Chamber Music and Arts Singapore’s Secondary School Music Experience programme is designed as a week-long in-depth exposure to international-level classical chamber music for the full spectrum of Secondary School students.  This experience programme consists of three segments: a masterclass, a closed-door open rehearsal and an Evening Concert.  Crafted in a personally engaging way, this tailored experience programme facilitates the better appreciation of quality classical chamber music in Secondary School students.  Schools can enrol via contact@chambermusicarts.com.sg

A continuation of their weeklong experience, the Changkat Changi Secondary School students met up with the TTKGS international artists yet again. But this time, at the stage door of Esplanade Theatres on the Bay. Collecting their backstage passes, winding through the vast Esplanade backstage area and arriving to the Recital Studio, it was the first time for all of these students to have a physical close-up experience of the backstage journey of a performing artist.

After some fun moments of expressions of ‘woah, I feel like a VIP!’ from these students, we settled down to prep for the rehearsal, but not before the students were introduced to a specially designed activity to provoke their thoughtful reflection on the art of creating an environment where music can be meaningfully engaged with. This open rehearsal (closed-door to the public) acts as a precursor to the final segment of their experience programme – the public Evening Concert. Which now becomes a beautiful conclusion to the work and exploration we’d done together in the master class and open rehearsal about the knowledge, understanding and values performing musicians have to develop in their every day lives – in order to be successful onstage.

When Changkat Changi Secondary School expressed interest in the TTKGS Evening Concert programmes, it was decided that in addition to experiencing the Evening Concert at Esplanade, TTKGS would serve these 13 students with a greater and more complete experience. With the purpose of enhancing their understanding and enjoyment of the Evening Concert, TTKGS artists and team organized for the students to attend a master class and an open rehearsal in the week leading up to the Evening Concert.

Although these students originate from CCAs like chinese orchestra, band, and string ensemble, they have very limited access to quality arts in their daily lives and almost certainly have never had any personal interaction with professional musicians. During the master class, it was a time when 2 of their peers could present a simple work each to the artists; hear as active listeners, greater concepts regarding a healthy mental and physical approach to being a musician; and develop relationships with the professional musicians through playful and lighthearted interaction during learning.

This cheerful energetic group of students from Qihua Primary School has never attended a classical music concert.  So it was a precious opportunity we were able to give them, when they sat in for one of our rehearsals for Beethoven Heroic Years Concerts for Children.

On the menu was a short rehearsal of Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 95 ‘Serioso’, where the children were able to hear the dramatic heroic story behind this gripping work and watch the musicians in the midst of their intense discussions and musical attempts.  Other small sides were excerpts from Mozart’s Duo for violin and viola, and Dvořák’s Trio for 2 violins and 1 viola, which the children were able to react instinctively to.

TTK Grand Series finds meaning in providing tailored musical experiences for groups of children, youths, music connoisseurs and even corporate clients.  Contact us at contact@tangteekhoongrandseries.com for your tailored experiences !

A week before ‘Beethoven Last Years’, Olivia Jeremias and Tang Tee Khoon landed into Singapore before the rest of the musicians arrived, to hold workshops for the string ensembles of Nanyang Girls’ High School and Nanyang Primary School.

This culminated in a charity concert on 13 Mar 2016 at the Siew May Auditorium of Nanyang Girls’ High School.

String ensembles of the two schools shared with audiences popular music from the musical Les Misérables, and works by upbeat composers Piazzolla and Vivaldi. The visiting international artists sat within the NYGH string ensemble to play alongside the youths at times, and also presented a movement from Beethoven’s late string quartet Op. 127 in E flat major.

Collaborative efforts like these allow the visiting international artists to experience being part of the community in Singapore. They also give Singaporean communities the opportunity to embrace international visitors and to share with them a common ground through music.

The Tang Tee Khoon Grand Series believes in providing the best musical experiences for young ones. And in May, we were able to give young talented musicians from the string ensembles of Nanyang Primary School and Catholic High School, a combined string ensemble workshop, led by violinist Yuki Kasai.

Working with children gives us a sense of purpose. It also gives us a sense of accomplishment when we see them understand concepts, make effort and grow in their skills. After the workshop, Yuki Kasai then took the seat as concertmaster while Mariko Hara, Olivia Jeremias, and Tang Tee Khoon joined and sat within the combined primary school string ensemble, to present a short performance for the parents and families of the NYPS students.

It was a joy to see the children step up to the occasion and take pride in the fact that they were sitting and playing alongside professional musicians. We hope it was an unforgettable experience for them.

In the developmental stage of the Grand Series, we relied on Nanyang Boarding School to provide us with a rehearsal space. It was a special atmosphere in which to rehearse. Rehearsing where students live and study gave us a sense of being part of a thriving community.

It’s wonderful to know our music brought joy to the students!