Today we just had our first orchestral rehearsal, in prep for singaPOPera performance in 2 wks time. It was indeed an experience to be making music with the indian, malay, western and the usual pop instruments like electric guitars, electric double bass, synthesizers etc.... We have pieces encompassing various ethnic as well as pop and jazz musical elements, for instance we have pieces with the kind of old Shanghai feel, pieces showcasing our indian culture so we play indian rhythms and rag.. but of course these are not the traditional kind of music, they are furnished with pop elements. There're also many other kinds of songs that are very upbeat and funky.. I think these music will appeal to the masses, as compared to you know.. our classical music, because it's easy listening. Audiences would be able to find the feel and groove with the music on first hearing, unlike some classical pieces you need many hearings to understand and finally enjoy what's portrayed.
Hopefully I could get hold of some of the orchestral scores and study the orchestration and music writings behind it
It's a wonderful experience to be working with our music director/conductor, Dr Sydney Tan. I like the way he conducts, it's nothing conventional like the way we are used to. Perhaps it's because he's into this kind of music. He dances, sings and expresses all the grooves in his body movement.. i think it really rubs the feel onto us as musicians.
I play a rather minor role in the orchestra, mainly adding to the harmonic fabric and at times little snippets of exciting rhythms.. There're some rather complicating parts and at times it isnt playing friendly, not the kind of thing that yq is suitable for, and it's not like a cadenza but rather small accompanimental role that i think would be overpowered by insts. with more resonance .. that's the weird part about e arrangement
but generally there's still things to learn playing pop culture music - the grooves, feelings that has to be gotten use to...
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