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From the Director of Music
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Sister Act
Battle of the Bands
Brodsky Quartet Visit
Formal Solo & Chamber Concert
A Night at the Musicals Cross-Phase Concerts
Musician of the Year 2026
Aladdin Kids
Tanglin by Candlelight
Singing Festival
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Around the Sections Forthcoming Events
As we reach the end of another exceptionally busy and inspiring 11week term, it is a wonderful moment to reflect on the extraordinary range of musical activity that has taken place across the school. From large-scale productions and concerts to competitions, workshops, and informal performances, the past term has been filled with energy, creativity and collaboration Most importantly, it has provided countless opportunities for our students to perform, grow and share their music with the wider community.
Featuring an impressive cast and crew of around 80 students, the production was a vibrant and joyful celebration The music, choreography and staging combined to create a truly memorable show, and it was wonderful to see so many students contributing both on stage and in the band
The ever-popular Battle of the Bands took place in early February and once again proved to be one of the highlights of the annual music calendar This year saw an incredible 23 bands from across the Senior School take to the stage. The standard of performance was phenomenal, with students demonstrating remarkable musical skill, creativity and confidence It was a fantastic evening enjoyed by performers and audience members alike, and a powerful reminder of the vibrant contemporary music culture that continues to thrive within the school.
Following the half-term break, we were delighted to welcome the renowned Brodsky Quartet, who spent time working with four of our chamber groups in a series of inspiring masterclasses These sessions provided invaluable insights into ensemble playing, interpretation and musical communication. The visiting musicians were hugely impressed by the commitment and ability of our students, and it was a privilege for our young performers to learn from such distinguished artists.
The chamber groups then had the opportunity to showcase their work at the Formal Solo and Chamber Music Concert, which was a superb evening of music-making. The programme featured challenging and authentic repertoire, performed with impressive confidence, maturity and panache. Events like this highlight the depth of musical engagement across the school and the dedication of students who pursue their instruments to an incredibly high level.
Meanwhile, our younger performers were equally busy The Year 6 production of Aladdin was a joyful and energetic show, featuring acting, dancing and plenty of enthusiastic singing. The students brought tremendous energy and character to the performances, and they should be enormously proud of what they achieved. Congratulations to all of the Year 6 students involved!
This term also featured two major Cross-Phase Concerts, which brought together musicians from across the Infant, Junior and Senior Schools The first concert showcased our Orchestral and String players, while the second focused on Woodwind, Brass and Percussion ensembles with a loose theme inspired by computer and video games. Both events were hugely enjoyable and attracted large, supportive audiences. These concerts play an important role in demonstrating the clear musical pathways available to students as they progress through the school and take part in our wide-ranging co-curricular music programme
Sandwiched between these two concerts was the fabulous Night at the Musicals concert performed by the Tanglin Philharmonia, joined by soloists from Tanglin, including both students and singing tutors. It was a brilliant evening featuring songs and medleys from a wide range of much-loved musicals, performed with style, flair and plenty of theatrical spirit.
Another significant event running throughout the term has been the Tanglin Musician of the Year competition The first round took place online and, despite the introduction of the new Concerto Competition, attracted a record-breaking 175 participants - a remarkable testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of our young musicians. The second round was held live in front of a panel of internal adjudicators, with the highest-scoring performers progressing to the finals, which took place in the final week of term. The level of performance has been truly outstanding, and we look forward to sharing more details of the finalists and winners elsewhere in this newsletter.
Also in the final week, we hosted the first-ever Tanglin by Candlelight Featuring the Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Collectives and Big Band, the event created a unique and atmospheric performance setting. It was a fantastic concept that produced a truly memorable evening of music, and we very much hope this will become a new tradition in the school’s musical calendar On the penultimate day of term, all children in Years 1–4 took part in the Singing Festival, this year inspired by the theme of David Attenborough. The performances were joyful, colourful and full of enthusiasm, celebrating the power of community singing It was a delightful event and a wonderful way to bring so many students together through music.
