Family Strings at Chingay
Article by Nur Naziha Bte Hairudin
In a new approach to family bonding, the People Association (PA) is using a humble four stringed instrument to strengthen the family ties and social cohesion.
This simple instrument is a ukulele, which looks like a small guitar with four strings. Some 1500 ukulele players will be performing at Chingay Parade 2013 at the F1 Pit Building on the 22-23 February.
This ukulele contingent are from all are walks of life in Singapore.
Among the contingent are participants aged eight to 50 years old from all races in Singapore who have signed up with their families.
Adeline Ang, 53, a senior manager said that she signed up with her sister to spend time with her doing a fun activity. Although learning to play the ukulele was not easy, Ms Angfound it rewarding.
“The training was tough considering the fact that we have no musical background,”said Ms Ang. “This is our first time performing for a Chingay parade and we enjoy doing it together.”
Also performing for this year’s parade are two young boys, Goh Woon Heng and Goh Woon Thye, aged eight and 10, respectively. They are performing with their parents. Their mother, Teo Yau Lai, 39, saw a promotion package for ukulele lessons at Cristofori Music School, which also offered a chance for beginners like them to perform for the Chingay Parade.
Her sons were interested and so the whole family decided to all go for lessons and join in the Chingay act together.
Smiling Brothers: Among the 1500 ukulele performers, two young brothers; Goh Woon Thye (left) and Goh Woon Heng were all smiles as they took out their ukuleles to show how much they enjoy playing the instrument during Chingay Parade 2013 dress rehearsal.
Photo credit: Ng Meisi
Even the conductor of the ukulele contingent, Low Cher Yong, 38, who is also a PA trainer, has his wife and four sons participating in the event.
Mr Low said PA’s goal is to promote family bonding by letting families have fun together and learn something at the same time.
His sons, aged nine to 12, are currently learning to play the piano,his wife, who is 40 years old, has no musical background at all.
“This also goes to show that anyone can play ukulele,” said Mr Low.
With or without a musical background, the most important thing is that people have a
passion for music, are eager to learn something new and want to get to know more people.
Said Mr Low: “Itis a good excuse to get out there and try something different together as a family.”
Performers to use multi-coloured ukuleles
With music comes the instruments and for this ukulele contingent, participants were given six colours of ukuleles to pick from. The ukuleles are not the only thing that is colourful. The performers also come from all walks of life, different races and ethnic groups. This helps PA achieve its mission to “build and bridge communities in achieving one people, one Singapore”and fulfil its motto of “Bringing People Together”.