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for Singapore +
international a cappella music scene !
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* Chingmei
* mobile: +65 97630209
* email:
CONTACT form
vocal type: mezzo sop + alto 1/2 (low G to High Bb)
instruments: keyboard, piano, some wooden percussions
influences: pop, rock, bossa nova, jazz,
Christian contemporary
my a cappella transcriptions:
"Say Goodbye" (by Toxic Audio), "Yi Bei Cha" (by Budak Pantai) & working on others (satb, ttbb)
Experiences
Created & motivated with the passion for a cappella music, the A Cappella S.O.U.N.D.S
blog was set up to bring the latest news on Singapore's a cappella music scene to enthusiasts or even one who may be
unfamiliar with this genre of using just the VOICE.
Thanks to pioneering a cappella groups such as In A Chord, Budak Pantai, Akatones, Nanu, Skritch, Tic Tac Tone & Vocaluptuous
who sparked interest in the a cappella genre, the budding local scene is kept vibrant and is evolving with a contemporary
approach on a growing edge. The a cappella genre had extended to beyond choral and classical singing. Enthusiasts will probably be
familiar with the now-defunct AKA A Cappella series.
Do you know that the VOICE can be an instrument in which we can communicate music too ? In this communication, one can sing in
various styles of barbershop, choral, doo-wop, gospel, jazz, pop, R&B etc., even scatting, vocal percussion and beat boxing.
Such is the versatility of the VOICE.
Agapella
blog: http://agapella.blogspot.com
website: http://www.agapella.net
Agapella is a Christian a cappella group comprising young professionals who find meaning in blending their voices to make music
without instruments. They believe God has called them together to use this artistic form of expression and platform as a
means of testifying to His love for all. Agapella has sung in the presence of government ministers, businessmen, inmates,
students, diners, pedestrians and newly-weds. Their music has filled the halls of the Esplanade, hotel ballrooms, auditoriums,
sanctuaries and drifted through Holland Village, Orchard Road and many a mall. The far reaches where their debut CD album
'Follow That Star' has been played, continue to amaze as heard how it blesses many to this day.
Budak Pantai
website: http://www.budakpantai.com
Formed in 1994, the most recognised quirky male group on our island who have a knack in seamless "butchering" in almost every song
they arrange with a big dollop of Budak humor with a unabashed rough and ready style. Some people actually call them "fathers" of
local a cappella music! It's probably something to do with the fact that Budak Pantai has more than ten years behind them since we
got together in 1994 (which isn't that long ago) and are one of the "pioneers" of the now-defunct “A.K.A. A Cappella" series.
It started when Budak won TV's Rollin' Good Times' Beach Boys contest back then.... hence their name, which is a literal
translation of Beach Boys in Malay. Since then, the group had been especially privileged to make music with the likes of Kym Ng,
Jeff Chang, Sky Wu, Sandy Lam and David Tao and lately, the ubiquitous and lovely Stephanie Sun.
Budak were also featured in the “Sing Singapore" series in 1998 and in 2000, complete with their own music video for
“Singapore Town" and had worked with Iskandar Ismail on numerous other projects, including the 2005 televised show entitled
Muzika Extravaganza in Penang. Among their other notable projects, Budak were featured on Arts Central programmes a few
times (including Bandwidth) and even made a cameo appearance in the local movie titled "February 29" which is slated to be released
under another name in July 2007. They even composed a song (Leap) specially for that movie, although it was never used. Through all
that, we released four self-produced albums, all limited editions. They've had the honour of performing at the Esplanade Concert
Hall four times and twice at the Esplanade Theatre. Today, Budak Pantai are probably one of the longest lasting vocal bands in
Singapore.
Described as "professional yet eccentric & believers of the freedom to express (read "butcher") almost every song they arrange,
with a big dollop of Budak humor", they guys trade in business attire and etiquette to entertain those in the know, once every
month at blue Moo cafe on the rooftop of
YMCA Orchard. The fact that they do not perform to musical scores means you may not hear a song sung in the same way the next time
they perform it! Budak Pantai are certainly one of the best kept secrets in the local entertainment circuit.