Alongside these major events, the term has also included a remarkable number of additional performances and activities: informal concerts, a week-long Music in the Morning, the Year 1 and Reception shows, Open Morning performances, assembly items, and outreach visits to St John’s Home for the Elderly and to Cluny Court These opportunities are incredibly important, allowing students to perform regularly and share their music with different audiences.
Looking ahead, there is much to look forward to next term. We are particularly excited to welcome acclaimed British composer Bob Chilcott for a week-long visit This will culminate in the Choral Concert at Victoria Concert Hall on 23 April, followed by a Come and Sing Day hosted by Bob on Saturday 25 April, open to singers of all ages and abilities. The Summer Arts Festival will also take place over two weeks following half term. Next term will also include a number of high-profile visits from Marcel Pusey, Ollie Tunmer and renowned British clarinettist Paul Harris. In addition, on Saturday, 23 May, we look forward to the Concerto Concert, featuring the winners of our first-ever Concerto Competition performing with the Tanglin Philharmonia at SOTA in what promises to be a superb programme of music.
Finally, sincere thanks must go to everyone who has contributed to such a vibrant musical term Congratulations to all of our performers, and heartfelt thanks to parents for their unwavering support. I would also like to acknowledge the dedication of the entire Music Department – including faculty, administrative teams, Theatre and Events colleagues, OSAs, and the Communications Department. Their collective efforts truly embody the spirit of Team Tanglin.
Rob Hall Director of Music
At the start of Term 2, Tanglin audiences were treated to a weeklong run of four sold-out performances of Sister Act the Musical. This exciting collaboration between the Music and Drama departments began back in August and brought together an impressive cast of 80 student performers, accompanied by a live show band made up of Music Scholars alongside Upper School and Sixth Form students.
The production featured the vibrant score by Broadway legend Alan Menken, with students performing the full two-hour show across a range of musical styles, including Gospel, Blues, Pop and Funk Delivering the complete Broadway orchestration was a significant achievement, requiring both musical precision and strong ensemble collaboration.
The commitment, enthusiasm and musicality demonstrated by the students were outstanding. Rehearsing for two hours each week over four months, they rose to the challenge with energy and professionalism, culminating in performances of an exceptionally high standard The result was a joyful and polished production that showcased the remarkable talent and dedication of Tanglin’s student performers. Bravo!
The 2026 edition of Battle of the Bands proved to be one of epic proportions with no less than 23 bands from Year 7 – 13 competing. The standard of all was phenomenal, making the job of our esteemed judging panel of internationally acclaimed producers, local DJs, studio owners, performers and promoters, and students particularly difficult
The audience were treated to an eclectic mix of music, including a guest performance from fabulous local band Shwin. The atmosphere was electric with everyone on tenterhooks to see who would be crowned this year’s champions. From a very closely fought contest, the Middle School runners up were Seltzer and the winners were The Tikki Rikki Machine For Upper School, the runners up were Power Rangers and the winners were The Masquerades
Keep a look out for the official video of the event which will be released soon.
We were delighted to welcome the internationally renowned Brodsky String Quartet to Tanglin for a truly inspiring morning of music-making and masterclass mentoring.
The visit began with a short performance by the Quartet, immediately captivating our students with their trademark energy, nuance, and musical storytelling Seeing musicians of such calibre perform up-close was an unforgettable experience and set the tone perfectly for the sessions that followed.
Working with four of our most advanced string chamber groups, the Brodsky Quartet challenged students to move far beyond simply playing the notes on the page Their coaching focused on the art of communication within an ensemble; how to listen deeply, respond instinctively, and breathe together as one. Students were encouraged to explore the character of their pieces, to shape musical phrases with intention, to capture shifting moods, and to create a greater sense of contrast and drama in their performances.
The sessions were both enlightening and demanding The Quartet’s insightful feedback pushed each group to refine their interpretation, sharpen their ensemble awareness, and elevate their musical expression. It was remarkable to witness the progress made in such a short space of time; each ensemble demonstrated new-found confidence and cohesion by the end of the morning.
