Highlights from my experience in The Canticle Singers' A Grand Night For Singing (in no particular order):
Good Response
Ticket sales were brisk, with more than 70% capacity filled even on weekdays and matinees. Sunday night was full. As proceeds from the show go in aid of Rumah Juara (an orphanage in SS1, PJ), I really thank God for this, as we can maximise the amounts that go to them.
The Kids of Rumah Juara
The kids from Rumah Juara came for the show on Saturday afternoon, and it was nice to be able to meet them. Very friendly and enthusiastic kids, never ceasing to wave, smile and respond to us as we perform.
Of Ovations and Waving Glow Sticks
It was very moving to see how the audience supported us by waving their glow sticks as we sang You Raise Me Up. Being an audience myself at times, doing such things usually doesn't seem like much, but now that I'm standing on the other side of the theatre, it really meant a lot. And thanks, Lok and Rudi, for the two crosses that you guys put up using the glow sticks ;) Also, the "wow" feeling when people give a standing ovation is indescribable.
Walking Out
There were people who actually walked out mid-show, for reasons unknown. Personally, it was a good, sobre reminder that in life, there'll always be criticism and opposition. It's important to keep that conviction before God and press on.
Grandie
For a good, solid week, I got to play a high-end Yamaha grand piano! :D I loved it. Part of the reason why I kept going into the theatre early. Priceless moments of playing a grand piano in a quiet, empty hall that has good acoustics.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
I'm really glad my parents were able to come for the show. Thank God, they enjoyed it. Had it not been for their disciplining, I would have dropped out of music classes a long, long time ago. Their time, effort, resources & sacrifices went a long way in developing their two kids' musicality. I'm glad they could come and see for themselves the fruit of their labour. It was also quite fun to see the horror look on their faces in fending me off when I tried to get them on stage to dance :P Priceless. I would have also loved for my music teacher to be there, but because of Parkinson's, she couldn't make it. Here's hoping that there'll be a video recording out soon so I can send it to her for her viewing pleasure...again, so that she can see the fruit of her tireless labour.
Backstage
Istana Budaya is quite an amazing theatre. It's huge. Pretty state-of-the-art. Can get lost if not careful. It was great to be able to see the whole system that makes a theatre functional....the hydraulics, the ropes, the mixers, sound and light systems, etc etc etc.
Make Up
Not exactly a highlight, but this is the first time in my life that I've had make-up applied on me. Not very pleasant, in my humble opinion.
Dancing
Nice to see the audience having fun when we dance or interact with them. Even though some really can't dance to save their lives, it didn't matter because most importantly, they were having fun! :) Having said that, I can't dance to save my life either :)
The Company
My fellow singers (psychos, all of them :P ) are a great bunch. Added much oomph and fun to the whole experience.
What?
Many, if not all, of my friends were surprised that I could sing. I'm surprised myself too. As one colleague of mine said in coming for the show, "I want to see the other side of Colin" :P I've never really been the performing type. I must say, that I'm surprised at what has transpired throughout the past 6-7 months. Even my own mum was surprised I could move like that on stage :P (I've used the word 'surprised' a lot in the past few sentences...hmmm) God has taken me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to do something which I had never imagined or thought I could do. It was an experience jagged with challenges and grimaces, but God's promise held true throughout: His grace is ALWAYS sufficient. Again, I've learnt the value of working hard, doing the best I can, offering all that to God and letting Him do His 'thing'. An enriching experience. I'm treasuring it, and wondering how such 'treasures' can be used from here on for God's glory and further blessing of others.
Guatz
God-sent. Made things so much easier. My poor dear had to put up with all my ramblings and doubts and nervous-wreckness...but she's been a great source of strength and support. Thank you dear...and thank You, God, for her.
It's been a great blessing and privilege to be part of the show.
To borrow a few lines from songs we sang, I really thank God for the music and the songs we're singing and all the joy they're bringing....He has raised us up to more than we can be.
