PERFORMING ARTS
HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST TERM
VIRTUOSIC SOLO PERFORMANCES, PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE, DANCE PERFORMANCES, GRADE 4 & 5 BAND SHOWCASES
DIRECTOROFPERFORMINGARTS
HANNAHBALDWIN
2024-2025:What’sinstoreforthe performingartsdepartment?
Welcomebacktothenew academicyearatNLCS (Singapore).Lastterm endedonahighwithour fabulousArtsFestival,which sawourentirestudentbody involvedinperformances, presentationsand workshopsrelatedtothe performingandvisualarts. Wehavealreadybegun discussingideasforhowto makeitbiggerandbetter. Asever,ifyouhaveideas (studentsoradults)please contactmetoinitiatethe conversations.
Wehavepreparedanother busyyearofwonderful opportunitiesforour communitytoparticipatein
theperformingartsthrough school Iencourageyouall toconsiderhowtoget involvedinactivitiesor performancesrelatedto Dance,MusicandDrama throughschool
Lookingbackthroughlast termhasmademevery proudofwhatwe’ve achievedinsuchashort amountoftimeandIam excitedfortheyearahead Wehavecreatedmore opportunitiesforyouto volunteertimetoeither participatein,orsupport thearts Wehavealso developedevenmore performingopportunities forourstudents,specifically
Followourfireflypage:
lookingatdevelopingmore opportunitiesforouryoung musiciansstudyingatan elitelevel.
Iamthrilledtobeginto sharewithyou,information aboutourfirstNLCSIMusic Festival.Readmore informationattheendof thismagazine.
Wehavebegunworkonour firsteverSeniorschool musical(BugsyMalone). Musicaltheatreisapassion ofmineandI’veshared somethoughtsonthis,in anotherarticlefurtheronin themagazine.Wewillalso seeaproductionofTwelfth Nightfromseniorschool drama,solorecitals,visitor workshops,LAMDA presentation,Seniorand JuniorConcertsandthe emergenceofadance culture(watchthisspace)
Enjoyissue3ofour performingartsmagazine.
TheGrade4&Grade5BandProgrammeatNLCS(Singapore).
AtNLCS(Singapore),theGrade4and5Band Programmeoffersstudentsanexciting opportunitytodiveintotheworldofmusic throughhands-onlearning Duringtheirmusic lessons,studentsareintroducedtoaselection ofinstruments,includingtheflute,clarinet, saxophone,trumpet,andtrombone.This programisdesignednotjusttoteachstudents howtoplayaninstrument,buttofosteradeep understandingandappreciationofmusic.
Thebenefitsoflearninganinstrumentarefar reaching Engagingwithmusiconapractical levelallowsstudentstodevelopintowellroundedmusicians.Byactivelyplaying instruments,studentsgainamuchdeeper understandingofmusicalconceptsand elements,whichinturnenhancestheiroverall musicaldevelopment Thishands-onapproachallowsthemto experiencethejoyofperformingassoloists,in smallensembles,andaspartofafullband.
Throughtheseexperiences,studentsnotonly learntoplaymusicbutalsotolistencritically andunderstandtheintricatedetailsofmusical compositions
Thesuccessofthisprogramisevident,asour students’playingskillscontinuetoimprove yearonyear Manyofthestudentsgoontojoin MusicCCAs,decidingtodedicatemoretimeto theirchoseninstruments.Someevengoonto pursue1:1lessonswithprivateinstructorsand carrytheirpassionformusicintotheSenior School AtNLCS(Singapore),wearedeeply committedtoofferingspecialisedinstruction, ensuringthateverystudentreceivesexpert guidanceastheyembarkontheirmusical journeyandexploretheworldofmusic throughtheirinstruments
Ifyouwouldliketosignupfor1:1lessons throughschool,pleasecontactourpartners McKeemusicattheemailaddressesbelow: maya@mckeemusic.com.sg duncan@mckeemusic.com.sg
Findingyourpotential
PlayingtrumpetwiththeSingaporeSymphony Orchestra(SSO)forthepast7yearshasbeena greatmusicaljourney.Iamextremelyproudto bepartoftheSSO,recognisedasoneofthe world’sbestorchestrasbyBBCmusic Wegive 50plusperformancesayear,goontourto placeslikeGermany,Malaysia,Japanand Australia.
IfirstheardtheSSOwhenIwas7yearsoldand Iwasimmediatelydrawntothesoundand sonorityoftheorchestra.Iwaslearningthe cornetatthattimeandItoldmyselfthatI wantedtobeliketheprofessionalmusicians andtoplaywiththeSSO Ittookmeabout20 yearstoachievethatchildhooddream
Sowhatwasmyjourneylikeinachievingthis dream?
