What can bring a group of teenagers together? A softball game? Sports Day preparation? Camping? Working on group projects in the classroom? All these precious memories belong to this Grade 8 cohort, on top of their irreplaceable experiences in preparing for a musical, Seussical (2000) in the first semester of 2020/21.
Starting from September, 57 Grade 8 students auditioned for different roles, went through no less than 100 hours of rehearsals and personal practices, and tried their best to balance between such preparation and their daily learning at school. As their homeroom teacher, I witnessed their busy moments running between Wednesday rehearsals, shortened lunch hours, and afternoon sport events. I was impressed by their stamina, their bravery for walking outside their comfort zone, and their support for each other.
There are many invisible scenes behind the curtain. Accompanying a few of their rehearsals, I sensed their growth through numerous touching scenes: giving high fives to the main characters, hugging one another when they were fatigued, handling microphones and props in an organized manner, and most importantly--enjoying the moments on the stage.
Words are never more powerful than watching performances when it comes to a musical. Enjoy two videos from their opening and closing songs during the rehearsals!
More snapshots from this memorable day :) Time to move on to a second semester with more laughters, positivity, and confidence in oneself.
by HRT Carol Lai