Drummer Theron Lim (left), 10, and the a cappella group from Singapore's Chinese Girls' School, were among the 35 who auditioned for the concert, which will be the first event to be held at the Resorts World on Sentosa. --ST PHOTOS: DESMOND LIM

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When drummer Theron Lim, 10, auditioned on Sunday for this year's ChildAid charity concert, people in the room were transfixed by his every move.

The Primary 5 pupil from Henry Park Primary put on a captivating performance, playing with his eyes closed and swaying his head to the beat.

He has been playing the drums since he was six and has a Grade 8 in music. He was among 35 youths under the age of 19 who were invited for the auditions.

More than 550 children applied to perform at the ChildAid concert this year, nearly double what organisers received last year, and whittling down the audition list to just 35 acts was no easy task.

Cultural Medallion recipient and composer Iskandar Ismail, who is on the audition panel, said: 'This year's acts are very promising and the standard is extremely high.'

ChildAid, now in its fifth year, is organised by The Straits Times and The Business Times. The concert showcases some of Singapore's best young musical talents, and the proceeds of the concert go to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund.

It will be the first event to be held at Resorts World on Sentosa from Dec 19 to 21. The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund aims to raise $5.7 million this year.

ChildAid's organising chairman, Mr Peter Khoo, said: 'We are looking to showcase young talent, youths who have been blessed with musical talent who want to give back and help the less fortunate.'

The panel will also be holding auditions in Malaysia, Indonesia and Shanghai later this month and will pick about 15 acts for the concert.

The chosen acts will be announced in the weeks to come.

Apart from drummer boy Theron, other standout acts at Sunday's audition included a five-girl a cappella group from Singapore Chinese Girls' School (SCGS) and drummer girl Alysson Lam from Nanyang Primary.

Alysson, nine, who also performed at the National Day Parade last month, said: 'My mummy said that by doing this, I would be able to help children who do not have enough pocket money to go to school.'

Goh Li Ting, 15, one of the a cappella singers from SCGS, said her group was 'very nervous' before the audition.

The girls added that they decided to sign up because they wanted to give something back to society.

Li Ting said: 'It will be a great experience where we would be able to share the gift of music with other people.'

rltan@sph.com.sg