Ngee Ann Polytechnic Concert Band

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NP ARTS FIESTA 2012
NP CONCERT BAND PRESENTS:
NOSTALGIA: WHEN I WAS YOUNG
Date: 27th October 2012
Time: 7pm-9pm
Venue: Music Box @ Seventy3, Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Price: $10 (All proceeds go towards the President Challenge 2012)
How to Purchase Tickets: Visit the NP Arts Fiesta Website or inquire with any band member!

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Thursday 25 October 2012

10:06

LOFT CHECK-IN
Loft units will be ready for check-in by 5pm. Unit numbers and pass codes will be messaged to all SLs. Please do not change the pass code without informing us in advance. Do note that you will not be allowed out of kismis avenue after 11pm so do be careful. Thank you for your cooperation! :)

EXTRA REHEARSALS FOR ENSEMBLE GROUPS
Music Box will be available for use on Friday (26th October 2012) from ~2pm-10pm. We will be shifting percussion instruments during the noon, Music Box will be ready for use once we are done. Please contact Ashley/Terence if you are interested in using Music Box. There will be no sound/lighting/stage assistance provided. First come first serve. :)

PLEASE KEEP AWAY (1/2 METER AWAY) FROM THE WHITE SCREEN AT THE BACK OF THE STAGE.
(it is custom made and costs near $100k so please please please be careful)

REMEMBER TO RETURN THE CHAIRS AND STANDS TO THEIR ORIGINAL POSITION AFTER USING. THANK YOU!

CONCERT DAY (27 OCTOBER 2012)

There are changes in the agenda for the day is as follow:

No	Time	Activity	Remarks
1.	2.30PM	Reporting time for all members	· Band room
2.	3.00PM – 5.00PM	Full Band Rehearsal	· Music Box
3.	5.00PM-5.45PM	Full Dry Run	· Together with Emcee
4.	5.45PM-6.45PM	Dinner + Dress Up	· Please adhere strictly to time
5.	6.45PM-7.00PM	STANDBY	· Ensemble performers to be ready and lined up backstage · Non-ensemble performers to report back at band room
6.	7.30PM	Non-ensemble performers move in	· Non-ensemble performers move to dressing room area above backstage (PLEASE KEEP QUIET)
7.	8.00PM	Intermission	· All members to be present back stage
8.	8.05PM	STANDBY	· Members to be lined up in your respective rows
9.	8.15PM-9.15PM	2^nd Half of the Concert	· Enjoy J
10.	9.15PM-10.00PM	Keeping of Equipment and Goodbye!	· Thank you all for your hard work! J

Attire (male): White long sleeved shirt, black long pants, black leather shoes, red bowtie.

Attire (female): White long sleeved blouse, black knee length skirt, black pumps, red bowtie.

Optional accessories suggestions: RED/WHITE/BLACK hair accessories, suspenders, geek specs.

Please arrange your scores in the order of the repertoire, there will be a file check today (25/10/2012) (check the whiteboard in band room).

Sunday 14 October 2012

21:48

Hi guys, apologies for not updating this blog regularly :(
All updates in this post will be concerning our upcoming Arts Fiesta concert!

NP ARTS FIESTA 2012

NP CONCERT BAND PRESENTS:

NOSTALGIA: WHEN I WAS YOUNG

Date: 27th October 2012

Time: 7pm-9pm

Venue: Music Box @ Blk 73, Ngee Ann Poly

Price: $10 (All proceeds go towards the President Challenge 2012)

How to Purchase Tickets: http://www.npartsfiesta.com/ or inquire with any band member! :D

ONE: STREET PARADE (Arts Fiesta)

Members are HIGHLY encouraged to participate in (CCA POINTS will be given! :D). Attendance for all COMMITTEE MEMBERS is COMPULSORY. Details are as follow:

Date: 17th October 2012 (Wednesday).

Reporting Time & Venue: 4pm at Atrium (at the tables on the tiered levels near the big ledges)

Attire: Band Tee, bottoms preferably in blue/green/red/yellow. No slippers allowed.

