Rachel Neam, Ng Jing Teng Zayden, Goh Ray Chard, Leong Zu Yao, Kiaraa Lee Yi Xuan
Secondary 4 Majors and Executive Committee
Nan Chiau High School Wind Orchestra
Band – a four-letter word that may not carry much significance for the average Joe, but ask any former or present band member, and they would earnestly recount all the memories and the crazy fun times they share with their band members. It begs the question; what is the glue that gels these band members together? One shared experience that is much cherished by all band members alike would be the SYF experience.
The Singapore Youth Festival was an incredible experience that left us with indelible memories. The preparation leading up to the event was intense, requiring countless hours of rigorous rehearsals and dedication. The process was arduous at times, but the camaraderie and togetherness kept us burning.
SYF instilled in us the importance of teamwork, discipline, and unwavering perseverance. It also ignited a profound appreciation for the transformative power of music and its ability to forge connections between individuals. Our shared passion for music and the sense of belonging for the band are what we will hold onto dearly.
Initially, our band members were very fixated on finetuning the technical aspects of the pieces. We were focused with merely playing in tune and in time. After countless hours of rhythmic practice and tuning chords, we strove to go beyond that; we wanted to tell a story via musical expression and emotions. Every section was given the spotlight, and sometimes, during practice, there were moments when we were also moved by the music we played. It was truly enchanting and mesmerizing to see our band grow from just learning notes to letting our emotions flow with the piece.
Throughout the preparation for the SYF 2025 AP, most of us set high expectations for ourselves; this was especially so as our seniors had already set the bar so high. Above all the expectations and reservations, we also wanted to run with the music and run with wild abandon! Why should we be so uptight and conservative? Everyone makes mistakes daily, but what matters most is the process. ‘Life is a stage and you only get one performance. Make it a good one.’ A simple yet meaningful quote to stand by.
The SYF was our swan song and we Secondary Four seniors were left with many sentiments and hopes for our band. Here’s what our Clarinet Section Leader, Kiaraa, has to say:
“Sometimes I find myself thinking about how everything could’ve turned out—how a single decision in choosing my CCA, could’ve shifted the entire course of memories made in secondary school.
After all, I did choose band, and sure enough, band became the crux of my secondary school life.
I was given opportunities as a section leader to guide my section mates through competitions, one of the most notable experiences was SYF! It is difficult to put into words just how much these regular SYF practices make me cherish the community I have. This second and final SYF journey make me realise just how important trust is, and that even if you don’t see the potential in yourself, putting your faith in your mentors, teachers, and peers will eventually help pave the way forward.
It is equally heartening to realise how far my section mates have grown and improved so steadily – their progress is a reminder that growth doesn’t always happen loudly. It makes me proud of them, both as a section mate and friend.”
So, what really does the word ‘band’ entail? For some of us, band is a chore – an inescapable part of our lives, usually twice per week after school for three hours each session. But band can be inescapable in an entirely different light – it serves as our escapade from expectations, our haven away from life; in a way, band is our third home from our family and school. Band is a part of our life journey – unapologetically, it is about the friends we make, the bonds we foster, and the experiences we gather. Joining the Band is a choice we make – so we treasure every band practice we have left, whether there are many more years to go or only a few more till graduation.
As the graduating batch of majors, we would love to give a piece of advice to the future batches of band members to come – it is never too late to start today. Give it your all, try your best for every performance, and spend the time to refine and polish the challenging parts in your pieces. Amidst all the squeaks and creaks, we are sure that you’ll love the band a little more each day; and it is from there that you nurture your seed of passion in music and performance.