strings: string instruments of the western classical tradition.
IV, roman numeral for 4, representing the 4 instruments of the string family, the violin, the viola, the cello and the double bass.
strings + IV = strIVngs (read: strings)
the brainchild of Dwayne, the music director, strIVngs is established in earlier in March 2022, to provide learning, playing and performing opportunities for adult learners.
the programme focused on developing playing and interest, and making learning a string instrument as an adult fun and accessible.
strIVngs wishes to build a community for our adult learners, by providing a safe and enjoyable platform for each learners to build their interest and craft.
Season 2: Festival for strIVngs
Festival for strIVngs is the continuation of the strIVngs programme after a very successful inaugural concert on 25th June.
strIVngs is very privileged to have players from all walks of life joined for this season, our players from season 1 continued, while we had many new players joined us, some of them came after watching us during season 1!
This season, strIVngs hope to bring more familiar tunes from the classical genres, and beautiful new string orchestral works that will tuck your heart strings.
While Christmas is just a month away, let strIVngs present to you a series for familiar Christmas tune for this festive season.
And, while we celebrate the festive season and the year end, strIVngs would also like to celebrate the hardwork, growth and efforts that our players put into for this season.
I thank you for attending this afternoon concert, and truly hope you enjoy this amazing feat presented by our players.
Take care, stay safe, and see you in our future projects!
Dwayne Leow Music Director of strIVngs
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik 1st Movement: Allegro Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Colors of Home Alan Lee Silva Nimrod from Enigma Variations Edward Elgar arranged by Mitchell Bender
Hungarian Dance No. 5 Johannes Brahms arranged by Merle J. Isaac
In the Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt Suite Edvard Grieg arranged by Robert S. Frost
MESSAGES FROM STRIVNGS
“I vividly remember my first encounter with Strivngs which happens to be their first rehearsal for Season 2. I was amazed by the passion, enthusiasm and tenacity of this group of beginner string players. It reignited my passion for music which was sadly lost while navigating through life after graduation. I immediately signed up and found myself playing with the orchestra over the next 4 months.
Practice and rehearsals took a great deal of hard work and dedication but it was also a lot of fun. Under the guidance of music director Dwayne, every member pushed through boundaries to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of Strivngs. I hope you enjoyed our performance as much as we enjoyed playing them!” (Wan Teng, Cello)
“StrIVngs, on the surface, looks just like another strings groups you will find out there. Spend some time with us and you will feel our crazy energy, learning that we are a group of close-knitted adult learners, who enjoys making music together in a safe environment.
There were intense times, times where most of us end rehearsal thinking “what lousy playing that was from me” and then magic happens in the next rehearsal. We learn to be patient, open-minded, stay calm and be resilient as we motivate each other in our journey of music making. Come and experience the magic of StrIVngs.” (Pei Yan, violin)
“I enjoy going for StrIVngs rehearsals because of this group’s diversity. Most of us work in different professions and have a wide range of musical backgrounds. After a long day at work, making music with everyone on Wednesday evenings rejuvenates the soul. The opportu nity to perform in big concert halls at the end of a few months of hard work also elevates the whole experience. Thank you for supporting us by being here today. We hope you enjoy the concert as much as we enjoy playing for you.” (Shawn, violin)
“StrIVngs has been an amazing platform of learning for adult music learners like myself. It is a safe place to improve instrument technique, experience ensemble playing and learning musicality. The team is welcoming and warm to players of all abilities and I have enjoyed being part of the wonderful team of musicians who enjoy playing music together. The music director, Dwayne, gives specific advice on technique and musicianship, which allows everyone to be the best musician they can be at their level. Rehearsals are enjoyable and I learn a lot at every session. I would recommend trying StrIVngs out for anyone who enjoys playing an instrument and wants to try out en semble playing in a safe and fun environment.” (Mieko, cello)
“Strivngs has definitely helped me grow and expand my perspective on strings ensemble environment! It has been a fulfilling experience and more so in future.” (Amirul, violin)
“strivngs has definitely re-ignited my passion for music again. Looking at how passionate the group is, brings me back to the reason why I started music in the first place. I hope ev eryone here will enjoy the concert and feel the group’s passion for music.” (Chia Ping Viola)
“I am grateful for StrIVngs as it offers an accessible way towards playing and performing in an ensemble.” (Jonathan, cello)
“After a 10-year hiatus, StrIvngs revived my passion for performing on the double bass and making music with an ensemble. StrIVngs is a fantastic platform to im prove as a musician and a great way for me to release stress.
