Happy 53rd Birthday, Singapore!
Singapore turns 53 today! Over the years, we have had many heartfelt songs composed to commemorate our Independence from Malaysia in 1965.
“We Are Singapore” is 2018’s theme about celebrating our people, our nation, and our home. It invokes the strength and resilience which built Singapore, and it reminds us that we will collectively shape and be responsible for Singapore’s future by striving to overcome future challenges and adversities together.
(We Are Singapore) is a declaration of unity by Singaporeans. Its chorus incorporates words from a speech from the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew to school principals in 1966:
“But whatever it is, ultimately the result that we want – and I am sure you must want this – is to produce a community that feels together. You know, on certain things it responds together: this is my country, this is my flag; this is my President; this is my future. I am going to protect it.”
— Mr Lee Kuan Yew, 29 August, 1966
This year’s theme song adds a modern twist to a familiar song of the same name, which was originally written in 1987. The new prelude is composed by local lyricist, singer and composer Charlie Lim. His vocals in the original demo, recorded in his home, were used in the music video, where he performed alongside other artistes, Vanessa Fernandez, Aisyah Aziz, Shak’thiya Subramaniamm, THELIONCITYBOY, Joanna Dong, and the ITE Show Choir.
Every National Day, and on other occasions of national celebration, it is imperative to sing this one song: the National Anthem. The Malay proverb “Di mana bumi dipijak, di situ langit dijunjung.” (“You should hold up the sky of the land where you live”) is Zubir Said’s philosophy when composing the lyrics and music of Majulah Singapura. There are authorised translations of the lyrics of the anthem in Singapore’s three other official languages, English, Mandarin and Tamil.
Did you know that there is also a version of the National Anthem in Singapore Sign Language (SgSL)? The Deaf Sports Association of Singapore (DSAS) has created a new guide for DSAS sportspersons to sign during international sports events. Check out the video below, and then head here for the slow-mo break-down of the hand signs.
Sign language is used for more than just communication between those hard of hearing. Baby sign language has been used successfully to help children eliminate frustration, develop understanding of emotions, and create feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment. It also promotes language skills and the ability to communicate early, so you can enjoy a happy and healthy relationship with your children. You can read more about the Pros and Cons of baby sign language in this article written by a Mum who had used baby signing with her children ).
Bloom School of Music & Arts is proud to be one of the few music schools in Singapore to offer Musikgarten programmes for babies through toddlers. Our Family Music for Babies (FMB) programme provides babies aged 0-18 months an early exposure to music in an interesting and stimulating environment. Parents are encouraged to attend with their baby, and in the classes, they will learn how to use sign language to communicate with their babies before they can speak. Other musical skills are fostered through a progressive repertoire of songs and specially-designed class materials.
Note: This programme is also suitable for pregnant mothers – the foetus will be bathed in the musical environment which promotes brain development. Parents will learn how to bond and play musically with their baby the moment she/he is born.
Register for a trial FMB session at just $40! Sign up on the same day and we will waive off your $40 registration fee! Click here to register now (quote REFXDENISE in the description)!
