IPOH, 24 September 2025 – The School of The Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), concluded a heartening community outreach programme with the uplifting musical theatre performance, Melodi Harapan: Nature’s Little Heroes, staged at SK Dato' Panglima Kinta, Ipoh.

Over a period of 12 weeks, the initiative engaged B40 pupils from SK Dato Panglima Kinta and SK Guru Kalgidhar through music, storytelling, and theatre-based workshops. 

The sessions were led by Dr. Pravina Manoharan from the Music Department, alongside co-researchers Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Begum PV Aboo Backer and Ms. Carren Hong Kim Lan, with support from an industry grant awarded by PORT Ipoh and Ipoh Fine Arts Society (IFAS).

Targeted at cultivating basic music literacy and building confidence through creative expression, the programme empowered children to read, write, and perform music while exploring theatre, movement, and collaborative storytelling.

A unique aspect of the project was its integration of English language elements via songs and rhymes, enabling the children to expand their vocabulary and pronunciation through immersive and playful learning.

The highlight of the programme, 'Nature’s Little Heroes', was an original musical that followed six garden creatures—bumblebee, ladybird, caterpillar, butterfly, dragonfly, and earthworm—on their journey to restore a struggling garden, symbolising how every small being can make a meaningful impact.

Through their roles, the children embraced themes of bravery, teamwork, and responsibility, which translated into personal development and a renewed sense of self-worth both on and off stage.

Despite being new to the stage, the children memorised lines and lyrics, demonstrated confidence in delivery, and performed live percussion accompaniment alongside Malaysia’s jazz maestro Michael Veerapen and guitarist Ms. Tasneem Bolhassan.

The show was officiated by ADUN Buntong, YB Thulsi Manogaran, and was strongly supported by participating schools, teachers, musicians, and community members.

The audience gave resounding applause in recognition of the children's spirit, teamwork, and stage presence, many of whom were performing in public for the very first time.

Text & Photos: Dr. Pravina Manoharan, School of The Arts, USM/Editing: Shafinaz Md Ismail