MUSIC NEWSLETTER
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From the Director of Music
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Scholars’ Concert
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House Singing
Spotlight Concert
Showcase Concert
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The Tanglin Philharmonia
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St George’s Festival of Music Jazz Night
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Concerto Competition
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Infant Music
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Junior Music
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Senior Music
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Around the Sections
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Forthcoming Events
FROMTHE DIRECTOROFMUSIC
It has been another action-packed start to the 2025-26 academic year and once again our musicians have played a central role in the day-to-day life of the school – perhaps this year more than ever
The year was kick-started in style with a fabulous family-friendly concert given by our talented team of Visiting Instrumental Tutors, which featured a wide range of musical genres and styles. It really was a superb way to launch the year and inspired students and parents alike with the tremendous talents that were on display. I do urge you to come along to next year’s event as it really is an unforgettable occasion, that deserves a ‘sell-out’ audience!
Mid-September saw our Centenary Music Scholars take to the stage at the beautiful Chijmes Hall. The concert was a real tour de force with the 20 scholars producing some fine performances of really challenging chamber music repertoire alongside some wonderful solo pieces, befitting such a stunning venue We are hopeful that next year we will open the doors to the wider Tanglin Community to give more people the opportunity to hear their amazing talents.
The week leading up to half term was an exciting one as it saw the Music launch of the JAC with 5 days of recitals, workshops and masterclasses This new state-of-the-art facility is already proving immensely popular with staff and students alike and will hopefully encourage even more students to get involved in our busy instrumental and CCA programmes.
The annual House Singing Competition, for all students in Years 5 to 8 took place just before half term; this year’s theme being Elton John Songs, to celebrate his performance at the F1 Once again, the Berrick Hall was awash with colour, as students proudly represented their respective houses with a superb sense of fun and house spirit It really was a great way to finish the first half of term; many congratulations to all the participants but especially the Winners - Portsdown!
The second half of term started in spectacular fashion with a two-day visit by award-winning saxophonist, broadcaster and author YolanDa Brown OBE. During the first day of her visit, she led two inspiring sessions with the Music staff. The first session was an open Q&A exploring her musical journey, and the wider impact that music can have in education She spoke passionately about the transferable skills that music nurtures – creativity, confidence, communication – and the many pathways it can open beyond performance. This was then followed by an improvisation session with all the music teachers grabbing their preferred instrument and learning a piece from scratch which also required each participant to improvise over a riff - an exercise that we frequently ask our students to undertake!
During Day Two, YolanDa and her amazing band gave high-energy ‘Band Jam’ performances for Infant and Junior School children before leading some improvisation-based workshops with members of Junior and Senior bands.
The Spotlight Concert (formerly known as the Senior Ensembles Concert) took place just after half term, again in the beautiful setting of SOTA Concert Hall and featured most of our more advanced, larger ensembles, including choirs, bands and the Symphony Orchestra The standard of performances was exceptional from each and every ensemble, and showcased the breadth and depth of opportunities offered by the Music Department – there really is something for everyone!
Choristers from the Junior and Senior Schools were honoured to take part in the Remembrance Day commemorations at Kranji War Memorial, organised by the British High Commission and this year ‘hosted’ by Dover Court International School. This is always a moving and humbling occasion, and our singers represented the school admirably
The Formal Solo and Chamber Music Concert highlighted the ever-increasing provision for small ensembles, with a number of string/piano trios and quartets performing alongside some of our more advanced soloists. It was a superb evening with many stand-out performances, in terms of ambition as well as musicality and musicianship
This term’s Showcase Concert (formerly known as the Junior Ensembles Concert) was a chance for our up-and-coming musicians to shine in the bright lights of The Berrick Hall. The concert featured polished performances from the Gamelan, Cello, Harp, and Flute ensembles, alongside larger groups such as Sostenuto Strings, Camerata & Senior Strings, and the Junior Band The Concert was brought to an energetic close with the Concert Band giving a crowd-pleasing rendition of Mah-ná Mah-ná from The Muppets!
