Back to School - in the Swinging Sixties!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The school parade square became a giant stage showing different facets of life in 1964.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Dance Hall!”
As stylish dancers sashayed their way onto the stage and a sparkling crystal ball cast its spell across the arena, the waiting crowd erupted with cheers. “You are in for a greeaaaatttt time!” boomed emcee Jenson Tan. “Put your hands together for ‘Twist and Shout’!”
Decked out in bell-bottoms and fitted shirts, the dancers strutted their stuff and the mood hit fever pitch with thunderous applause and ear-splitting screams. The way they shook, rattled and rolled, you’d think Elvis was back in action. As the band struck up a merry beat, the dancers thrust their hips to tunes from the 1960s by Astroboy and Betty Boo and grooved to the high-octane dance moves of the hustle, the twist and even the a-go-go.
Make no mistake - the ’60s are back. Over two evenings this July, Ang Mo Kio Secondary School became a time machine that brought to life Singapore in the swinging ’60s. A bustling night market, friendly gatherings at Ah Gong’s Coffeeshop, and the soulful strumming of a street busker - many colours and sounds of a bygone era were recaptured as the school hosted NOMAD 2008, its biannual celebration of the arts.
Principal Tan Chee Siong (centre, in white) with guests and students at NOMAD.
But it wasn’t all just a light-hearted song and dance. NOMAD (Night of Music and Dance) also offered reminders of the difficulties Singapore faced in that period. Uncertain voices and angry shouts rang out as other scenes unfolded - racial riots, turbulent political rallies and kampung folks worrying about having to move to high-rise flats.
Explaining the nostalgic theme, principal Mr Tan Chee Siong describes the 1960s as a formative decade when “local music and motion pictures had their heyday”. Add to that the travails of a struggling young nation, and this period was a rich historical resource for turning NOMAD into a living lesson.
This year’s production drew upon virtually every subject from English Language and Mother Tongue to History and Art. Even Science and Mathematics principles were applied in prop-making and statistical analysis. “The teachers and students used curriculum time to discuss various aspects of NOMAD, and to prepare for the festival,” adds Mr Tan.
A celebration of the arts by students from all levels.
In fact, no man (or woman) was left out - NOMAD involved all the teachers and students, whether they appeared on stage or worked behind the scenes on the props, costumes or music. NOMAD is also very much a festival for and by the community. “This year, we involved performers and artists living in Ang Mo Kio for the first time,” Mr Tan remarks. “We also put up three free events in Ang Mo Kio as a prelude to the actual festival.”
An exploration of the arts
NOMAD’s origins lie in the school’s Integrated Arts Programme (IAP) for all Sec 1 and 2 students. Set up in 2003 to “encourage a more meaningful exploration of the arts,” the IAP allows students to work with practising artists in music, visual arts, dance and drama. “Students are definitely more open to learning from these expert-teachers,” says Mr Tan.
Lessons in teamwork are part and parcel of the IAP. Students are assessed at the end of each module via a solo item or group performance. If it’s a dance, “they have to work together to select the music, choreograph the steps, practise and put on a show,” explains Mr Tan. The school also provides ample opportunities to showcase student talent during assemblies, lunchtime concerts and interschool competitions.
Sec 3 student V. Diwakar (right) grooves to the beat.
Exploring the arts doesn’t stop after Sec 2. Normal (Technical) students can continue the IAP at the upper secondary level, where it is one of four elective modules. Normal (Academic) students can opt for Voice & You, an extension of the IAP with a strong language component.
Giving their all
For many students, the chance to perform at NOMAD is a badge of honour. “I was selected during my IAP assessment last year,” says Sec 3 student V. Diwakar, who performed two dance numbers with seven fellow students. “We practised twice a week throughout the school holidays, and during term time, we had to rehearse at night.”
Sec 1 student Jensen Tan was the emcee and revved up the heat at the Dance Hall.
Sec 1 student Jenson Tan revelled in his dual roles as emcee and dancer. Tall for his age, the confident speaker was a masterful stage-master as he elicited louder cheers from an appreciative audience as the night wore on.
Parents warmly support both the IAP and NOMAD. “My daughter plays the clarinet in the school band, which performed in NOMAD’s Prologue and Epilogue,” says Mrs Shermaine Lum, whose daughter Demi Lum is in Sec 2. Mrs Lum attended the second night of the festival with her husband and mother.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but the high standards really impressed me,” recounts Mrs Lum. “I particularly enjoyed ‘I Want’ - the girl was really good. And I was totally engrossed with the items at the souvenir stall.” Having missed out on some highlights due to the unexpectedly strong turnout, she vows to return next year, saying, “Next time, I’ll come on both nights so I can catch all the performances!”