AESTHETICS
SJI MILITARY BAND ( SJIMB )
Overseas Band Exchange to Bangkok
From the 10th to 15th December 2012 , the SJIMB embarked on a Music Enrichment Tour to Bangkok , Thailand . 70 bandsmen and 5 teachers made this journey overseas to participate in several music workshops with various Thai musicians .
On this trip , the bandsmen had the privilege of taking part in a workshop at Kasetsart University , organized by Thailand ’ s leading Western music band . Under the tutelage of the professional musicians , which included the Nontri Orchestra Winds , the bandsmen were taught valuable techniques which enabled them to increase their music proficiency . The professional musicians left a deep impression on the band members with their experienced approach to playing music , and motivated them to strive for musical excellence .
At Kasetsart University , the bandsmen also attended a masterclass by Maestro Snvapa Thamyawibool , one of the most distinguished conductors from Thailand , with a reputation for helping bands to greatly improve their music standard under his baton . From this workshop , they expanded their knowledge of musical concepts and techniques which would be very useful in our SYF preparations .
The bandsmen also had an exchange hosted at Attewit Commercial Technology College . The college has won many awards and is recognised nationally for their excellent music talents . The bandsmen were inspired by the band ’ s drive to succeed in whatever they do . The exchange was successful in enabling the bandsmen to meet and play music with the Thai students of similar age who have earned recognition in national competitions . Overall , it was an enriching trip .
Arts Alive Performance Arts Alive is a splendid showcase of performances by the various talented aesthetic groups held in the school ’ s Performing Arts Centre ( PAC ) for the new batch of Secondary Ones . This year , the SJIMB performed two pieces of music . The
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first piece was an arrangement of the song “ Firework ” by Katy Perry for concert bands . The second was a medley of well-known songs by the king of pop himself , Michael Jackson . The musical medley consisted of three famous songs by the artist : “ Man in the Mirror ”, “ I ’ ll Be There ” and “ Thriller ”.
The band ’ s performance in Arts Alive ended on a high note , with a great number of Secondary Ones adoring both pieces . The adequate acoustics of the PAC complimented the band ’ s harmonious sound , helping the band achieve a performance that was very well- received . Additionally , the energising vibes from the performance allowed all to appreciate such euphonious music .
Band Exchanges As part of the preparation for the Singapore Youth Festival ( SYF ), the band took part in several music exchanges with other schools . These schools include Montfort Secondary School , Hwa Chong Institution , and lastly , Victoria Junior College . The various bands took turns to perform , giving them exposure to performance in front of an audience .
When the band arrived at Montfort Secondary , the bandsmen were eagerly waiting to perform as it was their first time trying out both of their judging pieces in front of an audience . When the band stepped on stage , they knew it was the time to do their best . Despite the minor hiccups , the band still put on a dashing performance . From this exchange alone , the band reaped a bountiful crop from the other schools and new skills were adopted .
At Hwa Chong Institution ( HCI ), the band ’ s second music exchange , the bandsmen met their friends from HCI , whom they got acquainted with through a previous school exchange . The warmth of their welcome was greatly appreciated and the exchange went smoothly , with the band getting a good grasp of the standards of other schools and their chosen judging pieces .
Last but not least , the band attended one final exchange at Victoria Junior College . The ambience was splendid as they listened to other bands while waiting for their turn to perform . The level of excitement and tension was pervasive and contagious .
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During these exchanges , new friendships were forged and new skills were picked up . Pointers and tips were made and from there , the members improved on their flaws to make their playing better .
SYF 2013 As the band entered the dark alley that led to the brightly-lit conference hall , they knew deep inside their
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1 Music practice together with musicians from the Nonsi Orchestra Winds 2 Music exchange with Attawit Commercial Technology College Band 3 Band exchange ( at Montfort Secondary School )
4 The band performing at Arts Alive for Sec 1 Orientation ; piece conducted by CM Ryan Wong