Young People Symphonic Band Concert

Young People's Symphonic Band (YPSB) comprises of secondary 3 musicians from Ang Mo Kio Secondary School, Commonwealth Secondary School , Xinmin Secondary School and JC1 musicians from Nanyang Junior College . The objectives of forming this band are for the young musicians to interact and exchange their various experiences that would benefit each other. Positive and better musicians will also be able to influence the less able ones. Most importantly, the JC1s and the secondary 3 students would be the key leaders and role models for respective bands in the SYF 2007 and that provided them with ample opportunity to build leadership skills required to lead the incoming batch.

YPSB was under the baton of guest conductor, Dr. Douglas Stotter. He is the Director of Bands, Associate Professor of Music and Coordinator of the Wind and Percussion Division in the Department of Music at the University of Texas Arlington . He conducted 2 master classes for each school and a total of 10 combined rehearsals.

After 1 month of exhausting yet enjoyable practices, the concert was finally held on 29 th July 2006. Each school played 1 individual piece (CMB- Under the Flag of Glory by Naito Jun'ichi, AMKSB- Simple Gifts Movement III & IV by Frank Ticheli, XMSB- High Plains Overture by James Barnes, NYJCSB- First Suite in Eflat Movement I by Gustav Holst) and together, the 4 schools combined to put up 5 pieces, namely: Joy Revisited by Frank Ticheli, Ammerland by Jacob de Haan, A Moorside Suite by Gustav Holst, Sussex Mummers Christmas Carols by Percy Grainger arr. Douglas Stotter, Variations on a Korean Folk Song by John Barnes Chance. The concert was well received and the support was fabulous. The audience filled the entire ground level of the concert hall and tickets were sold out. After each piece, rounds of cheering and applause thundered. That was the best encouragement from the audience to the young musicians.

Throughout the whole course of learning, each member has benefited individually. The goal of achieving higher musical standards in each band was met. Ultimately, each band will still be on their toes and is motivated to work hard so as to take themselves to an even higher level.

Leon Lim 0623