Route of Parade: Atrium > Zebra Crossing > Sheltered pathway along the field > Block 73

TWO: FLASHMOB PERFORMANCE (Arts Fiesta)

Catch NP Concert Band's Brass Quintet in action during lunchtime! We need and sincerely invite members to be around at the venue (please eat lunch there for the day? :D) to help out with promoting our arts fiesta concert. It's a very simple and easy task! More details about this "task" will be announced during band practice on Monday, but as of now:

Date: 19th October 2012 (Friday)

Time: 12.15-1.30pm (We will be appearing sometime during this period)

Venue: Canteen 4 (near Mechanical Engineering blocks), may be changed

THREE: ENSEMBLE GROUPS REHEARSAL

There will be a day set aside for the ensemble groups to conduct sound check and have a run through for their performance. Details are as follow:

Date: 23rd October 2012 (Tuesday)

Time: 5.45pm-9.30pm (Report at band room, start moving out percussion instruments)

Order of ensemble groups for REHEARSAL ONLY is as follow:

1) Junior Clarinet Ensemble (6.30-7pm)

2) Senior Clarinet Ensemble (7-7.30pm)

3) Stage Band (7.30-8pm)

4) Brass Quintet (8-8.30pm)

5) Percussion Ensemble (8.30-9pm)

6) Year 3s Ensemble (9-9.30pm)

Due to groups with members on internship, they have been given a later slot. This is the only chance for the ensemble groups to conduct soundcheck so please try your best to come! :D Rehearsals will start on time. We are running on a tight schedule and we apologize that we will be unable to wait for any latecomers.

FOUR: THE BIG DAY (27TH OCTOBER 2012)

The agenda for the day is as follow:

Time	Activity
2.45pm	Band room and Music Box (along with the Controller Room) will be opened. Start shifting percussion instruments and stands followed by other instruments.
4.00 – 5.45pm	Rehearsals (in Music Box) starts
5.45 – 6.45 pm	Dinner and dress-up
6.45 pm SHARP	Report at Music Box backstage

Attire (male): White long sleeved shirt, black long pants, black leather shoes, red bowtie.

Attire (female): White long sleeved blouse, black knee length skirt, black pumps, red bowtie.

Optional accessories: RED/WHITE/BLACK hair accessories, suspenders, geek specs.

Please arrange your scores in the order of the repertoire (check the whiteboard in band room).

FIVE: LOFT@94 OVERNIGHT STAY

Check-in day: 25th October 2012

Check-out day: 29th October 2012

Timings will be released at a later date.
INDEMNITY FORM is due on MONDAY (15th October 2012)! Please print your indemnity forms here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/npconcert/10151092908577966/

_________________________________________________________________________________

Currently, we only have 4 PRACTICES LEFT (full band) and 1 PRACTICE LEFT (ensemble) before the start of rehearsals. We hope to have your utmost cooperation in attending practices and focus hard on mastering the pieces okay! We can do this! :D

P/S: PLEASE SELL YOUR TICKETS HARD. ZEALOUSLY. FERVENTLY. PASSIONATELY. Let's aim for a FULL HOUSE! THANKS :D

Cheers,

NPCB Committee

Sunday 17 June 2012

15:34

Dear band members,

Here are some updates regarding the Malaysia Trip.

1. There will be a uniform check & a file check on Monday (18 June 2012).

For guys: Blazer+tie, white long sleeved shirt, black trousers, black leather shoes.

For girls: Blazer, white long sleeved blouse, black below knee length skirt, black court shoes/covered high heels.

Files: Othello, Sichi-Go-San, Locomotion, Shrek Dance Party

SLs, PLEASE PREPARE YOUR SECTION GIFTS. Sorry for the last minute changes.

2. Below is the link to the powerpoint presentation that the travel agents gave on Monday. For those who have not seen it, please take a moment to read it as it contains essential information about the trip.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1gLMd795-HxltEpsKfvQWvL0iLHKSPn-WkYQ6oPksRFY/edit#slide=id.p14

3. Below is the packing list that the Welfare has prepared for all of you, so do remember to pack according to the list.

For those who do not have the NP t-shirt, please go Co-Op and buy on Monday ($4) or borrow from your friends! :D

For the MPO concert, guys MUST wear a formal suit/tuxedo,

girls please wear nice dinner/cocktail dresses. Not the casual ones.

