Last Friday, I took Phoebe to watch the very much talked about SSO Babies' Proms. It was a good mommy and daughter bonding time and I was looking forward to it.
We were half an hour earlier as there were some pre-concert activities - introduction of musical instrument families (woodwind, brass, percussion, string), balloon sculpting and the singing of action songs.
During the actual concert, the conductor, Uncle Peter Moore, wore an attractive tuxedo which appealled to the children. The players were in colourful polo t-shirts. To celebrate childhood and to add a touch of festivity, the stage were decorated with balloons. The children were encouraged to stand up and do the actions instructed by Uncle Peter as the orchestra played on. He used simple actions to relate to the mood of the music. For example, for a lively staccato piece, he told the children to imagine that they were bouncing balls. The children would bounce their imaginery balls according to the rhythm of the music. Actually, I thought that the whole session, which lasted for about an hour excluding the pre-activity time, was quite noisy. Some children were responsive and they swarm to the front of the hall and stood under the stage to have a better view and engagement. However, there were also some children who were simply not paying attending. They were talking and making noises and their parents were not encouraging them to remind focused on the concert. There were a lot of unnecessary movement with children walking and rounding up and down the aisle. I thought it was a pity because the concert was pretty interactive between the conductor, orchestra and children but because of the lack of focus, some children were losing the essence of learning. I was very glad that Phoebe was attentive throughout. She marched according to the music and even wanted to dance in front with the rest of the children under the stage.
At the end of the session, the children were invited to the stage to be upclose and personal with the instruments and players as the last piece was played. Phoebe went up the stage and I lost sight of her because she was very small amongst the players and instruments. I couldn't see her and there were many other children on the stage. When most of the children descended from the stage, I couldn't spot Phoebe so I went to an usher to ask for help. I wouldn't say that I was not anxious but I wasn't frantic as well. They made an announcement and walkie-talkied amongst themselves and one of the ushers informed me that Phoebe was outside the hall. They led me to her and she was being guarded by two young ushers. She didn't look very scare, so we thanked them and walked to Raffles City Shobuko for a nice lunch.
We were half an hour earlier as there were some pre-concert activities - introduction of musical instrument families (woodwind, brass, percussion, string), balloon sculpting and the singing of action songs.
During the actual concert, the conductor, Uncle Peter Moore, wore an attractive tuxedo which appealled to the children. The players were in colourful polo t-shirts. To celebrate childhood and to add a touch of festivity, the stage were decorated with balloons. The children were encouraged to stand up and do the actions instructed by Uncle Peter as the orchestra played on. He used simple actions to relate to the mood of the music. For example, for a lively staccato piece, he told the children to imagine that they were bouncing balls. The children would bounce their imaginery balls according to the rhythm of the music. Actually, I thought that the whole session, which lasted for about an hour excluding the pre-activity time, was quite noisy. Some children were responsive and they swarm to the front of the hall and stood under the stage to have a better view and engagement. However, there were also some children who were simply not paying attending. They were talking and making noises and their parents were not encouraging them to remind focused on the concert. There were a lot of unnecessary movement with children walking and rounding up and down the aisle. I thought it was a pity because the concert was pretty interactive between the conductor, orchestra and children but because of the lack of focus, some children were losing the essence of learning. I was very glad that Phoebe was attentive throughout. She marched according to the music and even wanted to dance in front with the rest of the children under the stage.
At the end of the session, the children were invited to the stage to be upclose and personal with the instruments and players as the last piece was played. Phoebe went up the stage and I lost sight of her because she was very small amongst the players and instruments. I couldn't see her and there were many other children on the stage. When most of the children descended from the stage, I couldn't spot Phoebe so I went to an usher to ask for help. I wouldn't say that I was not anxious but I wasn't frantic as well. They made an announcement and walkie-talkied amongst themselves and one of the ushers informed me that Phoebe was outside the hall. They led me to her and she was being guarded by two young ushers. She didn't look very scare, so we thanked them and walked to Raffles City Shobuko for a nice lunch.
Anyway, a tip for those who intend to go next year - buy the cheapest stall seats that are available because the children are encouraged to leave their seats and go to the front of the hall, closest to the stage. Parents are encouraged to go along and everyone will sit on the carpet on the floor. So no use buying the expensive seats when the children won't even sit in them. I saw a lot of empty seats when it was supposed to be full house. Like us, they were on the carpet. I'm thinking of taking Phoebe to watch one last performance in this December, 'The Tooth Fairy'. I heard that it's very good too. Anyone wants to join us?
2 comments:
Is 'The Tooth Fairy' suitable for Sophie's age? I would like to go leh...
no, not suitable, too long. she'll get bored. you try those at shopping mall. usually half hour only. Compass point showing Mr Men, Marina Square - Elmo, Plaza Singapura - Barney, united Square -Winx. not sure about other places like taka, suntec etc.
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