Day 3 of Sec Sch SYF (Live Thoughts) Part 1/4

A new day, and another new group of people take on the SYF. I hope they'll put up the song list today.

Due to a large number of people taking videos, photos and postin on YouTube, they're officially banning use of cameras, video cams and phones. I'll only update during the break.

Dunman Sec Sch

Dravidian Dithyramb
Kasar Mie La Gaji

Prediction: H G
Actual: GwH

They've got a huge choir with a very substansive male section. The set piece had a large range of dynamics, and a wide variety of phrasing. Sops were a little airy and the tenors a little throaty. First piece was generally good though the balance was very much skewed to the S and As. Felt the accents were a little too much at times. The second piece started a little flat, but felt a little tentative and probably slightly draggy. The tenors lacked depth, and the sops flat at chords. It lacked a spark. Should be a high gold

Jurongville Sec Sch

Shinjiru (Believing)
Sweet Phyllis Stay

Prediction: H B
Actual: B

Their set piece started sharp, and their high notes flat. Dissonant and a cappella sections were off. First piece is accompanied by piano. It's a sweet piece, but the girls were airy and the guys lacked strength to their voices. Some pitch errors esp obvious at chords, but the balance was alright. A tad boring though. The second piece was a cappella, polyphonic. Not a good choice but they manage through it though pitch problems were abound. Final chord was a mess. Should be high bronze.

Henderson Sec Sch

Gao Shan Qing 高山青
Autumn Leaves

Prediction: H S
Actual: S

Nice gown, though the colours are a little muted. They're smiling which is always good. The set piece had a good start though the girls' tone is rather airy. Male voices could be deeper in sound. Relatively in tune but there're still a bunch of pitch errors. Male voices need some training. First piece is autumn leaves, accompanied by piano. It's a sad but sweet song. They've got good volume but too airy for me. Relatively in tune but with some pitch errors. I like the piece, but the phrasing could be more delicate, but overall not bad. The final piece has the piano, but is first a cappella which was pretty well done. Overall, good though it had a lot of pitch errors.

East Spring Sec Sch

Nona Nona / Burong Kakak Tua
Shenandoah

Prediction: S
Actual: S

Like the outfit though the bow-tie should go. Set-piece is a tad slow, with quite a number of pitch errors. Rushed a little, a few voices sticking out and the sops a little airy. First piece has the piano and it's a good start by the altos, but chords were off when the other parts came in. Basses had a nice tone but a little soft and could be deeper. Final chords was out but pitch problems still apparent. Last piece is Asian-influenced, it lacked phrasing and pitch problems still apparent. They could be quite good given some voice training.

Zhonghua Sec Sch

Burung Kakak Tua
Shenandoah

Prediction: L S
Actual: B

Shiny purple shirts and gowns but still looks pretty dull. It's also a huge choir. Set piece - airy sops but relatively in tune. Accompaniment was messy though. Altos were sharp during the cappella section. Tenors were a little weak. First piece was a cappella, and is pretty easy. They stayed relatively in tune though there were pitch problems. Guys seemed to be in a different key than the girls. Nice last chord. The final piece is also accompanied by piano but slightly flat. Pitch problems still present. Thought they could be more passionate though.

Ngee Ann Sec Sch

Turot Eszik A Cigany
Diu Diu Dang A (Huo Che Diao) 丢丢铜仔

Prediction: H G / GwH
Actual: S (shock)

They look classy and it's a gigantic choir. Set piece's at a good speed, but the long notes are flat. Male voices are a little whiny though girls were a little airy. The first piece is quite tricky for pitching esp the key changes. Nice phrasing. TBs sound weak, and there're some pitch problems esp at cadences. Not bad overall. Last piece, and I had the same problem with the TBs, but they captured the mood of the pitch well.