The revolutionalists in choral actionWith passion and talents by the enchanting voices of NUSBS at the Public Forum “Happiness Here and Now” 31 Aug 2001 (Fri)
Text/ Foo Yee Ling
Thunderous applause echoed as 8 beautiful choral voices ended their performance of a re-arranged “Ehi Passiko” on the stage of LT27. It was a bold and latest attempt to gather some new and old members in presenting an alternative version of this song after the Public Forum, as an uplift in culture and a display of the vocal talents in the society. A rendition of the new song “Here and Now” by the lyricist-cum-composer himself, Alvin Lim (ECE 3) together with backing vocals from the 23rd Management Committee, was also well-received from the audience.
The revolutionalists in choral action
In relation to the theme for the forum, ‘Ehi Passiko’ appropriately appraises how happiness can arise, from the true friendship and spiritual support in times of sadness and problems, and how a little smile from each of us would bring happiness to all around us.
Thinking about that and having missed the good old days of listening to the choir in the lazy afternoons in college, I decided to bring back this memory and share it with fellow members in NUSBS. Thankfully, I managed to get hold of an ex-schoolmate, Zi Sheng (Sci 1) and his choir mate Ee Kia to arrange a choir tune for the melodious and meaningfully-written ‘Ehi Passiko’. The next task was to call for members (also coined as the revolutionalists) to unleash their vocal talents for the evening. 2 nights were spent by the choir to perfect their melodies and chords and it was quite easily done for all of them had strong vocals and some were experienced sopranos, altos, tenors or bass in their college choir.
The production of this song would be impossible without Alvin’s effort, and eventually Ee Kia’s arrangement. A former Music Elective Program (MEP) student and a soprano sectional leader in his college choir, Ee Kia relived his old days in coaching our singers. On behalf of the society, the Publication Team wishes to thank him for his valuable effort in making this choir performance so impressive. We would also like to take this opportunity to wish him a successful and fruitful pursuit in music in the University of Birmingham, England.
The revolutionalists rehearsing through the nights
The people behind the revolution.
Back
left to right: Kenny Lee (SoC 2), Gordon Yong (ECE 2), Tan Tong Joo (CPE 2),
Phua Ee Kia, Tham Zi Sheng (Sci 1)
Front
left to right: Huang Jingrui (Arts 3), Vivy Suhendra (SoC 2), Huang Chyi-Yun
(Aki 3), Phillis Teng (ME 3), Foo Yee Ling (ECE 3)
Sometimes, we live our life not knowing what we want and how to go about the little obstacles we face. As such, we often resort to the happy moments in the past or long for sweet harvests in the future. But why can’t we cherish the present moments we have here and now, whether you are feeling happy or sad. It’s here and now that one should truly appreciate the life we are living.
The theme song, “Here and Now” was written by Alvin specially for the Buddhism Awareness Exhibition 2001 and the Public Forum. With a good showmanship in bringing out the essence of the song, Alvin mesmerized the audience and brought the evening’s event to a pleasant close. The Publication Team would like to extend our words of deep appreciation to Alvin for his contribution in the composition of several songs for NUSBS.
It has been a successful debut attempt in staging this revamp, with an assertive and yet refreshing touch. Relieved and motivated are just some descriptions that surfaced in the minds of the revolutionalists in seeing the resulting great heights for the evening’s forum. May more reinforcements emerge to march the path to strengthen and liven the cultural scene in NUSBS!
