Aikido, Bananas And The Like
One of GII’s budding conductors recently celebrated his seventeenth birthday. I had the opportunity to sit down with him – in the hope of learning what made him tick.

Full name Duane Reginald Elmo Ang
Section Tenors
Department Conductors
Family Mother, Madam Carmelita De Mello and brother, Gordon Clayton Ang
Interests Jedis and anything to do with bananas.
Hobbies Aikido, cycling, basketball, canoeing, tennis, squash, swimming, bowling, soccer, ice-skating, rollerblading, eating and sleeping
School St Patrick’s School.
Years in the choir 2 and 3/4. I joined right after Ignite. Remember that? It was some teenage disco thingy held at the Singapore Expo and had happening music and punch.
First person you spoke to in GII Winnie. She asked me which section I belonged to. When she heard me speak, she told me I was a bass. She could be right – now.
Second person you spoke to Melvin. I think it went something like this.
“Hi! Surprised to see you here. Blah blah blah…” says Melvin.
“Yeah I’m from Confirmation3.” I say.
“Then you should know Jonathan.”
”Yes,” I replied, all the while thinking he meant Rachel (Phua)’s brother, Jonathan.
Then, the following Saturday was the start of my friendship with Jonathan. (laughs)
Why did you decide to join to us? I knew I didn’t want to join NCS. And I wanted to get to know more friends.
Which parts of GII do you like? Our harmonious humour.
Describe your life in 2 sentences It is surprising, joyful and emotional right now.
What do you think about our singing? Great. But can be excellent.
How do you feel being one of the choir’s conductors? It is challenging. (laughs) Each time I conduct, it is a new lesson – to both teach and learn from my fellow Genesians.
Name your best asset Aiyoh, what do you mean by asset? Give me an example.
Voice, Face, Brains, Heart, Body, etc I don’t know. Er… my perseverance?
Who are you closest to in your family? My mum. I’ve been living with her for the past 17 years, and that’s including the time in her womb.
If you were looking for a date in the personals, how would you describe yourself? I am an independent, sweet and sincere person.
What do you always put off till tomorrow? Homework and less important things, like cleaning my room.
Complete this sentence. When nobody is looking I like to… Listen in on conversations (laughs) Very kaypoh. (sniggers)
How did you meet your first girlfriend? Jane and I were in the same confirmation class. She kept staring at me, so we went out to Lido when she asked me to. She was a very caring person. She would call me every day to ask if I’d had lunch and share her problems. And I’d share mine. Like that, lor. That was two and a half years ago.
What are your future plans? I would like to head the conductors, to be in Formation and learn to play the piano. In my life, I would love to act, and possibly own a café chain in the future.

Just as things were getting serious, a sharp, melodious ring tone – typical of the average teenager’s handphone – filled the room. ”Oops, I think my mum is calling me now, I gotta tell her I’m on my way home.”

A true-blue mummy's boy, the interview had to end here.