Abu Dhabi Week finds out more about the Glee Club at the Hub
Inspired by the hit TV show Glee, one Abu Dhabi resident is looking to bring their very own version of William McKinley High to the capital.
Stephanie Sell, a professionally qualified singing and drama teacher from the UK and self-professed ‘Gleek,’ was keen to bring a love of performance to the city. Eager to provide more musically-minded outlets to children in the capital, Sell said she took it upon herself to establish such a creative platform. “I felt like there was a gap for something for children from the singing and drama perspective. I feel like this needs to be promoted from a young age. With all the exciting things coming on Saadiyat Island – the performing arts centre, the cultural district – we need to start now with kids and inspire them to love singing and performing.”
A is for a cappella
The one-hour sessions will see children (beginning from seven up to sixteen years of age) focus on singing. In addition, aspects of both drama and simple choreography will be taught. After icebreakers and introductions, kids will do vocal warm-ups before Sell gets started on teaching them a song. Kids will be able to learn all about harmonies, solos and pitch.
After working on a number, the next step, Sell said, would be to add in staging, movement and any special characterisation suited to the performance for a touch of razzle-dazzle. “The idea is that at the end of every term, we would invite the parents in to watch a mini-showcase performance.”
However, Sell’s club doesn’t host auditions. Eager to make sure every member feels like a part of the team, Sell said she doesn’t want anyone to be excluded. “Every child deserves their chance to shine.”
B is for Britney
One of the reasons the television show is so successful is due to its fantastically relevant soundtrack. From the latest pop hits to old school classics, the music speaks to all generations. With that in mind, Sell is keen to get children to embrace a wide range of genres.
Songs from popular musicals such as Frozen, Matilda, High School Musical and Hairspray are obvious options, especially for the younger age group. In addition to these, glee club members will also be able to offer suggestions. And that’s not all. Sell is also keen to expand the kids’ musical repertoire. “Sometimes it is great to just pick a pop song from way before they were born and inspire them to like the older music, too.”
C is for Cheerio
Classes have yet to begin, but so far, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Currently capped at ten students per class, Sell may consider adding lessons, if there is a need. “We will look to add more classes if there is demand after half term. I’ve already had a message that I should start an adult’s glee club and that is something I would definitely consider, if there are enough people!”
For parents, keen to see their children take to the stage, make some new friends and gain valuable skills, this may just well be the ticket. “Drama, singing, performance – it’s all about confidence building. I think it is good for life skills. Drama is the subject that gives you skills for life, to take out in any job, in any career. I won’t expect them all to be amazing performers; it’s more about the skills they are learning in the process,” said Sell.
“In my experience you can take the shyest, quietest child and just see them shine. Encourage your children to give it a try, it might be the best thing you ever do.”
Take note
Be sure to check out the free trial sessions on Saturday, September 6 to find out more. Classes will be held on Saturdays from 2pm to 3pm for 7 to 10 year olds and from 3.15pm to 4.15pm for 11 to 16 year olds. Lessons will be hosted at the Music Hub, Falcon Tower, Hamdan Street. AED 80 per session. To find out more about Glee Club at the Hub visit: www.facebook.com/gleeclubatthehub
Sawaiba Khan