The visit concluded with an informal showcase of the works explored during the masterclasses, a wonderful opportunity to hear the immediate impact of the Quartet’s guidance
It was a truly special visit that will resonate with our young musicians and onlookers for years to come.
This term’s Formal Solo and Chamber Music Concert offered an engaging and ambitious programme that balanced solo virtuosity with some particularly memorable chamber performances. The evening opened with the Chancery Quartet, whose stylish account of Glazunov’s Valse from Five Novelettes for String Quartet immediately set the tone for a wonderful evening of music Their confident ensemble playing and clear sense of character reflected the productive chamber coaching that had taken place the previous day in masterclasses with the Brodsky Quartet.
Solo performances followed with equal assurance. Jasmine Z. brought energy and clarity to the fiery Prestissimo from Beethoven’s Sonata in F minor, Op. 2 No. 1, while Ahaan N. captured the calm lyricism of the second movement of Creston’s Saxophone Sonata, shaping its long phrases with poise Violinist Maho F returned to the stage for Vitali’s dramatic Chaconne in G minor, delivering an expressive and virtuosic interpretation.
The Jams String Trio’s performance of Mendelssohn’s Nocturne from A Midsummer Night’s Dream demonstrated excellent ensemble awareness, with Zachary M. playing the lyrical melody on the cello. Genevieve T. then impressed with the sparkling Rondeau from Mozart’s Violin Concerto in G major, playing with elegance and stylistic flair, followed by Ruth Z , whose poised performance of the opening movement of Poulenc’s Clarinet Sonata balanced wit and lyricism. Ella D. added a moment of atmospheric contrast and calm with the evocative Chinese piano piece Silver Clouds Chasing the Moon.
The Junior String Quartet brought vitality to Rondeau’s March and Gigue, again highlighting the benefits of the recent chamber coaching Tasuku E delivered an engaging performance of Brahms’ F-A-E Sonata Scherzo, while Stanley Y.’s performance of Follow the Heron provided a reflective folk-inspired moment. E Ern C. gave a rhythmically vibrant performance of Ginastera’s Malambo demonstrating excellent dexterity, and the Wilshire Trio ended the evening in superb style with Haydn’s “Gypsy” Piano Trio, played with infectious energy and sparkling ensemble.
Bravo to all who performed and huge thanks as ever to our wonderful accompanists!
The Tanglin Philharmonia delivered a dazzling evening of music and theatre at the SOTA Concert Hall with its recent concert, A Night at the Musicals Featuring some of the school’s most advanced orchestral musicians, the performance celebrated beloved songs and overtures from classic Broadway and West End productions, brought to life through vibrant orchestral playing and outstanding vocal performances.
The concert opened in spirited fashion with the Overture from The Pirates of Penzance by Arthur Sullivan, immediately setting a lively tone for the evening. From there, audiences were transported through the golden age of musical theatre. Student soloists shone throughout the first half: Stanley Y’s delivered a warm and expressive rendition of Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific, while Isabella F’s charmed the audience with a heartfelt performance of Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz, a piece that featured prominently of course in Tanglin’s Centenary video. The orchestra also took centre stage with a colourful medley from The Sound of Music by Richard Rodgers.
Further highlights included Tanisha K’s moving interpretation of As Long As He Needs Me from Oliver!, and a sequence from My Fair Lady, with Jonathan Tay, Head of Singing, performing the classic On the Street Where You Live and Faith T sparkling in I Could Have Danced All Night The first half concluded with a powerful duet of You’ll Never Walk Alone from Carousel, sung by Jonathan and Stanley.
After the interval, the orchestra launched into the effervescent Candide Overture by Leonard Bernstein before returning to vocal favourites. Faith brought poise and beautiful lyricism to Think of Me from The Phantom of the Opera, while Jonathan delivered an emotional Bring Him Home from Les Misérables
Energy soared during selections from West Side Story, with Evelyn Ang, Charmaine Tan, our two Singing Tutors, and the student singers giving a vibrant performance of America, followed by Charmaine Tan’s soulful interpretation of Summertime from Porgy and Bess. Evelyn Ang and Jonathan Tay later joined forces for a dramatic duet of Tonight.
