IJ BAND STRIKE GOLD!

Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging for Concert Band is a biennial competition in which all secondary school bands in Singapore participate in. Likewise, CHIJ Concert Band is involved in this competition as well.

SYF marks an important event for our band and we started preparing for SYF in June 2006. We had a 3 days, 2 nights intensive band camp during the March Holidays this year to get ourselves ready for it. Many hours were committed into practicing our two pieces, Sunrise by Adam Gorb and Der Vogelhandler by Carl Zeller. We focused on building musicianship and confidence under the guidance of our conductor and teachers. Besides concentrating on the SYF, the band has formed stronger friendship ties and has become more united as a band.

After our very fruitful band camp, with commitment instilled in our band members, the practices we had three times a week were very productive and we were able to deliver to our very best. In the course of our preparation, we also had many exchanges with other bands. This assisted us to identify the possible weaknesses and enabled us to eliminate similar problems within our band. We learnt to play with assurance in the presence of other bands. These exchanges not only helped us to improve our standard of musicality but also gave us an opportunity to showcase the fruits of our labour.

Two weeks before the SYF, CHIJ Concert Band had a sound check at Singapore Conference Hall. This was a very successful run which also boosted our morale .

It was finally D-day! We all felt very nervous but had the mentality that we were going to overcome all obstacles. We played to our best and staged a musical performance. We are very happy that we were able to do the school and the alumni of the band proud by clinching our very first Gold medal.

Scenes from Tuning Room just before going onto the stage… Click the photos for larger image

From the competition, we not only learnt the importance of teamwork and have also established a sense of belonging to the band. A strong sense of accomplishment, pride and school spirit will stay in everyone’s heart forever. You can count on IJ Band to continue to develop both musically and technically.

We thank the teachers and seniors for their continual guidance and support during this whole journey.

Tan Shu-Ning Alyssa
Band Majorette

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CHIJ Concert Band work with Saint Margaret’s Symphonic Band

Date: 5th to the 8th of December
During the December holidays, CHIJ Concert Band was given an opportunity to work with Saint Margaret’s Symphonic Band. The band was proud to have Dr. John Lynch, Director of Bands at the University of Kansas as their guest conductor.

(The Combined Bands of CHIJ & St Margarets Secondary Schools)

From 5th to the 8th of December, CHIJ Band worked closely with SMSB. Dr Lynch began every practice with useful exercises to aid the quality of the sound produced. He focused and worked on both major and minor details of the music to ensure an excellent presentation of all pieces. Dr Lynch made sure the band was in tune at all times. He did tuning exercises to ascertain this. He also ensured that the band was playing together as one at the tip of his baton, watching him as he conducted the pieces.

All these produced effective results as the overall sound of the band became much fuller and richer. Moreover, Dr Lynch’s instructions were clear. This allowed the band to perform up to standards and play the repertoire more neatly and with more organisation. Both bands have definitely improved quickly under his patient teaching and guidance.

(Rehearsal scene at St Margaret’s Band Room)

The 9th of December marked an exciting day for both CHIJ Band and SMSB. It was both bands’ first combined concert entitled, An Evening with Dr Lynch, at Catholic Junior College’s Performing Arts Centre.

The band showcased their versatility as they performed pieces ranging between the two extremes of the music spectrum. Dr Lynch kept eye contact with every single member of the band. This allowed us to react immediately with the way he conducted to suit the music. The band was focused and played well, keeping the audience entertained with the repertoire chosen by Dr Lynch.

(CHIJ Band with her bandmaster)

Both bands have learnt a lot under Dr Lynch. It was certainly an eventful night for everyone. You can count on both bands to work harder. Come 2007, the band promises an even better concert which will leave the audience in awe.

Tan Shu-Ning Alyssa
Band Majorette