Wong Jia Cheng
Drum Major, Anderson Military Band
As I stood on the stage of the Singapore Conference Hall, I couldn’t help but remember my very first SYF performance all those years ago. That image of the lights, the hall, the quiet before the music has always stayed with me. This SYF, though, felt especially meaningful. Before anything else, I would like to acknowledge every band that worked tirelessly to prepare for their performance. No matter the result, the effort and heart put in is something everyone should be proud of.
Being a part of Anderson Military Band (AMB) has been a defining experience, especially during my secondary school life. Starting out on the trombone and later stepping up to take on the role of drum major, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside my wonderful EXCOs, who care deeply not only about their craft but also about their peers. Together, we’ve shared challenges, victories, and long hours of practice sessions that always flew by in an instant.
The months leading up to SYF weren’t easy. Honestly, it took everything the band had, not just in terms of playing well, but in showing up for each other, practice after practice. Everyone shared the same goal: to perfect the set piece and our choice piece. Working with my fellow EXCO members was one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. From the first event we planned together (which, looking back now, we stumbled through) to pulling off our final SYF project smoothly, it has been amazing to see how much we’ve grown as a team.
One lesson our conductor, Mr Lester Lim, often shared with us was to always understand the music so we could be expressive and alive in our performance. He reminded us that beyond the notes, it’s about expression and connection with the music. He taught us to move and play along with the music to truly follow the nuances of the piece. That mindset to enjoy what we do and feel the music fully is something many of us have taken to heart and have embodied in our playing.
More than just music, AMB has taught us how to lead and serve in our society. Within the four years spent in AMB, every member is trained to be an AMoeBa: a unicellular organism groomed to be a leader according to their unique talents, where every member plays a role in keeping the band afloat.
This concept of leadership training is guided by five core values, the aspects of leadership, as pioneered by Mr Lim. These values shape not only how we contribute to the band but also how we live our daily lives. In order, they are: Care, Responsibility, Commitment, Respect, and Confidence.
It always starts with care, looking out for one another and knowing when to lend a hand. From there, responsibility starts to grow naturally. By taking ownership of our own playing, we ensure we are familiar with the pieces and constantly improving. We are also reminded to complete our duties, whether it be planning events or managing schoolwork, to ensure we do not fall behind.
Commitment means sticking with it, even when practices stretch longer and responsibilities increase. Everyone has a place in the band, and it’s up to each member to show their commitment.
Respect is for yourself and for others. Respecting others means listening, looking up to a senior or teacher, and learning from them—whether by emulating their example or taking their feedback seriously. More importantly, respecting yourself means knowing your worth: never looking down on yourself, and always striving to improve.
Eventually, confidence comes. It’s a quiet assurance that enables you to step up and lead when needed. By the time we reach this stage, we are able to articulate and express our thoughts and stances for the betterment of the band.
SYF day itself passed in a flash. One moment we were running through pieces in the band room as usual, and the next, we were on stage. I remember feeling proud as I looked at the whole band sitting in the waiting area of the Conference Hall. Excitement and nerves were present in everyone. But all had given their utmost, and we stepped off the stage grinning—with a great sense of pride in our band. I felt thankful. Thankful that all those hours spent with my fellow bandmates were worth it, and that we could end on such a high note.
Some of my best memories aren’t even from the big events, but from the subtle and random moments: hanging around after band, playing random tunes, or chatting late into the night after performances at KFC or McDonald’s. Those are the moments I’ll carry with me. The sound of our warm-ups, always the same, yet always different, is something I’ll never forget either.
I’m deeply grateful to my conductor and mentor, Mr Lester Lim, whose guidance has shaped not only how I play but also how I see the world. His insightful lessons and analogies will stay with me. I also want to thank Mr Kuek and Mr Yea for their work with the recruit band, and for building the foundation for many of the current AMB members.
To our teachers-in-charge, Mr Goh, Mdm Aw, Ms Zhong, and Mdm Meenal, I’m thankful for their unwavering support, even behind the scenes when we didn’t notice. And to all the alumni who returned to guide and show us what it means to give back, thank you.
Anderson Military Band has shaped me in more ways than I can count. Band is not just about making music, but about building a strong sense of teamwork. It’s been an honour to serve alongside everyone here.
I hope, in my own way, I’ve left something meaningful behind for those who come after me.