The orchestra rounded off the evening with a lively medley from irreverent Mel Brooks musical, The Producers before launching into the electrifying Mambo from West Side Story Complete with enthusiastic audience participation, the finale brought the concert to a raucous and joyful close - an unforgettable celebration of musical theatre performed with flair by the talented musicians and singers of the Tanglin community.
The recent Orchestral and Strings Concert was a joyful celebration of music-making across the school, bringing together students from the earliest stages of their musical journeys to some of our most accomplished Senior performers Featuring ensembles from Infants through to Year 13, the evening highlighted not only a wide range of repertoire and instrumental groups, but also the clear musical pathways available to students as they develop their skills and performance confidence.
The concert opened in impressive style with the Chamber Orchestra, directed by Mr Baxter. Their performance of the first movement from Schubert’s Quartet No 14 in D minor, Death and the Maiden set an expressive tone for the evening Drawn from some of the strongest string players across the Junior and Senior Schools, the ensemble demonstrated the musical maturity that students can aspire to as they progress.
From there, the evening moved through a vibrant and varied selection of ensembles. The String Sinfonietta, directed by Ms Knight Lucas, delivered a powerful performance of the Theme from Battlefield 1942, capturing the intensity and sweeping drama of the well-known video game soundtrack. In contrast, the Junior Guitar Ensemble, led by Mr Francis, brought warmth and lyricism with Manuel Galbán’s Cuban bolero La Luna en tu Mirada, their playing highlighting the expressive possibilities of the guitar in an ensemble setting.
Several ensembles showcased the early stages of musical development within the school The Sostenuto Strings, under the direction of Head of Strings Mr Chu, performed a fun and imaginative March of the Astronauts, while the Harp Ensemble, directed by Ms Prinatalia, added a moment of charm and sparkle with Skating on Ice. A particularly heart-warming moment came from the Beginner Strings, some of the school’s youngest and newest instrumentalists, who impressed the audience with their enthusiastic performance of Fast Lane and Popcorn Their focus and confidence on stage were a testament to the commitment and enthusiasm with which they have embraced their first steps in ensemble music-making.
The String Camerata’s exhilarating performance of Wheels of Fury was full of driving rhythms and cinematic flair The Cello Ensemble, directed by Ms Shan, followed with a vibrant arrangement of ABBA’s Mamma Mia!, demonstrating the rich, warm sound of the cello when played together in a group.
The Senior Guitar Ensemble, under Ms Owain, were in fine fettle performing two contrasting favourites: the gentle and evocative El Cóndor Pasa, conjuring images of the Andean mountains, followed by Toto’s much-loved Africa, whose familiar melody and rhythmic groove brought a real sense of fun to the programme.
The Symphony Orchestra then brought the scale and colour of a full ensemble to the stage with music from two iconic video game worlds: Gerudo Valley from The Legend of Zelda and the main theme from Super Mario Bros., performed with energy and flair.
For the finale, 145 players from across several ensembles joined together in a special combined orchestra conducted by Mr Zhao to perform Ride of the Dullahan With younger musicians sitting alongside more experienced players, the performance perfectly captured the collaborative spirit of the evening.
Above all, the concert celebrated a thriving musical community - one in which students are supported, inspired and challenged at every stage of their journey For younger performers in particular, the evening offered a glimpse of the exciting musical opportunities that lie ahead.
Following on from the Orchestral and Strings Concert, the penultimate week of term saw the Berrick Hall come alive once again with colour, energy and a palpable sense of musical progression at the Cross-Phase Bands Concert. Bringing together 150 students from Year 3 to Year 13, the evening offered a snapshot of the instrumental CCA programme, showcasing not only the breadth of Wind, Brass and Percussion ensembles available, but once again, the clear pathways through which young musicians develop.