Or for both genders you can opt to re-wear your concert attire.

I would advise that each of your luggage should be around 8kg and NOT exceed 10kg (excluding your instruments & electronic items).

NP Concert Band – Malaysia Trip June 20-24 2012
Recommended Packing List

• 3 sets of normal clothes (for going-out)
• 1 pair of Jeans
• 1 Ngee Ann T-Shirt (compulsory)
• 1 Band T-Shirt (compulsory)
• Jacket/Sweater
• Band Uniform (White Long-sleeved shirt, NP Blazer, black pants/skirt,
court shoes)
• Sleeping Attire
• Undergarments (sufficient)
• Covered shoes for day wear (NO SLIPPERS – only in hotel)
• Personal toiletries (Shampoo, Soap, Towel, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, etc.)
• Towel (applicable)
• Personal Medication
• Water Bottle
• Instrument and Accessories
• Band File (Black A4 Sized)
• Pencil
• Electronic items (at own risk)
• $20 SGD and $100 RM (Food and Spending Money)
Note: Spending money is up to personal usage. However, you are only allowed to buy up to $400 worth of goods from Malaysia (Singapore immigration rules).

4. Here are a few house rules that all members MUST adhere to (or else strict disciplinary action will be taken) :

Members are to move around with at least ONE person with them. DO NOT go off on your own as it may cause many troubles.
In the event that you are lost, please go to the nearest RETAIL SHOP or PAYPHONE and request to use it. I (Ashley) will be giving out my number to you again when we reach KL.
No smoking & no alcohol consumption (food/drinks).
Members are allowed to go to the opposite gender's room but DO NOT sleep in the opposite gender's room. The committee will be doing checking rounds after lights off and morning calls.
Adequate time will be given for all members before lights off, so when it's lights off, it's literally lights off. (Please understand as you all need to have full energy for a long day ahead).
You are to report to Ms Faith/Ashley/Terence if you are going out of the hotel premises (even if it's just the supermarket opposite).
Members are to report 15minutes earlier than the stipulated timing. The buses will not be waiting for latecomers.
DRINK LOTS OF WATER. (yes, this is a rule).
Enjoy the trip! :)

5. Here is the full itinerary for your reference.

ITINERARY

20th June 2012 (Wednesday) Lunch / Dinner

0730hrs Band members to assemble in school for attendance taking

To load luggage and band instruments into coach

0815hrs Custom clearance in Tuas – 2nd Link

1000hrs Depart customs via North South Highway to Kuala Lumpur

1200hrs Lunch at Yong Peng Garden Restaurant

1330hrs Continue coach travel to Kuala Lumpur (Shah Alam)

1630hrs Welcome and arrival at Concorde hotel, Shah Alam

1635hrs Unload of luggage and band instruments into hotel conference room

1700hrs Collection of hotel room keys and checking in process

Rest – Free and Easy

1800hrs Buffet Dinner in the hotel

1900hrs Evening practice in the conference ballroom

2130hrs Debrief / Rest

21st June 2012 (Thursday) Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

0630hrs Rise and Shine (Morning Call)

0700hrs Buffet Breakfast will be served in the hotel

0815hrs Load up of band instruments into the coach for exchange with local Malaysian bands in the afternoon

0900hrs Transfer to downtown for some time for shopping and free and easy time / or to transfer to another school for ½ a day band exchange

1145hrs Depart by coach for lunch

1230hrs Set Lunch at Local Restaurant

1300hrs Depart for Hin Hwa High School band exchange in the school

1400hrs Set Up of instruments and exchange with the school

To be arranged by Mr Chan (a local band director from Malaysia)

1700hrs Exchange ends / Load instruments into the coach

1715hrs Transfer to town for dinner

1730hrs Transfer to Time Square for own time

2130hrs Depart for hotel / Rest

22nd June 2012 (Friday) Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

0730hrs Rise and Shine (Morning Call)

