SymphonyOfPraise

Writtenby:ChloePeh(2.4),OwYong YuAn(1.3),NaomiZoeNg(1.4)

Introduction

This year, PL-Lites were given the wonderful opportunity to attend and even perform at the biennial event – Symphony of Praise (SOP). The Performing Arts CCAs dedicated extensive efforts to perfect their performances for this event, and their hard work undeniably yielded remarkable results, making SOP a resounding success!

Of course, there is more to SOP than just what we see on stage. In this article, we will delve into the behind-thescenes happenings at SOP 2023 and explore how these contributed to the overall success of the concert.

The Performing Arts CCAs

The breathtaking performances you witn the stage are only a glimpse of the proce fraction of all the hours invested to cre a remarkable show.

Goh(3.4)

The Performing Arts CCAs tirelessly rehearsed to achieve their flawless performances. These dedicated performers refused to let their spirits waver, even after putting in endless hours of practice for SYF that had recently concluded. Naturally, there were trying days when fatigue set in and tempted them to give up, but the strong bonds among the CCA members spurred them on to continue to strive towards their common goal - to deliver the best performance possible! Despite encountering numerous challenges along the way, they persevered and their hard work ultimately paid off.

An unnamed Secondary 4 student says, "There were many days when I felt overwhelmed and considered giving up due to the amount of stress of SOP preparation, along with studying for my timed practices and managing the administrative responsibilities I had as the CCA president. However, I learned to take things slow and keep my stress levels in check. Working backstage was also demanding and chaotic, with the need to organize and move props, musical instruments, and risers in a cramped space, ensuring everything was in the correct order and timing. Despite the technical challenges and behind-the-scenes stress, I still found it fun. This year's SOP was also really special as it was the first SOP for many of us, and I particularly cherished the finale when we all came together to sing 'Our School'. All in all, I am really happy with the end result of my CCA's performance and I'm really grateful that all our hard work has paid off!"

Re Than What Meets The Eye

In addition to the performers, it is also crucial to recognise the unsung heroes who made significant contributions to the preparation of SOP. Their efforts deserve equal praise and acknowledgment as the performers!

Firstly, we must acknowledge the student leaders. On the day of SOP, they played a crucial role in assisting and guiding the audience, ensuring a smooth and successful concert experience. Without their presence and dedication, the concert would not have ran as smoothly as it did.

Secondly, let's give recognition to our emcees of the night from the Debate CCA. The three of them showcased their talents and performed to the best of their abilities, even in the face of stressful circumstances. They helped to maintain the flow of the programme, telling jokes to lighten the mood as they enthusiastically introduced each performance.

Thirdly, we cannot forget the teachers who played a vital role in the preparation and execution of SOP. Without their guidance and support, this concert would not have been possible.The teachers were actively involved in every aspect of SOP, from handling the logistics of the event to taking care of the smallest details, such as ensuring that food was provided for the performers, so they wouldn't go hungry. Their dedication and attention to detail contributed significantly to the resounding success of this event.

Fourthly, we must acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the MIT students who were involved in the technical aspects of SOP 2023. Their dedicated work behind the scenes, ranging from camerawork to the sound system, ensured that everything ran smoothly without any hiccups on the actual day of the concert. It is safe to say that without them, SOP 2023 could have very well ended up being a technical disaster.

Lastly, we would like to give a special recognition to Inge Hoon of 3.6, an OLevels Arts Student. She was the designer behind our SOP tickets! Her vibrant and joyful design perfectly captured the essence of the event and added an extra touch of excitement, truly fit for an event like SOP.

The Concert and Conclusion

Overall, thanks to the collective efforts of PL-Lites, staff, and performers, the concert went according to plan and turned out to be a resounding success. The dedication and hard work put in by everyone involved made this year's SOP a truly memorable event. The time and effort invested by the performers in their practice sessions were undoubtedly worthwhile, as it resulted in an exceptional performance that left a lasting impact on the audience. The combined teamwork and commitment of all those involved were instrumental in creating a remarkable concert experience. We hope that you have gained a better understanding of everything that happened at SOP 2023. This truly goes to show that many hands make light work. See you at PL's next event!