From the very first notes of Augmented Realities by the Senior Percussion Group, directed by Mr De Souza, the audience was immersed in a world where rhythm and texture intertwined. This sense of imagination continued with the Symphonic Wind Band, whose spirited performance of the Pokémon Theme reflected both their musical maturity and the adventurous spirit of the evening’s video gameinspired theme.
The newly-formed Beginner Band, under Mr Phua, charmed the audience with a set of familiar tunes including Ode to Joy and Frère Jacques, delivering a performance full of enthusiasm and promise that belied their short time together. Similarly, the Senior Brass Group, also made their first appearance, bringing a sense of drama and grandeur to the Game of Thrones theme, marking an exciting new addition to the school’s ensemble offering
Elsewhere, the Concert Band’s expressive rendition of Kingdom Hearts and the Junior Band’s characterful take on Lion’s Pride demonstrated the depth of talent across the middle years, while the Flute Ensemble’s playful Mii Channel Theme and the Junior Recorder Ensemble’s Round and Round added moments of lightness and charm The Junior Percussion Group, another debut ensemble, impressed with Shockwave!, confidently exploring a range of ensemble techniques in their first performance.
The evening culminated in a high-energy set from the Big Band, led by Mr Hyland, whose performances of Computer and Five Nights at Freddy’s, featuring Ryna P, showcased advanced musicianship alongside stylish flair, complete with standout solos on trumpet, sax and drum kit.
A collaborative grand finale brought together the combined forces of Junior Band, Concert Band and Symphonic Wind Band to play two pieces, World of Warcraft and Super Mario Bros., encapsulating the concert’s spirit of unity and progression More than just a performance, the evening was a celebration of musical journeys - highlighting not only where students are, but where their journeys can take them!
This year’s Musician of the Year Finalists’ Concerts, held in the Recital Room, proved to be a remarkable celebration of musical talent across the school. Following a record-breaking 175 entries for this year’s competition, the standard of performance in both the Intermediate and Advanced Finals was exceptionally high, resulting in two inspiring concerts that showcased not only technical excellence, but also confidence, maturity, and outstanding musicianship
The three external adjudicators - Paul West (Director of Co-Curriculum at Harrow International School Bangkok), Valarie Wilson (Principal at Anglo-Chinese Junior College) and Tom Watkins (Director of Music at Dulwich College, Singapore) - were full of praise for the performers. They commended the consistently high calibre of music-making and noted the depth of musical understanding displayed across all categories Their thoughtful and positive feedback was greatly appreciated by performers and audience alike.
The Intermediate winners were:
Woodwind & Brass - Aditya S (Saxophone)
Piano - Annaliese P
Strings - Vera Z (Harp)
Singing - Paresa T
Open Guitar - Ashwin V
Rock & Pop - Cole H (Bass Guitar)
The overall Intermediate Musician of the Year trophy was awarded to Paresa T, whose performance stood out for its musicality and expressive confidence.
The Advanced winners were:
Woodwind & Brass - Ruth Z (Clarinet)
Piano - Benjamin D
Strings - Tasuku E (Violin)
Singing - Stanley Y
Rock & Pop - Finn C (Drum Kit)
The overall winner, and Tanglin Musician of the Year 2026, was Finn, whose performance of Snarky Puppy’s What about me? on the drum kit combined technical brilliance with commanding stage presence.
Congratulations go to all students who took part in this year’s competition Reaching the Finals was an incredible achievement in itself, and every performer contributed to an event that truly reflected the strength and vibrancy of music-making within the school.
Our sincere thanks to the adjudicators for their time, expertise and encouragement. Their contribution helped make the event not only a competition, but a meaningful learning experience for all involved.
Our Year 6 production of Aladdin Kids was a truly magical experience and a wonderful celebration of pupil talent. Every child in Year 6 took part, and it was fantastic to see them all perform with such confidence and enthusiasm.
This year, the show featured four different casts, allowing more children to shine on stage Each cast brought something unique to their performance, giving every pupil the opportunity to showcase their strengths and enjoy the spotlight.
