Spotlight on YAFies: Astrid Lui

Artist with The Jockey Club “Project Silver” Intergenerational Arts Project

How did you become an a cappella coach?
During university, I joined various a cappella productions and performances, gaining experience and meeting lots of new friends with similar interests along the way. After graduation, my previous collaborators recommended me to several secondary and primary schools who were looking for a capella coaches at the time. And that’s how I became an a capella coach. 

As a result of COVID-related disruptions, what challenges did you face leading an a capella team consisting of youth and senior participants in the Jockey Club “Project Silver” Intergenerational Arts Project?
Performing in an a cappella team isn’t just about singing. It’s also about learning to listen to each other and blend our voices together as a team. Rehearsing virtually was challenging because everyone had different internet speeds which made it difficult to sing together.

What’s the difference between singing in general and singing in an a cappella group?
A capella singers need to learn to sing in tune and in time well because there isn’t instrumental accompaniment. Moreover, they have to learn to be flexible in adapting to singing in different genres and enrich the music with various dictions and vowels.

What does it take to sing a song perfectly? 
Aside from practising pitch, tempo and dynamics, a perfectly sung song also express the message of the song to the audiences. The human voice can be more powerful than any other instrument because we can deliver messages through lyrics. Combined with the proper expression, a perfectly sung song can also resonate with the audience.

What are some of the most unexpected things that singing brought you?
When I started teaching a capella, I just wanted to share and introduce more people to a capella music. But I was moved when I saw how my teammates and students developed trust with each other and how proud they felt when they shared their achievements with their families and friends. It was also unexpected but significant to see how much comfort and enjoyment our performances brought to the audience.

What’s your plan in the next 10 years?
Keep learning about the performing arts, keep performing and sharing more a cappella music with my students.

What would you say to your future 70-year-old self?
Do you still remember why you decided to pursue education as a career? You must be very proud to be a teacher having taught so many students, right?

If you lose your voice one day, what will you do?
I will encourage my friends to tell me their secrets.

If you weren’t a singer or a singing coach, what would you do for a living?
Maybe a travel journalist!

Do you have any advice for young people who are passionate about singing?
No matter where you are, just sing with confidence!

Who is your favourite singer?
I love Charmaine Fong. She’s a pop-singer from Hong Kong. Every song she sings and writes is meaningful.