The Year of the Rat

Next year is the year of the Rat! And its gonna be different. Cos this coming new year, Rock City will be releasing its first album called...yup...yer got it, The Year Of The Rat. The songs are all original compositions by the teachers as well as contributions from some of our students.
I would dare to say that we are the only music school in Malaysia that will have an album out for commercial release, perhaps the only music school in the region...and maybe even the world!
The album is eclectic, a mixture of rock, alternative, pop, folk and a touch of jazz.
Students would have the opportunity to be involved in the recording, to see their work in the finished product of a CD. Guided by the teachers, you will have the chance to contribute your ideas for your instrument to the songs.
We will be entering the studio by November and December in order for the album to be ready for release by Chinese New Year. As such preparations have begun and rehearsals with the students will begin the 1st week of Sept.
With the recording in mind and the general progress of our students, class structures are modified with 3 weeks of individual lessons with your teacher and the final week of the month will be a group class so that you understand how your instrument works in context with a band. Techniques will be taught and incorporated in to the arrangement of the song. (That's why we learn techniques anyway, so that we can put them creatively in a composition.)
It will naturally be an exciting project, not only will you learn how to play an instrument, you will have the experience of recording in a studio.
During our last Monday Night Jam showcasing the performance by our students we had a chance to perform 3 of the songs that will be featured on the album. We had a great rocking time, and kudos to the students who performed so brilliantly and gutsyly as well as the teachers for the great arrangements.
So if you wanna be part of this interesting project, come join us at Rock City where you have a chance to be part of an all-original album and stake your inmvolvement and ownership it.

Cheers...Kit

“We Are The Champions”

“Parrarum… parrarum… parrarum… wooooh!!!” rang the voices of some ecstatic high school girls as they huddled together, hands piled, one on top of the other to execute their customary cheer! Congratulations were in order for the day for one Sekolah Menengah Convent Bukit Nanas (CBN). It was official – they’d won 1st place in the state’s inter-school choir competition. Words could hardly describe the electricity in the air fueled from weeks of grueling rehearsals, the pressure of having to keep up with last year’s win, the teachers’ hopes as well as just plain wanting it bad!

I was privileged to coach some of the most hard-working and dedicated girls I’d ever met. Between sessions of learning up their notes, polishing their pitching, incorporating dance moves, responding to the drill sergeant-like commands (which they thoroughly enjoyed – I swear!), and some really funny “meatball” moments (Girls, you know what this is all about!) these young ladies put in many, many hours of practice by themselves. They were already champions by nature.

Farah Hanna and Naili, you girls shone like stars; Liana, what would they do without your guiding hands? Edeline – that Justin’s gotta call someday! Celine a.k.a. “meatball”, I’m still pushing for that mascot’s outfit! And who could forget the genius of an arranger – Annette, you go way beyond your years; and many of the other girls whose names are too numerous to mention – you are all in my heart.

A special thanks goes out to Mrs. See Tho for caring only like a mother would; Mrs. Chee, for your oversight; and the talented and dedicated Miss Joaan Foo – the girls are indebted to you! I would also like to honor Mrs. Ann Khoo – the Principle, for your support.

Well, it’s off to the nationals now for the young Wilayah representatives. The competition will be held on the 4th of September in Terengganu. Here’s rooting for the best. And girls – I’m so proud of you!

Michele