St Patrick's Military Band on the March - A Photo Essay
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Bugle, fife and drum - these were the only three instruments trotted out by a ragtag band of young musicians back in 1953 when they formed Singapore's first school military band. Since then, St Patrick School's Military Band has carried off a 56-year long tradition of foot-tapping performances and show-stopping parades. Today, the nearly 100-strong band boasts a shelf of medals from local and international competitions where the boys have blown away the competition, with rousing displays of musical precision and fleet-footed fanfare.
It might come as a surprise that many of the band members join the ensemble with little or even no musical experience. To encourage students to appreciate this art and foster a sense of musicianship, the school gives each member of every fresh Sec 1 cohort a chance to try out for the band in a series of auditions held over several days.
Alumni members, too, play a big role in the band's culture and add to the camaraderie when they pop back during practices to lend a hand (or listening ear). "In fact, it was the alumni members that helped bring me up to speed when I first took over as the teacher-in-charge," says Ms Chen Li Yan, who has been coordinating the band for six years. The bandmaster and conductor, Mr David Glosz, is also a former band member.
Take a closer look at what makes the St Patrick's School Military Band special, in this intimate photo essay featuring band members present and past.
Transporting equipment, including the bulky percussion instruments, is part and parcel of a band's logistical duties. All band members are expected to help move the instruments.
"This is the Room of Excellence - If you are not prepared, do not enter!" This sign above the Band Room doorway remind both students and parents of the heavy commitment required of band members, who must attend up to three practices or sectionals weekly.
The band has performances scheduled throughout the year, so uniforms are always kept ready for use.
Bass clarinettist and Sec 4 student Joshua Lowe (middle) has recently taken over the helm as drum major. His duties include ensuring band practices run smoothly and briefing band members before performances."I have to lead them to have the same mindset and stay focused," he said.
As a marching band, the cadets take part in drills and are organised according to rank. Cadets have to pass certain criteria to get promoted to the next rank.
The band's repertoire includes popular favourites like YMCA, Twist and Shout and bossanova staples like Oye Como Va.
The Sec 1 band made their debut performance at their school's Open House in 2009.
The band has chalked up numerous awards and prizes over the years. This year, they secured their 10th consecutive Gold Medal at the Singapore Youth Festival. The Band has also won awards at international events such as the 2006 Pacific Basin Music Festival in Hawaii.
During the regular band practices, breaks between sets provide brief moments for fun and laughter.
The brass section, featuring instruments such as cornets (pictured) and trombones, constitutes the largest section in the band.
Attendance and punctuality demonstrate the band members' commitment and enthusiasm.
A music library stores a wealth of scores that form the band's repertoire.
Band members use electronic tuners to tune the instruments and keep them humming along in key.
The senior band performs while their juniors listen.
There is a strong bond between current band members and the school alumni, who frequently return to help out during practices and assist teachers when the band goes on tour. "We love the band and we don't find it a chore to come back," says former band member Mohamed Rauf Redza b Mohamed Fauzi (right).
Benjamin Lim (right), a former drum major, gives some pointers to Sec 2 student Jonathan Seet, who plays the drum set. Jonathan joined the band with no musical experience. "I really wanted to get into the band," he said. In a show of support, his parents signed him up for drum lessons so that he can improve his skills.
Smart tuxedos are donned for formal concerts.
With or without their instruments at hand, band members are an energetic and motivated bunch.
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