Concert Band

Name of Teachers

Mrs. Patricia Lau (Overall I/C)

About the CCA

The Woodlands Ring Secondary School Concert Band (WRS Concert Band) is a dynamic CCA which promises an activity-filled and musically engaging experience for our students.

Led by our band directors Mr. Ben Pei and Mr.Yeo Jia Yuan, students are exposed to a variety of music from different genres – ranging from band classics, marches, oldies to K-pop and modern-day popular music. WRS Concert Band contributes to the aesthetically vibrant culture of the school by regularly performing at various school functions like Uniformed Group CCAs’ Commemorative Day parades and WRS NDP parade. We are also an active contributor to the community by performing at Chinese New Year dinner and National Day Parade events organised by Woodlands CC.

To help further the playing competencies of our students, we regularly participate in exchange programmes with other secondary schools and attend master classes by professional tutors and conductors. Students with prior music experience or with music talent may also be invited to be part of the Talent Development Programme where they are given additional opportunities to perform and explore different forms of music making. Students are also given the opportunity to perform virtually through e-performances and recordings.

In line with our school mission to nurture responsible, caring and independent individuals, WRS Concert Band frequently collaborates with other CCAs to perform, like parades for NCC Commemorative, NPCC Commemorative and NCDCC Commemorative Days, and National Day. Our students had also the opportunity to experience public performance for Lions Club Nanyang 21st Anniversary Charity Lunch and School Production: A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

WRS Concert Band strives to give students a rewarding learning experience where they can grow as individuals and as musicians throughout their journey with us.

Achievement(s)

2024

• WRSS School Production: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

2023

• SYF Arts Presentation for Concert Bands - Certificate of Accomplishment

2021

• SYF Arts Presentation for Concert Bands - Certificate of Accomplishment (for Evaluation Band)
• SYF Arts Presentation for Concert Bands - Certificate of Participation (for Development Band)
• NDP Collaboration with Music Elements Pte. Ltd (‘Home’ song)

2020

• WRSS Shared Memories Production

Others On 19 Jan 2020, the Band put up the ninth of its Bravissimo! series of concerts, Bravissimo! IX. The Band has also performed at the school’s Public Performance in 2020 and 2024.

Frequency of CCA

School Term

• Mondays: 2.30 – 5.30 pm

• Fridays: 1.30 - 5.30 pm

Frequency will increase to 3 times per week close to major performances including

• School/Public Performances/Concerts
• Band Investiture
• Singapore International Band Festival
• School’s National Day Parade
• SYF Central Judging for Concert Bands

School Holiday

• March holidays : 1 - 2 sessions*
• June holidays : 2 sessions* a week for first and last week
• November/December holidays : 2 sessions* a week for at least 4 weeks

-each session will stretch from 9 am to 5 pm, separated by 1-hour lunch breaks

Others

• Camps will be organised during the school holidays. Students may be expected to stay overnight for residential camps.
• Public performances or additional practices can take place on weekends/public holidays.
• Exchange programmes with other local bands or concerts are normally planned on Saturdays or during holidays.
• Sectional Practices initiated by students

Expenses to be borne by students

• Band T-shirt (est. $16, to be used for 4 years)
• Music File ($12)
• Tuner ($35)
• Concert attire
• Band Camp (est $10/camp)
• Music Theory Book (Grade 1 & 2) – Edusave deduction available

Note: FAS students will make partial payments.

Targeted Student Profile

Students who are fond of music, possess a teachable attitude and are willing to commit to the CCA for the whole of his/her Secondary school life. Students with prior music experience are preferred, but not a requirement.

The band expects a high level of commitment, discipline, resilience and accountability from its members. Members must pass stipulated assessments to qualify for participation in performances (e.g. SYF)

CCA Trial Procedures

Students will go through up to five training stations and an interview. The first four training stations will involve students attempting to produce sound on the different instrument groups (flute / single reed / lower brass / higher brass). The fifth station assesses students’ rhythm and tone.

The assessment will either be done by the music director, teachers, or recorded with the help of senior band members. The whole selection process may take up to 1.5 hours to complete.

*Target number of students

20

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