[Media Invite]


It was curiosity that prompted me to attend the 10th National Piano and Violin Competition Prize Winners' Concert & Prize Presentation Ceremony at the Victoria Concert Hall on Sunday. I am no expert listener, and can't tell the difference between great works of Beethoven or Mozart, but I was curious about the performing standards of the prize winners and I was itching for some good classical music that weekend. It has been a long time since I attended a concert too. 

My other (secret) agenda was to expose Ch and L to more classical music and hopefully, be able to appreciate why they learn to play the piano and gain some inspiration to be more diligent in their own music-making journey. 

A biennial event, the National Piano and Violin Competition is jointly organised by the National Arts Council (NAC) and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO). It serves as a talent development platform to discover and nurture young musicians to artistic excellence, and provide opportunities to perform before renowned international adjudicators like Mr Charles Castleman (violin adjudicator) and Ms Anna Jastrzebska-Quinn (piano adjudicator). A total of 25 winners emerged from among 159 participants, and I saw two familiar faces among the group of proud parents that evening. 




This year's edition saw a special commission by local composer and 2003 Young Artist Award recipient Dr Zechariah Goh Toh Chai. His pieces - Quinquagenerian celebration and Quinquagenerian Jubilation for piano, Ondeh Ondeh variations and Two Sketches for violin - were used as competition pieces and performed at the Prize Winners' Concert. 

Ronan Lim Ziming, 1st Prize Winner of the Violin Senior Category, also bagged the final edition of the Goh Soon Tioe Outstanding Performer Award of $10,000 for his outstanding performing qualities in Ondeh Ondeh and Lutoslawki's Subito (1992). 

Luiyi Retallick, 1st Prize Winner of Violin Artist Category

As anticipated, the concert was indeed a spectacular showcase of the top prize winners of all categories who displayed the highest standards of classical music. The concert opened with performances by winners of the Piano and Violin Artist categories, accompanied by the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra conducted by Maestro Chan Tze Law. The two winners played well, but I wasn't particularly impressed for some reasons. 

We were very much more impressed with the younger ones. From their performances, the dedication and passion towards excellence in the classical music scene exude strongly from each prize winner. I was most impressed and captivated by Jordan Alexandra JunYi Hadrill's vivacious performance of Wieniawski's Variations on an Original Theme Op. 15. 

Jordan Alexandra JunYi Hadrill receiving her prize from Guest-of-Honour Mr Ng Chee Meng, Acting Minister for Education (Schools)

It was interesting to observe Ch and L throughout the concert - one sat through most parts with an intent gaze, seemingly appreciating the display of talents, while the other fidgeted in the seat and wished to be out of the concert hall. This certainly has to do with the amount of exposure to such concerts, and I hope there will be more of such family outings. It was also the littlest's first exposure to classical music in a formal setting, and she had to be whisked out of the concert hall after the first performance because she talked too much (apologies!). 

When asked to name a performer who left the deepest impression that evening, the three kids replied:

"My favourite performer is Wang Huang Hao Jia because he plays the piano very smoothly and his posture when playing is good. He does not slouch like some players when they are playing softly." said Ch. 

Wang Huang Hao Jia, 1st Prize Winner (Piano Intermediate Category)

"The best performer in my eyes is Tricia Ng En Lin, [as] the song that she performed was very attractive and lively. She could move her fingers so quickly on the finger board." mentioned Eu, classmate of Ch.

Tricia Ng En Lin, 1st Prize Winner (Violin Junior Category)

Said L, "... favourite performer is Ronan because Ronan got an award and his piece is well-played and nice." 

Ronan Lim Ziming, 1st Prize Winner (Violin Senior Category) & Winner of Goh Soon Tioe Outstanding Performer Award

Well, I do hope they have rubbed off some passion from these prize winners. 

The next edition of the competition will be in December 2017. Watch out for it and I would recommend bringing your child along if he is learning either of the musical instruments. 

Do hop over to Pianomania for his detailed review of the event if you want to find out more. 

Disclaimer: All photos are provided by the National Arts Council, unless otherwise stated. 

