saturday post

it was a busy saturday for me. 

in the morning, i was involved in the GIFT carnival at a pri sch near my house. 

the carnival ended at twelve plus and i quickly rush home for a nap, because i have to reach school again at 3 pm to bring my show choir kids for CIP. 

our CIP was doing a performance at a national day dinner, and the guest of honour is Mr Goh Chok Tong. we took a photo with him! will upload the photos if the organising committee manage to send me. 

with john and deniece, the directors of singapore show choir academy!

our performance was at 820 pm and by the time we finished performing and reached school it was already 9 pm. was super exhausted when i reach home. 

weekend post

spent the saturday night cooking dinner with darling. 

i dunno whether is it me who is getting older, or cooking for a family drains out my energy, because after dinner we watched running man and i already felt very tired at 9 plus pm, even though i took a long nap in the afternoon. 

i feel that my life is complete ever since darling came into my life, and has been involved in everything that i do. 

for example, last saturday, when she heard that i ordered macdonald for my show choir kids on the competition day, she "reprimanded" me and told me that must stop eating fried food for 7 days. 

and then she asked me what drinks did i order, and i told her is coke, and she "reprimanded" me again, saying that gassy drinks will affect the vocals. so i immediately called macdonald and ask to change all the coke to green tea. 

on sunday, she was the audience at B-Dazzled, and she gave me live updates from the 1st item all the way to the final item. and i read all her live updates to my kids and they were all listening very attentively! probably darling was from choir during her secondary school days, and her live updates are super professional. 

after that my student came to me and ask: "cher, can we see your fiancee?"

i replied: "no, you can't see her, because she is already in my heart."

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA~

friday post

went to a pri sch in the east to watch a performance. batman and robin #1 were actually invited to go for the performance, but both of them were not free so they passed the invitation cards to me to go on their behalf. and i brought miss chua along. 

i really enjoyed myself alot throughout the performance. the primary kids are so cute, and they performed with their heart and with sincerity, which i think it is the most important. 

i am so glad that i came here because if i didnt, i would have gone to another sec sch in the east for some science sharing. phew~

chalet for CCA teachers

my HOD asked me to organise a bbq session for the CCA teachers. being in the workplace for 8 months already, he feels that there is a lack of camaderie among all teachers. and he wants a bonding session such that all of us can chill, let loose of ourselves, talk cock sing song and be merry. 

the boys are all glued to the tv because we are playing Pro Evolution Soccer. hahahahahaha. 

this is the first time we are organising this and we have 30 people coming! quite a good attendance i must say. 

and you know that you have done a good job when the colleagues come to you and thank you for organising this, and leave the chalet feeling happy and bloated (from the food and beer). 

and they all love my kimchi salmon! :)

more b-dazzled photos

b-dazzled photos

my facebook post

Miss Deniece Grace, Mr Amin Alifin and Mr John Khoo had already post their thoughts on B-Dazzled. 

Finally it is my turn. 

When I first took over as Teacher In-Charge from Miss Eudora Tan, I was full of apprehension. Simply because she has done a really good job for the past few years. And I have zero experience in music and choir. I am so afraid that I will not be able to continue her legacy for TPSS Show Choir. 

We suffered a setback at the start of the year, with only 10 Sec One students joining us. Our target was at least 15. Another setback came when a few Sec Two students start to quit at the beginning of the year. The third setback was when more than half of the Sec One students quit at the midpoint of the year. 

And we have moved on. Strongly. With an unwavering attitude of not giving up.

Now here comes my acknowledgement. In no order of merit.

Firstly, our 5 lovely 'Foreign Talents', Teo Cui Xuan, Estel Chong, Angelica Muk, Irfan Sufiyan and Lutfi. We really have to thank you all for agreeing to help us, and for committing wholeheartedly to our practises. We are so happy that you all have integrated seamlessly into our Show Choir family. And that most of you actually prefer us than your main CCA. *OOOOPS*

Secondly, our wonderful seniors, who keep encouraging us, help us in many ways that they can, even though they have to study for their O Levels. Dyeing of costumes, making props, "dirtying" the costumes before the competition. And not forgetting during the rehearsal on Saturday as well as the competition on Sunday, helping all of us do make-up, do quick change, run errands, practise vocals, etc etc. 

Thirdly, our awesome President Goh Chau Li, who is simply the mother of the Show Choir family. (I am not implying that Arshad is the husband.) Thank you for taking care of everyone when the teachers and instructors are not around, making sure that everything gets done smoothly, and everybody are serious in practise. 

