The Christmas Party Report

Hui Min: You look so cool on the guitar but I look cooler on bass.
Wendy: Who say??? I look cooler! Guitar got 6 strings. Bass only got 4!


Wah! So many cymbals! Which should I hit first ah?


Irene rocking on the guitar


Jude showing the Korg who is boss.


Part of the cheering crowd...ok they have not start cheering yet becos the show not yet start


What a blast everyone had in Rockcity's Christmas Party. The students gave their 150% on stage much to the delight of everyone that was there and the atmosphere was simply electrifying.



It's not easy going on stage to perform before an audience due to the agonizing personal preparations you put yourself through and the many, many rehearsals to get your act right and the infamous "butterflies in the stomach" syndrome which even seasoned artists experiences as well. So we would like to acknowledge the passion, courage and determination of the students that took to the stage and delivered a fantastic show in style that I'm sure will remain in our thoughts for a very long time. Thank you. :)



You are only as good as the teacher that teaches you but every teacher in Rockcity prefers to see their students better than them at least by a country mile wide difference. Hence to my fellow co-workers, I would like to say well done and keep on rocking! A big round of applause also to the emcee, the fabulous Esther Lim of IBM for doing such a fine job in getting the crowd over and in stitches often. I didn't know IBM employ humour in their software. :)



(Update: The guy that Esther introduced as the wanderer from Masjid Jamek is actually our keyboard teacher David)



Finally to everyone that showed up, we love you and we would like to see you return the favour by signing up at our school once the new semester start next year January. I'm sure it's going to be a lovely year next year with you in it. :) To our special invited guest Project Rush, you guys do deserve to win an award for the excellent showmanship. We appreciate your presence and hope to see you again soon. Since many of you commented that the nasi briyani is good we'll keep them in our good books for our next function. Thats all for now.



Thank you.







Tony







P.S. Laffy, thank you for taking over the left wing of the hall....you and your enthusiastic gang are hired for the next show. :)







Videos from the show.

Rockcity School of Music Performance on Dec 13

Great to be back posting in the Rockcity blog after a month's hiatus. We are proud to announce that the next upcoming Music Performance by the students will be held on December the 13th which is a Thursday at the school itself. Since we are a generous bunch, dinner will be provided. :)
About 7 student bands that will be showcased in this performance plus a special performance by the rock band ZEAL. All in all there will be loads of music mayhem comes the 13th of Dec and yes the entrance is free. :)

Update: Pictures from some of the upcoming performers. (Dec 3rd)

50hours!!! We did it!!!

Woah!!! 50 hours! We made it. That's right 50 hours non stop drumming at Sungai Wang plaza. Started at 4pm on Friday and ended at 6pm Sunday. I think I slept like about 7 hours from Friday morning till Sunday night. Great job by all the drummers both young and old, pros and beginners. There was never a moment anyone played halfheartedly. Even at 4 in the morning they were still banging away like it was a rock concert! Also the crowd was great. We had an audience no matter what time of the night or day, and many stayed for many hours just to hear the powerful but intricate rhythms. Zeal (our band) had a great time performing too after the event and we look forward to more shows to play.

Cheers
Kit

50 Hours Event This Weekend

Just to inform that the 50 hours event will be up this coming weekend at Sg. Wang Plaza. Rockcity School of Music will be at the ground from Friday morning onwards. Come down and have a rocking time with us as we attempt to break into the Malaysia Book of Records with our 50 hours non-stop drumming feat. See you there.

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

50 Hours of Non-Stop Drums Action

In conjunction with the 50th Merdeka celebrations of our beloved country, Rock City School of Music together with Vince Seah of Drummer for Christ (Main Organiser) will attempt to create a record breaking feat that is endorsed by the Malaysian Book of Records where many drummers will take turns to play the drums Non-Stop for 50 hours right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur at Sg. Wang Plaza. Here is some excerpt from the poster.

"Participants will begin drumming at 7th September 2007 Friday (4.00pm) all the way to 9th September 2007 Sunday (6.00pm). Not one but many drummers will be taking turns to drum around the clock.
Participants in this event can be drumming as an individual or as a group (2 or more). All instruments MUST be under the drums and percussions category. At the end of the 50th hour, there will be live performances by artistes & live bands. Participants will be allocated time slot (shift) throughout the event. This is set by the organiser. This record attempt will be entered into the Malaysian Book of Records!
Every participants will be entitled to a certificate of participation and a "50hours" T-shirt and a chance to be a part of setting a Malaysia record!"
The Venue: Sungei Wang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur Time Duration: 7th September 2007 Friday (4.00pm) - 9th September 2007 Sunday (6.00pm)

Do make time and come for this record breaking event as we usher in the 5oth Merdeka celebrations in pure drumming mayhem Rock City style. :)

Here's the link to the poster.
http://www.drummerforchrist.com/50hours/50hoursposter.html