecture Study Program.
As someone with a busy schedule, Dr Akhmad also admitted that he would try to always be present at the Agria Swara IPB Choir activities. He also advised Agria Swara members and administrators who are still having trouble managing their schedules to be able to make more time for training and increase commitment.
“For those who want to enter Agria Swara, don’t hesitate. This UKM has proven its achievements at the national and international levels. Besides being able to hone your vocals, you can also improve your soft skills in the organization, such as leadership, responsibility, and commitment,” he said to new students or students who are interested in joining Agria Swara.
He highly appreciated the administrators and members of IPB Agria Swara Choir who have been active and contributed. Dr Akhmad also advised the administrators and members of IPB Agria Swara Choir to be able to maintain their health and also pay attention to their respective academics. (Chairani/Rz) (IAAS/FAE)
