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...HISTORY OF MONTFORT CHORALE...
* The Montfort Chorale was born as Montfort Music Society in 1992 under the capable leadership of Mrs. Nakarin Lim, with 50 members from Secondary 2 and 3 with a flare for singing. Mrs. Nakarin Lim brought the ensemble to several public performances in that same year and this was a huge stepping stone for the music society.
* Four Years later, in the year 1996, the music society was handed over to Mrs. Paula Lee and under her leadership; the music society participated in the combined schools choir for the year’s Singapore Youth Festival Opening Ceremony. In the following year, the Music society was once again included in the combined schools choir, singing at the National Parade 97’. 1997 was an eventful year, culminating in a music tour in Australia where the choir underwent an enjoyable week of learning. 1998 was a flurry of activities for the music society; the ensemble was being included in the NDP combined schools choir once again. In addition, the ensemble also participated in the AKA a capella competition, exposing the music society to the challenges and beauty of unaccompanied vocal music. From 1999 to 2000, the music society took part in several activities including performances in the Sing Singapore Competition in 2000 where the choir, performing the mandatory medley of National Songs, entered the semi finals. Also, the music society had a combined performance with the choir of Peicai secondary at Suntec City and the UDMC Chalet during the Christmas Season. The most Significant milestone in the choir’s history was in the year 2001 where the ensemble took part in The Singapore Youth Festival central judging for choirs for the first time. Although she was awarded a Certificate of participation, it was a good experience.
* At the end of the year, the choir was handed to her first male conductor, Mr Yong Chee Foon and advisor Mr. Nelson Kwei. It was an enjoyable period of time where the ensemble adopted a refreshing repertoire with a plethora of invigorating and challenging vocal works to whet their musical appetite. 2002 witnessed the recruitment of 30 eager secondary one members and the beginning of preparations for SYF 2003’. The enjoyable teaching methods of the ensemble’s conductor made up for the tough rehearsals and slowly, their choice piece “Battle of Jericho” took shape. August saw the music society singing Hymn every Friday to conclude each week’s biblical reflection and in September, the music society attended an exchange programme with Mr. Kwei’s Gold choirs, performing a few pieces for the other choirs and learning a new piece together. It was a meaningful and incredibly useful workshop where members picked up several new skills.
* In November 2002, amidst preparations for SYF 03’ and a massive culmination of the year’s work, Mr Yong had to leave, handing the choir over to Mr. Ng Eng Kee in a sad goodbye. Mr. Ng who is also Head of Department for aesthetics in Montfort secondary and conductor of the Montfort Military Band led both CCAs to Montfiesta IV at the Esplanade concert hall and SYF 03’. The Choir earned a Certificate of Participation at the SYF 03’.The Montfort Music society was renamed to Montfort Chorale in that same year. In July 2004, Montfort chorale held her first ever public concert, Montpressivo at CHIJMES concert hall. Montpressivo comes from the words “Montfort” and “Expressivo” which means with feelings. Montpressivo simply means “Montfort with feeling”, which is what the chorale hope will epitomize the enthusiasm and musical spirit that Montfort Chorale embraces.
* In December 2004, while the chorale was undergoing preparations for SYF 05’, Mr Ng had to go in a heartfelt-goodbye, handing the chorale to Ms. Wong. Ms. Wong led the chorale to a Bronze medal in the SYF 05’ and also, she led the Montfort Chorale to her 2nd concert Montpressivo II which was an astounding success.
* In 2006, the reigns of the chorale was handed over to Mr Wilson Goh. Mr Wilson Goh introduced a new vocal arrangement to the chorale. From a SATB [Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass] arrangement to a TTBB [Tenor 1.Tenor 2, Bass 1, Bass 2] arrangement. This was a very significant change as the chorale attempted a new repertoire that she never experienced before. In that same year, Mr Wilson Goh led the Chorale to her 3rd concert, Montpressivo III. In that concert, The Montfort chorale presented Montpressivo III in their new arrangement. That concert saw the effect of the changes Mr Wilson Goh had implemented. The chorale also sung 2 songs “Roads” and “Look at us now” with their guest choir; Westwood choir. The chorale also attempted many a capella pieces, impressing their audiences.
* In 2007’,led by Mr Wilson Goh, the chorale put in a lot of effort in preparation for the SYF 2007’.Their hard work paid off as they were awarded a bronze medal under very strict judging criteria. Their 2 choice a capella pieces “Ave Maria” and “Yagi Bushi” earned praises from the judges, the same also went for their set piece “Everyone Sang” which also earned rave reviews from the judges.
* After SYF 07’, the chorale bade farewell to Mr Wilson Goh and welcomed a new conductor Mr Ronald Goh and a voice coach Mr Patrick Yeo. The Chorale also held a fun camp MC Expedition @ Montfort camp 1 during the September holidays. The main aim of the camp was to inculcate team spirit, teamwork and independence in the members. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edited By: Daren Ng and Keith Olsen from the chorale website