Miss Deniece, who is always so strict with us but yet cares for us, and wants all of us to look good and be confident on stage. 

Mr Amin, for the wonderful choreography, that really makes TPSS Show Choir stand out from the other show choirs in the most unique manner. We really feel that we should get the Best Showmanship and Best Choreography Award!

Mr John Khoo, for giving us advice on our vocals on Saturday and Sunday, as well as the constant encouragement to all of us when you are walking around the dressing rooms. 

Last but not least, the whole TPSS Show Choir. All of you have demonstrated strongly the shared values of TPSS - Teamwork, Perseverance, Service and Success. The 'Diamond' Award belongs to each and everyone of you. 

Remember, we are a TEAM, a FAMILY. We are who we are today, because we are strongly bonded. 

Finally, on a personal note:
I really don't feel sad that we did not get Best Overall Show Choir. I am very satisfied with what we have achieved. 
And I am thankful that I am the Teacher In-Charge of Show Choir. And there is only one reason: BECAUSE OF ALL OF YOU. 

Signing off,
Mr Tan YY
*on the verge of tearing*

comments from my show choir instructors

i like to share the comments made by the instructors. they posted them on my show choir facebook group.

first of all, mr john khoo. he is the director of singapore show choir academy. and he was our vocals instructor last year.

hey guys, though i didn't really teach you for this competition, but i really think that you guys can hold your heads up high.

To achieve what you did with a smaller choir is amazing. and whats most important is the amount of teamwork i observed when i was backstage. I love the fact that all of you were all encouraging each other, some of you were helping doreen out, and forever keeping on those encouraging smiles.

to go far, a choir needs to have teamwork, and i see that in TPSS. You have amazing teachers in charge. I have never seen anyone as dedicated than Mr Cher Tan Yuanyan. You have amazing choir mates, amazing student leaders, and very passionate instructors in Amin Alifin & Deniece Grace.

lets work hard to get 25 new sec 1s in next year!

meanwhile, study hard for your tests! and i hope to see you all soon as well.


secondly, mr amin, who did the choreography for our competition piece.

Just wanted to say you guys were amazing just now!!! I feel like a proud father watching my kids perform so well after several episodes of advising and even scolding haha..

oh! there were several people from other schools who felt that you guys should won the best choreography and overall best show choir! 

Lastly, thank you to everyone of you who made my choreography alive! You may not be the best from the judges point of view, but you're the best to me and several others who are more important in your life:) Have a good break BUT don't forget to keep working as hard or even harder.

Hope to see everyone in the near future. I feel blessed to have cross pathed with you guys.


and lastly, miss deniece, our resident choreographer, creative director and vocals instructor.

some comments from the audience:
"I cried when I saw the looks on their face... so hungry... so cold..."
"For me, The show began when TPSS show choir performed"
"This choir has 'heart'... and that's half the battle won."

TPSS, we've come a long way... from the start of the year when Mr Amin and I went to watch Les Mis and were inspired by the songs in the show. Mr Amin particularly liked "At The End of the Day". We took a gamble and tried out this genre of music which we have not tried before.

But TPSS, you have shown every one that good sound can come from a smaller choir. We are almost half the size of Regent and Serangoon. AND WE GOT A DIAMOND AWARD and most popular show choir.

I could go on forever because it is not enough to appreciate the whole choir, but I have something to say to each one of you personally (and I'll do it face to face).

I want to thank Cher Tan Yuanyan for your dedication and sacrifice, the many late days trying to make the props, settle the costumes etc... And for GREAT LEADERSHIP. With little knowledge of what music is, you even try to sing alot with the Alto section to help them be on pitch. Mr Tan, your heart for the kids is so valuable. I am full of praises and respect for You and Ms Eudora Tan.

Mr Amin Alifin, thank you for your awesome choreography and for pushing the choir to be precise in their movement, and even adding so many textures and layers (like falling down). It really brought out the song. Your believe that they could do it helped them believe that they could too. You've also inspired me as a choreographer to be daring and try many things that is beyond what I could have done. Thank you for being there yesterday. It was such a morale booster.

Mr John Khoo, Though you have not been involved with TPSS on a weekly basis, but I know that you care about the show choir as much as I do. Thank you for being there to hear me rant about my frustrations and your constant advice on how to make the choir sound better. Thank you for believing in TPSS and for your last min vocal coaching yesterday. You were crucial in our success too.