0830hrs Buffet Breakfast will be served in the hotel

0900hrs Full Day Band Workshop and Master class with Mr Chan in the hotel

1300hrs Buffet Lunch in the hotel

1400hrs Afternoon Band workshop and Master class with Mr Chan in the hotel

1700hrs Session end/ Transfer to KLCC

1800hrs Dinner and free time

2130hrs Assemble and transfer back to hotel

2230hrs Debrief and rest

23rd June 2012 (Saturday) Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

0730hrs Rise and Shine (Morning Call)

0800hrs Buffet Breakfast will be served in the hotel / Free and Easy

1000hrs Assemble at hotel lobby and load instrument into the coach

1030hrs Transfer to SMJK Kwang Hua school for exchange and concert in the evening

1200hrs Lunch will be arranged in the school

1400hrs After lunch / cross exchange and practice with the school

1730hrs Early dinner in the school / Change to band uniform and standby by 1900 hrs

1900hrs Night Concert in the school

2200hrs Concert ends! Load instrument into the coach and transfer back to hotel

2300hrs Debrief and rest

24th June 2012 (Sunday) Breakfast

0730hrs Rise and Shine

0830hrs Buffet Breakfast served in the hotel

1100hrs Check-out / Loading of luggage into coaches

1130hrs Depart hotel for KLCC

1230hrs Arrival / Own lunch at KLCC food court

1445hrs Attend a performance by the Malaysian Philharmonic

Orchestra at KLCC at 1500 hrs

1700hrs MPO performance ends at 1700 hrs / Coach transfer back to Singapore

1900hrs Stopover at North South Highway for toilet breaks and own dinner

Remarks: Fast food lunch - A&W or Burger King Restaurants

1940hrs Return back to coach for transfer via North South Highway back to Singapore

2200hrs Custom Clearance (Malaysia / Singapore)

2300hrs Back to Ngee Ann Polytechnic (Unpack and unload instruments)

2330hrs Home Sweet Home!

Please note that all the above itinerary and timing are all subject to changes

6. This point is about your big korkors and jiejies who will be in charge of you.

TAKE NOTE OF THE NEW CHANGES!

We will be having 5 big groups with a leader and an assistant (newly added) in each group, as stated below:

Clarinet (Leader: Chee Yuan, Asst. Leader: Nigel)
Flute & French Horn (Leader: Samantha, Asst. Leader: Jinxiu)
Saxophone & Euphonium & Tuba (Leader: Jingwen, Asst. Leader: Dulcia)
Trumpet & Bassoon (Leader: Cindy, Asst. Leader: Wenlu)
Percussion & Trombone (Leader: Ze Hao, Asst. Leader: Thanapong)

Bus 1: Woodwinds (Excluding Bassoon), F. Horn, Euph & Tuba

(Bus IC: Jiayi, you are to make sure all members are on board before departing)

Bus 2: Bassoon, Trumpet, Trombone & Percussion

(Bus IC: Shilee, you are to make sure all members are on board before departing)

Room IC (boys): Chee Yuan

Room IC (girls): Ashley

Overall IC: Terence (whatever MAJOR problems you might face, please find him)

7. Please take care of your own personal belongings. Bring your electronic items at your own risk, we will not be responsible for any loss of items. It is advised that you don't bring too many branded goods with you (eg: expensive watch/bag). Always keep a lookout and keep your belongings close to you.

8. Try to refrain from using vulgarities during the exchange programme alright? :D

9. Extra information on shopping:

KLCC: Branded goods haven (You might be interested in Uniqlo here but the prices are around the same), very nice and huge outdoor park/playground, in the middle of twin towers.

Times Square: Female fashion heaven (lots of cheap clothes+awesome shoes), tons of facial product shops, mini indoor theme park w roller coaster, cinema, kbox, arcade.

Shopaholics would want to bring more $$ to spend, but remember, NO MORE THAN $400!

10. Before leaving your house on the wee hours on Wednesday morning:

Please double check whether you have your essential items along with you (instrument, luggage, concert uniform, file & pencil). We will not be waiting for you to return home to retrieve your forgotten items and you will have to find your own way to KL.

Please remember to practice your parts as I know all of you would want to make a good lasting impression on the KL bands! :D

Cheers,

Ashley!