Attheageof12,IauditionedfortheSingapore NationalYouthOrchestra(SNYO).Ipassedthe auditionandIwasassignedthetrumpettothe trainingorchestra.
“I’m super lucky to be living this dream”
“It is never too early to work on your dreams. Find the right mentor and start working hard. Never give up, for you might just achieve your dreams in the coming years.”
Intheorchestra,Iwasassignedtoaprivate trumpettutorwhointroducedmetomore orchestralmusicandhelpedmeimprovemy techniqueonthetrumpet.Igottoknowa widerrangeofclassicalrepertoireandlearned howtofollowtheconductor,transposingand playingasanensemble Thisexperienceled metostudymusic(trumpet)attheYongSiew TohConservatoryofMusicatNUSand subsequentlytoTheJuilliardSchoolinNew York.
Thereweremanymentorswhohelpedme alongthewayandIamverythankfulforallof them.Withoutthem,IdonotthinkIwould’ve beenabletopasstheauditionfortheSSO.As wellasperformingwiththeSSO,Iteachthe trumpetatseveralschoolsandattheYong SiewTohConservatoryofMusic.Since achievingmydream,Inowhavethegoalto teachthenextgenerationoftrumpetplayersin Singaporetoachievetheirdreams
LauWenRong-Trumpetplayer (SingaporeSymphonyOrchestra)
What’syourroleinthecommunity?
AnnaDiGiacomo
IamaparenttoSophia,Grade8,andTancredi,Grade 5. Over the last 2 years I have supported our parent community, being a Class Rep and a Parent Ambassadorandhelpingwithschoolevents.
WhatisyourinvolvementinthePerformingArtsat NLCS(Singapore)?
IhavebeenamemberoftheschoolCommunityChoir sinceitopeneditsdoorstoparents.Lastyear,Ijoined thenewlyformedFriendsoftheArtsCommitteeand helpedatvariouseventsduringtheArtsFestival
What’syourartsbackground?
EventhoughIdon’thaveaformalbackgroundinArt–(does being joyed many forms nding indie cinema don’t missoutoni lasa family. I hav ere in Singapore a very fulfilling.
What’syourartsbackground?
EventhoughIdon’thaveaformalbackgroundin Art–doesbeingItaliancount?-I’vealways enjoyedmanyformsofartisticexpression,from attendingindiecinemaclubsinunitomaking surewedon’tmissoutoninterestingmuseums whenwetravelasafamily.Ihavealsojoineda women’schoirhereinSingaporeandIamfinding theexperienceveryfulfilling
Whathasbeenahighlightforyouatour school?
Havingtheopportunityofsingingwithmy daughterintheCommunityChoirandatschool eventshasdefinitelybeenamajorone
Whatdoyoulookforwardtoseeingmoreof?
Iwouldbehappytoseemoretheatre productionsandIwouldwelcomesomemore involvementoftheparentscommunityinthe PerformingArtsarea;hopefullythroughthe furtherdevelopmentoftheFriendsoftheArts Committee.
Thursdays Time:3.45-4.45
Ifyouwishtoparticipateinthecommunitychoir, pleaseemail: hbaldwin@nlcssingapore.sg
THE MAGIC OF MUSICAL THEATRE:
WHYITHOLDSASPECIAL PLACEINMYHEART
Musicaltheatreisnotjust abouttheperformerson stage itisalsoaboutthe communityofartists, musicians,designers,and technicianswhocome togethertocreatemagic. Thepassionand dedicationofeveryone involvedinaproductionis trulyinspiring,anditis thiscollaborativespirit thatmakeseachshowa uniqueandunforgettable experience.
Whenwatching performanceshereat school,thereisnodoubt inmymindthatwearea communityofcreativity andpassion Ihavealways beenastrongadvocate forthenumerousbenefits thatcomefrom participatinginmusical
theatreproductions.My ownpersonalexperiences growinguphavegreatly influencedmeasan individualandhaveplayed asignificantroleinshaping mycareerchoices
Whilestudyingat university,Ifoundmyself increasinglydrawntothe productionaspectsafter takingpartinaproduction of"FAMEtheMusical."This experienceledmetotake ontheroleofmusical directorforproductionsof "LittleShopofHorrors" and"GuysandDolls"with theuniversity'smusical productionsociety.This providedmewith invaluableinsightsintothe intricaciesofproducinga successfulmusical.