Lastly... TPSS Show Choir... YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME THE MOST. Competition is always stressful and takes along time to prepare, but I've seen in you - resilience, passion, determination, focus, humility and willingness and teamwork. These values should be passed down when the next batch comes. Please know that I am very very proud of you. And you all have what it takes to go far not only in performing arts, but also to go far in life.

reading their comments can make me cry. mine will come next. :)

B-Dazzled 2013

we got Diamond Award! Diamond Award is the equivalent of SYF Gold. :)

i am very tired now so i will just post the pics. will blog in greater detail tomorrow!

my wonderful president!

my wonderful helpers!

how can i forget my darling, my pillar of strength, who always come and support me in whatever performance i am involved in. and we look quite colour coordinated today isnt it? :)

good night everyone!

2 more days to b-dazzled!!!

we can do this!!!

thursday post

for the past few weeks i have been really closely bonded with my show choir students, to prepare for their competition, that is happening on this sunday. 

although some of them are still a bit jia lat, for example some still dunno their notes, some opened their mouths to sing and nothing comes out from their mouth, some dance as if their parents owe them pocket money, but majority are really committed to this. 

and they are as crazy as me, because when i suggested a 2D1N intensive training camp for friday and saturday (when our competition is on sunday), they agree to it immediately. this is what i call ALL HEARTS UNITED AS ONE. 

however one parent felt that i was overstretching them and i kenna quite abit from him. in the end we reached a compromise whereby she will go home at 8 pm and report to school on saturday at 9 am. :p

and i will like to share this post by an army friend of mine. 

Gone are the good old days when students listen to their 

teachers, obey the school rules and follow the ways of the 

school. Gone are the days where parents support the teacher 

in helping to discipline the kids and teaching the correct 

values to the kids. Kids are now more pampered, more vocal 

cause their parents support them. whats worse is that the 

school bows to pressure and adjust according to the students' 

wants. Call me old school or what, but there are certain 

things that cant be changed and has to be maintained. but 

oh well who am i to complain, just get on with it since it aint 

gonna change...

POTD

ndp celebrations at the workplace

on 7 august we combined national day and hari raya celebrations. 

we were treated to one hour plus of performance at the hall. this was the longest ever performance and i am quite glad that the whole thing was over. :p

and how can we miss out photo taking, when everybody is dressed in red? 

formal shot

overly expressive shot. hahahahahahahaha. 

finally the long weekend is over! feel super recharged now to welcome 4 more weeks of school before the sept holidays. 

and i am very looking forward to B-Dazzled, a show choir competition that will be held next Sunday. my kids have been training super hard for this!!!

POTD

she is actually my ex student, who graduated last year. she did not do too well for her o levels, and she is now studying at MDIS, also working as a freelance model. 

her modelling pics are posted all over facebook by many different photographers and she is getting more popular! 

this is the most artistic shots she had done so far and i am very very very sure that she dunno how to play the violin! haha.  

more ndp photos

the photos that i am showing are from an ex student. 

this student was a bit irritating, but he shows a great passion for photography, and the photos he took of the ndp are really nice, so i shall laud him for that. 

malacca trip

went to malacca from 8 August to 9 August with xuehong, nzj and mummy. 

going there is unbearable because we were stuck in the horrible jam towards malaysia customs. i think we were stuck for nearly two hours. the conclusion that we arrive to is that it was the day of selamat hari raya, and the muslim malaysians dun wanna work, and those muslim malaysians who sway sway have to work may take their own sweet time in stamping the passports as an act of protest. :(

and then on the expressway to malacca we met with a traffic accident. mummy said that this was her slowest drive to malacca. to set the record, we only reach malacca at 5 pm. zzz...

ok here are the very few pics that i took with my S3. there are a few more pics in nzj's camera. nzj quickly upload! :)

woo hoo malaysia got blackball! nice!

nzj took a quick nap upon reaching the hotel. he only slept four hours the previous night. kudos to him for being the vehicle commander and keeping awake all this while in the front seat with mummy. kudos to mummy too for driving us there! me and xuehong slept like no one's business. hahahahaha. 

we had nyonya food for dinner! not at aunty lee, but at a restaurant located at jonker walk.

the belachan is good! but i think can be spicier. 

yummy stingray with yummy gravy!

the must have cincalok omelette when you go to nyonya restaurants at malacca!

bought these for my pe colleagues! each person will take his own house colour! we shall wear these on teachers' day! hahaha.