Da Capo X: Swingin' Good Time

NUS Wind Symphony proudly presents to you Da Capo X: Swingin’ Good Time, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Da Capo concert series! Led by our Resident Conductor A/P Ho Hwee Long and Assistant Conductor Mr Francis Tan, Da Capo X will feature a variety of tunes from Blues to Jazz and Pop, promising an unforgettable evening of fun. Swing along with all-time favourites such as An American in Paris and the spectacular theme from Mission Impossible. Be enthralled by bossa nova classic The Girl From Ipanema featuring guest vocalist Tong Miin, and A Tribute to Harry James featuring solo trumpeter Lee Jinjun. Last but not least, be captivated by our freshmen ensemble’s performance of Rhapsody in Blue featuring solo pianist Jonathan Chua. Don't miss this chance to experience a Swingin’ Good Time with the NUS Wind Symphony!


Date and Time: 18th October 2015 (Sunday), 5pm
Venue: University Cultural Centre Hall
Tickets: $15
Early-bird discounted Tickets: $12 (Valid till 1st October)


For tickets, please contact Jia Jie at 96492093, or email us at nus.wind.symphony@gmail.com
For more updates, do visit our Facebook Page on https://www.facebook.com/NUSWindSymphony

What a wonderful August!

Hola amigos!




It’s Lishan and Liting again bringing you yet another blog post on what we’ve been up to these past couple of weeks. Hope everyone has been enjoying school so far, but for now, take a break and check out the latest NUSWS happenings!




1. Student Life Fair (SLF) 


If you happened to be in Utown on 13th and 14th of August, you might have chanced upon our booth at Dance Studio of Stephen Riady Centre alongside the other CFA groups. We were heartened to see so many fresh and familiar faces popping the booth to say hello or to find out more about us. Our beloved resident conductor, Prof Ho, also dropped by to give his support!

Our beloved Prof Ho!

Our very own brass ensemble as well as flute ensemble also put up a short but stunning performance for the crowd during the fair. 
  

Brass players

And our flautists as well :)

We’re sure that all you lucky ones who managed to catch their performances enjoyed it as much as we did! Needless to say, we had a splendid time at the SLF and hope to see more and all of you again next year! 


2. HERE (lah)! 


As part of the annual CFA house party, NUSWS once again put up a light-hearted performance for the crowd who was all ready to party! Adopting a flash-mob style, our trumpets and trombones started the show with a bang, playing out of sight of the audience. As the audience started wondering where the music was coming from, the rest of us made our way in to join in the rousing chorus of ‘The Sound of Music’. The medley included tunes from the popular musical, such as ‘Do-Re-Mi ‘and ‘Edelweiss’. We even showed off our dance moves, which we’re pretty sure thoroughly entertained the audience!

Flash Mob!!!

DO~~RE~~MI~~

Wen Quan: "Rise together with me!"

Clarinetists!

Here Lah!

Photo credits: Muhammad Hafiz Rahman

We ended the night off with lots of free food and beer, and had fun taking pictures at the photo booth! Overall, it was definitely a party to remember and we hope to bring you an even better performance next year. It’s a date, so see you next year! ;) 


3. Welcome Tea


Three days after we performed for Here(lah)!, we hosted our annual Welcome Tea, to give the freshmen a feel of being a part of NUSWS. We started off with a short tuning and warm up session with our student conductor, Wen Quan, followed by combine with our assistant conductor, Mr Tan. The freshmen got a sneak peek of the pieces we were going to play for our upcoming concert, such as ‘An American in Paris’ and ‘AKB48 Medley’. It was a good opportunity for the freshmen to immerse themselves into our band culture as well as to mingle with the friendly seniors (including us!!). After the practice, we were treated to a sumptuous feast where everyone had more chances to interact with others outside of their sections. Judging from everyone’s smiles and laughter, we are sure that everyone enjoyed the food and company! 

Freshies...Freshies everywhere

We were also blown away by the huge turnout this year- a whopping 56 freshmen! It was great seeing so many new faces, all eager to join us in the NUSWS family. Of course, all good things must come to an end but we will see you again at next year’s Welcome Tea! 


4. Orientation and Band Dinner 

To officially welcome our new members, NUSWS once again held our annual Orientation and Band Dinner on 29th of August. We started the day bright and early with lots of fun and games in our favourite UTown. Instead of trudging through our endless ramblings, why not let the pictures do the talking? ;) 

What is everyone doing? xD

Must concentrate... 

Photo credits: Muhammad Hafiz Rahman

Erm...are those euphoniums or?? xD

Photo credits: Xu Yuting

Wow that sure looked fun! Well don’t be too bummed if you missed Orientation! We also had our annual Band Dinner at the usual place – Stewords Riverboat Restaurant. With good food, good ambience, and good company, what more could we ask for! 

Food!!!

Band Dinner!!!

Photo credits: Ng Zhen Ning

We were even treated to performances by our very own talented members. Ah, what a wonderful world! It sure was a long but fun-filled day (and night), and it was definitely a great start for NUSWS’ upcoming academic year! 

