GESS prides itself on creating a safe and open environment for our children to explore and pursue their interest, passion and talent. We put the spotlight on Sam Secomb, currently in Grade 6, on his being cast in Sound of Music, and what else he enjoys about his GESS journey.
We know you performed in Singapore’s Sound of Music stage production. Could you tell us how this came about, how you got cast and the experience for you so far?
Sam: The auditions took place in June, and I was signed up to audition for the role of Kurt von Trapp. But just before the audition, I got COVID19 and couldn’t go. I gave up all hope for a role in The Sound of Music. But when I came back from the summer holiday, I heard that not all Friedrichs had been cast (they cast three children per role and had only managed to find two Friedrichs). So I asked if I could audition, and even though I am technically too short for the role they let me audition, and that’s how I got cast.
Are you also involved in performing/singing in GESS? What else do you enjoy doing besides singing/performing?
Sam: I used to go for GESS’ Vocal and Instrument Programme (VIP), first drums and then singing. I also used to perform in our Sound Crowd choir for a little while but had to stop when the timing didn’t work for me. When I am not performing or singing, I really love to draw, hang out with my friends, play Lego and video games.
How did these hobbies/interests come about? When did you start liking/cultivating them? How do your parents encourage and support you to do what you like?
Sam: I have been taking drama lessons at Centre Stage (School of the Arts) since I was six years old, I have always loved acting! As for drawing, it was my good friend Liam (he’s in 7th grade) who got me into it. He showed me the basics and I continued from there.
My parents have always supported me in all my interests (and there have been many! Transformers, Pokémon, making stop motion movies, manga, etc.). As for acting, my dad always helps me prepare for auditions or roles. My mom deals more with the practical things, like accompanying me if I need a chaperone or driving me to rehearsals.
How do your teachers in GESS support you in what you like to do?
Sam: I have been quite lucky to get a lot of support from my teachers. I haven’t had to miss much school because of my acting commitments, but the rare times I did, everyone was really nice about it, wished me luck and was happy for me. My homeroom teacher organised for a big group of kids from my grade to come and see me in The Sound of Music, I was very excited about that! We were focusing on pyramids in history class, but my teacher told me he would recommend I focus on my musical, and he would help me catch up if necessary with our history work. How nice is that! At least a few other teachers have come to see me perform, or were planning to.
In general, I’ve had really supportive teachers over the years who accept me as the rather fidgety kid that I am. For example, my German teacher this year lets me doodle in class. She says it’s fine as long as I listen at the same time!
What do you enjoy most about school in GESS? What do you find difficult/challenging about school?
Sam: I enjoy the library (we actually have three in the entire school – by age groups!) and the variety of books it has. I love the bacon sandwiches from the cafeteria! Most of all I like spending recess with my friends!
At the moment there is nothing I find too challenging about school, but I am only in 6th grade, so that might still change!!
What do you do to overcome the things you find difficult/challenging in school?
Sam: Whenever I have any trouble, I generally ask my friends or my parents for help. I believe I could always ask my homeroom teacher from last year, Herr Pascal Gadient, for help. He was not just a teacher, but also a mentor to a lot of us kids, and our new homeroom teacher, Frau Fenzel always supports the kids too.
If you have friends or school mates who are wondering if they should go after their passion and hobbies, what would you say to them?
Sam: It’s not always easy to have a passion that is different from everyone else’s. I have often felt like a total oddball. You have no idea how many hours I spend listening to my friends talk about soccer, which does not quite interest me, even though I gave it a try! I have also felt pretty lonely sometimes, because I felt like I didn’t have anyone that I can talk to about my own interests.
But you still have to pursue what makes you happy. You can’t pretend to be someone you are not. And if you are lucky, you will find friends who accept you for who you are, like I did. My friends may talk about soccer too much, but they do have my back, and that makes all the difference. So good luck to all you other oddballs out there!
(Photos courtesy of Sam Secomb, BASE and Broadway Asia.)
