21 Dec GOTS’ inaugural concert rocks
There were tears of joy and smiles at Global Oak Tree Scholars’ first year-end concert last Saturday.
Founder Veronica Shepherdson could hardly control her emotions at the finale when she joined her coaches and scholars in the number ‘This is me’ from the movie ‘The Greatest Showman’.
The lyrics of the song …
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ’cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me
… hit home for Shepherdson as it showed what GOTS achieved in its first academic year.
Since opening in January, the international school has grown by leaps and bounds and watching her scholars perform in the concert, themed ‘Michael Jackson Goes To GOTS’ showcased just how far the students have come.
“We started with only three students and there are 20 now. By the next year we will be close to 60,” said Shepherdson.
“We have been saying all along GOTS is definitely different from other schools and this concert has proven that.
“We are who we are and we march to our own drum beat. This is GOTS.”
She added the scholars had done a marvellous job as some of them were shy when they first joined GOTS, but were now confident and outgoing.
Coaches Chithra Nair and Sheena Moorthy, who helped prepare the scholars for the concert with principal Gerard Abisheganaden, were ecstatic as was hip-hop coach Nicole Beins who helped choreograph their moves.
“It was not easy in the beginning but the children were really determined to make it work. I am so proud,” said Beins.
“They are so full of enthusiasm to learn the dance steps.”
One of the scholars, Noah Elias said: “I was a little nervous at first but I really enjoyed myself. We practised long and hard and I am happy.”
Mohd Ashraf Azim, who did a fantastic impression of Jackson’s ‘moonwalk’, said: “I practised really hard for the concert. The teachers were so patient with all of us. It was really great although I was a little nervous.”
Kelly Thomas, whose children – Cathryn Ann Dewa Balan and Kesthryl Joan Dewa Balan – have been with GOTS since early this year, was all smiles.
“A wonderful performance by everyone, Michael Jackson songs never grow old and the children did very well,” she said.
“It was a great job by all involved,” she added.
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