About Republic Polytechnic Wind Symphony (RPWS)
The Republic Polytechnic Wind Symphony (RPWS) began its humble musical path on 1st August 2003 as part of the school’s Centre for Culture and Communication’s multi-faceted cultural activities by their own RP students.
Christmas Concert
December 14th, 2008 by admin received Comments Off
December 14th when most Republic Polytechnic students are having their holiday, members of the Republic Polytechnic Wind Symphony (RPWS) and Innova Junior College came together to put up an inaugural Christmas concert ‘It’s Christmas! A gift for you and me’ at The Republic Cultural Centre, Studio.
It also marks a special day for residents from Sunlove Marsiling Neighbourhood Link as they were given the opportunity to experience Christmas with RPWS. It wasn’t just an ordinary concert. A concert set out with a purpose – interaction is the key word. Audiences were greeted with festive decorations around the studio’s vicinity that were specially made for the concert.
A Christmas tree, ideally placed just outside the studio, was decorated with handwritten well wishes by the guests. Visual treats continued inside the studio where a projector screened an animated fireplace – just how Christmas season is experienced at the comfort of individual’s home. When the clock ticked 5, anxious RPWS members took their positions backstage and were prepared to set the stage rolling Christmas.
Songs such as A Christmas Festival, Suite from The Nutcracker, The Polar express, Sleigh Ride were a few out of the lot in the repertoire set to please the ears and captivate the heart of audiences. It is thought that conductors are only meant to conduct the band. Our resident Conductor, Captain Yusri took up the challenge to sing a solo on the song White Christmas.
Everyone was mesmerised in amazement as he sung the tune with much gusto. Our student conductors too set the stage to impress the audience with their newly picked up skill. Yeo Song Ren conducted White Christmas whereas Jaron Chan took the band with The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire). Both student conductors were well prepared and well received by both performers and audience alike.
The concert was made more enjoyable as laughters and joy were exchanged during the performances, which definitely creates a very warm atmosphere. Volunteers were chosen randomly and called upon by Captain Yusri in between songs. One lucky kid, at the age of 14 who has no conducting background, was hand-picked to conduct the band on the conductor’s podium in front of the band.
A nerve wrecking experience but the 14 year old boy stood as if he was a conductor all along – a brave and skilful one indeed. By the response of the audience, it was definitely everyone’s favourite. Sing along sessions was also introduced. Just that this time was needed 4 enthusiastic volunteers. Lyrics were shown on the projector screen to guide the audience through the music. In a nutshell, it was definitely a ‘gift for you and me’ the theme of the concert. Individual faces were concluded with a big warm smile and giggles as they finally come to an end of the evening’s enjoyable Christmas concert.
They were rewarded with candy canes for their effort to spend their evening’s time with RPWS. Not but not least, we would like to thank our invited guests from Sunlove Marsiling Neighbourhood Link for their presence, Republic Polytechnic and The Republic Cultural Centre for the excellent venue for rehearsals and studio.
Finally, a warm thank you to Create Republic and advisors, Mr. Wilbur Tan and Ms Kelly Kuan for their support.
Word By: Muhammad Aizat Bin Selamat (Year 3 SAS Student), Siti Nurhirda Bte S Tahir Ambar (Year 2 SAS Student) & Fatin Nazihah Bte Baharudin (Year 1 SIT Student) Edited by Yeo Wei Jin Eugene (President)
Tags: Article, Christmas, Concert
Posted under: Article, Concerts
