The Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) Bands will present a family concert in celebration of their significant anniversary on Sunday, 29 October 2023 at the SOTA Concert Hall.
Established in 1983 by Mr Yeo Poong Poh with the support of NP’s 4th Principal, Mr Chen Hung, the NP Concert Band turns 40 this year. This Sunday’s concert will see over 130 performers, consisting of alumni members from the past 39 batches and current students, to perform together on the same stage.
“Playing with the alumni band has been incredibly enriching and thrilling. It’s like riding a wave of nostalgia while at the same time diving into new adventures, as if i have stepped into a time capsule filled with generations of musical memories and shared passion.” said Vionna Lee, flautist and Vice President of the NP Concert Band.
“The camaraderie of both the alumni and main band (current) members is so palpable. Every note resonates with shared history and a fresh excitement for music, and what the future holds for the band family. The whole experience has truly been a harmonious blend of past, present, and future, and an endless immense fun.”
This will be Vionna’s second concert, having first performed in the band’s annual event in March 2023 in Rondeau XXXV.
“My favourite memory of NP Band would be my very first official performance, which was really electrifying. The stage was lit up and the audience was buzzing, from people talking about the pieces with anticipation, to people chanting aloud our members’ names. i remember when we played the first note, and a surge of energy shot through me, and i felt so alive. The music flowed so effortlessly, and the connection between the band members was so immaculate it felt like pure magic. With the adrenaline still pumping through my veins, the cheers from the audience was the cherry on top.”
“I couldn’t have wished for a more magical and exhilarating experience with the band,” she continued.
The special occasion on Sunday will not just celebrate the incredible journey of many current band students like Vionna’s, but will also allow alumni members such as Firdauz to reconnect with old friends, and reminisce through the music performed throughout four decades.
“My favorite memory stems from the annual band camps that we organized, preceding any of our Rondeau series. These camps were a unique opportunity for us to bond as a band family, transcending our personal lives and strengthening the deep connections within our group,” said Firdauz Sapii, percussionist and Vice President of the Alumni Band.
Led by conductor Mr Lester Lim and guest alumni conductor Mr Marc Chang, the bands will perform highlights such as Carmen Fantasy, Music for a Festival, and Alvamar Overture.
“This family concert celebrates 40 years of musical collaboration and friendship, which have united all band members since 1983. Over the years, the band has evolved with different cohorts joining annually. By coming together, it fosters a strong sense of camaraderie between current members and alumni, facilitating the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and the joy of creating music.”
“CELEBRATION”, a 40th Anniversary Milestone
Tickets are available at $25 (PROMO Code: FLASHSALE – ending 28 October 0930)
A contributing editor at TBP.