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

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subset:
Charles Wong: http://www.myspace.com/beatboxerstitch

MICappella
website: http://www.micappella.com

As the name implies, MICappella is not only an a cappella group, it is also a true Vocal Band that represents Singapore's next step in Contemporary A cappella music. MICappella performs and records with microphones, creating explosive sound effects that is found in rock and club music. With this unique and powerful new sound, MICappella is pursuing their dream to blast their way into the mainstream as a vocal rock band without instruments. The group is active in the music and entertainment industry with numerous indoor and outdoor performances. Get ready to immerse in their style of explosive and extreme music.

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.

Dec

• 17th Thur - Happy Songs for a Great Recession by Budak Pantaii", Esplanade concert hall, 7.30pm. $35 [ excl. $3 SISTIC fee ]
• 18th Fri - Happy Songs for a Great Recession by Budak Pantaii", Esplanade concert hall, 7.30pm. $35 [ excl. $3 SISTIC fee ]
• Vocaluptuous - caroling performances
  - 5th Sat - Paragon (Front Foyer), 7.30pm / 8.30pm / 9.30pm
  - 6th Sun - Paragon (Atrium 2), 3.30pm / 4.30pm / 5.30pm
  - 12th Sat - Paragon (Front Foyer), 7.30pm / 8.30pm / 9.30pm
  - 13th Sun - Paragon (Front Foyer), 7.30pm / 8.30pm / 9.30pm
  - 19th Sat - Paragon (Front Foyer), 7.30pm / 8.30pm / 9.30pm
  - 20th Sun - Paragon (Front Foyer), 7.30pm / 8.30pm / 9.30pm
  - 24th Thur - Paragon (Front Foyer), 7.30pm / 8.30pm / 9.30pm
  
• Equivox ~ A Glittering Christmas
  - 24th Thur - One Fullerton Seaview Channel (next to the Butter Factory Main Entrance), 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm
  - 25th Fri - One Fullerton Seaview Channel (next to the Butter Factory Main Entrance), 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm
  - 26th Sat - Wisma Atria (outside the mall near Indochine), 9 pm and 9.30 pm
  

Dearest friends,

We’ve finally done it! Our Christmas album, which has sold 7000 copies so far, is back! You can find the album at the Esplanade Shop, all Gramaphone outlets, all Link boutiques and PS Cafe outlets. We are also very happy to announce that The Christmas Song (Track #4 in the album) has just been chosen for a compilation album by CASA (the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America) featuring the very best of a cappella Christmas music from around the world!

The sale of Notes from an Island, our second album and charity project with Kidz Horizon, was completed this year in March. With your support, we managed to raise $28,000 for them. Thank you so much! J.. On behalf of Vocaluptuous, have a wonderful holiday season blessed with good health, good food, and the amazing company of family and friends !

www.a-cappella.org.sg

* These updates are correct to our best knowledge. Should there be any errors, kindly note that they are non-intentional.

(1) WHAT’S NEW

(3) TRAINING PROGRAMMES

ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAMME 2009/10

For the next two years we can offer your school two programmes that are NAC approved and eligible for Tote Board subsidy:

ROCK POP A CAPPELLA WITH NANU

The program presents A Cappella singing through an interactive session and demonstrates different styles and how a song is put together. It is a hands-on approach to exploring a cappella singing and vocal percussing. Hosted by a team from The A Cappella Society singing as an a cappella vocal band made up of professional singers, musicians and teachers, the session will introduce 3 tips in singing and share Vocal Percussion tips. Volunteer participation will be encouraged throughout the show and as a result the students will enjoy a highly interactive and very enjoyable and exciting presentation.

This light-hearted and highly interactive a cappella jam session will include tips on vocal technique and will encourage the general mass audience to take part in simple and repetitive musical stanzas that are built up into songs. This will be presented with the use of theater stage skills which will help in creating a better atmosphere for the audience to be willing to try their hand at making some music! The simple structure will give the students inspiration to make more of their own tunes come alive with imagination and creativity. Led by two veteran a cappella singers and performers, this session promises to be entertaining, inspiring and intriguing.

More details on our website www.a-cappella.org.sg

Finally a choir where children can explore folk, pop and jazz music intrinsically through play, performance and theory.
Open to singers aged 8 to 13, this choir seeks to develop young singers with a good foundation in vocal technique, performance etiquette, musical development and artistic discipline.

The choir will be directed by Angelina Choo-Sassarak, Artistic Director of The A Cappella Society. Rehearsals are on every Saturday from 1pm - 3pm. Please email for an appointment or audition: contact@a-cappella.org.sg

THE A CAPPELLA SOCIETY YOUTH VOICES AND ADULT TEAM

Want to learn the techniques of harmonising? Or simply want to immerse yourself in singing in a group? Here's your chance now! Auditions are now open for the youth voices (aged 13- 20) [practices are every Saturday 3pm-6pm.] and the adult team (aged 21 and above) [practices are every Monday 7.30pm]. Interested parties please contact us at contact@a-cappella.org.sg

TAS GROUPS

nanu - Singapore's leading all-female A Cappella group

TAS Voices - a diverse contemporary A Cappella group

Acappuccino - a group with a wide repertoire ranging from Pop to Jazz

TAS Youth Voices - Singapore's leading youth A Cappella ensemble

Beatz - a group for today's music with Beatbox and Hip-Hop roots

If you are interested in engaging any of the groups for your event, simply send us an email at contact@a-cappella.org.sg

All items are available in our office or via postal delivery. To order please send us an email at contact@a-cappella.org.sg

If you would like to submit articles, news and updates, volunteer your services or provide feedback, please do not hesitate to write us! We look forward to hearing from you.

For folks who are keen to join this mailing list, please send us a note to the same address.

The A Cappella Society

www.a-cappella.org.sg

contact@a-cappella.org.sg

182 Cecil Street

#02-07 Telok Ayer Performing Arts Centre

Singapore 069547

200721181D

1. aka a cappella VI videos for souvenir sale
   
2. Catch Equivox this Christmas
   
3. TONE appearance on ChannelNewsAsia's Prime Time Mo...
   
4. Vocaluptuous' All Wrapped Up Christmas album is ba...
   
5. Vocal Harmony Workshop with Peter Huang
   
6. From the Desk of The A Cappella Society - December...
   
7. Budak Pantai's Happy Songs for a Great Recession
   
8. Key Elements sings carols
   
9. From the Desk of The A Cappella Society - November...
   
10. Vocaluptuous @ Robinson's Card Members' nite !