Peirce Wind Symphony Esplanade Presents
LIMELIGHT
Programme Booklet
Esplanade Concert Hall
7 May 2024, 7:30pm
Welcome to Limelight, presenting Peirce Wind Symphony (PWS) at the Esplanade! We are delighted to bring you an extraordinary musical experience filled with captivating melodies and a celebration of the rich heritage of wind symphony music.
The Limelight Series is a testament to the dedication, talent, and passion of the remarkable musicians who make up PWS. Their commitment to excellence and their unwavering love for their craft have brought them to this prestigious stage, ready to showcase their immense musical prowess.
Tonight, as you immerse yourself in the splendid performances of PWS, take a moment to appreciate the countless hours of practice, the dedication to mastering the instruments, and the collective synergy that brings music to life. Behind every note, there is a story waiting to be told, and these talented musicians are our storytellers, weaving narratives through their instruments.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the musicians for their unwavering commitment to their craft. We also express our heartfelt appreciation to the Esplanade for providing a platform to foster a vibrant arts community.
Finally, we extend our warmest gratitude to you, the audience, for joining us on this musical journey. Your presence and support inspire us to continue creating and sharing the beauty of wind symphony music. We hope that tonight's performance will leave an indelible mark on your heart, and that the melodies you hear will resonate with you long after the final note has faded.
Sit back, relax, and allow PWS to transport you to a world of musical enchantment. Let the magic of wind symphony music sweep you away.
Yours sincerely, Mrs Irene Stevens
Overall Teacher-In-Charge, Peirce Wind Symphony
On behalf of teachers-in-charge, Ms Pang Yin Yin and Ms Wong Lai Lee
Limelight is an Esplanade Presents series specially started in 2007 to give some of the best school choirs and symphonic bands in Singapore an opportunity to perform at the Esplanade Concert Hall Through this series, Esplanade hopes to inspire excellence in performance among schools by offering them another platformtoshowcasetheirmusicalabilitiestothepublic
Since its inception in the 1990s, Peirce Wind Symphony (PWS) has been home to many students with a common appreciation for music and enthusiasm for making music together. Guided by a vision that eloquently expresses the ethos, the Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion sections of PWS epitomize a collective spirit— divided in sections, united in harmony PWS actively engages in diverse exchange programs with local and international schools, as well as notable events like the Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation (SYF AP) and the Singapore InternationalBandFestival(SIBF)
Steering the group towards excellence are the accomplished Resident Conductor, Mr Joseph Teo, and Assistant Conductor, Mr Don Kow Since assuming their roles in 2018, the duo has tirelessly guided PWS in presenting works of escalating sophistication and depth. The batons of Mr Teo and Mr Kow have orchestrated numerouscompellingperformances,showcasingthegroup'sartisticprowess.
Looking ahead, Peirce Wind Symphony eagerly anticipates a future filled with jubilant musical expressions under the continued guidance of Mr Teo and Mr Kow, astheyleadtheensembletonewheightsofmusicalbrilliance
Joseph Teo is a promising young conductor who has made a significant impact on wind band music and education in Singapore. With exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, Joseph has inspired musicians and audiences throughouthiscareer
Beginning his musical journey at a young age, Joseph's passion led him to join the renowned Singapore Armed Forces Central Band as a military musician. He showcased his exceptional skills as the Section Leader and Principal Euphonium while also serving as the Events Manager for the Armed Forces Bands Joseph's musical prowess and organizational acumen werewidelyrecognized
To further refine his craft, Joseph pursued postgraduate studies at Japan's esteemed Kunitachi College of Music. Under the guidance of Professor Toru Miura, a member of the renowned Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, Joseph's artistry flourished, earning him a Licentiate Diploma in Euphonium from Trinity College London. He also held the prestigious position of PrincipalEuphoniumforthePhilharmonicWinds.
Seeking continuous growth, Joseph attended masterclasses with internationally acclaimed maestros and musicians, enhancing his musicality and conducting skills Today, he serves as a dynamic Band Director for Novo Winds, Bendemeer Secondary School, Peirce Secondary School, and Maris Stella High School (Primary). Additionally, he is the Assistant ConductorfortheMarisStellaSymphonicBand
Joseph's teaching philosophy focuses on empowering students to excel in both technical proficiency and emotional expression. His student-centered approach has led his bands to achieve stellar results and recognition for their exceptional musicianship He constantly challenges the conventional wind band concert format by conceptualizing and staging unique and captivating performances that push the boundariesofthegenre.
