Atelier Concerto II; A Christmas Fantasy in collaboration with Lianhua Primary School MyRendition.Belz
The Atelier Concerto ll is the second Handbells Ensemble concert held by MyRendition.Belz. The word 'Atelier' is defined as a private space for artists in fine arts, under the supervision of a master, 'Concerto' is the Italian word for concert. Most of our ringers were introduced to Handbells since their Primary and Secondary school days, and have developed a passion for it. However, many did not know of any spaces to ring after graduating from school. Knowing this, MyRendition.Belz LLP opened a space, allowing ringers from different schools to congregate, sharing their knowledge in Handbells and forging new friendships through ringing. The repertoire that we will be presenting to you comprises of titles that resonated with our conductors and ringers. One of which that might ring a bell would be Disney’s Frozen; Let It Go. We hope that may bring back some of your memories from the Disney films. On top of that, we will showcase a piece specially arranged by our conductor, Myren Mak - Midnight Stars. With our passion for music and Handbells, we proudly present to you Atelier Concerto ll, and we thank you for joining us here today on our second concert, and with more to come! Foreword Atelier Concerto ll
MyRendition.Belz Who are we? MyRendition.Belz was established back in 2011, by Myren Mak, when he started teaching handbells in schools. In 2021, the MyRendition.Belz handbells team started out with 6 members and has grown to 16 members, which allows us to cover a greater octave of bells. Our ringers come from different schools and have forged friendships through our practice sessions. With the love for ringing, we have strengthened our spirit to bring every musical piece to life. Each ringer on stage are all involved in the planning and execution of this concert under the guidance of Mr Myren Mak. Our team participated in various performance such as the Singapore Handbells Festival in 2021, Hong Kong International Handbell Olympic in July last year and in May this year, and held our first ever concert at Shaw Foundation Alumni House (SFAH) last year. Under the baton of Myren, we gladly present our second concert to you today as Atelier Concerto ll.
Our performers Lianhua Primary School The Handbells Ensemble of Lianhua Primary School, also known as the “Griffin Bellz”, was established in 2013. The Griffin Bellz has had many public performance opportunities, for instance the performance at the Singapore Flyer in 2013, and National Day performance at Ng Teng Fong Community Centre in 2017. With 35 ringers under the tutelage of Mr Myren Mak, the team have staged many performances that has built up their musical knowledge and experience. Head over to Instagram for more! In the most recent “Our School, Our Stories” (OSOS) on MOE’s Instagram page, Griffin Bellz has been featured with an insight to their weekly CCA practices as a team.
Mr Myren Mak Our conductors Myren initially learnt handchimes in 2004 when he studied in the American International School (Hong Kong). He then moved on to ringing handbells and trained under Dr Kevin Mazimas Ko in handbells, handchimes, music composition and music arrangement focusing on church music and performance. Subsequently, Myren joined the Ministry of Bellz as a ringer in 2007 and the Methodist School of Music handbell choir as a ringer in 2008. In 2009, Myren was appointed the Singapore representative of Asia Institute of Handbells Hong Kong. In 2010 and 2011, he was invited to conduct the Ang Mo Kio Gospel Hall handchimes choir and is the Handbells Director of Toa Payoh Methodist Church Handbell ministry. Other than handbells, Myren also plays the Piano, Guitar, Flute, Trombone and the Cello. On the 18th of May 2011, Myren incorporated MyRendition.Belz and started teaching handbells in schools ever since. In 2021, the MyRendition.Belz handbells team was formed and the MyRendition.Belz family has been growing ever since. The team participated in the Singapore Handbells Festival in 2021, and Hong Kong International Handbell Olympic in 2022 and 2023. They also held their first concert late last year in November Till present, Myren has performed in numerous countries including the USA, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore. He has trained under internationally renowned directors like Mr Toshikazu Yoshida of Japan, Ms Emily Li and Dr Kevin Mazimas Ko of Hong Kong, Dr Michael Burkhardt of USA, Mr Bank Wu of Taiwan, Mr Malcolm Wilson from the UK and Assoc. Prof. Chan Tze Law of Singapore. Myren graduated from James Cook University in 2017 with a B.A. Psychology and holds a diploma in Learning Disorders management and Child Psychology. He has been presented with handbell ringing and conducting certificates, as well as being recognized by local schools for his partnership with their programs. In 2022, Myren completed a C.E.T Program at the National University of Singapore where he was awarded a certificate in Orchestra conducting under the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.