Thursday 10 May 2012

16:53

Apa khabar semua ahli-ahli pancaragam~

(time to start learning a bit of Malay hehe)

Firstly,

The details of the KL trip which was handed out last Thursday will be posted here.

KL TRIP 20-24 JUNE 2012

Dates	20 - 24 June 2012
Estimated cost	$650 per student. Each student pays $325 after 50% subsidy.
Trip highlights	a. Practices, exchanges and master classes with the local high school band, b. Perform at the Putrajaya Concert Hall, and c. Attend a Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra concert at KLCC
Exchange Partner	Hin Hua High School Wind Band
No of students	60 (estimated)
Selection Criteria	Members will be selected to go on the trip based on their active participation in the club, contributions in all performances, critical roles, as well as potential leadership in the club. (Freshmen can be included, but priority is for existing band members.)

Proposed Itinerary

Day 1

(Wednesday,

20 June)

· Assemble in school for attendance taking and loading of luggage and band instruments onto coach
· 5-6 hours travel to KL
· Evening practice in the hotel conference ballroom

Day 2

(Thursday,

21 June)

· Visit and exchange programme with local Malaysian high school bands

Day 3

(Friday,

22 June)

· Visit and exchange programme with local Malaysian high school bands

Day 4

(Saturday,

23 June)

· Concert rehearsal at Putrajaya Concert Hall
· Full concert with 6 different schools at night at Putrajaya Concert Hall.

Day 5

(Sunday,

24 June)

· Watching a Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra concert at Petronas Twin Towers (3-5pm)

· Return trip to Singapore, arriving at 11pm.

Do note of the changes in the itinerary!

Secondly,

ATTENDANCE FOR SECTIONALS WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT FOR THE 70% ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT.

Please do go for your respective sectionals each week! Rooms will be provided for sectionals starting from next week (14th May 2012).

Practices are as follow:

Mondays (6-9.30pm) - Brass and Percussion combined rehearsal with Mr. Tan

Tuesdays (6-9.30pm) - Woodwind combined rehearsal with Mr. Tan

Thursdays (6-9.30pm) - Full band rehearsal with Mr. Tan

Lastly,

An audition will be held to select members to go for SIBF.

Time: 6-9.30pm

Venue: Blk 73 01-55 (A meeting room at the club room area)

Please bring along your own Si-Chi-Go San and Othello scores.

Do start working on it and practice hard, ALL THE BEST!

The schedule for the audition will be out soon, we will keep you informed during band practice next week.

Going for SIBF will earn you good exposure, experience and of course, CCA POINTS!

So please try out for the audition, believe in yourself! :D

And remember, we must be able to commit for this competition and strive for the best result! ^^

Cheers,

Ashley :)

Our Band Director

ME4 Tan Aik Kee Steven started learning the clarinet when he was at a tender age of 7. During his studies in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, he performed as a Clarinetist for the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Concert Band and was also appointed as the band’s Concert Master and Student Conductor. Upon graduation, he continued to be the assistant conductor for the band and the conductor for the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Alumni Band.

In 1993, ME4 Tan was enlisted into the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Band and has served as Concert Master for the SAF Central Band since. In 1998, he was selected to attend the Drum Major Course in the Defence Force School of Music, Melbourne. In recognition of his dedication to the SAF Bands, he was awarded the 'Excellent Award' by the Defence Administrative Group, Ministry of Defence of Singapore that same year. During his stint as a musician in the SAF, ME4 Tan became an Associate of the Trinity College of London and Licentiate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1997 and 1998 respectively.

In 2001, ME4 Tan was offered a scholarship by the SAF to pursue the Bandmaster Course in the Royal Military School of Music (RMSM), Kneller Hall, UK. During his stay in the UK, ME4 Tan was sponsored by the school to participate in the UK 2004 National Association of Brass Bands Conductors (NABBC) Young Conductors competition. He won the first prize during the semi-finals in London and the Southern Counties and went on to win the third prize during the National Finals.

