Dennis Fun (left) and Margaret See (right), members of the Parabeatz band
They have shared the stage with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, posed for photos with fans, and even had their original singles played in MRT stations. But for visually-impaired bassist Dennis Fun and keyboardist Margaret See of the eight-member band Parabeatz, the true highlight of their music journey has been “transforming their disabilities into musical ability”.
Comprising three keyboardists, two vocalists, a bassist, a guitarist, and a drummer, Parabeatz, with members aged between 50 and 70, is one of several bands with persons with disabilities (PWDs) formed by Faith Music Centre (FMC). Supported by SG Enable’s Enabling Academy Training Grant, FMC’s Music Instruction Training Programme equips PWDs with the skills to become music instructors.
Margaret See with the keyboard
Overcoming Obstacles
The band faces accessibility challenges in some of the venues where they were invited to perform. Public buses can take one or two wheelchairs at a time, so their journey has to be planned carefully in order to arrive at the performance venue on time.
“Leaving home earlier and giving ourselves ample travelling time helps”, said the polio survivor, who uses a wheelchair.
The band also makes it a point to fulfil their toilet needs before a performance in case of congestion with other users with disability.
Margaret See with her keyboard setup
A Perfect Partnership
The pair now make it a point to conduct a recce ahead of performances to assess accessibility.
“I’m his eyes, and he’s my legs,” Margaret added with a smile, referring to the pair’s teamwork during venue checks. And for the 68-year-old, who readily admits she’s “bad with directions”, Dennis, a former taxi driver, is always by her side.
“We’re a good combination. We always go on recce together,” he said.
Dennis Fun (in background) with his guitar and Margaret See on the keyboard playing together
Opening New Doors
Still, Margaret doesn’t take any of it for granted. She’s deeply thankful for the chance to explore Singapore through her music.
“Through this band, I’ve been able to travel all over Singapore,” she said. “If I hadn’t joined, I wouldn’t have had the chance to visit so many places.”
Dennis Fun with his Guitar
For Dennis, the chance to learn a new skill while enjoying music has made his 11-year journey with FMC worthwhile.
“We are grateful to SG Enable for the opportunity to learn music in FMC. With these employability skills, we can undertake corporate, social and public performances and even equip others with music skills.”
Dennis Fun and Margaret See in a practice session
Giving Back to Others
The pair have put their musical skills to good use, training alongside their instructors to conduct lessons for other PWDs and elderly learners. Their weekly schedule is packed, with teaching sessions at places such as Metta Home for the Disabled, SPD, Christian Outreach to the Handicapped, St Hilda’s Community Services, and Mindsville@Napiri.
“I never dreamed that we could call ourselves teachers, but FMC has given us a path to learn to play and now to teach PWDs who want to learn,” Margaret said.
Learning from Their Students
But the teaching experience has been both a “surprise” and “an eye-opener” for Margaret, who also works with students on the autism spectrum.
“Children with autism are not all the same — we’ve learned how to adapt our approach to suit each of them,” she said. “Sometimes they’re full of energy, jumping around, and the next moment they might have a meltdown. But it made me realise that I want to help others wherever I can. If I can give back to society, I’ll do it to the best of my ability.”
“When you see them progress to the point that they can perform for others and the result is very good, it comforts us,” Dennis added, noting that it often reminds them of their journey — from learning their first notes to performing on stage.
Dennis Fun relaxing with his guitar
Coming Full Circle
The pair say they feel the greatest sense of “job satisfaction” when they’re not only able to teach their students to play music, but also help them believe they can one day perform in front of an audience.
“The funny thing is, when we first tell them they’ll be performing on stage, they’re often in denial or disbelief,” Dennis explained. “It’s not easy to convince them. But once they do perform — and the result is good — they’ll always remember you.”
Today, the students-turned-instructors receive rockstar treatment when they return to the various centres to teach.
Performing with Purpose
As Parabeatz prepares for their debut performance at Harmony Fest! 2025 — set to take place at OCBC Square, just a short walk from their practice room near Stadium MRT — the band hopes the public will continue to champion inclusion and inspire other PWDs.
“I hope we can educate the public to give people with disabilities a chance. Accept them. Encourage them… Don't criticise,” Dennis said.
“We have to change the public’s mindset and encourage PWDs. To be able to perform on the stage, it takes them a lot of courage to be there and face so many audience members,” Margaret added.
The band’s instructor and the centre’s director of training, Melissa Tan, has seen her charges grow over the years and has also seen firsthand the encouragement they have received from the public.
“There were quite a few instances, especially in the public performances, audience members came to them after they finished performing for pictures and even such small things… gives them a lot of encouragement,” Melissa said.
The Parabeatz band posing for a photo
Inclusivity on a Grand Stage
The band is set for an exciting second half of 2025, with several performances lined up across the Singapore Sports Hub — including the Unlabelled Run and a much-anticipated debut at the National Stadium for the “Weekend With A Heart” event by Singapore Pools.
“The organisers want to make sure there are safe routes for wheelchair users, and they’re making accommodations for our PWDs attending these events,” said Melissa. “For example, at last year’s Unlabelled Run, which is an inclusive event, there were ramps and the venue was barrier-free.”
Still, the thought of eventually performing at the 55,000-seat National Stadium hasn’t quite sunk in for Margaret and Dennis.
“We haven’t performed there yet, so I can’t begin to imagine it… It’s another level, maybe my hands will still be shaking on the day itself,” Dennis joked.
But deep down, the pair know that performing at a venue as massive as the National Stadium — a dream they once thought out of reach — is yet another milestone in their journey of defying the odds, just as they did in becoming musicians.
Catch Dennis, Margaret, and the rest of Parabeatz as they take the stage at Harmony Fest! 2025 at OCBC Square on July 5th. They'll be performing their original singles, so don’t miss this inspiring showcase of ability, heart, and music!