Ms Ethel Huang Our conductors Ethel was introduced to handbells at Anchor Green Primary School in 2013. As a ringer, she participated in the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) 2014 under the baton of Mr Myren Mak and attained a certificate of accomplishment. She later joined Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary) handbells team and performed under Mrs Angela Aw, where the team attained a certificate of Distinction in both SYF 2017 and 2019. With Ethel’s passion and constant curiosity in music learning, she decided to take on the role of a handbell conductor in 2021 to further explore the means of being a ringer. Given the opportunity to enhance her musicianship and leadership, Ethel participated in the Singapore Handbell festival in 2021 as a ringer and the Hong Kong Handbell Olympics in 2022 as a conductor. She also rang alongside MyRendition.Belz as a ringer in the Hong Kong Handbell Olympics in 2022 and 2023. Ethel’s enjoyment in music started from learning piano under the junior course at the age of 3 years old. Till date, Ethel has accumulated 17 years of experience in piano examinations and performance. She then seeks to use her musical knowledge to make a difference in the community and to impact the younger generation using the power of music.
Sort Atelier Concerto II 11 Songs Find in playlist MyRendition.Belz & Griffin Bellz 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 A Song of Love Waltz Fantasy Fantasia on Forest Green Rondo Passacaglia Midnight Stars Let It Go The First Noel Joy to the World Christmas Chimings In a Clock Store Greensleeves (What Child is This) MyRendition.Belz & Griffin Bellz MyRendition.Belz & Griffin Bellz MyRendition.Belz Griffin Bellz MyRendition.Belz MyRendition.Belz MyRendition.Belz MyRendition.Belz Griffin Bellz MyRendition.Belz MyRendition.Belz … Performance pieces
Performance pieces Atelier Concerto II Greensleeves (What Child is This) Richard Jones, Cathy Moklebust A broadside ballad piece; Greensleeves is a traditional English folk song written by Richard Jones in the year 1580. This arrangement comprises of a myriad of instruments. With the use of the handchimes and handbells, this double choir piece plays different melodies simultaneously, creating a melancholic and sparkling tone.
Performance pieces Atelier Concerto II In a Clock Store Orth, Yoshida Composed by Orth and arranged by Yoshida, this upbeat piece originating from Japan depicts the fantasy of a clock store. Do look out for the use of various percussions and let your imagination flow freely as we bring you on a visit to a clock store!
Performance pieces Atelier Concerto II A Song of Love Johann Pachelbel, Julie Turner This sweet piece, arranged by Julie Turner combines 2 songs; Johann Pachelbel's "Canon" and a contemporary song "There's a Song of Love in My Heart". A heartfelt anthem of love, joy, and hope, this piece ideally written for a wedding also provides a lovely moment in any worship service.
Performance pieces Atelier Concerto II Joy to the World Sandra Eithun In the season of giving, one will surely hear "Joy to the world". This Christmas carol was first written as a poem by Issac Watts back in 1719. Subsequently in 1836, Lowell Mason created this resounding melody. This Christmas staple proclaims the ultimate joy that is yet to be revealed while establishing a strong connection with the festive season. With many renditions of this song, hear us out on our definition of “repeat(ing) the sounding joy”!
Performance pieces Atelier Concerto II Christmas Chimings Dan R Edwards "Joy to the World, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, and O Come, All Ye Faithful" are the three Christmas carols included in this arrangement. In this original composition by D. Edwards, it introduces a peal-like fashion in the first tune, which is also used as a transition between 2 other tunes and as a final statement to the piece.
Performance pieces Atelier Concerto II Waltz Fantasy Nancy Hascall “Waltz Fantasy” is a Disney-inspired handbell piece composed by Nancy Hascall. This captivating piece was commissioned for the Area 12 Handbell Musicians of America Conference at Disneyland. As Disney celebrates its 100 Anniversary this year, this song serves as a time capsule as we recollect our favourite memories of the Disney movies that grew up with us. With a sparkle of pixie dust filled with a loving and lilting waltz to relieve the inner child in you!
