Rock Concert 2014

Posted on July 17, 2014

In the busy run-up to the end of the term break, members of a number of the Schools’ Music Department ensembles a rock concert. These concerts once again showcased the wonderful range of music making going on and ensured that audiences were filled with the musical spirit of joy.  This year’s Tenby School Penang Rock Concert took place on Friday in the atrium and featured a tightly packed but well – paced programme of music covering a wide range of styles which varied from the samba band to a stunning teachers-put-together band, the Antique Antics band by the teachers.

The three and a half hour show gave the assemblage of proud parents, fellow pupils and public a chance to sample some of the work undertaken over the past months by the fine, young students and devoted teaching staff. Without warning, the lights went dark. My adrenaline went through the roof. The concert opened with the Percussion band with their Brazilian virtuosity and song name, Samba Rio which, despite the stress and anxiety they faced throughout the performance with the light effects initiating all the attention on them, they still managed produced a professional, full bodied and balanced sound as they adeptly recited pieces of composed samba music.

Next up, were the Paraless and ‘dot…dot…dot…’ band that performed a total of three different songs shortly thereafter. Their mellow tones and building dynamics were at the peak of perfection in which it filled atrium. I was intrigued to see the drums set up at the middle stage were new and wasn’t disappointed when the following band launched into their energizing song. The flush of energy and enthusiasm that they put up was kicking up the zest of both the performers and the spectators. On the other hand, the dot dot dot band was more of an ambitious band involving two electric guitarists who played complex rhythm and solo parts by memory.

Some other rousing performances included the Outlanders, Lock and the all famous ‘They Will Rock Cast in which the background music was supported by the Kaisers and Outlanders. One of the most outstanding ones was the Crimson Night. They kept the music going and in return kept the audience moving to their rhythm. Also, Crimson Night did put up a very high level of musical skills and talents … with their very rich, complex sounds and quality vocal pitches. It is also an honour to mentioned that Mr. Stan who is renowned for his reputation of being a great singer of distinction was the conductor of his band, the Crimson Night.

Furthermore, were the Revolutionsss… and yes, it’s spelled with 3Ss in it. Anyway, the absorbing and powerful music and bass guitar solos did add some spices and giving out a very high standard feat for the forthcoming performance to beat. They never did make the slightest error in their brilliant musical feat despite whizzy drum rhythmic patterns… maybe that’s why it’s called a feat.

Other bands that performed that night included The Adolescents in which they performed 2 songs Viva Lavida & Frozen (join with Guitar Club). To be honest, I have to say that they were one of my favourites and that I can clearly say that they really must have allocated some a lot of time and hard core efforts. The passion and dedication seeps through the singer’s microphone as the strumming guitars, beating drums, and the harmonious piano through the empty spaces of the large venue, fit to accommodate a whole stampede of people.

On the other hand, the Antique Antics – ‘teacher’s band’ also did rock! They performed several choir and solo parts and also a drumming solo part. They consist of a drummer; Mr. Nick whom manages to kick start the song with some loud and shrill sound, bashing away that kept all our hearts pounding to his pulse, singers and guitarist; Mr. Alan & Son, Mr. Stan and Mr. Tim were both great singers… and so was the rest of the band.

Other competent bands involved were the Cults & the Flames and Frost. They played in excellent timing and fluency beyond astonishment. I was dumbfounded.

One of the bands (Percussion Group) was run by Mr. James, a percussion expert in which I am honoured to say that I was part of the band… Mr. James was a very keen and experienced percussionist who always remained steadfast in his aim and judgement. He was the rockstar in the mist. Overtime and rehersals, day after day, week after week… we managed to turn the seemingly impossible piece of performance into a truly professional routine in which I would like to call, a masterpiece. To my surprise, I have to admit that I had no experience in percussion instrument, I never did perform in such a big crowd and neither did I ever performed on such an occasion. Well, I guest practice makes perfect or maybe I was just being taught by the best.

It did turn out well at the end… I have to say that although it was indeed hard to keep the pulse going at the right tempo, it was all thanks to my almighty band members that made it much easier.

At the end of the day, we did had a good time and enjoyed the day regardless of how much we had to endure before the performance. I guess it is just that very moment before the performance that kept the sensation at full throttle giving the effect that all of our hard world would soon be paid off. It was a sentimental moment… a powerful moment that can only be earned through striving and thriving. Since now that I understand the point of holding a rock concert, I am pretty sure I would joined it again. The question is, ‘how about you?’

Lastly, the biggest and most fundamental highlights of the day still goes to our all esteem teacher, Mr. Nick who in returned made the rock concert such a thrilling event. This means that without him, such an event would never become reality. Also, all credits shall be given to the staffs, students and parents for their time, effort and support in which they made it such a superb and splendid night in which the stage was lit up to its utmost best made it looked almost ethereal.

Overall, I found out that a rhythmic pattern which makes “noise” is already considered music… which sounds pretty easy right? Wow, there is nothing that surpasses the emotions that I feel at a rock concert.

By Khaw, Seng Pei   8T    (The yearbook team)