Thanksgiving at 40th Anniversary
The Hong Kong Children・s Choir is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2009. This comprehensive music and artistic organization for children had its small beginnings, with many good sowers helping it flourish, bearing fruits in the many alumni contributing to the society of Hong Kong. It is an occasion calling for thanksgiving.
Looking back on the past 40 years brings me fond reminiscence personally. I joined the Choir when it was formed in the summer of 1969. At that time, it was like a family choir of the children of founder Dr Yip Wai-hong and Mrs Yip Choy Ching-yee and friends and relatives. We practiced weekly at Shum Shui Po Primary School where my aunt Ms Sheila Lai was headmistress. Apart from Dr Yip, the conductors included my piano teacher Ms Tillie Yeung, her husband Mr Stanley Cheng, and Madam Margaret Ling who later became Chairman and Music Director of the Choir. Mrs Yip・s sister Ms Choi Yuet-yee and her husband Mr Lung Chun-yu helped with discipline and coordination. By Christmas that year, we were singing in churches, and went on radio and television. In 1970, we performed at the Hong Kong City Hall in our smart orange and white uniform. I sang for 2 years and left the Choir in 1971.
During the 1970・s, the Choir grew in numbers and reputation under Dr Yip・s leadership. It was registered as a non-profit making charitable organization, and drew more support from parents, friends and volunteers. With the help from overseas churches and Lion Clubs, the Choir started overseas concert tours in summer at a time where overseas travel was not yet popular nor affordable in Hong Kong. Many alumni still remember affectionately the care and attention given by chaperon Mrs Linda Chan, wife of Mr Chan Ho-choi, during the concert tours.
During the 1980・s, the Choir saw rapid development under the leadership of Mr Chan Ho-choi. Accomplished and renown musicians in Hong Kong such as Madam Ling, Ms Sonia Mok Sik-pang, Ms Anna Cheng, Messrs. Doming Lam, Chan Fong-sheung and Tong Shiu-wai built upon the foundation laid by Dr Yip and carried the Choir onto a new stage. With the support of the Housing Department, the Choir moved into the Oi Man Estate Community Hall, and graduated from a family choir to a community choir at large.
In the early 1990・s, I returned to the Choir as director. I witnessed the Choir・s even greater development into a comprehensive music and artistic enterprise, with centres over the territory. During this time, Mr Chan together with directors like Dr Darwin Chen, Messrs. Hau King-to, Chan Sui-pak, Fung Yuen, and Dr Jachin Chan, later father of our Vice-Chairman Sherlynn Chan, worked closely together on policies and administration upon which the Choir prospered. Under the baton of our current Music Director Ms Kathy Fok, the Choir・s fame heightened in winning numerous competitions and prizes internationally. We also participated enthusiastically in community activities, and fostered children・s ethical education through orthodox music. Achievements of our alumni may vouch for that.
During the 2000・s, the Choir・s membership surpassed 5,000. The Choir now owns premises for office use and choir practice. We hosted many concerts and music camps sponsoring participants from the Mainland and overseas in culturing cross-fertilization. Our standards and achievements are recognized and commended by music circles locally, nationally and internationally.
Throughout these years, Mr and Mrs Chan and the directors and supporters selflessly contributed much time, efforts and expenses to the cause of the Choir as well as for Hong Kong. That is a cause worthy of our praises and applause.
The photographs collected in this album are but a glimpse of the Choir・s past 40 years. Many photos can no longer be found, but those included should bring back fond memories. In fact, so many of us are privileged to have been able to join the Choir, leaving with us so much cherished moments.
：At 40, be there no doubt； (Confucius・s Analects). With the continued support from members, parents, and friends, there is no doubt that the Choir it to provide good and affordable music and artistic training, the instructors to maintain the highest of standards, the staff to render efficient administration, and the directors to ensure resources are used for the benefit of the Choir and the community at large. All these make up the beautiful and success tune we have sung proud so far.
Barnabas W Fung
Chairman of the Board of Directors
The Hong Kong Children・s Choir
