Thursday, 2 July 2009

CAMP A CAPPELLA REPORT

(1) Programme

The programme was initially planned for 2 tracks of workshops for the beginners and for the slightly more experienced singers.

Due to a smaller turn out this year, we had to scale the workshops to fit the wide age group and experience of the singers. We had singers from age 10 to 20.

On the first day we spent time working on simpler a cappella tunes to allow the younger singers a chance to work in teams outside of their own choirs. On the second day we worked on more sophisticated skills and songs plus a cappella arranging which allowed the more experienced singers a chance to flex their musical skills.

(2) Clinicians

We engaged local clinicians for Camp 09. They bring a good wealth of experience in a cappella performance but because our campers are beginning to attend our camps annual, we need to source for external trainers with international staging and directing experience. This will prove to add to the continued attractiveness of the camp for the more experienced singers. We should also consider 2 separate camps for the experienced and inexperienced.

We worked with recently graduated David Thian who directed several groups at Duke University. We also worked with Angelina Choo, the Director of TAS and Ms Lim Huimin, resident singer of NANU.

(3) Tickets Sales

This year we had about 80 singers who attended the camp. We should work on bringing this number back up to at least 120 – 150 per camp.

We will also look into bringing the camp directly to schools for a greater reach.

(4) Production

We utilised the theatre at Tampines Safra and this space was excellent with a stage and theatre style seats. It was a little dim at times but was still a great venue. We did not touch on extensively progressive workshops which meant that we did not need too much technical support.

(5) Summary

We will aim to change the way the camp is offered and also aim to work with international groups and clinicians to challenge our singers and fellow local clinicians. We hope to continually enfore positive reinforcement to all singers and trainers.

Wednesday, 1 July 2009

THE YALE ALLEY CATS REPORT

(1) Programme
The A Cappella Society organised a host of activities for the group and this included a cross section of audience.
• 93.8FM Radio Interview
• Prime Time Morning Appearance and interview & performance
• Tan Tock Seng Lunchtime Concert
• Esplanade Concourse Performances (2 sets)
• 1-Night Concert at the Arts House
The estimated exposure rate for all the activities is approximated at 1,200 audience members and thousands of Radio / TV viewers. The society was also acknowledged at all of these shows.
(2) Concert
The concert was a sold-out success. The programme was neo-classical in nature and highly engaging and entertaining. Feedback from vocal sources said that whilst the concert was very enjoyable, the singing was good but was not comparable to teams from Harvard and other outstanding college groups. The overall feedback nonetheless was very positive overall for the concert.
The repertoire of pop, classic hits and Jazz tunes done in older and more current a cappella arrangement styles and coupled with the collegiate touch of an expanded barbershop group (sound) was well received.
(3) Tickets Sales
The concert was sold out and we hope to continue supporting such groups on their visits to Singapore.
(4) Production
The group was well rehearsed and was always mentally and physically ready for their next show. This showed a good level of professionalism from a college team, something that our local groups can emulate.
(5) Summary
All in all, the concert was a tremendous success. The audience at the concert was mainly made up of Yale Alumni members and some general public and from American & singing community. We are happy that we organised a show at Tan Tock Seng and The Esplanade which allowed the team to sing to the younger crowd (school holidays) as well as the older crowd.