The children sang, danced, and acted brilliantly throughout. Their performances were full of energy, expression, and humour, clearly reflecting the hard work they had put into rehearsals. Week after week, they showed dedication and resilience, learning lines, perfecting choreography, and supporting one another as a team
The production was further enhanced by a fantastic set and vibrant costumes, which helped bring the story to life. These elements, combined with the children’s enthusiasm, created a lively and engaging performance that was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.
We are incredibly proud of our Year 6 pupils. Their commitment, teamwork, and positive attitude made Aladdin Kids a great success. It was a joy to watch them grow in confidence and deliver such memorable performances Well done to everyone involved!
Tanglin by Candlelight was a truly special and atmospheric musical evening, and a first of its kind for the school Set against the warm glow of candlelight, the concert created an intimate and immersive environment, allowing the audience to experience the music in a more personal and reflective way. The soft lighting transformed the Recital Room, bringing performers and listeners closer together and fostering a strong sense of connection throughout the evening
The Chamber Orchestra opened the programme with a powerful performance of Death and the Maiden by Schubert, immediately capturing the audience’s attention. A central highlight of the first half was Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, with four violin soloists - Genevieve, Maho, Rika, and Tasuku - each taking the solo lead in a different movement Their confident and expressive playing brought contrast and character to each season
Adding authenticity to the performance was the use of the harpsichord Basso Continuo to provide the harmonies, a defining feature of Baroque music In the lead-up to the concert, the four keyboard players worked closely with harpsichord specialist Gerald Lim from Red Dot Baroque, gaining valuable insight into continuo playing and stylistic interpretation. The set concluded with a fun, engaging performance of Bad Guy by Billie Eilish which was arranged for the hit Netflix show ‘Bridgerton’
The second half, held in the candle-lit Rehearsal Room, continued the intimate atmosphere, featuring the Jazz Collectives and Big Band, who reprised Five Nights at Freddy’s but with Nishka C taking the vocal lead. From Sweetie Pie to Some Skunk Funk, the performances were vibrant, polished, and full of energy
The evening was a memorable celebration of musical collaboration and artistry, and provided the perfect send-off for several of our Yr 13 musicians who have been such wonderful ambassadors for Music at Tanglin over the years
This year’s Singing Festival, held in Berrick Hall on the penultimate day of term, was a joyful and uplifting celebration of song, bringing together all children from Years 1 to 4. Dressed proudly in their house colours, the hall was filled with energy and excitement as pupils from the Infant and Junior Schools came together in a wonderful display of unity and collaboration.
Inspired by the natural world and the work of David Attenborough, the programme centred on songs that celebrated the beauty and diversity of our planet The event opened with a rousing performance of Our Wonderful World, with every child singing together, immediately creating a sense of shared purpose and enthusiasm. Throughout the festival, each house took to the stage to perform a specially selected song, showcasing not only their musical skills but also their teamwork and house spirit.
The performances were brought to life by the support of a live band, whose accompaniment added depth and excitement, encouraging the children to sing with confidence and expression. The combination of vibrant singing, colourful attire, and the incredibly supportive and respectful atmosphere made for a truly memorable experience.
The festival concluded with an energetic rendition of On Top of the World, leaving everyone on a high and perfectly capturing the spirit of the occasion It was a brilliant way to round off the term, highlighting the power of singing to bring people together and celebrating the strong sense of community across the Infant and Junior Schools.
Celine Tan - Head of Piano
As we conclude another exciting and music-filled term, it has been truly inspiring to witness our pianists’ dedication and involvement across a host of events. This year, we saw a record-breaking 76 entries in the Piano category for Musician of the Year – what a remarkable achievement! The standard was exceptionally high, making the process of selecting finalists a real challenge. Regardless of the outcome, our heartfelt congratulations to every participant for their commitment and hard work
We were also delighted with the increased participation in both the Informal Recitals and the Music in the Mornings sessions at the Nixon Bus Bay. These performances were wellreceived and featured a diverse array of repertoire covering all grades – from pieces such as “Gopak” and “The Elephant Herd” from the ABRSM Initial Grade to Brahms’ Intermezzo Op 118, No. 2 from the diploma syllabus. To further enhance the diversity within the keyboard genre, our Piano Group CCA students presented several works for four hands and six hands.