Curious Attacks
website: http://curiousattacks.googlepages.com
They are a group of classical-trained singers who take our art really quite seriously. They are a Singaporean vocal group
that likes to relook the way vocal groups do things. They comprise of 4 singers: Yap Shing Min (Soprano), Phua Ee Kia (Alto),
Leslie Tay (Tenor), Ng Tian Hui (Bass) have sung their way through most of Choral Singapore, having variously sung with exemplary
choirs such as the Singapore Youth Choir, Singapore Lyric Opera, Philharmonic Chamber Choir (Singapore) and The Singers.
The group's aims are singing, to have fun singing and to share the joy of singing !
Equivox
blog: http://equivox.blogspot.com
Since its injection into the circle in 2005, Equivox, a 5-member team (Serene, Shin Ni, Cheryl, Tim and Adrian) has already
utilized its now two-year timeframe to the fullest, performing at countless distinguished (and not so distinguished) events.
More notably, the group had recently emerged champions in the open category of the annual National A Cappella Championships held at
the Esplanade in July 2006. Since then, the group had only an achievement streak to look forward to – a recording stint with T2
Productions, a "post-competition-winners-only" performance at the Esplanade ( again!) and an invitation to sing at the
highly-anticipated AkaFest 2006. Medleys of top 40 hits, jazzed up renditions of evergreen tunes, 80s disco songs or simply
no-nonsense deliveries of mainstream popular tracks, Equivox constantly thinks out of the box to create and expand a repertoire
with that distinctive "Equivox flavour". With the natural ability to interpret songs with an interesting twist, perform them
impeccably with a fine stage presence and produce side-splitting banter in between, the group is a long-awaited burst of vocal
energy.
JuzB
Known for having a lot of soul, this award-winning group recently bagged two awards at the second Asian A Cappella Festival cum Competition as well as captured the hearts of a cappella
supporters in Taipei. Made up of a group of passionate and talented young men the group prides itself in its selection of Malay pop
songs as well as English & Mandarin pop ballads and pop rock songs. Known for their excellent groove and on-stage antics, the boys
have set their sights to explore and develop vocal percussion singing both locally and internationally. You probably recognised from the group
who entered as a vocal band in Superband, a local band contest orgaised by Channel U in 2006.
Kent Ridge Acappella
website: http://kraca.wordpress.com
Kent Ridge A Cappella, or more fondly known as KR Aca, was formed by a group of talented, individualistic, music-loving residents of
Kent Ridge Hall, NUS, way back in 1995. They emerged as Judges' choice winners in the 'Outrageous Budak Pantai Soundalike Contest
2004' and guest starred in a vocal workshop held by UK's A cappella pop sensation - The Magnets in 2005. Their groups clinched top
honours at Stardust, an inter-varsity singing competition, in 2005 and 2006, as well as bagging the group category at Talentquest
'06.
Key Elements
website: http://www.i-lurve-ke.com
blog: http://keyelements.blogspot.com
The mixed jazz vocal sextet uses largely original arrangements that give even the most familiar songs a notable freshness. This is
possible because three of its members are also prolific arrangers, each with his own distinctive style. Although formed in 2001, its
members hail from well-known groups like In-A-Chord, Impromptu, In Transit and Bcoz. Brought together by a common passion for a
cappella music, they hope to touch others through their sheer joy and dedication to this art form. They are also a YMCA associate for
the arts 2005. They held their very first public concert at Victoria Concert Hall on 5 Nov 2005 and even released their debut single,
More Than Anything (comprising of 4 tracks) on the day of the concert.