Children's Day has always been the most special day of a child's primary school life. Most often than not, the child comes home with a bag of presents and sweet treats generously blessed by their teachers. It is amazing how generous teachers can be during Children's Day, and how much thought they put in to make this day memorable for their pupils. 

Although memories of my own school celebrations are fuzzy now, I still remember we always had performances in the school hall, and our teachers would entertain us with funny skits or songs. Community singing of the Malay song "Semoga Bahagia" was also a tradition. School hours would also be shortened. 

This year, I had the privilege of celebrating Children's Day again - as a parent helper. On that day, all the pupils went to school in their favourite colour instead of their school uniform. 

I could sense the excitement brewing in the air as I stepped into the school compound with the kids. The teachers dedicated a lot of time to prepare for this event, and they even stayed till quite late the night before, to decorate the compound. I have to commend the teachers for their effort. They did a wonderful job in creating a celebratory feel with colourful decorations, balloons, gifts and performances.  



As with past Children's Day celebrations by the school, there are always two segments - a concert in the hall where the kids are treated to a variety of purposeful performances which focus on the school values that fit the celebration theme, and a 2-hour carnival where the school compound is turned into ONE BIG PLAYGROUND with food and games stalls. To make the celebrations more meaningful for their pupils, the school has always used this event to raise funds for charity through the sale of coupons. Each coupon is priced at $1, and they can then be used to purchase food or play games during the carnival.

This year, the teachers made the CD Fiesta extra special for the Primary 4 pupils. These young ones had a chance to get into action and actively "work" for this charitable cause. They were tasked to manage their own game stalls with friends from their Co-Curricular Activities (CCA). With this opportunity, the pupils had to put the skills they acquired into practice. These 10-year old pupils had to plan the game prior to the event, organize the equipment and manage manpower help, take care and account for the coupons collected, as well as other entrepreneurship skills needed to attract "customers" to play their games. 

It didn't matter if the children had to miss out some fun while tending to their game stall. That 30 mins of duty gave them the experiences and fun of being in charge like a big brother or sister of the school. For some kids, this could be the first time they had to open up and talk to a school-mate they have never met. 

There was a variety of game stalls - there were those that challenge your dexterity, a crafting stall that personalise keychains using shrink-art, the popular bouncing castle, and free movie screening too. 

Other than helping out with the 9 food stalls and 18 game stalls, some of us from the Parent Support Group (PSG) helped to plan and manage our "F1 Car Racer" game stall. Very glad that we were given such a big air-conditioned room for this purpose! Do you also know that the whole racing track was done up by 3 mommies?!

This game attracted a big crowd of boys over to pit their skills against others in a game of remote-controlled car racing. We even had a pit stop for repairs or a change of batteries. 

Parent helpers for our F1 Car Racer game stall

Thanks to the kind gesture and generosity of Canon Singapore, each young F1 car racer received a 4R print-out to preserve this precious memory of the fun they had at the car racing game stall. The print-out came with a nice paper frame for display too. Other than the children, parents also went wild taking photos with other parents whom we have formed close friendship with, as well as our own family photos. And to add to this special occasion, we also had a photo with a rare visitor of the school!

Daddy ZY took leave that day to be the Photobooth photographer

The printing "aunties"

It was a pity that there wasn't enough time for me to check out other stalls, but thoughtful Ch and L bought some fries, hotdog buns and drinks for ZY and I. Er teachers... maybe a longer carnival time next year?

Some of the pupils were approached to share what they liked most about the CD Fiesta, and this is what they say:

"The Primary 4s got the opportunity to run the stalls for the school. I was assigned to help with the Young Innovators' booth. This to me was very satisfying." ~ Randolph, P4 

"I enjoyed the novelty games, especially the ones we picked marbles with chopsticks. And most importantly, we got to win prizes." ~ Randilyn, P2 

"I liked racing car the most as I had an opportunity to race with my friends and it was very exciting!" ~ Wei Xuan, P2 

"Loved playing at the "Score" game stall because I can score many goals and win prizes." ~ Brendon, P1 