The rebranded Tanglin Philharmonia (formerly called the Tanglin Symphony Orchestra) performed a stunning concert at Lee Foundation Theatre at the end of November, with a brilliant programme of music by three French masters of composition – Camille Saint-Saens, Maurice Ravel and Cesar Franck This year, the orchestra has welcomed some of our most advanced student instrumentalists who get the opportunity to perform full-length orchestral works alongside more experienced musicians.
With the Festive Season looming large, our Senior Chamber Choir took on the first of several carol singing ‘gigs’ at the Hilton Hotel Tree-lighting ceremony, which helped to get everyone in the Christmas spirit ahead of the Friends of Tanglin Christmas Fair. Over the course of the two-day fair, a huge array of musical performances took place with representation from across all three schools – you name it, the FoT Christmas Fair had it!
The St George’s Festival of Music, which for many in the Tanglin community heralds the start of the Christmas Season, was another superb evening of music-making in the historic St George’s Church in Dempsey As ever, choirs representing the Infant, Junior and Senior Schools performed an eclectic range of festive music, combined with traditional carols, before mulled wine and mince pies were served, accompanied this year by audience-participation festive numbers led by the Senior Chamber Choir.
With the final week of term now upon us, our Jazz musicians took centre stage at The Hive on Monday night, providing a suitably festive programme which had the audience tapping their feet and humming along to jazzy arrangements which included some Christmas favourites
The Infant Music Department has also been busy in this final week with four Nursery sing-alongsalways great fun - and the Year 2 Christmas Show A Little Bird Told Me. The Junior and Senior Music Departments also have their Festive assemblies as well as various carolling events across Singapore.
As ever, we have introduced a number of new initiatives this year to try to enhance and develop our current provision Our three new choral coaches, Dawn Yin, Dr Nic Tham and Pei Wen Tham, are all well-respected experts in the field of choral music, including choral conducting and pedagogy.
In addition to supporting Junior Chorals, they co-lead the junior and senior choirs with the faculty, which is helping to further raise standards. We have also introduced a Boys’ Choir for Yrs 7-9 to encourage more uptake from boys and to support as their voices start to change By participating in the Choir, the boys also qualify for group vocal coaching sessions The aim is that these boys will, in the coming years, provide solid and plentiful Tenor and Bass lines for our SATB choirs.
This term, we welcomed Ashwin Menon as Music Performance Coach in the Senior Music Department He is assisting with academic lessons as well as leading the Rock and Pop Bands CCAs, Battle of the Bands, and the Composition Competition. Our new Junior Music STLA is Rachel Chen, a highly experienced accompanist who is contributing in a variety of different ways to the exciting Junior Music programme, both in and out of the classroom.
We also have a new Drum and Percussion Tutor, Zi Jafaar, who has a distinguished background in the prestigious Singapore Armed Forces Band and is a member of the Society of International Rudimental Drummers. Next term, we will also be welcoming Howard Ng, former principal oboist with the National Symphony Orchestra of Malaysia, as our new Oboe Tutor
Following feedback after last year’s Musician of the Year Competition which suggested that many Grade 6-8 musicians chose not to participate because they didn’t feel they had a chance of winning when placed against diploma-level students, we have introduced a new Concerto Competition for post Grade-8 instrumentalists The ‘live rounds’ are taking place during the final week of this term, after which 3 runners-up will be selected to play a movement from their chosen concerto, accompanied by the Tanglin Philharmonia. The overall winner will be invited to perform an entire concerto, again accompanied by the orchestra at a prestigious concert in SOTA in May.
In the final weeks of term we also ‘launched’ the Senior Music Performance Tour to Italy which will take place in October 2026. Such has been the demand (over 2 applications per place available) we are currently liaising with the travel company to see if we can accommodate more students! Watch this space...
As ever we have an exciting line-up of events to come in the New Year, highlights of which include: Musician of the Year 2026; Battle of the Bands; Crossphase Orchestral and Bands Concerts; the Year 1-4 Singing Festival and, early in the term, this year’s school production Sister Act!
As ever, I am deeply in awe of our fabulous music team who make this all possible – the Faculty Staff, Instrumental Teachers, Admin and Tech teams The effort, energy and enthusiasm with which they approach each day and every event is unbelievable, as is their ability and willingness to get stuck in, to support each other, and to provide the very best opportunities for Tanglin students. My sincere thanks to everyone involved in Music at Tanglin.