Performance pieces Atelier Concerto II Fantasia on Forest Green Lloyd Larson A dynamic handbell piece arranged by Lloyd Larson, “Fantasia on Forest Green” is a free musical composition. The piece starts off slowly and freely before picking up it’s speed and moving into a passage with syncopated rhythms. Feel the exhilarating rhythm that drives the last part of the song with a vibrant shake-ring ending.
Performance pieces Atelier Concerto II Rondo Passacaglia Cynthia Dobrinski "Rondo Passacaglia" is a composition by Cynthia Dobrinski, dedicated to her parents. The piece is characterized by lively rhythms and a continuous melody line, creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere. It is designed to bring out a sense of exuberance for both the performers and the audience alike. This dedication to her parents adds a personal and sentimental touch to the composition, making it a special and meaningful work for Dobrinski and her family.
Performance pieces Atelier Concerto II Midnight Stars Myren Mak "Midnight Stars" is a composition penned by Myren Mak as a heartfelt tribute to his wife in celebration of their 9th wedding anniversary. The piece is crafted with the purpose of encapsulating various phases of their journey together, spanning from the time before they met, to the whirlwind of experiences that come with raising children. Through a skillful integration of varied time signatures and rhythms, as well as a diverse range of techniques, the composition aims to vividly portray the array of activities they have shared throughout their lives. This personal touch adds a deep and meaningful dimension to the music, making it a special and cherished creation for both Myren and his wife. Thaemone
Performance pieces Atelier Concerto II Let It Go Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Kevin McChesney "Let It Go" from the renowned film "Frozen" is an acclaimed song composed by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Kevin McChesney further arranged it into a handbell piece. Beyond its musical excellence, this song carries a profound message of acceptance and empowerment, serving as an anthem for marginalised groups. Its transformative power has touched individuals from diverse backgrounds, inspiring them to rise above challenges and embrace their true selves. May this enchanting piece of music serve as a source of strength for you in facing any obstacles that come your way.
Performance pieces Atelier Concerto II The First Noel Cathy Moklebust A resounding Christmas carol with Cornish origins that trace back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The word "Noel" has its roots in both French and English and signifies "news" and a "shout of joy," respectively. This mellow carol beautifully narrates the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. When performed with bells, it amplifies the joyful message of Christ's birth. The pompous chorus and the occasional shrill of random ringing in the piece symbolize the ringing of church bells, spreading the great news of this momentous event and adding a sense of celebration to the song.
Acknowledgements We would like to humbly express our gratitude to the following people who contributed to this concert. MyRendition.Belz LLP for being the main sponsor of Atelier Concerto II. Fuisland Offset Printing (S) Pte Ltd for being one of the sponsors of Atelier Concerto II. Mr. Myren Mak, Mdm. Ruth Woo and Ms. Ethel Huang, for leading the performers in preparation and conducting for this concert. The family and friends of the performers, for supporting them through their countless practice sessions. The MyRendition.Belz team, for handling the administration for Atelier Concerto II. Mr. Clement Sim, for being the Emcee and hosting Atelier Concerto II. To all the people who have supported Atelier concerto II, as an audience today, or supporting the team. This is only possible with your support. Ms. Edelyn Lee, Mdm. Ho Sheu Yun, Mr. Sim Wee Choon, Ms. Soh Fang Ying, and Ms. Toh Bee Hong, the teachers in-charge of Lianhua Primary School Handbells Ensemble, for supporting the students during their weekly CCA sessions. Lastly, to all the performers from MyRendition.Belz and Lianhua Primary School, for working tirelessly to perfect the pieces. Performers MyRendition.Belz: Anabelle, Ethel, Daphne, Joyce, Mei Yi, Qian Yu, Sherlynn, Su Shan, Su Ting, Teresa, Thaemone, Thaesu, Yan Qi, Yi Ting, Ying Cui, Yu Ting Griffin Bellz: Aeryn, Bernice, Caroline, Chanya, Chloe, Clara, Corliss, Daania, Daphne, Daeen, Elisabeth, Ellie, Genevieve, Isabel, Jecelyn, Jennifer, Jervelle, Jing Yu, Kai Lin, Karen, Karis, Lauryn, Le Ying, Nayla, Nur Zahirah, Olivia, Rosabel, Rykiel Sirita, Shermin, Sukumar Dorothy, Tammy, Yunxuan
Thank you for your support! and we wish you a Merry Christmas!