As part of Singapore Armed Forces Band‘s efforts to reach out to the next generation of musicians in Singapore, the students from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) Wind Orchestra will join in a concert with the SAF Central Band on 21 March.
“For several years, we have worked closely together with the Ministry of Education (MOE) Arts Education Branch to nurture the next generation of student conductors, drum majors and drummers. These workshops are ably led by our SAF musicians, such as Chief Drum Major, ME2 Hafis Amron and Percussion Group Leader, ME2 Hazizi Jaafar,” said ME4 Ignatius Wang, Director of Music and Chief Instructor of the SAF Band.
“The band shares a close affinity with NAFA, with several of its alumni serving with distinction in the SAF Central Band – including ME2 Richard Ter (Principal Percussion), ME1 Sanche Jagatheesan (Principal String Bass), ME1 Christopher Shen (Associate Principal Horn) and ME1 Kang Chun Meng (Associate Principal Euphonium). At the moment, we also have the likes of ME2 Lewis Lim (Principal Horn) and ME1 Lim Xing Hong (Associate Principal Percussion) on study leave to pursue their musical qualifications at NAFA,” he continued.
ME1 Sanche Jagatheesan shared that his musical education from NAFA has stretched his abilities and enriched his experiences in the SAF Central Band.
“I believe that I have grown and changed so much over the years; I have also met many people who have positively influenced who I am today. The opportunities that they gave me to lead sectionals, conduct chamber music, as well as planning outreach events, have helped to set me up for success as the Principal String Bassist and Event Manager of the Singapore Armed Forces Central Band.”
ME2 Richard Ter also believed that NAFA has provided a lot of knowledge and skills for his career as a professional musician in the SAF.
“Through my experiences in school and the late night practices, I have learnt to be more resilient and independent,” he added.
The joint concert will feature works such as Ellerby’s Paris Sketches, Whitacre’s October, Serenade Op. 7 by Strauss and The Voyages of Amerigo Vespucci by Bosveld. A distinguished member of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and NAFA’s faculty, Sergey Tyuteykin, will also perform the Jonak Trumpet Concerto.
In addition to the concert, the students and faculty members of NAFA will also have an opportunity to spend a day at the ‘White House – Home of the SAF Band‘, where they can experience the world-class facilities enjoyed by the military musicians and have a taste of what a career with the SAF Band could potentially be.
“Credit must go to Joost Flach, the Head of Winds and conductor of the NAFA Wind Orchestra, who worked incredibly hard to make this collaboration happen,” Ignatius added.
“We look forward to the concert this Thursday, and hope that everyone can join us for an evening of great music!”
A contributing editor at TBP.