Upon his graduation from RMSM, he was awarded 'The Besson Cup' for gaining the highest marks in the academic examinations, “The Graham Wallace Award” for being the best overseas student, 'The Chorale Prize' for best in chorale setting, 'The Fred Mortimer Memorial Prize' for best in brass band arrangement, 'The Jaeger Trophy' for gaining the highest marks in secondary instruments studies and 'The Principal Director of Music Prize' for best in conducting. ME4 Tan graduated with a First Class Honours Bachelor degree in Music.

Currently, ME4 Tan is the Director of Music of the Singapore Armed Forces Central Band, serving as a Senior Military Expert (Military Expert 4), and is a loving husband of Justina and a proud father of two boys, Jeremy and Cale.

Our Band

The Ngee Ann Polytechnic Concert Band was established in 1983 under the baton of Mr. Yeo Poong Poh. The idea of forming a band was conceived by our 4th principal, Mr. Chen Hung, a noted music lover.

The band holds two public concerts yearly, namely “POPS ‘N’ CLASSICS” and “RONDEAU”. RONDEAU is held to further strengthen the relationship among the alumni and main band members.

RONDEAU was first staged in 1986 in Victoria Concert Hall after the 1st POPS ‘N’ CLASSICS. The name RONDEAU means ‘coming around’.

The band has participated in events such as the Penang Arts Festival, which marked the starting point of the band’s many expeditions abroad, included a cultural exchange to Perth in October 2006.

Besides its annual performances, NP Concert Band performs regularly for the NP’s student body and the public such as the Singapore Arts Festival - Fringe, CCA Fiesta, NP Open House and Ngee Ann Art Festivals.

ME4 Tan Aik Kee Steven took over the title of resident conductor in 2004 and has since then brought the band to greater heights.

The band took part in the opening of the prestigious World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensemble (WASBE) 2005. The band also clinched a silver medal in the 1st National Bands Competition (Open Division) in 2006.

The band was invited by the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts to perform for their National Day Observance Ceremony. In addition, the band was awarded the Most Outstanding Societies Award (Art and Cultural) in 2005/2006.

In 2009, the band, together with NP Strings, staged the first ever combined concert, Ripieno, at Victoria Concert Hall. Through this concert, the members of both clubs have built up wonderful friendships and had an unforgettable experience playing in an Orchestra.

In 2010, the band took part in Singapore International Band Festival (First Division) and clinched a silver medal with score of 84.14%.

In 2011, the band was invited to perform for an event "Music In The City" held at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza. Through this performance, the band members have gained an exceptional experience performing at Orchard Road and bond with each other.

In our love for music-making, we hope to continue this amazing musical journey together...

Musicians

WOODWINDS	BRASSES	PERCUSSION
Flutes Samantha Tan Jing Yu * Siow Wei Yi Teo Mei Zhen Tang Jia Yi Tan Pei Jun Double Reeds Vanessa Goh Nur Amirah Clarinets Chong Bing Hong * Tan Si Yuan Kimberly Ho Lilin Tan Hui Min Nur Fitri Bte Suthree Ho Chee Yuan Khoo Jing Hui (Ashley) Wu Xiao Fan Tng Hong Xiang, Nigel Saxophones Terence Wong Wei Xiang * Hazmei bin Abdul Rahman Suryadi Dulcia Quek Yan Ling	Trumpets Tay Wen Lu * Andy Chan Yi En Ng Jun Jie Loo Kok Hao Joey Ranald Lai Jun Liang Yam Shi Lee Terence Wong Jun Jie Shaun Loh Shawn Tan Bi Xuan Vincent Wong Ryan Hidayat French Horns James Ng Haozuo * Yeo Jin Xiu Jaben Sim Patricia Goh Glenn Teo Trombones Thanapong Puangpathumanond * Ng Ming Jie Loh Hui Qi Toh Han Wei Ong Qian Yi Sherlynn Euphoniums Hoh Jing Wen * Darren Teo Bei Liang Nur Syafiqah Tubas Teo Kay Min * Huang Can (David)	Tan Ze Hao * Leng Kang Chun Arif Haikal Fatin Nadiah Gao Jing Xi Gary Koh Wang Minghao Priscilla Lim Zi Qi

* denotes Section Leader