A Symphony of Silver Screen Dreams, an Orchestral Delight

A Symphony of Silver Screen Dreams, the highly anticipated annual orchestral concert, graced its audience at the Grand Theatre on a tender early summer evening last week. Mr. Choonmon Lee, the head of music, took the WCCH Orchestra on stage and presented an Orchestra Concert featuring a selection of theme music from classic films.   

In the well-known original soundtracks from classic movies, we were captivated by the sweeping melodies of The Legend of the Fall; we retraced the unforgettable A Million Dreams in the distant and pure musical expressions; we followed the princess Elsa who bears the curse of ice and relived the majestic and courageous tunes from Frozen; and we passionately revisited the classics such as The Godfather, Up, and Pirates of the Caribbean. 

Parents, teachers and pupils alike discovered joy and excitement in their beloved music that resonated with them. These iconic movie soundtracks were vividly resurrected by the exceptional WCCH Orchestra, whose performance not only filled our hearts with the rich emotions of music but also enveloped us in an appreciation for the art itself. This live concert provided an intimate encounter, allowing us to embrace the depth and beauty that music imparts. 

Mon: The inspiration behind holding the “A Symphony of the Silver Screen Dream” concert was to create an immersive experience for our pupils that extends beyond traditional classroom learning. I wanted to provide our pupils with the opportunity to experience the magic of live performance and understand the powerful connection between music and storytelling. This concert allowed pupils to engage deeply with iconic film music, bringing the emotional and dramatic elements of cinema to life through their performances. It was also a way to celebrate the incredible talent within our school and give our pupils a platform to shine.

Mon: The selection process involved choosing pieces that would be both suitable for our orchestra’s level and engaging for the audience. I made some of the arrangements myself to ensure that each piece was well-suited to our pupils’ abilities and highlighted different sections of the orchestra. Our repertoire included a variety of styles to keep the audience “awake” and engaged.

For example, in “Cinema Paradiso,” the piano takes the main melody, showcasing a piano concerto style. In “Memoirs of a Geisha,” our first chair violinist, Rebecca, performed a beautiful solo to start the piece. In the music from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” our cellist had a prominent solo, recapping the main melody. These selections ensured that all sections of the orchestra were showcased. 

Preparation for the concert involved months of intensive rehearsals, individual practice, and sectional workshops. We focused on developing technical proficiency, ensemble cohesion, and stage presence. One of the main challenges was balancing rehearsal schedules with the pupils’ academic commitments. Additionally, ensuring that each pupil felt confident and prepared required personalized attention and encouragement. We also had to manage the logistics of organizing numerous rehearsals and coordinating with other school events to make the best use of our time. Despite these challenges, the pupils’ dedication and hard work culminated in a successful and memorable performance.

Mon: One unique aspect of our orchestra is the ability of our pupils to maintain their energy and stamina throughout the 1.15-hour long concert. This is a testament to their dedication and passion, which is truly unique for a student orchestra. Additionally, our orchestra features a wide age range, with the youngest members from Grade 2 and Year 3 up to sixth form. This age diversity showcases that age does not matter as long as you have a heart for music. The combination of maintaining performance energy and the inclusivity of different age groups adds a special dynamic to our orchestra.

Mon: I hope that our music program helps pupils develop a lifelong appreciation for music and the arts. Participating in music fosters important life skills such as discipline, teamwork, creativity, and emotional expression. On a personal level, I want pupil to gain confidence and a sense of achievement through their musical accomplishments. Professionally, I hope the program provides a strong foundation for those who wish to pursue music-related careers and equips all pupils with skills that are transferable to various fields. Ultimately, I want our students to carry the joy and lessons of music into all aspects of their lives.

Mon: The feedback from both the audience and the pupils has been overwhelmingly positive. Audience members praised the high level of talent and professionalism displayed by the pupils, as well as the engaging and well-curated program. Parents and community members expressed admiration for the dedication and hard work that went into the performance. The pupils themselves shared that the experience was incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. They felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, and they appreciated the opportunity to perform on stage and connect with their peers and the audience in such a meaningful way.