Bo Jun: "What a wonderful world~~~~~"

Photo credit: Ng Zhen Ning

Well that sure was a lot of updates! Meanwhile, we’ll be heading back to our books (and you probably should too haha). Do keep a lookout for more updates from us on our Facebook page and Instagram!




Till then,

Lishan & Liting

Summer Recap!

Greetings and salutations everyone! We're Lishan and Liting, the lovely sister duo, bringing you the first post of the semester!

Hi there :D

Image source: https://www.facebook.com/NUSTrioCamp

The summer holidays are coming to a close, and we hope that all of you had as much fun as we did this summer holidays. Of course, part of the fun we had during the summer break was with NUSWS, and here is a quick recap of what NUSWS was up to in the past 3 months or so:

1. Megapalooza @ Gardens by the Bay

We were warmly invited to put up a short performance for the visitors of Gardens by the Bay as part of the event, Megapalooza. With the stunning Supertrees as our backdrop, we wow-ed the crowd with familiar tunes by Japanese girl group, AKB48, Michael Buble, and even Lady Gaga. As part of the outreach, we also introduced the audience to the various sections within the band, with an individual from each section showcasing the particular instrument.

Gardens by the Bay (a gorgeous place right?)

Photo credit: Ng Zhen Ning

Fireworks!

Photo credit: Ng Zhen Ning

Wow! Mummy! Look at the trumpet! :D

Photo credit: Ng Zhen Ning

Overall, it was a fun-filled night and we are definitely looking forward to putting up more of such performances!

2. TRIO Camp

Another major project we were involved in was TRIO camp, a joint music camp organized by NUS Symphony Orchestra, NUS Jazz Band and NUS Wind Symphony. It was our second time being a part of TRIO camp and we have to admit that it just keeps getting better! It was also a good chance for us to meet new freshmen who have the same passion for music as all of us in NUSWS. Over the 3D2N, camp participants got various opportunities in exposing themselves to the 3 different music groups (tutti, haha!). Freshmen also got a chance to meet our beloved conductors, Prof Ho and Mr Tan, in a combined session on day 2. No camp is complete without a finale, and in this case, we ended off with a hearty BBQ feast outside CFA Studios under the night sky.

TRIO Camp

Image source: https://www.facebook.com/NUSTrioCamp

TRIO Camp was definitely a success, and we do hope to see most (if not all) of you back here in NUSWS when school reopens!

After all that #throwback, let's have a sneak peek into what's in store for you (and NUSWS).

1. Student Life Fair

Calling out to all you freshmen out there! Do drop by our booth at the Student Life Fair and get to know more about us; our music, our culture, our members. We are one big loving family and we are always ready to welcome anyone to join us in music-making. Feel free to ask us any questions you might have pertaining to NUSWS at our booth as well!

Here's how you can find us!

Date: 13th - 15th August

Time:11am-6pm (13-14th Aug); 4pm-7.30pm (15th Aug)

Venue: Dance Studio, Stephen Riady Centre, Utown

We will see you there at the fair (wow that rhymes!)!

2. Welcome Tea

Well if just talking to our members isn't enough...you can also get a taste of how our rehearsals are normally conducted and the type of music we play, by signing up for our Welcome Tea! Light refreshment will be provided as well (free food, FREE FOOD). :)

Here's how you can do it!

1. Click here to sign up, and RSVP at our event page: NUSWS Welcome Tea 2015
2. We will contact you through email with more details shortly after!
3. Come and join us to play good music and have loads of fun in the year to come! :)

Well, we are at the end of this post, and if you have made it thus far, thank you for sticking by and reading through all that! We will be back with more updates but in the meantime, enjoy the rest of the holidays, and we will see you when school reopens! Happy National Day! #SG50 

Till then,

Lishan & Liting

InTempo 2015: Singapore Panorama

InTempo 2015: Singapore Panorama
In conjunction with NUS Arts Festival
22 March 2015, Sunday | 8pm | University Cultural Centre Hall

We are more than excited to present to you our first major concert of the year! To celebrate Singapore50 and National University of Singapore 110th anniversary, the repertoire will feature important works by local composers.

Led by Associate Professor Ho Hwee Long, the band will present the panorama of Singapore history from Dr Zechariah Goh’s Sang Nila for wind ensemble with choir and Three Portraits for Symphonic Band by Dr Kelly Tang to Dayong Sampan, music which evoke memories of how Singapore has evolved from an idyllic fishing village to the busy rush of a modern metropolis. Other highlights include a modern arrangement of the folk song Munnaeru Vaalibaa, Taruya’s Liberty Guiding the People and climaxing in Hazo’s Exultaté.

