Friday, June 17, 2022
Hi everyone. For the past three days -7 to 9 June 2022-, our band held the Band Camp 2022. Our main objective for this band camp was to prepare ourselves for the upcoming concert, as well as to know each other better. As it was the first band camp since the Movement Control Order, we were all very excited about it.
On the first day, we had an ice-breaking session with the whole band to get comfortable with each other. After that, we met our tutors for the first time for sectional session. Mr Ales Tsok taught the Woodwind section, while Mr John Bourque instructed the Brass section and Ms Nian Shee the Percussion section. For our new members, we invited two ex-members, Teoh Jia Yong and Ong Zhi Hsuen to give them a masterclass. After a short lunch break, we had concert practice with Mr Lim, who had traveled far from Singapore to teach us. His session was eye-opening and we are able to recognize our flaws clearly and learn new techniques to improve our skills.
On the second day, we invited the Dalcroze method expert, Dr Poon Chiew Hwa, to give us a masterclass. We were able to enjoy this masterclass with the Sinfonietta members, giving us a chance to meet new people and form new bonds. The session was very fun as we got to experience learning music through movement. After that, the seniors had sectional with the tutors, while the new members had masterclasses with Avril Long and Tobias Wong, who are both ex-members of our band as well.
On the last day, we had a marching session in the morning and a whole band rehearsal with Mr Lim. And in the end, we were taught the Kodály method by Ms Low Li Yien. Through all sorts of games, we had a great time learning music in a fun and interactive way.
Through this band camp, we are able to discover our flaws and problems and learn a lot of new things. To all the tutors who have come to teach us, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts and hope to learn from you again in the near future. We are also grateful to our teacher advisors and parents for your patience and guidance throughout this whole camp.