Oneofthemostmemorableexperiencesof myearlycareerwasthesummerIspent workingatStagedoorManorPerforming ArtsTrainingCentreintheCatskill MountainsofNewYorkattheageof20. Overthecourseofthesummer,Iwas involvedintheproductionof13shows everythreeweeks,workingcloselywith talentedyoungindividualsatthesummer camp.Thischallengingyetrewarding experiencedeepenedmyunderstandingof theworldofmusicaltheatreandfurther fueledmypassionfortheartform.
Thissummer,Ihadtheprivilegeof attendingseveralshowsinLondon'sWest End,includingtwoproductionsfeaturing formerstudentsofmine.Witnessingthese youngperformersachievetheirdreamsof appearingonsuchaprestigiousstagewas trulyinspiring.
Ilovesharingmypassionsformusicals withmystudentsandyoucanseethisin theCCA’sIworkwith.HereatNLCS (Singapore)wehavemusicaltheatreclubs inJuniorSchoolthatstudentscan participateinaspartoftheirCCA programme Eachyearweexploresongs fromadifferentmusical.Startingfirstwith singing,thenchoreographyandthen
applyingcharacterisationtopullitall togetherinafinalensembleperformance InJuniorSchoolG2-3MTCarelearning songsfromChittyChittyBangBangand G4-5arelearningsongsfromSchoolof Rock.WealsohavethePKG/KG1&KG2 Christmasshows,whichinvolvesinging, actinganddancing,managedbytheclass teachersandsupportedbytheperforming artsteam.
TheannualGrade5musicalproductionis alsoahugefeateachyearandisan excellentopportunityforthoseingrade5 toflextheirperformingskills,andthisyear wewillhaveourfirsteverSeniorschool musical-BugsyMaloneandIcannotwait toworkwiththecastandcrewtopullthe spectacularshowtogether.The performanceswillbeinFebruaryandI adviseyoutolookoutforannouncements regardingtickets.
Whetherornotonechoosestopursuea careerintheatre,theinvaluablelessons andpersonalgrowththatcomefrom participatinginaschoolproductionare undeniable,andIrecommendyoutryitat leastonce
MsHannahBaldwin
Senior School Production
"TheAmazingAdventuresofSuperstan" Grade5Production(June2024)
Thestagewasset,thelightsdimmed,and theaudience'santicipationwaspalpable asourGrade5studentspreparedto presenttheirrenditionof"TheAmazing AdventuresofSuperstan."Thisexciting musical,craftedbyCraigHawes,isa vibrantstoryfilledwithhumor,action,and heart,andouryoungperformersbroughtit tolifewithincredibleenthusiasmand talent.
Preparationforthisproductionbeganin April.OurGrade5studentsdivedintothe scriptwitheagernessandlearnttheirlines withenthusiasm.Undertheguidanceof theirdedicatedteachers,thestudents embarkedonanextensiverehearsal schedule.Memorizinglines,mastering choreography,andperfectingtheirvocal performances,theydemonstrated remarkablecommitmentandteamwork.
ThestoryofSuperstanfollowsStanley Marvel,aseeminglyordinaryyoungboy who,throughaseriesofcomicaland extraordinaryevents,discovershistrue superheroidentity.Thisjourneyofselfdiscoveryandheroismwasanideal narrativeforourstudents,resonatingwith themesofcourage,friendship,andthe beliefthatanyonecanbeextraordinary.
Ourperformancenightswereagreat success!Theauditoriumbuzzedwith excitementasfamily,friends,and communitymembersfilledtheseats,eager toseetheculminationofthestudents' hardwork.Theperformancebeganwitha burstofenergy,andfromthefirstmusical number,itwasclearthattheaudience wereinforatreat.
Thestudents'performanceswerenothing shortofextraordinary Eachyoungactor deliveredtheirlineswithconfidenceand flair,embodyingtheircharacterswith genuineenthusiasm.Themusicalnumbers wereahighlight-songslike"Superstan" and"Anti-GravityPants"wereparticularly memorable,leavingtheaudience hummingalongandtappingtheirfeet!
Thepositivefeedbackfromtheaudience wasoverwhelming Parentsexpressed prideintheirchildren'saccomplishments, andmanywereamazedatthehighquality oftheproduction.Forthestudents,the experiencewasunforgettable,givingthem memoriesandlessonsthatwilllasta lifetime.Italsoprovidedaplatformfor studentstoexploretheircreativetalents andgainconfidenceintheirabilities.
