Despite the stormy days, choir conductor and coach Wong Yung Fong continues on her journey. Confronting challenges head-on, she stands strong and resilient, displaying unwavering strength in the face of difficult situations.
The unyielding spirit of a choir conductor
A well-blended choir or orchestra largely depends on its conductor. A challenging task to undertake, a conductor is responsible for bringing out the best in the singers by enriching their performance through the blending of voices.
Conductor Wong Yung Fong’s efforts have earned her group, You Ran Ladies Ensemble, the Gold C Award under the Vocal Small Group Ensemble category at the recent International Choir Festival of Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod held at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre in November.
Wong has managed to produce a symphony of sounds from the voices of seven ladies from various walks of life. When asked if being a conductor entails more than just waving her hands, she responded emphatically, “Of course!”
Explaining further, she said that being a conductor is tough.
“Conducting is all about communicating and making sure everyone blends well. We have to know what type of sound would be appropriate at a particular point in the song, as well as what types of voices complement one another.”
Wong believes that everyone can sing. According to her, as long as we can talk, we can also sing.
“I’ve encountered someone who sings out of tune, yet she can sing in the end after a lot of practise. God created us all the same, and we all love music.”
The You Ran Ladies Ensemble
“You Ran” means elegant in Chinese. With that in mind, Wong, who holds a Bachelor of Church Music from Singapore Bible College, established the You Ran choir group in 2019.
With her desire to bring together women from all backgrounds to sing together, Wong emphasised the importance of women maintaining their own identities while dealing with hectic schedules.
“I started this ensemble with the intention of providing a platform for women to be who they want to be outside of their many roles. When we get together, we can share our passion for singing.”
Thus, she encourages more women, regardless of their busy schedules, to pursue their passion for singing and music. Those interested in joining the ensemble may contact Wong at 017-8038642.
Despite hard days
Wong admitted that she had known nothing — not even how to do well in school — but singing since she was a child. She knew she loved music and could sing her favourite songs. She could also play the piano.
Her father, she said, was also a good singer, which is where she got the inspiration to sing. As she grew older, she spent a considerable amount of time conducting the church choir, which is where she developed her conducting skills.
After acquiring the Australian Kodaly Certificate in Music Education Primary later in her life, Wong continued to teach at several primary schools as a music teacher or choir teacher.
“I’m not sure what else I can do, but I’m passionate about developing the potential of students in Kuching. On weekends, I also conduct classes for kindergarten children and adults interested in joining a choir,” she said.
Wong, who was working hard to achieve her goals, was faced with a setback in September 2020. Her throat and nose, she said, were not in good condition.
“As a singer, I am particularly sensitive to the senses that play a role in the creation of my voice. Back then, I felt like my nose was blocked on the right side, and I was worried that it would affect my throat. I would visit an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor several times throughout a year.
“I kept checking my throat, but the doctor assured me that everything was fine. Finally, I requested that the specialist examine my right nostril for any issues. It turns out that there was a growth. The doctor performed a biopsy and discovered that I have first-stage nasal cancer.”
Even though her questions were answered, Wong was upset by the discovery. As a singer, she began to worry about how the diagnosis could affect her career.
“I knew I couldn’t sing after being diagnosed with this condition. I asked a few doctors, and they said I can still sing because I can still talk, though not as well as I used to.”
Nonetheless, Wong was grateful that she could still teach music even though she could not perform like she used to. She also expressed gratitude to the ladies’ ensemble for accompanying her to the recent competition, where they earned an award.
“With that, I could comfort myself with it.”
Wong added that because of the cancer, she had to undergo many rounds of radiotherapy, which caused her to lose half her hearing and killed her saliva glands. Describing herself as half mute and half deaf, Wong said that while she can still teach, she has difficulties demonstrating the notes.
“If I don’t do it properly and well, my students will hear inaccurate intonation and will follow my incorrect note. My adult students can still differentiate, but it becomes more difficult with my younger students. This is my downfall, but it is a challenge that I must overcome. It is not easy,” she said with a sigh.
Learning a new me
As a Christian, Wong saw her diagnosis as a test from God. Throughout her journey, she said she only cried once when she was worried about her mother. However, that was not to imply she did not experience depressive moments.
“I do. I was particularly aware of them when teaching. It used to be an easy task. I also need to overcome my pride as a singer.”
Wong also revealed that she relies on her pianist to be her listening ear.
“There are times my ears can shut down.”
When this happens, Wong’s pianist would alert her when a note is out of tune.
“I can’t hear normally because of my condition. I can only hear one voice at a time; if there are more, I can’t hear anything at all. So, when I’m in a crowded place, I have to position my ears right next to the person speaking.”
Though it can be difficult at times, Wong has decided to accept her weakness. Every day, she discovers a new flaw, and she is learning how to adjust to her new self, “because life must go on.”
Every day, she prays to God for guidance in her and her members’ singing endeavours.
“I tell Him that You know I don’t have a proper voice, so I hope You can take my place and that even if I can’t sing as well, I put my members in Your hands and You will lead us.”
Practising now and on Sunday afternoons in the hopes to participate in future choir competitions, Wong and the You Ran Ladies Ensemble continue to amaze everyone who hear their voices — a symphony of struggles, of finding their identities, and of self-love.
