Audition Notice - The Selangor Phil Does Circlesong!

The Philharmonic Society of Selangor is looking for individuals who would like to be part of its upcoming production featuring the 'Circlesong' concept, slated to be performed in August/September 2007.

If you like singing and are unafraid to try out creative and daring ways to use your voice and body in music, come for our auditions! Please prepare a song from any genre. Feel free to use voice and body percussion in your rendition of the piece!

Audition Dates:
April 2nd (Monday) & 5th (Thursday)
8pm - 11pm

Venue:
Women's Institute of Management
7, Jalan Abang Haji Openg, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur

What Is Circlesong?

A concept conceived by Bobby McFerrin, Circlesong is a free and spontaneous music making session that incorporates the human voice & body percussion. Anyone can participate, with or without musical training. Circlesong sessions aim to develop a higher awareness of listening to one's innate musical instinct, to be able to express spontaneous musical improvisations through the human body, and gives people the opportunity to sing in a choral environment without needing to know how to read music.

About Melvin Ho (Artistic Director)

Melvin Ho is a music graduate of the Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA), formerly known as Akademi Seni Kebangsaan (ASK). He has been a member of the Selangor Philharmonic Society Choir since 1997. He also sings and arranges music for Dhammaduta Youth (D2Y), a local Buddhist performing group that sings a cappella Buddhist hymns. In 2005, he completed a teaching certificate foundation course in Speech and Drama at the Crestar Learning Centre. Melvin appeared in Gardner and Wife's production of "Something Funny Happened On The Way To The Forum" (2002) and performed in Rhythm In Bronze's "Monkey Business" (2005) produced by Five Arts Centre, which earned him a nomination for Best Composition in the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards 2005. His last major performance was in Saidah Rastam's "M! The Opera" which premiered in Istana Budaya last year. He occasionally guest performs and arranges music for some local a cappella and choir groups. He currently works as a school choir coach and teaches music in Kinderland D'Shire, Kota Damansara. He has his own youth choir called Navaswara, that rehearses weekly at the Living Arts Studio.

REBOOT! @ Club Nite on April 14th

A date for your diary - the first CLUB NITE of the year, themed REBOOT! to signify a fresh start as the Society moves into its 50th year of promoting music and the arts in Malaysia!

It will be a potluck - bring your family and friends! We'll provide the necessary ambience for you to 'reboot', all you need to do is turn up with your friends and bring a dish that you feel matches the theme!

It's a poolside party so bring your swim gear too!

Date & Time:
Saturday, April 14th, 2007
5.00pm till late

Theme:
REBOOT! (Potluck)

Venue:
Poolside, Li Villas Condo, No. 1, Jalan 16/20, Section 16, PJ (Scroll down for map)

RSVP:
RSVP by calling Callista or emailing (selangor.phil+socials [at] gmail.com).

What are Club Nites?
The Phil organizes gatherings known as "Club Nites" (or “Nights”, depending on how sober the webmaster is at press time) a few times a year, where the members meet, mingle, makan, sing, makan, sing, and makan. (Other memorable occurrences during past Club Nites include having unsuspecting party-goers thrown into the pool, and waking up the neighbours.) Well, basically Club Nites are informal get-togethers with the ultimate objective of having loads of fun. They’re also great opportunities for budding talents to show off their vocal prowess / dexterity of fingers on the ivories / guitar-strumming abilities / any other skills, in a friendly and informal setting.

March Updates!

Dear Members and Friends of The Phil,

Thank you for the many calls which the Committee members have received in respect of the rehearsal dates.

The Committee had planned to resume rehearsals beginning March. However, we are having some issues with the venue - while MAB has been our faithful rehearsal venue for the past years, the charges have been increased to 5 times our previous rate. (This was also the reason our third Movie Night had to be postponed!) We are still in the process of negotiating the rental rates and have also started looking for alternative venues. If any of you have any contacts for venues, please share the information with us.

Upcoming Activities:

The SongFest Singing Competition has been scheduled for this May 2007. Keep posted for more information!

Club Night happens on Saturday April 14th! More information on this blog shortly!

Yes, we've been having venue woes this March, but fear not, Movie Nite (which is held on the first Monday of every month) hasn't disappeared! Watch this space for info on May's Movie Nite!

Best regards
Alain Boey
Chairman