"Love the CD Fiesta, like games and food, especially cotton candy." ~ Hew, P1

"Seaweed chicken... and art key chain." ~ Zoey, P4 

Other than raising a remarkable sum of $5989.67 for Community Chest, this Children's Day Fiesta accentuated many values and positive attitudes a child should have. I am exceptionally impressed and heartened to know that a friend's daughter donated about 100 books from her personal collection and sold them at $1 or $2 to do her part for charity. That is what Children's Day should be about, isn't it? It's not always about the receiving, but the willingness to pay it forward.
"Chasing the Rainbow" was this year's CD Fiesta's tagline to reflect the pupils' pursuits to fulfil their dreams. As we look forward to next year's Children's Day celebrations, let us remember this year's theme - that there will always be a rainbow out there, waiting for our children to catch it. We may not see the rainbow every day, but we know that it's there, and will appear at the appropriate time. The key is, no matter how slow it takes, we have to keep moving towards it, and not be contented to just stay on the spot. 

Let us not dictate which rainbow to chase, but allow our children to chase the one they like, be it big or small.  

Disclaimer: All photos are from the school and PSG, unless otherwise stated. 

MEDIA INVITE

We managed to catch Seussical the Musical on their opening night and it is ONE-HUNDRED PERCENT FANTASTICAL, BOMBASTICAL AND SONGTASTICAL!! Direct from the UK tour, ABA Productions and Diva Productions proudly presents Seussical the Musical at the Esplanade Theatre over the weekend. Today is the last day of the performance and if you are still thinking of going, I say GO GET YOUR TICKETS FROM SISTIC now! 


We were greeted with this stage set-up when we entered the theatre. A blue slide on the stage left, and a treetop walk kind of platform make the whole stage look fun and exciting. The signature Hat of The Cat is brightly lit by the spotlights. Something about the Hat intrigues me, with some magic that is about to happen to bring all of us on an adventure into the magical, fantastical world of Dr. Seuss. 

And I was right. 

Here are 5 reasons why we gave thumbs Up for Seussical the Musical!

:: Impressive performance by the cast
We were captivated by the energetic cast right from the start of the opening song. The 10-member cast brought us into the fantastical world of Dr. Seuss with their powerful vocals in this fast-paced musical. Everyone was amazingly good, but I'll like to highlight the main characters that attracted my attention most - Alexander Faith (Horton the elephant), Elliot Fitzpatrick (The Cat in the Hat), Holly Easterbrook (Mayzie la Bird) and Rosemary Annabella (Sour Kangaroo). The spunky dance moves, accompanied by the upbeat songs, made me wanna jump out of my seat and dance along with them. 



:: Fantastic mash-up of Dr. Seuss stories
Seussical the Musical cleverly weaves in characters of Dr. Seuss stories like Horton hears a Who, Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat and Miss Gertrudge McFuzz. If you are expecting Seussical to be an exact interpretation of the books, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that it is not. In fact, I would say it's fantabulously better. 




:: The message of friendship, love and acceptance
Hidden amidst the comedic and wacky story, lies a heartwarming message for all who think deeper into the story plot. 

Here we see Horton, a faithful and empathetic elephant who is gentle and big, as a outcast in a world of agile, quick and opinionated jungle animals. He yearns to connect with those in need and to be connected with another being who cares and values him. His words "A person's a person, no matter how small..." shows that big and tender heart he has for even the littlest ones which are invisible to him. Isn't that what we want to see in our real world too? 

Being so preoccupied with his mission to protect the egg and the town of Who, he is oblivious to girl-bird Gertrude's affection for him. The ending for this oddly-paired couple is good, as with all good endings, and Horton realises that he can receive love as well as to give it. 

As for Jojo, living in a society that doesn't care about any of the things he holds dear to his heart makes him feel unseen and unappreciated by his people. He longs for a friend with whom to share his wondrous thoughts with. In one scene, he fantasies about an underground river that is connected to his bathtub, and his imagination starts to expand with creativity. But this is soon disrupted by his parents, who are angry and cold blankets to his fantasies, and only notice the trouble he creats - water running under the door, flooding the floor. I paused for a moment while watching the performance, and made a mental note to be less like Mr and Mrs Mayor with regards to L's antics. 