Kukrusann
blog: http://kukrusann.blogspot.com
----
subset:
Charles Wong: http://www.myspace.com/beatboxerstitch
Resonance
blog: http://www.tabulas.com/~resonance
Dating back to 2001, this group is made up of mainly NUS undergraduates, and a couple of Masters students to boot, brought together
by a common passion for singing. Currently they have about 30 members from diverse musical backgrounds whom they perform mainly in
groups of six. They sing just about anything, from contemporary pop to choral, alternative rock to swing, and even the occasional
techno tune that promises to appeal to the younger generation, always striving to bring a greater awareness of a cappella music in
and outside campus.To date, our most satisfying achievements would include clinching the top awards in the local National A
Cappella Championships (2005) and Harmony Awards competition (2003). However, they are not resting on their laurels. Always on the
look out for challenges and performance opportunities, Resonance hopes to scale greater heights.
alumni: Equivox, Verve Enharmonics, Vocollision
Skritch - defunct
website: http://skritch.net
The 6-man funk/pop-rock/hip-hop vocal band was formed in 1999 and is recognized as one of Singapore's as well as Asia's finest a
cappella singing groups. Skritch is most well known for its uniquely urban sound and screaming rock numbers, wild rap solos, intense
vocal drum-and-bass jams, innovative vocal turntablism and scratching highlights, spontaneous hip-hop dance sequences, and
larger-than-life stage presence. In fact, Skritch was the first group to introduce "mouthdrumming" — a style of percussion that
minimizes the use of the vocal cords and is more closely related to the underground hip-hop element of beatboxing to the Singapore
a cappella scene. The sum total of these achievements and facets of the Skritch experience defines the sensory extravaganza
recognized today as Da 6-Man Vocal Band Jam.
subset:
Mike Cho: http://michaelchomusic.blogspot.com
Tic Tac Tone - defunct
website: http://www.tictactone.com
email: alina@tictactone.com
A mixed sextet (4 guys + 2 gals) whose style ranges from pop to evergreen & is slated as "urbanised funk".
Upbeat
website: http://www.upbeat.sg
They were the Open Category Champion of the Singapore A Cappella Championship 2004. This 6-member group
has sung for many national events, carolled at Esplanade's Outdoor Theatre and has been in masterclasses with
A'cappella ExpreSSS and the Swingle Singers.
Verve Enharmonics - defunct
website: http://www.verve-enharmonics.com
Verve Enharmonics (VnH) is a six-member mixed group with an eclectic repertoire of pop, R&B and jazz. Formed in late 2004 by
alumni and founding members of NUS Resonance, VnH has since emerged champions in the open category of the National A Cappella
Championships '05 and group category of TalentQuest '05. The group maintains a regular performing schedule, and has put up
well-received performances at various public events such as the Mosaic Music Festival at the Esplanade, and at numerous private
functions. VnH has also developed an educational assembly program to introduce a cappella to upper sec and JC students.
Vocaluptuous
website: http://www.vocaluptuous.com.sg
A group consisting of 5 men & a lady whose repertoire ranges from the genres of funk and soul, with a sprinkle of pop and jazz. Musically, Vocaluptuous is adventurous,
funky and refreshing, preferring an eclectic mix of music styles ranging from traditional jazz and bossa nova to soul and pop music. Critics have compared them to
internationally acclaimed a cappella groups such as The Blenders, The Real Group and m-pact, describing their sound as “incredibly blended with top-notch solo performances
and a sense of humour”. Vocally unique with a signature lush pop-jazz style, Vocaluptuous ranks at the top of the list of a cappella talents in Singapore.
VoCollision
blog: http://www.vocollision.com
VoCollision consists six individuals with a penchant for A Cappella music – singing without instruments. Formed in 2005, the
members of this three-girl three-guy group will tantalise you with their lush vocals and dazzling chemistry on stage. Their
versatility is evident in their repertoire, which encompasses a variety of languages and genres. Renditions of jazz numbers,
contemporary hits and oldies are infused with an eclectic flavor that they can call their own. These adventurous folks hope to
enhance their brand of A Cappella music. A few notable performances to date include the IMF 2006 dinner for delegates, Noise
Singapore Showcase 2006, “Sing It Like It Is” Showcase 2007 at Esplanade Waterfront, and the ‘Open Mic’ sessions at the Singapore
Art Café. The group has also been spotted on several local live radio shows such as Perfect 10, The Living Room 93.8FM and FM93.3’s
Nokia Live segment. In 2005’s National A Cappella Championship’s Open Category, the singers’ clinched 2nd place and soprano, Audrey
Tay, also bagged the best soloist award. This sextet aspires to strike a chord in the hearts of others with their music, and is
revving to spice up the A Cappella scene.
