Songwriters in the making

Find out about Nanyang Primary’s songwriting programme from the school’s music teacher, Mdm Joyce Ang Bee Gaik.

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Budding Primary 5 songwriters at Nanyang Primary School (NYPS) took part in a semester-long songwriting programme last year and nine songs were selected for recording into an album “Our Songs”. Students were also encouraged to choose their favourite song via an online voting exercise.

Started in 2008 as part of NYPS’ music curriculum, the songwriting programme for Primary 5 students aims to harness students’ creativity through music and for them to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding in the craft of composing. In groups of five, students compose songs according to the theme for the year, which include sportsmanship in conjunction with the Youth Olympic Games, and things that make Singapore unique, such as the local food and our multi-racial heritage.

The theme for 2014 was on the core values of Respect, Resilience, Responsibility, Integrity, Care and Harmony (R3ICH).

Winners of the top voted song “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” explored the meaning of admiration in recognizing others’ abilities, qualities and achievements, as well as how the value of respect was vital in maintaining harmonious relationships between people. Through the songwriting process, the students also learnt valuable techniques and what it meant to work together as a team. Congratulations to Wong Wuwen, Timothy Neo, Loh Tai Yong, Matthew Low and Xavier Tan of Class 5N!

Another interesting song by Hilton Augusta Parker Rogers, Nicolette Choy, Lau Jia Shuen, Marissa Ng and Chloe Fangiono of Class 5C –  “Responsibility ??????” (What is responsibility?) used both English and Chinese in the lyrics. The students similarly echoed how teamwork was essential in this project. As a team, they helped each other to develop deep thinking skills in composing the song.

The “Our Songs” album was given out to all NYPS students. The songs will be taught to all classes this year and used during the school’s R3ICH-themed events.

If you would like to find out more about NYPS’ songwriting programme, please contact Ms Mavis Tan (tan_jiak_shiang@nyps.edu.sg).