“Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.” – Ludwig van Beethoven

On 24 July 2008, Republic Polytechnic Wind Symphony (RPWS) set another milestone yet again when we participated in the first ever Singapore International Band Festival 2008 on home ground, The Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC).

The prestigious band festival aims to promote band activities beyond schools while providing an excellent platform to raise the profile of Singapore’s involvement in the wind band genre internationally. It also allows bands to continuously strive for excellence and unleash their potential and creativity in the best way possible. Other than the competition, workshops, outreach concerts and band exchanges enhanced the participating bands’ experience.

The competition was adjudicated by high-profile and renowned music directors: Mr Toshio Akiyama (Honorary President, Asia Pacific Band Director Association), Mr Douglas Bostock (Principal Conductor, Aargau Symphony Orchestra, Switzerland; Principal Guest Conductor, Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra; Principal Guest Conductor, Czech Chamber Philharmonic), Mr Dennis Johnson (Past President/Parliamentarian, World Association for Symphonic Bands & Ensembles), Mr Surapol Thanyawibool (Music Director, Kasetsart University, Thailand), Mr Simon Yau (Composer, Hong Kong), MAJ Philip Tng (Senior Director of Music, Singapore Armed Forces Band) and Mr Richard Adams (Head of Music, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore).

RPWS chose to participate in Division I, placing us alongside tough competitors such as Ngee Ann Polytechnic Concert Band, Raffles Girls’ School Symphonic Band, Raffles Institution Military Band and Philharmonic Youth Winds. This, however, did not deter the band in the least.

The day started with all RPWS members attending class as per normal. After informing facilitators of our early departure from class for the competition, we assembled in TRCC for warm-ups and our final rehearsal. After which we changed in to our formal concert attire and were on stand-by in Theatre backstage. Pressure set in as we heard the high standards of the competing bands backstage.

3pm, and it was showdown. Right after the Stage Manager gave the signal, RPWS members stepped on to the stage looking grand and confident with our shiny instruments. Concert attendees, RPWS alumni and friends of the band cheered us on and extended their support. The band only had 25 minutes of stage time, which gave added anxiety as penalty would be accorded if we exceeded the maximum time given.

The band was all fired up as Resident Conductor CPT Muhamad Yusri raised his baton for the first beat of our choice piece, Gloriosa: Symphonic Poem for Band (composed by Japanese composer Yasuhide Ito). As each musician played their part with technical precision, beautiful sounds of Gloriosa filled the Theatre. The band savoured every minute of their time on stage. The tension and stress accumulated earlier subsided as we settled in to the music, moving members of the audience with the inspirational and delightfully-arranged composition.

By 3:30pm, everything that could be done had been done. The performance was said to be a good one, but no one knew for sure and we could only wait. There was relief but there was also fear because of the uncertainty.

Finally, the time for the announcement of results came. Band representatives assembled to collect their certificates and prizes on stage. Cheers resounded in the hall as each band was given their results. Hushes came right after the cheers as the organisers wasted no time by going on to the next band’s results immediately.

Members jumped from their seats as the score was flashed on screen: 83.14%, Silver Medal! RPWS rose above the other bands and clinched 2^nd position in Division I Competition of the inaugural Singapore International Band Festival. This being the first time RPWS participated in a competition, being just 10 points away from highly-regarded top band Philharmonic Youth Winds is an affirmation of the band’s steady growth over the past 5 years. For the members, that night was purely surreal. Yet another incredible chapter added to RPWS’ history.

The competition was overwhelming, but we were proud to have done justice. At the same time while marking a new beginning for the very young band, it also bears testimony that RPWS can outshine the more established bands with hard work and determination. It was a truly fruitful and enriching experience for all band members. One will never forget the tireless and countless hours of practice to achieve this feat.

We hope this experience would open doors to bigger opportunities in the future. We look forward to your support as RPWS continues to bring music to RP and the community in the years to come.

Special thanks goes out to:

• Republic Polytechnic,
• The Republic Cultural Centre,
• Create.Republic Club and Create Club Advisors,
• IG Advisors, Mr Wilbur Tan & Ms Kelly Kuan,
• Organisers of Singapore International Band Festival (SIBF)

for providing support and guidance in our journey of exploration and development.

Words by Muhammad Nur Sadiq (RPWS Vice-President AY08/09)
Image editing by Stanley Tan (RPWS Alumni & Co-founder)
Edited by Kelly Kuan (Advisor to RPWS and Create.Republic, TRCC)

Tags: Article, SIBF, SILVER

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