Between late 2019 and early 2020, YST students Elicia Neo and Wong Yong En (Year 2, MCP) embarked on dual journeys with the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music (PGVIM) in Bangkok, Thailand.
From 28-30 August 2019, YST faculty and students were out in force at the PGVIM International Symposium 2019, themed Music Matters.
Dean Prof Bernard Lanskey delivered a keynote address, focusing on developing open-minded, self-trusting and engaged approaches when listening to music. Assoc Prof Ty Constant worked with the PGVIM Singers, a community group of singers of diverse ages, on a performance that kick-started the symposium. In addition, Composition faculty member Dr Chow Jun Yan presented his work Tribe’s Dance for pat waing, oboe and electronics.
Elicia and Yong En also presented on their project initiative The Deep Blue Sea, a multi-sensory performance which introduced classical music to children with special needs by creating a safe, inclusive space for the families. In addition, they attended a student conference which featured a collaboration between various conservatories and music schools, exploring different genres of music including traditional, jazz and classical.
On her takeaways from the experience, Yong En reflected, “We all want to feel like our music contributes to the world— if not, why do it? Event organiser Dr Anothai Nitibhon, after hearing our presentation, complimented us as being “not only good musicians, but good people”. While I’m not sure I can fully accept such high praise, it does make me think that being a good musician is to be a good person; to have ideas for the betterment of society, and have the skills and tenacity to bring those to fruition. This is how to make music matter.”
Needless to say, when an open call was put out for PGVIM’s Music for Society leadership camp from 8-11 January this year (the camp’s first time including international students), both Yong En and Elicia were eager to extend their experience and exposure. They joined YST Artist Faculty and alumnus Gabriel Lee (founder of the Music Society of Myanmar) and two students from the Seoul National University in the annual camp which sought to bring music and music education into rural Thailand.
During this trip, they conducted two days of workshops at Matthayom Galyani Vadhana High School with students from local and neighboring villages in the Kalayani Wattana District. Yong En shared, “One of my proudest contributions was a running a game I learnt at a Dalcroze workshop. While there was a language barrier, I drew on Assoc Prof Ty Constante’s Leading and Guiding module for this: demonstrating where words and gesticulation failed, using facial expressions and eye contact to cue musical changes, and so on.”
On a highlight from her experience there, Elicia said, “We met a village elder musician who played for us a local instrument called the ‘Teh nhaa’. Learning about this form of music gave me more in-depth insights into the culture and values of the Thai community. I also learnt more about Korean history from the Seoul musicians as they performed on their traditional instruments.” The students transcribed his songs and then arranged and performed one of the songs as a group, in addition to sharing music from their own cultures.
We look forward to more such rich collaborations and exchange within the region!
We are grateful for the Chenter Foundation’s support of Elicia and Yong En’s participation in the 2020 Music for Society leadership camp, through the Chenter Foundation Cathy and Tony Chen Outreach Fund.
Images by Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music.
Article by Priscilla Fong (Year 3, Voice).
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