More than just music

Yang Teramat Mulia Pg Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim kicked off the Music and Dance recital by playing a piece “Fur Elise by Beethoven. Accompany the royalty was Deon Ong, Director of Yippy Tune in the background.

Yang Teramat Mulia Pg Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah in her piano solo performance

Yippy Tune Music School and Fitness Zone joint hand to put together a private event for parents and friends for the Music and Dance recital with 138 young performers at the Arts Centre Foyer in Jerudong International School.

The lively music event was graced by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, who were there to support their children.

The afternoon was accentuated by Yang Teramat Mulia Pg Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim, who kicked off the recital with a distinguished solo piano performance of Fur Elise by Beethoven as well as performing a group recital of the Star Wars music playing the piano with other young musicians.

Amongst the highlights of the event were the performances by Yang Teramat Mulia Pg Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah, who showcased her piano talent for both solo and group performance, together with a group ballet dance entitled Lavender’s Blue.

This is the first time Yippy Tune Music School has collaborated with Fitness Zone on a Music and Dance activity, as both organizations found a common ground in training up students in performing arts.

Yang Teramat Mulia Pg Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah in a ballet performance

The ballet performers were dancing to Lavneder’s Blue

Around 300 in attendance last weekend

According to Deon Ong, Music Director of Yippy Tune Music School, “Music Together started with the idea of everyone coming together with the opportunity to fully express their talents while at the same time, appreciate arts, dances and music.”

Yippy Tune Music School brought to the event a strong contingent of vocal and musical performers, which includes Piano, Violin, Guitars and Drum. A group of violin students coached by Yippy Tune Music School from St Andrews School and SMSS also took part in the event.

Fitness Zone was represented with four dance recital pieces to showcase classical ballet and modern hip-hop performances. The Brunei’s leading fitness centre recently introduced dance lessons for young children a year ago, and was met with a resounding success. “It is truly an event to come together to celebrate and appreciate music and performing art with the future generation.” Said Wu Chun, the Managing Director of Fitness Zone.

“Orchestrating 138 young performers in a recital is an audacious task,” said Deon Ong. “The success of this event is a reflection of the dedication from the students, teachers as well as the committed parents. The months of preparation and planning came down to an enjoyable and memorable experience for the audiences and the students themselves. The effort has definitely been worthwhile seeing the joy on everyone’s face.”

“The energy at the JIS auditorium was electrifying from the get go. These young talents have carried themselves with nothing but grace and poise throughout the event. They have made their parents proud” Said Teacher Marceleigh Blanche, Yippy Tune’s Music teacher.

A total of 19 pieces were performed in the 2 hours event for over 300 participants. The audiences were enchanted with a spectacular musical treat with the special touch of magic on the magnificent Sunday afternoon. Images courtesy of Yippy Tunes.

The Interview with Deon

Rano: What did you feel after the event? Having 19 pieces performed by young kids.

Deon: Right after the event, I am so proud of all the students who performed on stage. I told them all the practices and hard work have paid off! And right after, I thanked all my hard working teachers. I sincerely thank all parents for including us as part of their music education.

Rano: How was the preparation? When did it begin?

Deon: The preparation started only 4 months ago as it began with a small idea. Since all of the pieces required playing music together, most challenging part is to get all students to gather together for their practice as everyone has their own tight schedule.

Rano: In your music school, which is the most popular instrument or class?

Deon: Our most popular instrument is piano.

Rano: What are your thoughts so far with the collaboration with Fitness Zone? This is something new and will it be an ongoing partner?

Deon: As i mention earlier, it started with a small idea, the idea of simply let all students to be able to play music together hence the recital-Music Together. We have pianists playing with an ensemble of 30 violinists and 10 keyboardist, we have a setting of band with vocalist, we have acoustic guitar with singers- just to name a few. And so I have an idea to have dancers as well. Therefore, I approached dancers from the Fitness Zone dance group. A Music and Dance event. An Ongoing partner? Yes especially when we have common ground in developing young talents in performing arts.

Rano: How many teachers or instructors involved?

Deon: We have 7 music teachers and one dance instructor. We don’t have a big team but we produce big results

Rano: How to join Yippy Tune?

Deon: We are in Gadong central B19 2nd floor. Please contact 7181698.

Overall it is an enjoyable and memorable private event for all parents and students as parents are very proud of their children’s achievement and students enjoy their journey of playing music together.

Deon Ong with the music teachers of Yippy Tune

Fitness Zone trainers getting involved in the recital. Good to see Wu Chun attending the event to support his daughter’s performance.

Behind the scenes before the actual recital. A lot of hard work has been invested to make the event successful.