The Senior Piano Club CCA, meeting on Friday mornings, has made a fantastic start this academic year. We are looking forward to seeing them perform at our upcoming Piano Concert in Term 3. Meanwhile, our pianists from the Junior Piano Group and Club CCAs held a delightful mini in-house concert on Tuesday morning just before the half term break Despite a few nerves, it proved a wonderful opportunity for them to develop their performance skills and work on their performance etiquette as duos and trios. It was truly heartening to watch them enjoy playing for one another and cheer each other on!
As part of preparations for Tanglin by Candlelight during the last week of term, Gerald Lim from Red Dot Baroque led a masterclass for our Scholar pianists, who had the opportunity to develop their skills in Baroque keyboard accompaniment on our very own harpsichord This experience proved informative and undoubtedly supported them in delivering a stylistically authentic performance.
Have a most wonderful Easter break and we look forward to seeing you all back in Term 3, which already looks to be eventful and rewarding!
Tzy Ren Chu Head of Strings
As mentioned our string players were delighted to be given the chance to work with the world-renowned Brodsky String Quartet, who delivered an insightful masterclass. Four chamber ensembles were presented: The Chancery String Quartet with Glazunov’s Valse (4th movement from 5 Novelettes), the Wilshire Piano Trio with Haydn’s Piano Trio no 39 in G (1st & 3rd movts ), the Jams String Trio with Mendelssohn’s Nocturne from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the Junior String Quartet with Michel Rondeau’s March & Gigue.
We were delighted with how positively the students responded during our recent masterclass. Their engagement with the coaching was wonderful to see, and this was reflected in the confident and expressive performances they gave in the mini showcase that followed It was a joy to watch their progress unfold in such a short space of time.
During the session, a number of valuable musical insights were shared, which we have summarised below:
Communication is key: Students were encouraged to maintain strong communication within the ensemble, particularly through regular eye contact.
Confidence in interpretation: Players should feel empowered to make thoughtful musical decisions and develop their own interpretation of the music. Understanding the style and title of a piece is crucial for example, a lively dance such as a gigue should not be played like a march
Playing together visually and musically: Violin and viola players were guided to bring their instruments slightly closer when playing shared passages, enhancing both ensemble cohesion and visual presentation.
Shaping the music: Greater attention was given to phrasing and the overall shape of musical lines
Bow control and note value: Students were reminded to use the full length of the bow where appropriate and to sustain notes for their full value. Using down bows for stronger beats and up bows for lighter ones can help clarify musical structure. Staying physically relaxed is essential, as beautiful sound is primarily created through the bow.
Based on the theme of Music for Video Games, the concert featured the school’s larger string groups, including guitar and harp ensembles. Because of the genre of the theme, a number of upbeat and heart-throbbing music were performed, with the drum kit adding spice and excitement to the Battlefield 1942 and Wheels of Fury pieces
The Beginner Strings (Junior) & Infant Strings had their debut and brought smiles to many faces when they came on stage; we look forward to watching their development and growth over the years to come.
The climax of the concert came with the Ride of the Dullahan piece, involving the combined forces of Sostenuto Strings, String Camerata, Sinfonietta, Senior Strings, and the string section of the Symphony Orchestra. Together they formed a 140-piece string orchestra, bringing the concert to a rousing finale. We are incredibly proud of the students’ enthusiasm and openness to learning, and we look forward to seeing them continue to build on these skills in future rehearsals and performances.
