Ang Mo Kio Secondary School hosted 5 bands on 21 March from Pasir Ris Secondary School, Singapore Chinese Girls’ School, St. Margaret’s Secondary School, Xinmin Secondary School and St. Andrew’s Secondary School.
The purpose of the exchange was to allow band members to deepen their appreciation and exposure for wind music and also forge friendships through music during the preparation period of SYF Arts Presentation.
“This exchange is an important platform for band members to enjoy music performed by their friends after months and weeks of striving on set and choice pieces. Being able to perform in front of an audience will better prepare band members to cope with stage anxiety. Band members can also learn a lot when listening to one another,” said Brando Tan, conductor of Ang Mo Kio Secondary School Band.
Introduced by a band representative, each school presented their set piece and choice piece in order. At the end of the day, schools exchanged gifts and had a student band leader say a few words of encouragement.
“Although we are not preparing for SYF, we still enjoy the process of making music with our members and our conductor,” said Timothy Wong, from St. Andrew’s Secondary School Band, who presented two pieces for the audience despite not participating in SYF this year.
Singapore Chinese Girls’ School Drum Major, Low Xue Ying, also reiterated that music is not about the awards, “Our conductor once told us, ten years down the road, we will not remember our awards; whether distinction or merit, but about the fun and joy in making music and retaining friendships.”
To see more photos from the exchange, go to our Facebook page here!
A contributing editor at TBP.