DWS Celebrates International Gold Medal Success
On 14 October, the DWS Melodica Ensemble celebrated an extraordinary achievement at the Northeastern Winds International Festival 2026 in Korat, Thailand, taking home three prestigious awards:
1st Place in the Melodica Concert category, earning Gold Medal honors and the Royal Trophy from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
Best Conductor Award
Best Music March Award
The festival brings together bands and young musicians from across Thailand and abroad for several days of competitions, workshops, and concerts. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their musical abilities, learn from others, and gain valuable performance experience.
A Remarkable Journey of Growth
What makes this achievement especially meaningful is how far the ensemble has come in such a short time.
Reflecting on the experience, the band's teacher and conductor, who received the Best Conductor Award, shared:
"This band has grown remarkably quickly. Last year, when the band was first established, we won a silver medal at this same competition. This year, knowing it is one of the toughest competitions in the country, our goal was not to win the championship. We simply hoped to keep progressing step by step, earn a gold medal, and continue improving. Of our 37 students, only 16 had experience from last year. The other 21 were new to the band. By comparison, every other band had been a champion of this competition before.
We came in as the dark horse, a band that had received little attention beforehand. What we have achieved has exceeded our expectations. The children were overjoyed and could hardly believe what they had accomplished. I believe this success will be talked about for a long time."
An Award-Winning Performance
Among the highlights of the festival was the ensemble's march performance, which earned the Best Music March Award.
Watch the performance below!
A Shared Achievement
Behind every successful performance is a community of people who help make it possible.
We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work, discipline, and dedication. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the teachers and conductor whose tireless guidance, encouragement, and support have helped the ensemble reach this milestone.
A special thank you goes to the Playing For Change Foundation for its ongoing partnership and support of our music program.
And we are so grateful to the school leadership and all the school supporters who make this all possible.
As the band's teacher and conductor shared, "I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported us. Our teaching team and students will keep working hard to improve and grow together."
Photos courtesy of Yamaha Band & Orchestra, Team Thailand, and DWS.
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