Songs Gone By

It’s been another year for Kent Ridge A Cappella. We have come a long way since my freshie days, growing year by year, turning weakness to strength. I’m proud of them, of the fact that performance standard is something that was never compromised. As James has prudently put it, “You are only as good as your last performance.” With that, KR Aca ceaselessly and unrelentingly seeked to strive and excel in every aspect it can. Here are some videos to reminisce the year that has gone by. Pardon for the lack of videos, but these are all I could provide. Hope you enjoy our singing as much as we have enjoyed singing.

The following video was taken during the semi-finals of the National A Cappella Championships, with KR Aca singing the then conveniently but inappropriately named “Songs in C Minor“. It has since been christened “Songs of the Sirens” to aptly acknowledge the 3 sexy artistes – J. Lo, Eurhythmics and Pussy Cat Dolls. KR Aca went on to the finals and clinched a Silver in the senior college category. Arrranged by yours truely with the help of Smellie. Smellie is the girl who sang Let’s get Loud in the video.

The next video is from our very first performance in 07/08. We were asked to perform for the Asian Banking and Finance Retail Banking Awards at Shangri-La Hotel. A medley of Happy Together and Sesame Street, the song was arranged by our telented resident arranger and musically gifted Adi.

We also performed 10 other songs, but sadly, I dont have space on this blog to put all up… So here is another song, titled Sim Ai Eh. Originally composed and performed by Budak Panti, we adapted it with due recognition and decided to give it a shot.

We performed more during the festive Christmas season, but alas I have ZERO videos on that. Sadly. But here is a video from Amplitude, an annual NUS Combined Hall Choir and A Cappella Concert. Originally performed by the Gospellers, Christina and Grace effortlessly adapted it into our repertoire. Presenting Hitori.

There are a few A Cappella groups out there that have inspired us greatly over the years, and will continue to be our motivation to strive towards excellence, such as Vocaluptuous, UNC Clef Hangers and Budak Pantai. The next 3 songs goes to show how much we love Budak. This is The Moon.

This is Wo Shi Zhen De Fu Chu Wo De Ai.

And this is Abuden.

N’sync has also inspired us thru this simple, serene Christmas Song – Oh Holy Night.

And although I have arranged 4 or 5 songs this year, I DO NOT have a DECENT performance video of MY OWN ARRANGEMENT (yes very sadly). Yes very sad. Notwithstanding I have a PRACTICE video… Presenting to you Elvin Yio’s original creation – The Techno Medley.

And my all time favourite (because this is the ONLY SONG that I have a lead) – Java Jive.

I can’t wait for this year’s National A Cappella Championships. I’m so old now I have to join the ever-challanging open category inspite of me being still in College… Let’s see what warped and twisted song i can come up with now.

- The Benthic Canine

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~ by Elvin Yio on Saturday, May 3, 2008.