Good Response
Ticket sales were brisk, with more than 70% capacity filled even on weekdays and matinees. Sunday night was full. As proceeds from the show go in aid of Rumah Juara (an orphanage in SS1, PJ), I really thank God for this, as we can maximise the amounts that go to them.
The Kids of Rumah Juara
The kids from Rumah Juara came for the show on Saturday afternoon, and it was nice to be able to meet them. Very friendly and enthusiastic kids, never ceasing to wave, smile and respond to us as we perform.
Of Ovations and Waving Glow Sticks
It was very moving to see how the audience supported us by waving their glow sticks as we sang You Raise Me Up. Being an audience myself at times, doing such things usually doesn't seem like much, but now that I'm standing on the other side of the theatre, it really meant a lot. And thanks, Lok and Rudi, for the two crosses that you guys put up using the glow sticks ;) Also, the "wow" feeling when people give a standing ovation is indescribable.
Walking Out
There were people who actually walked out mid-show, for reasons unknown. Personally, it was a good, sobre reminder that in life, there'll always be criticism and opposition. It's important to keep that conviction before God and press on.
Grandie
For a good, solid week, I got to play a high-end Yamaha grand piano! :D I loved it. Part of the reason why I kept going into the theatre early. Priceless moments of playing a grand piano in a quiet, empty hall that has good acoustics.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
I'm really glad my parents were able to come for the show. Thank God, they enjoyed it. Had it not been for their disciplining, I would have dropped out of music classes a long, long time ago. Their time, effort, resources & sacrifices went a long way in developing their two kids' musicality. I'm glad they could come and see for themselves the fruit of their labour. It was also quite fun to see the horror look on their faces in fending me off when I tried to get them on stage to dance :P Priceless. I would have also loved for my music teacher to be there, but because of Parkinson's, she couldn't make it. Here's hoping that there'll be a video recording out soon so I can send it to her for her viewing pleasure...again, so that she can see the fruit of her tireless labour.
Backstage
Istana Budaya is quite an amazing theatre. It's huge. Pretty state-of-the-art. Can get lost if not careful. It was great to be able to see the whole system that makes a theatre functional....the hydraulics, the ropes, the mixers, sound and light systems, etc etc etc.
Make Up
Not exactly a highlight, but this is the first time in my life that I've had make-up applied on me. Not very pleasant, in my humble opinion.
Dancing
Nice to see the audience having fun when we dance or interact with them. Even though some really can't dance to save their lives, it didn't matter because most importantly, they were having fun! :) Having said that, I can't dance to save my life either :)
The Company
My fellow singers (psychos, all of them :P ) are a great bunch. Added much oomph and fun to the whole experience.
What?
Many, if not all, of my friends were surprised that I could sing. I'm surprised myself too. As one colleague of mine said in coming for the show, "I want to see the other side of Colin" :P I've never really been the performing type. I must say, that I'm surprised at what has transpired throughout the past 6-7 months. Even my own mum was surprised I could move like that on stage :P (I've used the word 'surprised' a lot in the past few sentences...hmmm) God has taken me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to do something which I had never imagined or thought I could do. It was an experience jagged with challenges and grimaces, but God's promise held true throughout: His grace is ALWAYS sufficient. Again, I've learnt the value of working hard, doing the best I can, offering all that to God and letting Him do His 'thing'. An enriching experience. I'm treasuring it, and wondering how such 'treasures' can be used from here on for God's glory and further blessing of others.
Guatz
God-sent. Made things so much easier. My poor dear had to put up with all my ramblings and doubts and nervous-wreckness...but she's been a great source of strength and support. Thank you dear...and thank You, God, for her.
It's been a great blessing and privilege to be part of the show.
To borrow a few lines from songs we sang, I really thank God for the music and the songs we're singing and all the joy they're bringing....He has raised us up to more than we can be.
