Persevera is an extracurricular for students having passion in singing. Its homogenous members are its signature, and a new color in its choir. It’s founded by a large effort from Mr. Ignatius Martono, with one objective: a decent choir in this prestigious school. His relentless struggle was eventually fruitful on August 25th 1998 - the day it was at last found, though it was officially established on November 25th 1998.
Its name was born from Father Djita, Canisius former rector. At that moment, Persevera was acknowledged in ‘Malam Persevera’ (Persevera Night). However, August 25th has always been recognized as Persevera’s anniversary.
The name Persevera implies its meaning: adversity, which is also the one of the school’s spirit. The name was adopted in hopes that the group will become a grand singing group. Activities and trainings are held on Tuesday and Friday in Canisius College’s chapel at 14.00 to 16.00. Training are occasionally directed in Music Room or the Great Hall.
The year 2001 was very meaningful for Persevera for its achievement in the event ‘Lomba Paduan Suara hari Pramuka ke-40’ (The 40th annual Scouts Choir Competition), as the champion. Persevera often fills in the weekly assignments such as weekly masses, wedding massesm and big events such as Canisius Education Fair, Canisius Fair, Canisius Science and Art Competition, Canisius Art Blast, and Christmas and Easter Mass.
Its name is also identical to ‘Perseviam’, a choir group consisted of SMA Kanisius students and SMIP Theresia’s. Serviam means ‘to serve’, combined with Persevera engenders Perseviam, meaning ‘a great passion to serve God’. With Perseviam, Canisius has brought wondrous achievements such as becoming the 2nd Runner-Up in the ‘Festival Musik Liturgi Betawi 2001’ (2001 Betawi Liturgical Music Festival) and the runner-up in ‘Lustrum Gonzaga 2002’ (2002 Gonzaga Lustrum). Its most glorious accolade was performing in Charity Concert “Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam” with the choir d’Angelic Choir Virtuoso, and Twilite Youth Orchestra - the charity concert held on January 14th 2006 in St. Christopher church was commemorated to raise fund to be donated to the poor in NTT. In 2001, Persevera fills in various important celebrations such as ‘Misa Kaul Kekal Pater Baskoro’ (Father Baskoro’s Eternal Vow Mass).
Hopefully, Persevera will be able to maintain its vision as a solid choir group. Viva Persevera!!