CHILLOUT with Temasek Hall before the academic year ends

Within the vibrant tapestry of NUS residential life, the performing arts and cultural scene stand out as both illustrious and dynamic. Temasek Hall Cultural's bands have elevated this energy, bringing it to new heights with their latest endeavour: Chillout, a captivating live music event.

Held afterhours at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House Auditorium on 16 April 2024, the event marked the end of the academic year for students. Seven bands performed cover songs with their own twists, prompting their hallmates to singalong.

THreshold, Temasek Hall’s very own collection of live bands, achieved their vision of elevating this year’s Chillout from a typical student-organised event to a professional production. Bervyn Wong Wei Feng and Cheryl Chan Xin Yi, both Year 2s at the College of Humanities & Science (CHS), started the planning nine months earlier. The duo, leaders of THreshold, took on the logistical challenges of bringing an event that was usually held their humble abode, to an external venue. However, seeing their friends shine on stage and witnessing the hall community come together to support their hallmates made the atmosphere all the more cosy, and the entire experience was worth it.

Lee Seoyeon and Christopher Theng, both year 1 students at NUS Business School, as the lead singers of the band, ‘‘Crowdpleaser Collective’

Just a couple years ago, cultural productions of such a scale in Temasek Hall was a rarity. The Hall typically saw a single annual event. At the end of every academic year, Temasek Hall would come together for ENTHRAL, to watch the cultural acts come together to perform for one night in their own communal hall. Choir, Dance, Acapella, Theatre and Live Bands – they would all share the same stage. Despite not grand in scale, the event fostered a vibrant and inclusive community for all Temasekians, regardless of their performing background; the event provided a platform for self-expression on stage. Chillout was born from this humble event, where live bands would perform their own end-of-year production at either their communal hall or Multi-purpose TV Lounge.

Quek Yew Hern a year 2 student at NUS Faculty of Engineering, as the guitarist and vocalist of the band, ‘Identity Crisis’

It is noteworthy to mention that their predecessors who took a leap of faith in AY21/22. THreshold rebranded Chillout as a ticketed event where the bands would perform at a venue with professional equipment and stage. With the confidence and trust of the hall, THreshold was able to host Chillout at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House in 2022, and Scape Ground Theatres last year, with both events each selling more than 250 tickets. This year, THreshold makes a return to the Shaw Foundation Alumni House bigger and better! With a professional crew to assist them in setting up the show, they once again take their production to a higher level.

Rebecca Grace, a year 1 student at NUS College of Humanities and Science, as the vocalist of the band ‘Crawfish’

Bervyn , co-head of THreshold, said: “Witnessing both the audience and performers enjoying the event was a rewarding affirmation of our dedication and effort. Leading this project was challenging, but it pushed us to our limits and ultimately made us better leaders. Organising 'Chillout' from start to finish has definitely been on the biggest highlights in not only our leadership journeys, but our undergrad life.”

Audience enjoying the performance at almost sold-out show

Co-head Cheryl, added: “Our goal has always been to provide a dynamic platform for diverse groups, showcasing performances that connect with everyone in the community, not just our immediate circle. Chillout marked the end of our academic year, and we aimed to elevate it beyond a typical student event to a professional-level production.”

Fellow Temasekian, Emma Wee Ying Li, CHS Year 2 added: “My main reason for attending was to support my friends who were performing. I knew their talents would make the show exceptional. I was absolutely thrilled by the event! I left the event feeling rejuvenated and thankful for a break from my usual busy routine. It reminded me of the joy that such performances can bring, and I'm excited to attend similar events in the future.”

Audience moving to the front of the stage to jam with the bands!

While Chillout may have marked the last cultural event of the academic year, Temasek Hall has only just started showing us what they have to bring to their performances. Needless to say, we’re excited to see what they have lined up in the future.