Jonathan Tay - Head of Voice
This was a memorable term for singing at Tanglin Music, which started off with some stellar vocal performances in the musical Sister Act, where some of the younger leads really rising to the occasion and shining alongside their more senior cast members I’m constantly encouraged by the steady stream of musical and singing talent pouring from our student base and I really want to encourage all students who love singing to reach out in the many capacities made available here to join in our many singing activities. One key area of growth this term is the number of boys singing more than ever in our CCAs Our Boys’ Choir who currently meet on Mondays and Fridays has seen growth in numbers, as well as getting more performance ready by the week. There’s also been a surge of boys in the Senior Choir, so here’s another shout out to boys with a voice that sings, singing and making music with your voice is a gift, so come and share that gift with us!
Following the musical we also had a few young ones (alongside more seasoned students) take the brave step to sing at our Music in the Morning series at the bus bay in front of many excited audience members, particularly from the infants. One of the trends for the term was the opportunities offered to our younger singers and we had Year 3 and 4s singing at the Lunchtime Recital in February. With barely a week going by, we then had two days of informal concerts where our singers sang a wide range of repertoire, from Disney hits, to Rodgers & Hammerstein, Charles Strouse and Lloyd Webber to Paul Anka.
A key feature in term 2 was the second and final round of our Musician of the Year competition, and from the singing category, I must say how exciting it is for us to see the growth and the amazing talent from our students. It was devastatingly difficult for us to pick and choose from all the really high quality entries this year, particularly competitive with a big number of applicants in the Intermediate category. So a big congratulations to all who made it to the second and final round, we are proud of you and your performances in the competition And good luck to all who are in the finals!
Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention the excellent Tanglin Philharmonia we had last weekend What an amazing opportunity for some of our top student singers to sing with a full orchestra in the beautiful SOTA Concert Hall. A particularly positive thing for me was that our incredible singing tutor team was able to perform in a concert together, for the first time for Tanglin I’ve always believed teachers should lead by example, and I hope our singing tutors, as well as the excellent student soloists, inspired the many students in our audience with their performances.
Shirley Tong - Head of Woodwinds, Brass and Percussion
As we reflect on an incredibly full and vibrant term in the Woodwind, Brass and Percussion Department, it is wonderful to see the breadth of musical experiences our students have embraced
The term began on a high note with the school production of Sister Act, where many of our top senior musicians were involved Their commitment, professionalism and musical leadership were clearly evident, and they played a significant role in bringing the production to life
Alongside this, our Musician of the Year programme ran throughout the term, showcasing a wide range of promising young talents across both Intermediate and Advanced levels. It has been especially encouraging to witness the growth, confidence and individuality of our performers as they developed their musical voices.
One of the highlights of the term was our Cross-Phase Band Concert, themed around “The World of Games”. The programme featured an exciting and nostalgic repertoire, including music from World of Warcraft, Kingdom Hearts, the iconic Wii theme, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and concluded with the ever-loved Super Mario Bros. theme. It was a joy to see students across different age groups come together, performing with energy and enthusiasm. We were particularly proud of our Junior groups, including the Recording Ensemble and our petite Beginner Band, who showed great promise and musicality on stage
The term concluded on a high note with our Year 4 Wind and Brass Programme. This year, students experienced a “Try-an-Instrument” session before being allocated an instrument best suited to them for the six-week course. The programme culminated in a class showcase, where students enthusiastically demonstrated what they had learned to their peers - an experience filled with both excitement and pride.
Students who have chosen to continue their musical journey will join the Beginner Band, where they will begin a structured pathway through our ensembles. From there, they will have the opportunity to progress to Junior Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra. In addition, students may explore specialised ensembles such as Chamber Winds, Brass Ensemble, Flute Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble as they advance We look forward to welcoming more enthusiastic students into our Winds and Brass family, and to seeing them grow not only as musicians, but as confident and collaborative individuals.
It has been a truly rewarding term, and we look forward to seeing our students continue to flourish in the terms ahead
Tue 21 Apr
In Conversation with Bob Chilcott The Institute, 5 15pm
Thu 23 Apr
Choral Concert with Bob Chilcott
Victoria Concert Hall, 6.30pm
Sat 23 May
Tanglin Philharmonia Orchestra
SOTA Concert Hall, 7pm
Correct at time of publication
