Showcase: Harmony January 15, 2008

What do you think of when you see the word "Harmony"? Something about family, school or friends? Some students in MST have a different point of view as they see it as a combination of eastern and western culture and lots more. This year, our school's Creative Music Showcase Team has produced a great piece of music. The theme of the Showcase is the contradiction and combination of eastern and western culture. As we all know, there are quite a number of differences and similarities between the east and the west. Inspired by the globalization of "East meets west" effect, our students were interested in exposing the different features of the two, but at the same time, finding common characteristics. Holding onto the similarities, the students have made use of their creativity and intelligence to create a brand new style of music, which includes both eastern and western elements. With the additional help of dance elements, the Showcase has come out to be meaningful and inspiring. All their hard work and effort has also paid off as our school has been selected for the Final Performance. So, how did they achieve this? The Creative Music Showcase Team worked out the possibilities. On the one hand, Chinese instruments and Chinese dance represent the eastern culture. On the other hand, orchestra, guitar, keyboard and Hip Hop Dance represent the western culture. The team first presents the Chinese melody, then the Hip Hop. At the middle, the two melodies overlap and crash. Finally, the two elements come up to join in a harmonious way. "What about the story?" you might ask. In a dance studio, the Hip Hop and Chinese dancers have a chance encounter and the dancers are on the verge of conflict. The two groups of dancers eventually part. While feeling antipathetic because of the conflict, nevertheless, two dancers from the confronting gangs stroll into the very same dance studio. At first they nurse a grudge against each other. However, each dances in their own style and, surprisingly, they start to appreciate each other's dance. Consequently, they strive together to form a new dance with elements of Hip Hop and Chinese dances intermixed. They dance so gently that gradually they fall in love. Accidentally, one of the other Hip Hop dancers discovers their secret just as their love begins to develop. Will their newfound love be broken apart? Will they manage to finish the dance in which the cultures of the east and west mingle? Will their cultures always be parted, or can they be integrated? You will get the answer if you come and watch the final performance. The final performance of "Harmony" will be held at the Shatin town hall on the 15th of January in 2008. Students who are interested in watching the performance are welcome to attend. Please contact our music teacher, Miss Chan, for further information. As a final point, we wish all students good luck in the coming examination and we hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. 5A Au Ming Yee, 5A Fan Tsz Chin, 5B Lam Ka Lok and 5B Lo Wing Him