Pen the Lyrics, Convey the Sense An Interview with Chow Yiu Fai’s Lyrics-Writing Class – the Class that Never Graduates
Due to the pandemic, the interview of Chow Yiu Fai’s Lyrics-Writing Class Alumni Association (the Association) has to be conducted online through ZOOM. Despite being separated by the video screen, we could still feel the immense energy behind those smiling young HKBU alumni.
Members of the Association come from various graduating years and different departments: Yip Yuk-ying (YYY) (Communication, Cinema and Television) of the movie industry; Kwok Wing-bing (Bing Bing) (Communication, Journalism) in the news media; Queenie Wong (Business Administration) in the medical and health sector; and Jacky Wong (Chinese Language and Literature).
It is the Lyrics-Writing Class of the Department of Humanities & Creative Writing that brings them together. The Lyrics-Writing Class is extremely popular and always fully enrolled. The reason behind is the teacher: Dr. Chow Yiu-fai, a veteran lyricist. The fact that the course is only confined to Year 4 students means that if a student misses it, there will be no second chance.
Inspiration Originates from Daily Life
Amongst members of the Association, Jacky throws himself wholeheartedly into creative work. He mentioned to us that since primary school, he had started derivative work on lyrics. However the phrases he managed to adopt at that time used to be superficial and unrefined, obviously not up to professional standard. Jacky hoped that through the Class, he could start learning the skills of writing lyrics in a more professional way. As for Queenie, she said that she loves composing melodies, and always looks forward to writing lyrics by herself, thus producing musical works of her own. Regarding creative courses like lyrics composition, how would the Association guide students to produce lyrics from scratch for a melody leading to the birth of a song? Several alumni opined that, compared to the traditional teaching, the Lyrics-Writing Class at HKBU is conducted with students sitting in a circle in the classroom, thus creating a more congenial atmosphere for discussions on creative composing, and guiding students to jointly ponder over creation work. They said, “In such a way, we would be able to pay more attention to the little details in our daily life, and then try integrating our observations into our creative work.”
HKBU BUddies Volunteering for Music Video Productions
The work of the Lyrics-Writing Association had been more or less affected by the pandemic, which led Queenie to start thinking, how could she help students who were affected by the pandemic? She discussed it with other alumni of the Class, hoping to apply her skills in creative work to help those students who still remain vigilant in their studies amidst the pandemic. “When I made up my mind to produce the music video (MV), I did not envisage that the outcome would be so amazing. We got help from far and wide for the MV productions. We never thought that there would be so many alumni and staff of the University who are willing to devote both their time and energy voluntarily for the MV productions.”
“All the pictorial images in the MV are the actual works of kids, which were then turned into animation for incorporation into the MV.” Queenie said. “Through the work of the children, we also start thinking what we have overlooked, and how kids are being affected by the pandemic. In the MV, Serene Smile, we could view the pandemic from a different angle, through the children’s eyes.”
Giving a Boost to Those Putting on a Fight against the Pandemic
The While Hong Kong Still Has You MV series all share the same theme: to cheer up for those who have worked non-stop and tirelessly during the pandemic, be they the medical professionals, taxi drivers or security guards. Though their work may not draw the attention of the public, they steadfastly stand in post, with no regrets or complaints. On the evening of the interview, the Class had just released their third MV that pays tribute to the workers who have given their best to fight against the pandemic. According to Queenie, the MV Iridescent Clouds is composed specially for Xia Jie, a security staff stationed at the Student Residence Hall of HKBU. The MV, from director, art design & props professionals, production assistants to the actor playing the “virus monster”, is a product of the concerted efforts of alumni, faculty and staff members of HKBU.
Forever Engaging in Writing Lyrics
When talking about future plans, members of the Association are all of one voice: they would continue to engage in writing lyrics, hoping that such creative work will bring excitement to, and spice up their life. Queenie expressed her wish that the Lyrics-Writing Class could hold more face-to-face activities after the pandemic, so as to allow more opportunities for members to get together for regular discussions on creative projects.
Proudly presented by the Association: Serene Smile in the While Hong Kong Still Has You Series
Proudly presented by the Association: What Happens on the Road in the While Hong Kong Still Has You Series
Devoted to the security guards who faithfully stand guard for every household day and night: Iridescent Clouds in the While Hong Kong Still Has You Series
Members of the Association: Queenie (first row left), Jacky (first row right), Yip Yuk-ying (second row left) and Kwok Wing-bing (second row right)
Members of the Association: Queenie (first row left); Jacky (second row left), Yip Yuk-ying (second row right); Kwok Wing-bing (third row); with staff of Alumni Affairs Office (first row right) engaging in online discussion.
Chow Yiu Fai’s Lyrics-Writing Class group photo.
The actress in the MV Iridescent Clouds turns out to be Ms. Cindy Chan, former Director of the Centre for Innovative Service-Learning of HKBU.
Get connected with your alma mater, please join and like HKBU Alumni Facebook Page.
If you do not wish to receive email communications from Alumni Affairs Office, Hong Kong Baptist University, please email to alumni@hkbu.edu.hk.
Copyright 2021. Hong Kong Baptist University. All rights reserved.
