masterwordsmith-unplugged

The other group I formed was The Living Harmony which comprised Rev. Koe Choon Huan, Rev. Moses Lee, Hock Guan, Thean Heng, Michelle, Sook Cheng and yours truly. By then, our signature song was "I Wish We'd All Been Ready" which we sang in 8-part harmony with many overlapping parts arranged by me :-). The introduction we sang was exactly like the version sung by Cliff Richard.

We won talent-time competitions and made a name for ourselves but alas, the time came for us to go our separate ways to university.

And that opened a whole new dimension for me!

By the time I was in second year at university, I organized a musical each year. In 1980, I conducted "Make It Clear" and Colin Kirton of Footstool Players was the pianist with Phang Sin Nan on bass, Edwin on drums. Amongst the other singers then were Dorothy Teoh (The Edge), Datin P.N.Y (wife of Datuk Idris Jala), Dr. Lim Eng Leong, Lim Gaik Bee, Philip Yeoh, Christopher, Hock Kee, Judy Too, Albert Skadiang and may others (if you guys are reading this...please contact me cos I would love to hear from you). Those were really awesome days when we would be singing and rehearsing in the lecture theatre till close to midnight making good music, bonding and just having a very musical time!

The following year, I conducted "Sonlife" with a bigger team this time. Colin Kirton and the original team were still singing. Then in my final year, I did "Pursuit" with a different team of singers from Chi Alpha.

After I graduated, I continued my musical pursuits in church and took part in many musicals and cantatas - too many to list. But the most memorable one was "Joseph The Dreamer" which I conducted in 1987 with Ms Margaret Teoh in charge of the Drama Section with the assistance of Noreen Khoo, my cousin. It was such a grand affair that was staged for two nights at Dewan Sri Pinang with a cast of over 70 from various churches. Some of those who took part included Leong Dee Yinn, Philip Yeoh, Marcel Lee, Eric Foo, Jeffrey Choy, Ricky Lew, Tan Ah Leong and many others. That was indeed an unforgettable experience and it is a real pity that the video recording did not turn out well.

The 1990's saw me venturing into playing the synthesizer and composing. My guitar days were over and it was a learning process to master programming, doing back-up singing and also venturing into acapella singing. By 2000, one of my songs was recorded and sung by Charles Curtis. That was a high point for me and then there was the accident.

I retired from playing the keyboard or singing in 2002 when I had my spinal injury. It was during the time when I was bedridden that I came up with my most beautiful musical compositions and poetry. After that, I stopped playing publicly and even at home, I seldom play the piano except when my older boy is back.

And why? It is because both my boys have overtaken me in their musical skills.

My parents never encouraged me to learn music. In fact, they objected violently. I bought my guitar on my own, and even my first electone organ and piano on my own when I was a student. Then, I earned pocket money after fifth form by giving tuition here and there. When I had my kids, I resolved to let my boys have what I did not have - formal music lessons.

I play the piano by ear and do jazz and other genres but not rock. Today, I wish I had had proper lessons to hone the gift of music that God has given me when I was younger but am glad that my boys have the opportunity to learn a few instruments. It has been a very expensive journey but that is worth it for both of them are adept and skilful in the violin and piano under the guidance of Ms Ooi Chean Hong (the older sister of Datuk Ooi Chean See, former Resident Conductor for MPO) for violin and Miss Catherine Lee for piano. I started off my older boy on the guitar but in a few months, he was better than me - a piece of cake for him with his musical skills and perfect pitch.

It was difficult for me to let my older boy pursue music at university but I am glad I gave up my small ambitions for him to be a lawyer or accountant. He told me calmly one day, "Mom, don't force me to live out your dreams. Let me chase my own dreams." Believe me, I was stunned beyond words when the realization hit me. And I let go and let him chase his dreams.

Three years down the road, I can see he is excelling and enjoying what he loves to do - music. And as I look at his band and his acapella group, I just cannot believe that hey - that was what I used to do when I was young and would do again if I could turn the clock back.

I have been so over the top with excitement and anticipation. Tomorrow, he will battle out with this bandmates from Juanophobia and Of Feathers and Chapters in the Polo Rocks Grand Final at The Curve. For him to make it to the Top 10 is already an achievement. I am so proud of him and am bursting with joy and pride. I just hope and pray for the best. If you are around The Curve, do give them your kind support. Take care and thanks for reading the reflections of a sentimental mom.