Gertrude, a bird with a one-feathered droopy tail, is a sweet little bird who is more comfortable observing others than being in the centre of attention. She doesn't quite fit in the world of flamboyant birds, and feels unattractive and socially insecure. However she soon realises that changing her physical appearance is not the solution. She refocusses on what is most important to her, and dedicates herself to help Horton in his pursuits. Inner beauty triumphs over looks for her and her love for Horton is finally reciprocated. 

The last strong character that impacted me is Sour Kangaroo (ooo, that voice, that Voice she has!) . A diva queen of the jungle, she has style and flair, but she is also hard-hearted towards anything or anyone that is not realistic. But even the most resistant heart will still soften when convinced. When Sour Kangaroo realises she is wrong, and that Horton is right about the invisible Whoville after all, she is quick to acknowledge it and pledges to care for the Whos. 

There are many more learning points from this musical which you can discuss with your little ones. 

:: The Cat in the Hat 






:: Songs, songs, catchy songs




This song has been stuck in my head till now!! Every song expressed the dialogues and thoughts of the characters so well. There were catchy songs like Oh, the Thinks you can think!, Amazing Mayzie and meaningful ones that touched my heart like It's Possible and Amazing Gertrude. The people behind these brilliant songs are Stephen Flaherty (for the music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics). Now, Ch and I have our own sing-along sessions while listening to Youtube videos of Seussical soundtracks. *You can get the Seussical soundtracks from this Youtube playlist. 



Overall, my whole family enjoyed Seussical very very much. We are still thinking and talking about the musical, and listening to the songs. This fast-paced musical is approximately 75 minutes without interval. I feel that the musical is more suitable for children above 6 years old as the younger ones may not follow and understand the lyrics that well. 

As part of the KidsFest Singapore, ABA Productions presents many other world-class theatre performances for our children! Check out their website for more info. Or follow KidsFest Singapore on Facebook for updates of their shows. 



So now, it's time for us to visit the library to get the other Dr Seuss books which we have not read, and to buy the soundtrack!

Disclosure: We thank ABA Productions and Asia PR Werkz for the invite. We received complimentary tickets to attend the event for this review. No monetary compensation was given and all opinions are ours. All pictures are provided by ABA Productions unless specified. 

There are over 6500 configurations to create your unique T-shirt design using the Tangram. Adding on the alphabets appliques means even more creative permutations for your kids to showcase their ideas. 

Made with 100% cotton, the Tangram tee is soft and of the right thickness. It is also machine-washable, and can be tumbled dry with normal heat settings. The soft-loop strips on the front of the T-shirt adhere well to the shapes and alphabets. You will need some strength to remove the appliques, so losing them is not really an issue. 

The T-shirts come in kids sizes S, M, L and there are four colours (Frost White, Yellow Lemon, Light Blue and Lavender Pink) to choose from. Ch and L are both wearing M size ones, and K has the size S tee. Each Tangram tee is priced at $29, and comes with a set of black Tangram shapes. 
The kids have worn their Tangram tee for a number of occasions since we got them. They have fun creating their own designs and often brainstorm for phrases together. Ch prefers forming phrases with the Two Dozen Letters, while L enjoys creating his own pictures and words out of the Tangram shapes and letters. 

Canvassing for the church's Blood Donation drive

At friend Josiah's birthday celebration

Offering morale support at our church's Blood Donation drive

Out for dinner

Enjoying each other's company

One small problem the kids have is finding the letters they want when creating their T-shirt design, as the black letters stick to themselves easily. It is also difficult to tell one black letter apart from another when they are stuck together. The kids would separate all the letters one by one, and lay them all over the floor. This time-consuming process can take as long as 15 minutes before they start putting the letters on the T-shirt. So when I am in a hurry to leave the house, waiting for them to complete their design can be rather frustrating. 

What we did to solve this problem was to get two boxes with compartments from Daiso. We separated the black letters into each compartment. I didn't need to do that with the Fairy Fuchia letters as they don't have the problem of sticking together firmly. Do note that some of the glitter from the pink letters does come off, if you are thinking of combining the black and pink letters together.