Beyond his teaching and conducting roles, Joseph contributes to the development of music education in Singapore He served as a Committee member of the Band Directors' Association, holding positions as Treasurer and PublicityandMarketingOfficer
Currently pursuing a Masters in Music Leadership at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore, Joseph is committed to shaping the future of wind band music With innovative teaching methods, effective leadership, and unwavering dedication, he aims to create a musical landscape that embracescreativity,challengesconventions,and nurtures the artistic potential of every aspiring musicianheencounters.
Don Kow
Don Kow holds an Artist's Certificate in Trombone Performance from the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, a Master of Music from the Codarts University of the Arts and a Bachelor of Music (Honours)fromtheYongSiewTohConservatoryofMusic
His principal teachers include Alexander Verbeek, Brandt Attema, Fredi Sonderegger, Sebastiaan Kemner, Shannon Pittaway, Timothy Dowling and Zachary Bond In addition, he has also performedinmasterclasseswithJorgenvanRijen,IanBousfieldandJosephAlessi
With vast experience in chamber and orchestral playing, Don is versatile in diverse styles He has performed on period instruments alongside the Orchestra of the 18th Century and Red Dot Baroque. Don has also performed a trombone solo role in the Dutch National Opera's production of Karlheinz Stockhausen's opera cycle 'Licht' for the Holland Festival Don has also received scholarships to attend the Animato Foundation Orchestra Academy and the Domaine Forget MusicandDanceAcademy
Back home, Don plays Principal Trombone regularly with the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Music Makers He has also been invited to perform with orchestras in the region such as the South Asian Symphony Orchestra, the Phnom Penh Symphony Orchestra and theBandungPhilharmonicOrchestra.
DonisalsofoundingmemberofK口U,amixedinstrumentalensemblewhichaimstorevolutionize theaverageconcert-goingexperience
THE MUSICIANS THE MUSICIANS
CLARINET
AureliaUmar-ChenYiTing
AureusErynneSofiaTherese OngChengLe,Jarrell ChuaWeiEn GaoXinyu WeiYuran
PngRuiyingMikaela
TayYaWen,Cheyenne BreannaSimoneDeLeon RyanWongWeeMeng#
LeeJiaYi,Joey*
ChenYuanyin* DarrenSim*
FLUTE
MishaTanSajid
WuYing
AlvaKong
IsabelleTanZhiQi
GoiHsiMing
LimQianYi,Celeste
OBOE
SAXOPHONE
KohYingTzurZander
AmberChiaXinYin
NichieTohTengQi
CeriseLimLeYi
XieJiaXuan
ZhaoYuHan
ShubanS/OJayachandran
KalynWeeLiHua
PhuaYeeHweeVera
TanEnYiJanelle
MarcA#
YuricHngChuinLin*
BASSOON
TanXiWen
LimYuHang
FRENCH HORN
KohKylie
RosalesKeonIokiMendoza
TanYuXuanOlivia
ZacheryWan
LimXuan
AydenLeeYuHeng#
CherylLimQinHui#
TRUMPET JerryNgCiEn
TanYiRui,ClaraBabe
LeeZhiYangBryan
ChenReiAnne
ChiewShiWei
JulianChiangYeeJong
GerardGohJingXian#
NaqibSolihinBinAzman*
ChuaHuiHong*
TROMBONE NeoJunCheng
TanHuiLing
NgYuQiJoshua LoIsabelleLokYin
RaviennaRavi
LohHanXin
KaylaLamLiXuan AureliusAjTan JeremiahRaphaelBatista
KatrynLimFangYen# MattiasGohTianEn# MrDonKow^ EUPHONIUM TeoAngus
JeanLimJingxuan
JulienGohYingHeng
ElijahDelaCruz# TUBA
DOUBLE BASS
PERCUSSION
DestacamentoDeironLuisDiocson LuaRouYeeAdele
KelynOngYiTing
DominikJonathanPratama KaelynTeng
LeongJinXuanAudrey AmirulHazimBinAli*
ChanWeiLoong
NeilJoby
KokXinYi
KohPeiQi
JaedonLeeXiangJun
JaydenLuiYongHeng
ChenJiaEnAmelia
ChiaZhuoHeng,Javien
JacobOnesiforusFooMahLong# MrNgChenyee(Teacher) MrAriyaSakunthongdee^
Legend: # Alumni * Guest Players ^ Instructors
Peirce Wind Symphony (PWS), an ensemble brimming with vibrant energy and exceptional talent invites you on a musical odyssey with their debut Limelight performance. In this highly anticipated performance, PWS will showcase an eclectic mix of pieces that promise to enchant and exhilarate.