* Events are FREE unless stated and all information are correct at time of posting.
CONTACT me should you have further queries.
Jul
Jun
If you're looking for people to join your a cappella group or opportunities to perform or even want to post gigs to the list,
here's the place to look for !
CONTACT me if you have any enquiry or just need help !
=) Chingmei
Auditions !
Contact: Chingmei via
CONTACT form if interested !
  
Contact: Chingmei via
CONTACT form with CV (with mp3 demo if possible).
  
* Don't have to be able to read notes
* Inexperience in singing a cappella is not a problem
* Able to sing/harmonize would be a plus
* Prefer those who have completed National Service (those who have not may still apply)
Contact: Nawfa, khairul.afwan@gmail.com or call 91214964 to arrange a meeting.
This is in lieu of TONE’s venture into a cappella education as well as day-time touring performances in 2009/2010.
Contact: Rayner ~ renyar@gmail.com) or
Jeremy ~ jeremy.hojj@gmail.com for audition details.
  
Contact: Jeremy, jeremy.hojj@gmail.com for audition details.
Contact: Derrick, derricktheduck@gmail.com
Dear peeps !
Here are some of my fave youtube videos of groups that I really like and thought to to share with you here,
so watch and enjoy ! =)
Naturally 7 [N7]
A seven-man Contemporary Christian a cappella group Naturally 7 based in New Yorka distinctive unique talent in creating
every sound from the human voice termed as "vocal play".
Introducing N7...
N7 on Mojo.Com
N7 Unplugged: In the Air Tonight - BBC London 94.9
N7 on Ellen show [USA]
N7 ~ Another You
N7 ~ Feel it (In the Air Tonight)
N7 ~ Let It Rain MV
N7 ~ Gone With The Wind

Agapella's Youtube video of its rendition of Pachelbel's Canon in D has been viewed more than 20,000 times and has attracted rave reviews from around the world for its smooth blend of harmonies. Yet we've never performed the song in public... until now. Be among the first to hear them perform this song and many other contemporary numbers spanning a plethora of genres, all this in a two-night only musical fiesta on 10th & 11th July 2009!
In celebration of our 7th anniversary, Agapella presents our biggest concert yet, Seven @ 8. We'll serve up fan favourites like "I Will Follow Him" (popularised by the movie, Sister Act) and "Testify To Love", on top of brand new arrangements. Among the new numbers, don't miss the re-written lyrics to the tune of the classic "Good 'Ol A Cappella". The concert will be a delight for the entire family with Agapella's unique brand of music and tight harmonies, together with a zany dash of theatre for a toe-tappin' good time!
Agapella's debut album, "Follow That Star" was released in 2007 to much acclaim. The album will be made available for sale at the concert. Don't forget to stick around for the post-concert refreshments (included in the ticket price) and hang out with Singapore's coolest vocal band! Tickets @ $7 on sale now at all SISTIC outlets, or book online at www.sistic.com.sg or call 6348-5555!
* Every 5 tickets purchased in a single receipt will entitle you to a complimentary copy of the album,
“Follow That Star”. Please present receipt at the door on the evening of the performance for redemption.
Agapella: seven@8
10 & 11 July 2009
8 - 10pm
151, Bencoolen Street
Tickets priced @ $7 @ SISTIC outlets
Visit http://agapella.blogspot.com or email to agapella@gmail.com for more info.
*sings* the a cappella way   

Budak Pantai will be singing @ blue Moo ~ the virtual cafe on the rooftop of YMCA Orchard on...
12 June 2009 Friday
7.30pm
$12
Book your seats @ blue Moo's website ~ http://www.bluemoo.com.sg !
