Featured in the St Margaret’s Secondary School Symphonic Band upcoming concert Polka VII is an exciting repertoire of band classics and pop pieces.
“Since December last year, our band members have been working very hard and enthusiastically on the music,” said Mabel Fong, band major (comms).
“The concert preparation has brought the various sections closer and fed the chemistry among our members. Despite our journey being faced with musical and mental challenges, we were able to bond together as one band family to overcome them,” she continued.
To ensure its members learn from wind band classics, conductors Mr Alvin Seville and Mr Ngiam Xing Hao selected a concert repertoire featuring Alfred Reed’s El Camino Real and James Barnes’ Yorkshire Ballad.
“Working with our conductors has been a joy to all of us. There were definitely times where we did not practice as what they would have expected, but deep down all they wish for us is to learn our parts well and play from our hearts,” Mabel said.
“They have always been there to help us our individually, as a section or even listen to our concerns – without them and the teachers, we would probably not made it this far through our preparations,” she continued.
To appeal to the young audience members, the band will also perform K-Pop Medley and 2017 popular hit Despacito.
“Being a relatively young band director, one of the biggest joy and challenge is that I am able to relate to my students. Because of the small age gap, I am able to put myself in their shoes to understand their struggles and support them, but still strive for good music and discipline,” said Mr Ngiam.
“To all my students, be the music, and let nothing else distract you from you and your craft!”
Polka VII
Saturday, 24 March
Mrs Lee Choon Guan Concert Hall (ACS Barker), 2pm
FREE – Complimentary Passes required
Available via smsbpolka@gmail.com
A contributing editor at TBP.