Starting off with I-I-Ren-Ren, this contemporary composition that weaves traditional Japanese motifs with modern rhythms will set the stage for a night filled with delightful music, boasting a repertoire that includes timeless pieces such as Alan Menken’s Beauty and the Beast. A unique interpretation of Can’t Take My Eyes Off You is set to be one of the major highlights. It features a spellbinding flute solo, skilfully reimagined by one of PWS’s very own flautists, promising a rendition that's familiar yet wonderfully refreshing.
From the soulful depths of wind instrument solos to the grandeur of full ensemble pieces, the performance promises to be a journey through different eras and genres with each piece adding to the rich tapestry of the evening's performance. Join Peirce Wind Symphony for an evening of musical brilliance, immersing yourself in the transformative power of a group united in their passion for musical excellence.
Sunny Island
- Wong Kah Chun
I-I-Ren-Ren
- Masanori Taruya
El Camino Real
- Alfred Reed
Beauty And The Beast
- Arr. by Toshio Mashima
Next Angels
- Daisuke Shimizu
Japanese Graffiti IV
- Arr. by Atsuhiro Isozaki
The Typewriter
- Arr. by Floyd E. Werle
Lion King Medley
- Arr. by Kazuhiro Morita
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
- Arr. by Toshio Mashima
Sunny Island Sunny Island
Explore the rich layers of concert band music as you join the Peirce Wind Symphony for an enchanting performance of the 2016 SYF piece, "Sunny Island". Dusting off the pages of musical history, this musical composition aims to encapsulate the essence of a sun-soaked Singaporean getaway. Through a harmonious fusion of woodwinds, drums, and brass sections, the composition not only pulsates with energy but also resonates with the carefreespiritandboundlessjoyinherentinanislandretreat
II-I-Ren-Ren -I-Ren-Ren
Embark on a journey through the cultural landscape of Japanese cities with Masanori Taruya's dynamic masterpiece "I-I-Ren-Ren". Seamlessly blending traditional Japanese melodies with the dynamic sounds of a contemporary wind band, this composition weaves a tapestry of rhythmic intricaciesandlushharmonies.Beyonditsmusicalprowess,"I-I-Ren-Ren" evokesaprofoundsenseofharmony,community,andsharedexperience, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage and artisticexpressionthatdefinethisextraordinarypiece.
El Camino Real El Camino Real
AlfredReed'ssignificantcomposition"ElCaminoReal"offersacaptivating musical journey that embodies a sense of adventure and a profound respect for the diverse cultural heritage of the Americas. This dynamic instrumentalpiecetakeslistenersonavoyagethroughhistoricalpathways and colorful landscapes, incorporating indigenous rhythms and majestic melodies influenced by the Spanish colonial era. Through its evocative sounds,"ElCaminoReal"transportsaudiencestoarealmwherehistorical legacies and contemporary experiences harmonize in a symphonic explorationofdiscovery.
Wong Kah Chun Masanori Taruya Alfred ReedBeauty and the Beast Beauty and the Beast
Arr. by Toshio
MashimaStep into the enchanted realm of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" as the timelesstaleofloveandinnerbeautyunfoldsonstage.Fromthehaunting allure of the "Prologue" to the tender romance of "Something There", this captivating medley breathes life into the beloved characters of Belle, the Beast and their charming companions. With each note, the magic of the narrative comes alive, inviting audiences to rediscover the wonder and charmofthisclassicstory.
Next Angels Next Angels
Daisuke ShimizuThe Peirce Wind Symphony will showcase "Next Angels" by Daisuke Shimizu, featuring a captivating saxophone solo by the skilled musician Dela Cruz Marc Agusin Valle. Marc's performance demonstrates both finesseandtechnicalproficiency,highlightingtheexpressivecapabilitiesof wind band music. Through a seamless display of versatility and emotive depth, Marc takes the audience on a musical voyage, celebrating the limitlesscreativityandartisticexpressionembeddedwithinthisenchanting composition.
Japanese Graffiti IV Japanese Graffiti IV
Arr. by Atsuhiro
IsozakiEmbark on an exciting musical journey with "Japanese Graffiti IV", a dynamic blend of jazz and modern wind band music that builds upon the previous installments. This inventive piece is filled with lively rhythms and colorful melodies, reflecting the vibrant world of graffiti art. Each note exudesenergyandliveliness,invitinglistenerstodiveintoadiverserange of sounds that break boundaries and challenge traditional norms, embracingtheever-changingrealmofmusicalinnovation.