What I love about the StrIVngs family is that we come from different walks and stages of life, yet with one common passion and purpose, we channel our energy to make music. The bonds we have forged over music is truly testament to the old adage “the whole is great er than the sum of its parts.” I’m excited to present to you this season’s Festival of Strings and hope you will join us next season!” (Zhu Pei, double bass)
“Just like some members of StrIVngs I am a self-taught violinist and I found that it is an excellent platform to hone my skills and it is indeed a good avenue to learn music from members with varying degrees of music knowledge and diverse cultur al backgrounds.” (Eric, violin)
“strIVngs exceeded my expectations for an ensemble experience. While graciously accom modating differing skill levels, this ensemble resists any compromise on musicality! With impassioned yet tactful, lighthearted guidance, the music director invigorates the group, making each rehearsal enlightening and purposeful. For me, it’s been so meaningful getting to participate in something bigger than oneself, that embodies the group’s collective aspira tions (mine included), and that represents a devotion to creating beautiful music. Here in strIVngs, as we let music take the lead, everything wholesome and fun irresistibly follows! And while we might not present a perfect performance to our audience every time, it sure is so much fun trying!” (Priscilla, violin)
“Hope you’ll enjoy Colors of Home! This piece hits me more than any other home-related pieces/songs. I absolute ly love the harmony between the string instruments. StrIVngs has given a lot of us the strength and tenacity to play, not just musical notes, but to also love playing the instruments. It has also given me a won derful desk partner to work with, Mieko! Her determination to practice has really inspired the section!
On a side note, StrIVngs has also provided a space to enjoy especially after a stressful day/week at work. It’s really great to see how the ensemble has grown (size, sound and connections) from the first season and I have to say, at every rehearsal, it’s been fun!” (Thaddeus, cello)
“The Strivngs community is so special. Being a platform for adult learners, sessions are pressure-free and focused on exploration. Everyone I’ve gotten to know here is not only driven but so warm and supportive too!” (Erin, violin)
“Ever since I mainly self taught myself the violin when I was eight years old, I have always felt insecure about playing music with other instrumentalists as I felt I lacked formal train ing and could not fit in well with others around me. My first few rehearsals with StrIVngs terrified me, however, I soon realised the environment around me felt safe for me to make mistakes, learn from them and most importantly, have fun making music. I finally found the freedom to be myself, but also the courage to let down my guard and and learn from fellow ensemble members and our music director, Dwayne. Midweek StrIVngs practice has become a time I treasure, investing in personal growth, and becoming a part of something greater than what I could ever be by myself.” (Kimberly, violin)
“My experience with STRIVNGS was rather serendipitous. A friend bumped into me at the MRT station and told me he had just attended the first STRIVNGS concert. I was curious about the group and he gave me the contact info. I was looking to meet more local musi cians and connect. Soon I was trying it out and I feel so blessed to be able to join a group of kind and welcoming people. We make music together but also connect and have become very close. I will love to join again and continue learning and sharing in community with fellow string players and our very talented, kind, and dedicated conductor Dwayne.” (David, violin)
“Haven’t played in an ensemble/symphony band setting for more than a decade! Really glad that I had the opportunity to pick up a new instrument during covid and joined strIVngs family. Always looking forward to weekly practice to destress after a long day at work. Also found a group of friends who are as dedicated and committed in performing together. :)Thanks for coming to our concert! Enjoy!” (Stephanie, cello)
PERFORMERS
First Violins
Priscilla Lai
Shawn Teo
Apple Lee
Erin Low
David Jonathan Cruz
Second Violins
Heng Pei Yan Ronald Lim Adele Pea
Janalyn Neo Kimberly Su Eric Hernandez
Viola/Third Violins
Lee Chia Ping
Neo Jin Yong Jan Seah Jade Goh
Dawne Law
Amirul Hazim Bin Ali
Cellos
Mieko Otsuki
Thaddeus Ong
Bokyung Kim
Jonathan Lam
Stephanie Teow Sim Wan Teng
Double Bass
Ooi Zhu Pei
new programme starting in February 2023 for beginners with no experiencec in ensemble playing for more details, contact us at https://strivngs.com/contact-us/
Upcoming events Get ready your instruments and jam with strIVngs Play with strIVngs - January 2023 If you play a string instrument and would like to be part of the strIVngs family, join us for season 3, while we explore more string repertoires! strIVngs season 3 - February 2023
Thank you for being a part of this afternoon!
strIVngs would like to thank the following people for their support: the sound engineers from AKG for providing their expertise and equipments, Valerie Chan, from @thehappyviolinistsg for helping to advertise this concert, Mika Kise, for being such an amazing photographer and videographer since season 1, Zachary Wu, for emcee-ing this afternoon, Zerlina Tan, for helping out in the front of house, Lydia Quah, for helping out throughout the whole season 2, last but not least, family members who continue to support our players in their music journey!
If you like strIVngs, please follow us on instagram @strIVngs, or facebook page (strIVngs)
Feel free to contact us via our social media platforms or website: www.strivngs.com
If you would like to support and help strIVngs to grow, a little donation will go a long way for us! Donations can be made through PAYNOW via UEN
UEN: 53451944W COMPANY NAME: STRIVNGS Your contribution is greatly appreciated!
instagram: @strIVngs facebook: strIVngs www.strIVngs.com