To know more about Budak, visit their official website @
http://www.budakpantai.com !
*sings* the a cappella way   
Upon stepping in the Esplanade Recital studio, it was pretty much a full house last night, a concert attended by friends and fans alike. I came as a supporter of local a cappella with my friend in delightful expectation of what repertoire jazz-infused a cappella group Key Elements [KE] could come up with.
As expected , KE opened with their signature jazz-tinged arranged of I'm Beginning To See The Light. However, the audience truly warmed up to KE when they mentioned their stint and the song which they could not reach pass the 1st stanza at the Hokkien Huay Kuan with a cutesy choreography. In fact, I was rather impressed with the simplistic jazz take of a familiar Hokkien classic 一人一半 Jit Lang Jit Pua as sang by Jason Ong, the songwriter-arranger of the group. Yes, that song had the audience hooting in laughter.
Not only that, the audience were amusingly prompted by the KE "girls" [ Susanna and Hui Lian] to be screaming fans when the "boys" of KE [ Vaughn, Kim Beng, Jason and Benedict] sang a classic but simple barbershop arrangement of Come Go with Me and the guys proved to be able to sound effortlessly, harmonically tight in this piece. Benedict [KE's baritone] even attempted a familiar Korean ballad I Believe from the Korean movie "My Sassy Girl", after which Jason jokingly said a greeting in Korean. The audience even had the chance to "support" KE by waving their handphone lights along with the disco ball light with the feeling of a travel back in time.
Despite the members having bouts of flu as KE mentioned during the concert, KE did their utmost best.Especially so for tenor lead Kim Beng who gave quite an impressionable lead on a pop song [ title unknown?] where he had to challenge the mezzo-soprano register of Susanna [ KE's mezzo-soprano]. I admit it was a brave feat for KE to attempt pop-rock genre and even imitating the string ensemble as they seem more comfortable and at ease singing the jazz genre. After all, they are more jazz- influenced.
*sings* the a cappella way   
Late Nite @ Esplanade: Firsts with Key Elements
29 May 2009 Fri, 9.30pm
Esplanade Recital Studio
Aptly entitled Firsts, the concert represents many firsts for this captivating sextet, as each song that they’ll be offering represents a milestone in the ensemble’s musical journey. I’m Beginning to See the Light is Key Elements’ first attempt at creating a jazz combo sound, complete with 12-bar scat solos for each member, and 《一人一半》 and 《拢是为了你》 are the first two Hokkien songs they performed as part of the Hokkien Huay Kuan’s November 2008 event.
After two sold-out concerts at home, notable international performances in Genting Highlands, Jakarta, Taiwan and Seoul, and two recordings under its belt, Key Elements will dazzle audiences with its inimitable arrangements and tight vocal harmonies. Only few tickets left, secure your seat now at SISTIC!
*sings* the a cappella way   
Come down to celebrate Peranakan Museum's 1st birthday! There will be lots of food, dancing and entertainment! Vocaluptuous will be doing Two 15-mins sets at 2.15pm and 3.30pm. Do come and catch the group in action in the museum, ground floor lobby!!
*sings* the a cappella way   
Ngee Ann Polytechnic [NP] choir will be having a public performance at NAFA Lee Foundation Theatre on 26 April 2009, Sunday. Please give them your support! Each ticket costs $10. Do refer to the poster above or drop by the NP choir blog ~ http://np-choir.blogspot.com for more info !
*sings* the a cappella way   
SPH Gift Of Music - A Cappellah!
"For something inspirational!"
Pure voice - see how local groups do it without instruments. Ranging from the highly popular Budak Pantai, to the leading all female group Nanu, local jazz a cappella group Blue Intentions as well as the energetic TAS Youth Voices, this Good Friday weekend will celebrate life with inspiration songs and vivacious characters.
When ? Fri Apr 10 2009 (Budak Pantai, 7.30-8.15pm),
Sat Apr 11 (Blue Intentions, 10pm), Sun Apr 12 (Blue Intentions, 8.30pm)
Where? Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
*sings* the a cappella way   
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