The Typewriter The Typewriter
Arr.by
Floyd E. Werle“The Typewriter" is a delightful composition that playfully incorporates a real typewriter as a percussion instrument. With Secondary 4 Band Major TanXiWenatthehelm,thisuniquepieceshowcasestheband'singenuity and creativity as they bring unconventional musical elements to life on stage. From the rhythmic clatter of keys to the playful cadence of the typewriter's carriage, each sound adds a touch of novelty and whimsy, making "The Typewriter" a standout and unforgettable addition to the band'srepertoire.
Lion King Medley Lion King Medley
Arr.
by
Kazuhiro MoritaRevisit the magic of Disney's timeless classic as the Peirce Wind Symphony presents "The Lion King Medley" a captivating musical journey through the iconic songs of Simba and his adventures in the Pride Lands. From the majestic grandeur of "Circle of Life'' to the sweet romance of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight", this enchanting medley breathes new life into beloved melodies, transporting audiences to the heart of the African savanna. With each crescendo and refrain, the spirit of the film comes alive, inviting listeners to rediscover the wonder and beauty of this belovedtale.
Can’t
Can’tArr.
by
Take My Eyes Off You
Take My Eyes Off You
Toshio MashimaMade famous by Frankie Valli, it is a classic pop song with a timeless charm. This enchanting wind band arrangement features a beautiful flute solo by our very own flautist, Misha Tan Sajid, adding depth and emotion to the beloved melody The arrangement captures the energetic and romantic essence of the original, evoking feelings of passion and devotion that are universal. Whether it's the excitement of a new love or the strengthofalastingrelationship,thisiconicsongresonateswithaudiences ofallgenerations,leavingalastingimpressionoflove'senduringimpact.
Acknowledgement Acknowledgement
We extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to all those who have contributed to the success of the Peirce Wind Symphony's performance at the Esplanade Presents Limelight 2024 On behalf of the entire ensemble,wewouldliketoexpressourheartfeltthankstothefollowingindividualsandorganisations:
Our Instructors: Mr Joseph Teo, Mr Don Kow, Mr Ariya and Ms Alyssa Yam: Your exceptional leadership, musical expertise, and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the success of the performance Your guidanceandpassionformusichaveinspiredourbuddingmusicianstoreachnewheights
Musicians: Members and alumni of the Peirce Wind Symphony: Each and every one of you has poured your heart and soul into countless hours of rehearsals and practice to bring this performance to life Your commitment,talent,andunwaveringenthusiasmarethedrivingforcebehindoursuccess
NOVO Winds musicians and Mr Ng Chenyee: Your expertise, talent, and willingness to collaborate with our students have a profound impact on their musical development and confidence Your dedication and commitmenttotheartsaretrulyinspiring
Administrative Support:
Esplanade Presents Limelight Organisers: We extend our sincere gratitude to the organisers for providing us with this wonderful opportunity to showcase the musical talents of our students on such a prestigious stage Yourbeliefintheirabilitiesandyoursupportthroughouttheplanningprocesshavebeeninvaluable
Staff of Peirce Secondary School: We would like to thank our school leaders, Mr Benedict Keh, Mr Sebastian Jin, Mdm Ng Boon Min and Mdm Magdalene Peh, our HOD(PE/CCA), Mdm Foong Sau Wan, our teaching colleagues as well as the school administration staff for their ongoing support and encouragement Your commitment to fostering a vibrant arts culture within our community has been instrumentalinthegrowthofourbuddingmusicians
Parents: Your unwavering support for our musicians and your willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our musicians present their very best for the performance is deeply appreciated Your involvement has shown them the importance of teamwork, community, and the power of parental support Your presence and effortshavemadealastingimpactonthestudents,andweareimmenselygratefulforyourinvolvement
Audience: We express our deepest appreciation to all the music lovers, friends, and family members who have joined us today Your presence and applause have given us the energy and inspiration to deliver a memorableperformance
We would also like to acknowledge the composers and arrangers whose beautiful music forms the backbone of our repertoire. Your creations have provided us with the opportunity to explore and interpret the depths of musical expression
Finally, a special thank you to anyone who has contributed in any capacity, big or small, to the success of this performance Your support and belief in the power of music have been instrumental in making this event a resoundingsuccess.
ThankyouallforbeingapartofthisremarkablejourneyandformakingthePeirceWindSymphony'sperformanceat theEsplanadePresentsLimelight2024PeirceWindSymphonyanunforgettableexperience
Withheartfeltappreciation,
MrsIreneStevens OverallTeacher-In-Charge,PeirceWindSymphony Onbehalfofteachers-in-charge,MsPangYinYinandMsWongLaiLee
This programme booklet was meticulously crafted utilising the versatility of Canva. Curated by Keon & Olivia
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