Singing and music theory student

Katterwall: You are one of Bethan’s first students. When did you start having lessons with her?
Tori: When I was eight years old I performed in a production of “Bugsy Malone” with the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation, and got the chance to work with the wonderful musical director, Bethan Greaves. After performing in a number of shows I wanted to expand my knowledge of vocal technique and learn how to control my voice and sing properly. When I discovered that Bethan gave private singing lessons, the opportunity seemed perfect.

K: You're currently study singing with Camille and music theory with Bethan. What is the benefit of having two teachers?
T: Music is something I hope to study further throughout my education. By having two teachers, I have the benefit of learning both singing and music theory. This instruction has further aided me in understanding musical concepts and techniques. It has helped me to realise the importance of protecting and developing my musical talents.

K: You are an active local theatre / musical performer. Which shows have you done so far and which role was your favourite?
T: I am fortunate enough to have performed in numerous productions all over Hong Kong. I became an active member in the local theatre scene at age six and have nothing but great memories of the productions I’ve been a part of. With the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation I have performed in “The Secret Garden”, “Bugsy Malone”, “The Wiz”, and “Disco Inferno”. With the Hong Kong Singers I starred in “Fiddler On The Roof”, “Annie Get Your Gun”, and “Annie”, in which I had the lead role. This may have been one of my favourite roles. I got to play a character I had admired since I was a little girl; it was an incredible experience. Other shows include, “West Side Story”, “The Wind in the Willows” and “Grease”. Each show offered me the opportunity to work and perform with some of Hong Kong's extremely talented performers.

K: Other than singing and theory lessons, what other extra-curricular activities do you do?
T: Performing is one of my greatest passions so besides singing and music I also participate in dance classes and am a member of Faust International Youth Theatre. I am on my school's debating and hockey teams. I love to scuba dive; and during the summers have participated in Harvard Extension Programmes with the New England Aquarium in Boston, USA. Marine biology and marine conservation are two areas which also greatly interest me.

K: And now a question to Nancy, Tori's mum. As a parent, why do you think music education is important?
Nancy: From my standpoint as a parent, musical education has helped to develop discipline and structure in Tori's life. Music is the ultimate form of communication; it dissolves barriers; its language is universal. By having music in your life, you will never be at a loss to express oneself.

It was a dream 5 years ago, to conduct in HK's beautiful concert hall. Then as sometimes happens, the dream grew into a reality and soon we had a date and three groups lined up to sing: Kassia Women's Choir, Kassia Youth Choir and the HK Welsh Male Voice Choir. The en masse rehearsals were a new challenge for all the conductors (myself, Bryan Carter and Emma Arney) none of whom had conducted such large numbers before but the result was wonderful. The video of everyone marching on to “Do You Hear The People Sing?” still brings me out in goosebumps.

We decided to do it again two years later, this time with five groups: Kassia Women's Choir, Kassia Youth Choir, Kassia Men's Chorus, The Typhoons and the Cecilian Singers (no HK Welsh Male Voice Choir, they were deep in preparations to sing at London's Albert Hall!). This concert featured one of my all time greatest performing highlights. As an encore the massed voices sang their gospel version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and bless my soul if the entire audience of 1,000 people didn't get up on their feet to join in. The power of song to unite. It was palpable that evening.

Two years on and here we are, ready to go again. There will be a whole host of contrasting vocal performances, and some more powerful en masse numbers. This "Raising the Roof 2009" will also mark Bryan Carter's final concert as Musical Director of the HK Welsh Male Voice Choir (thereby avoiding the traditional fate of Welsh Choir Directors who are either dismissed or die in the saddle...!)

June
5^th : Katterwall's Adult Recital Our adult students perform to family and friends

13^th : Michael Jackson Live In Hong Kong RTHK Radio 3 live show featuring Soho Collective @ Grappa's Cellar

15^th : Raising The Roof 2009 with Kassia Choirs & Friends @ HK Cultural Centre, T.S.T.
Tickets from URBTIX Tel: 2734 9009 / www.urbtix.hk

18^th : Day Tripper – a Tribute to the Beatles with Kassia Men's Chorus @ The Melting Pot, Elgin Street
Tickets from Katterwall Office

July
6^th - 10^th : Hullaballoo Summer Term A @ Sheung Wan Civic Centre

6^th - 10^th : Singing'SKool Summer Term A @ Sheung Wan Civic Centre

27^th - 31^st : Singing'SKool Summer Term B @ Sheung Wan Civic Centre

August
4^th : Summer Fling 2009 with Kassia Men and Women begins rehearsals

10^th - 14^th : Hullaballoo Summer Term B @ Sheung Wan Civic Centre

10^th - 14^th : Singing'SKool Summer Term C @ Sheung Wan Civic Centre

29^th : Summer Fling First Show

SINGING LESSONS are available at Katterwall throughout the summer
Drop celia@katterwall.com a line to enquire about availability