Asthefinalcurtainfellandeachcasttook theirbowstoastandingovation,itwas clearthatourGrade5productionof"The AmazingAdventuresofSuperstan"wasa triumph.Thisproductionnotonly showcasedtheremarkabletalentofour studentsbutalsohighlightedthepowerof communitycollaboration
InGrade5,welookforwardtomanymore productionsinthefuture,confidentthat thelegacyofexcellenceestablishedby "TheAmazingAdventuresofSuperstan" willinspireandencourageourstudentsfor yearstocome.Here'stothenext adventure!
MsSarahHarper-Grade5leader
TheArtsFestival:A SpecialTraditionatNLCS (Singapore).
TheArtsfestivalholdsasignificantplaceinthe calendar of NLCS, bringing together the entire school community through music, dance, drama, and visual arts in a spectacular end of yearcelebration.Everyyear,students,teachers, and visitors come together to celebrate creativity and talent through workshops, performances,andexhibitions.
ThesoundsofmusicfilledtheairduringtheArts festival,withstudentsshowcasingtheirmusical talents through recitals, bands, orchestral and songwriting workshops. We had special guests Adam Hall and the Velvet Playboys as our headliningactandtheexperiencethatstudents gained as a result of getting to work with this professionalperformerswasamazing.
“I had a fantastic time and am now constantlylisteningto‘Ohwhenthesaintsgo marching in’ and ‘I wanna be like you’. MoreoverIwanttolearnhowtoimprovise,I cannot thank you enough for this experience”Grade9Student.
DanceisanintegralpartoftheArtsfestival,with choreographers and students creating captivating routines that display a range of stylesandthemes.Frommoderncontemporary dance, to ballet, street dance and even Kpop, the dance show had performances that wowed audiencesandshowedofftheamazingskillswe haveinourstudentbody
“Many parents were pleasantly busy with attending the arts festival events and I am very proud to witness the growth in the program that you are nurturing at NLCS.” ParentofaJuniorSchoolStudent.
Drama featured strongly at the festival, with the Young directors programme from Season 3 of CCA’s showcasing that passion for theatre is strong amongst our students. We also hosted two visiting artists for drama working with our senior school students through workshops and performances.
“TheRichRuskperformancewasverymoving. The students involved were so mature and prepared a performance that highlighted a variety of things that were important to them.”Teacheratschool.
Theartexhibitionandprojectsthatthestudents preparedduringthe4dayswasavisualfeastfor the eyes, showcasing the creative prowess of NLCS (Singapore) students across various mediums. From prints, graffiti and resin sculptures to innovative fashion pieces, the visualartshowcasewasatestamenttothetalent and imagination of the young artists in the school.
TheArtsfestivalservesasaplatformforstudents to express themselves artistically, learn from industry experts, and foster a deep appreciation forthearts.Thefestivalisnotjustashowcaseof talent; it is a testament to the school's commitment to nurturing creativity and innovationamongitsstudents.
BuildingBondsThroughDrama
DuringtheArtsFestivalwehadmanyvisitors Fordramastudentstherewere2workshop facilitatorsavailabletochoosetoworkwith. RichRuskworkedwithstudentsinGrade8and abovetodevelopensembleperformanceskills. ThestudentsworkedtogetherwithRichRusk overthe3daysofworkshopstopreparea devisedperformance Oneoftheparticipants haswrittenareview,readontofindoutabout herexperience.
TheRichRuskworkshopwas,inmy experience,anunforgettable,collaborative andextremelyfunworkshopduringthearts festival2024whichIwasprivilegedtotakepart in!
Theworkshoplastedthefullartsfestival, wherewegottocreateamasterpiecenoneof useverthoughtcouldexist,withourpeersand MrRusk.Themostuniquefeaturethatstood outtomeduringthisworkshopwasthe creatingprocess Wewouldsometimesbeput insmallgroupsandsometimesbeputinlarger groups,betoldtocreatestillimages,imagine traditionalmythsas
movement,thinkorspelloutournamesusing strangeandabnormalmethodsandmuch more.
Laterthegroupswouldbeputtogetherandwe wouldworkcollaborativelytofindwaysof fillinginthegapsinourpiece,eventually turningitintoastorywhichhadmusic,dancelikemovements,aclothscreenandatorchto createshadows,andotheruniquetechniques withastudentasthemaincharacter,witha simplestorythatourworkoutlined
Mymostcherishedaspectofthisworkshopin myopinionwasthefactthatwegottointeract andhavefunwithpeoplewhowemightnot usuallytalkto,helpingustobondwithmore studentsthatsharethesamepassionfor drama.Overall,ifthere’severanopportunity toworkwithMr.Ruskagainoranyotherdrama artist,Iwouldhappilytakethechanceasthis reallyhelpedmetoopenupmyhorizonsto newideasandconceptswhichIwould’venever thoughtofbefore.