Tickets are available through Sistic authorized agents or visit http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/intempo0315

Watch our new trailer over here:

Da Capo IX: Fantasy

NUS Wind Symphony proudly presents our ninth installment of the Da Capo series, Da Capo IX: Fantasy. Featuring popular compositions inspired by tales of fantasy, the NUS Wind Symphony takes you on a journey through the exciting landscapes of imaginary worlds we wish were real. Prepare to be swept away by some of the programme highlights, including music from Disney classic The Lion King, the magical soundtrack from the Harry Potter films - Harry’s Wondrous World, the spectacular film score from Jurassic Park and highlights from Spirited Away by Joe Hisaishi. Don’t miss this concert that will let you relive all your favorite scenes and bring fantasy worlds to life!

22 October 2014 | Wednesday | 5pm
University Cultural Centre Hall

Resident Conductor: Associate Prof Ho Hwee Long
Assistant Conductor: Mr Francis Tan
Student Conductor: Mr Wang Guoli

General Admission: $15
Early Bird Tickets: $12 (valid til 2 Oct)

For tickets, please contact Yuting at 82071838 or email nus.wind.symphony@gmail.com
For more updates, check our blog or visit us on Facebook.
RSVP to the event page here.

Band Dinner 2014

Band Dinner 2014 

(6 September 2014)

Photo credit: Ng Zhen Ning

Once again, we're back at our favourite dining place - Stewords Riverboat. For the third year, we have been holding our annual band dinner on this boat, a unique experience every member in NUS Wind Symphony have to go through. Besides appreciating the wonderful taste of the main courses, we were treated to the live performances by a few of our very talented members. Thank you everyone for that amazing night! :)

Student Life Fair 2014

Executive Committee 2014/15 Photo

Left to Right: Yuting, Yvonne, Charlie, Mitchell, Lishan and Tung

Absent: Shelley, Lixin, Kai Qin

Today marks the end of the two-day Student Life Fair 2014, from 14 August to 15 August 2014! Formally known as Matriculation Fair, the Student Life Fair is an annual event which provides the newly matriculated students with a glimpse of the vibrant student life in NUS from over 100 student clubs. We had fun manning our booth especially our very own photobooth where anyone could grab our funky handmade props and strike a pose.

Welcome Tea 2014

Group photo during Welcome Tea (14 Aug 2014)

To kick-start the new academic year, we held our annual Welcome Tea on the first week of the semester. We were delighted to see so many band enthusiasts joining us that evening despite the short notice. Nonetheless, it was a great time for both freshies and seniors to get to know each other that night. 

Everyone was greeted by our friendly secretary at the door when they registered with her and received a name tag for identification purposes. The light refreshments provided have given the members a great opportunity to interact with one another. It was heart-warming to witness some members reuniting with their fellow bandmates, as they reminiscence about their past band moments. 

InTempo 2014 by NUS Wind Symphony

NUS Wind Symphony presents our annual concert, InTempo 2014! Featuring classics such as New World Symphony and Der Brand von Bern ("The Fire of Bern"), as well as new favourites such as Machu Picchu, this concert is not to be missed! The concert will be conducted by our resident conductor, A/P Ho Hwee Long, as well as assistant conductor Mr Francis Tan. Don’t miss your chance and get your tickets now!

Date and Time: 30th March 2014 (Sunday), 5pm
Venue: ITE College Central Auditorium, Blk A, Level 4,
Tay Eng Soon Convention Centre, 4300 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5, S(569869)

Getting there: Bus 50, 72, 88, 192. From Bishan MRT (50, 88), from Ang Mo Kio MRT (88)

Tickets are priced at $15. For reservations, contact any NUSWS member or email us at nus.wind.symphony@gmail.com.

Full repertoire list:

1. Die Fledermaus: Selections from an Operetta in 3 Acts (Johann Strauss II, arr. Eiji Suzuki)
2. First Suite in E-flat for Military Band (Gustav Holst)
3. The Hounds of Spring (Alfred Reed)
4. New World Symphony: Finale (Antonín Dvořák, transcr. Mark H. Hindsley)
5. Machu Picchu: City in the Sky – The Mystery of the Hidden Sun Temple (Satoshi Yagisawa)
6. Amazing Grace (Frank Ticheli)
7. 1405: Der Brand von Bern “The Fire of Bern” (Mario Bürki)

Da Capo VIII - A Night at the Oscars!

NUS Wind Symphony proudly presents this year's edition of Da Capo, our concert series featuring our new freshmen talent! This year, under our resident conductor, Associate Professor Ho Hwee Long, and assistant conductor Francis Tan, we will be featuring the soundtracks of many Oscar-winning movies, such as all time favourites Star Wars, Mary Poppins and the Sound of Music. We are also proud to present the Carnival of the Animals, a musical work for two pianos and ensemble that is well known the world over. Don't miss the chance to experience A Night at the Oscars!

26 October 2013 | Saturday | 7pm
Venue: University Cultural Centre (NUS)
Conductor: Professor Ho Hwee Long
Assistant Conductor: Mr. Francis Tan
Ticket Price: $15

For tickets, please contact Xian Mei at 96968898, or email us at nus.wind.symphony@gmail.com.

Hope to see you there!