I understand that there were a number of instances where people, mostly your peers make fun of the way you sing. While I can understand why you feel upset, I cannot forgive if you feel embarrassed. Let me explain to you why;

We all display a bit of this from time to time. The most important thing is not to remain ignorant for too long. The people who make fun of how you sing probably do not understand or even know that there are different methods in using the instrument of ours, the voice. These people only know music and songs of their time and finds music from their parent's generation very strange and silly. What about you? Do you know enough about singing and the different singing techniques there are? I don't, that's why I always make it a point to attend your choir sessions and learn from Mr Lim, as much as I can. If I find that I don't quite understand what he's telling you, I'll go look it up on the net. (and post it on the blog if possible).

I have shared with you before that during my secondary school days in the harmoncia band, there were always instances where other CCAs which also produce music, belittle us as they think that they produce more superior music. From that time onwards, I have made it a point to learn traditional musical instruments and arts as there are more than enough people who will appreciate (or at least they pretend that they do to look fashionable) contemporary music and art. Since then, I have also made it a point to appreciate other art forms, be it classical or modern. To put on record, I played the bass harmonica (yes the big bulky on which pple say look like a hamburger) in secondary school, joined the Chinese Orchestra for 3 months in JC (but left as they insisted that I played the Double Bass because of my height when I wanted to play the Er Hu) and subsequently became a Lion Dancers instead, and finally joined the Hall 3 Choir for 4 years in the University (Although I stay at the hostel only for 2 years, I continued singing with them for the next two years as I totally enjoyed singing in a choir).

I once had a conversation with a dancer (not referring to dance society) about HIP HOP. He told me that HIP HOP is cool (undeniably) and it is everything. While he did not put down other dance forms (he was simple expressing his personal preference), he has shown shallowness in the appreciation of the art form which he is so passionate about, Dance.

So while we get irritated with other's ignorance, I hope that we do not display similar levels of ignorance. Be it towards ourselves or other Performing Arts.

Well this is pretty common as well. People tend to make fun of others when they don't feel too good about themselves. If a person has confidence and a pretty good opinion on himself, he would be able to tell you many good things about themselves and not go on and on about how others are not as good as they are. A person's worth is not measured against the worth of other people. Even if you sang badly, another choir who jeer at you has probably shown their shallowness both as a singer and as a person.

Refer to the two points above on why people make fun of others. Now lets look at ourselves. If we feel embarrassed if others make fun of us, we have just told the rest of the world that yes, the way that we sing is funny and strange. This is totally unacceptable for one who claims to be passionate about he art form which he is engaged in. This is also one of the reason why Mr Lim gets so upset with you sometimes because yourself consciousness suggest that you think that the way which you are singing is embarrassing. So can you blame others for thinking likewise. I am not suggesting that you simply ignore the irritant. This is where the next part of ignorance comes in. If I ask you to enlighten the irritant on why you sing the way that you do, are you able to do it? (confidently) If you can't, then you will simply have to live with other people's negative perceptions and jeering and feel sorry for yourself for the rest of your life.

I will tell you when you are not singing well. However, I will also go all out to defend you when I know that other factors are influencing the audio and visual experience. However, we do not use them as an excuse not to sing well (remember what Mr Lim and Mr Adyll said?) For example, Miss Thien and Mr Beng had their reservations when I told them that I do not want microphones for you at YST. Their judgement were passed based on what they hear in the hall, which had very different acoustics. If I did not know what I was talking about and a good level of confidence in you, I would have a very difficult time convincing myself, not to mention others.

Yes... I know that this has been a long message and I thank you if you have persisted and read up to here. I feel that I need to address this issue and I'm sure that it'll not be the last time. I hope that all of you will display and put in action one of our PRIDE values, passion for learning. Start with really understanding Choral Singing, then go on to other forms of Singing, then to other art forms. From art forms, move on to other things such as sports, nature, etc. Suddenly, you'll find that the world is such a beautiful and interesting place when you are able to appreciate so many things around you. You will also be a happier person as you'll not be so bothered with other's negative perceptions. (but do not ignore constructive criticism)

Regards,
Mr Chong