Kay-Grade9Student
Whoisbehindthecamera?
Howdidyoubecomeaphotographer?
Iformallytrainedasagraphicdesigner,and over the years when a client required photography, I’ve always art directed but never pressed the shutter release. I’ve always had an interest in photography but itwasn’tuntilImovedtoSingaporethatmy ‘interest'becamemymainjob.
How do you capture decent pictures of performancesonstage?
Hmmm… that’s a tricky one to answer technically(andreallyboring),sufficetosay it isn't easy! Every gig, event, performance isalearningexperience Buttherealanswer isthis…it’sabouttheperformers,dancers, musicians, any live stage acts. When you see people so focused on their art, particularly when they perform and they’re 'in the moment’ that’s the shot I try to get Creativityfeedscreativity.
What advice might you have for an aspiringphotographer?
Everyonehasacameraavailabletothemin this day and age. We are surrounded by imagery.Everyone’sa‘photographer’.Make an effort and look… is probably the best piece of advice I can give Try different angles,shootfromabove,frombelow,look for interesting backgrounds, compositions. Look up and see your subject through the viewfinder/screen, but before you go ‘click'… ask yourself does this scene look interesting? Is there too much shadow, too much sun? What if I try a different angle etc.? It isn't easy but over time you’ll find that photographs you take will improve to theextentthatonedaysomeonewillsay… that'saniceshot.
Any funny/interesting stories from photography experiences - mishaps or famous connections that you might have photographed?
Ihaven’treallygotanyphotographicstoriesof mishaps or famous connections… I have a graphics related one, that ironically, is very topicalwiththerecentreformationofOasis.My friend got himself a job working as a graphic designeratCreationRecords(thehomelabelof Oasis and other upcoming Brit Pop bands at thetime)aftergraduatingfromUni,manyyears ago.Wekeptintouchperiodicallyandthenone dayheaskedifIfanciedtakingoverhisroleas hewasplanningontravellingroundtheworld Iwenttomeethimandhadasortofinterview (more of an excuse to catch up). I was offered the job a few days later… but turned it down justas(What'stheStory)MorningGlory?hitthe shelves doh!
To find out more about our performing arts photographeryoucanvisit: https://www.glyphh.com/ Allphotographsproduced Allphotographsproduced byperformingartscan byperformingartscan befoundingallerieson befoundingallerieson Firefly. Firefly.
MattDurant
MusicFestivalAnnouncement
Getreadyforamusicaljourneylikenoother!
WearethrilledtoannouncethatNLCS (Singapore)willbehostingtheinauguralNLCSI MusicFestival!Markyourcalendarsfor February7-9,2025,asweanticipatethearrival oftalentedstudentmusiciansfromLondon, Dubai,andJeju.Thisisanincredible opportunityforSeniorSchoolStudentswho meettheminimumrequirementsontheir instrument(ABRSMGrade4andabove)to developtheirmusicaltalentsinanensemble setting.
Thethemeofthefestivalis"journeys," symbolisingthecomingtogetherofpeople throughmusic.Ourgoalistocreatea memorablemusicalexperiencewhile encouragingculturalexchangesamongthe talentedmusiciansfromtheparticipatingNLCS schools.
The festival will feature orchestra and choir rehearsalscomplementedbysocialactivities to help the students across our schools developconnectionswitheachother.
Festival7-9February2025
ConcertSunday9February2025
Thefestivalgoalistoprovideanopportunityfor themusiciansineachschooltoworkinamusical settingoutsideoftheirimmediateenvironment. Wearepromotingmusicmakingtoahighlevel andwanttoprovideopportunitiestostretchand challengeourhigherabilitymusicians
Toparticipate,therewillbeafeeof approximately$250perparticipant,whichwill coverrefreshments,festivalmerchandise,sheet music,workshopattendance,and accesstotheperformances plannedforthefestival.
Staytunedformoredetailsonhowtoregister andconfirmthefinalparticipationfee. Participantswillhavetheuniqueopportunityto bepartofanorchestralandchoralensemble, performingcarefullyselectedpieces aswellasaspeciallycommissioned compositionbyBritishcomposer DavidLancaster.Davidwillbe on-siteduringthefestivalto collaboratewithourstudentsand bepartofthegrandfinaleconcert.
Savethedateforthefinalconcert onSunday9Februaryat1pm,where membersofourcommunitycanreserve ticketstowitnesstheincredible talentondisplay.
Staytunedformoreexcitingupdates onhowtoregister,aswellasan upcomingcompetitiontohelpinspire thecommissionwithDavidLancaster.