Rob Hall Director of Music
This term’s Centenary Scholars’ Concert, held in the stunning setting of CHIJMES Hall, marked an exhilarating start to the musical year at Tanglin The event showcased the remarkable talents of this year’s cohort of 20 scholars, including 11 new scholars, all of whom delivered performances that truly impressed the invited audience.
This year, the focus of the concert shifted towards more chamber music, complementing the exceptional solo performances that have become a hallmark of the Tanglin music program. The intimate and elegant surroundings of CHIJMES Hall provided the perfect backdrop, with its renowned stunning acoustics amplifying every note and subtle nuance played by our scholars. The hall’s atmosphere created a magical environment, allowing both performers and listeners to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the music.
The programme itself was a carefully curated journey through centuries of musical history. From the Baroque masterpieces of Bach and Handel to the jazz-infused compositions of Billy Strayhorn and Leroy Anderson, the variety was both ambitious and captivating. This wideranging selection highlighted the scholars’ versatility and adaptability, as well as their dedication to exploring diverse musical styles.
The scholars displayed incredible technical ability, confidence, and stage presence and their performances exuded a maturity beyond their years, reflecting the hard work and commitment invested by both the students and the instrumental tutors.
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause and warm appreciation, and many remarked on the impressive level of musicianship and the evident passion that the scholars brought to the stage
This concert was a shining example of real ambition in action and was testament to the strength of Music at Tanglin The choice of repertoire, the quality of performance, and the seamless collaboration among the scholars demonstrated the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded musicians who are ready to take on new challenges.
Our Centenary Music Scholars are true ambassadors for Music at Tanglin. Their achievements not only bring pride to the school but also inspire our younger students to pursue their musical passions with enthusiasm and perseverance; we look forward to witnessing more outstanding performances throughout the academic year
To view highlights, please click here
To mark 75 years of Formula One - and to coincide with the appearance of music legend Elton John at the Singapore Grand Prix - the 2025 Years 5–8 House Singing Competition was dedicated to the iconic songwriting partnership of Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
Spanning the full breadth of Elton John’s career, from Crocodile Rock to Billy Elliot, each House delivered vibrant and heartfelt performances. After a morning of exceptional singing, Portsdown emerged victorious with their powerful rendition of Be Prepared from The Lion King
Professional vocalist Dylan Foster chaired the judging panel, joined by staff from both the Junior and Senior Schools. Together, they provided thoughtful feedback to guide each House as they prepare for the 2026 competition
Students also relished the opportunity to perform alongside the House Band - made up of Tanglin Music teachers and staff - highlighting the spirit of collaboration that sits at the heart of this muchloved event
This year’s Spotlight Concert was a wonderful celebration of music-making, showcasing the talent, dedication, and enthusiasm of our students from both the Junior and Senior Schools. Held in the stunning School of the Arts (SOTA) Concert Hall, the evening brought together many of Tanglin’s most advanced ensembles for a programme that spanned centuries and styles – from baroque classics to contemporary jazz and pop
Compered with confidence and charm by Nishka and Mehar, the concert opened with a burst of excitement from the Senior Percussion Ensemble, directed by Mr DeSouza, whose performance of Lalo Schifrin’s Mission Impossible immediately captured the audience’s attention. Their dynamic playing and rhythmic precision provided a thrilling start to the evening.
The Senior Guitar Ensemble, under the direction of Ms Owain, followed with two contrasting works: Handel’s La Réjouissance and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. The ensemble’s blend of clarity and sensitivity brought warmth and grace to both pieces, earning appreciative applause from the audience.
Next, the String Sinfonietta, conducted by Ms Knight Lucas, took us to the world of Duke Ellington with a lively performance of It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing). Their expressive phrasing and rhythmic flair captured the joyful spirit of the piece perfectly.
The Symphonic Wind Band, led by Ms French and Mr Baxter, impressed with two energetic works by Richard L. Saucedo – Scorpion and Flight of the Thunderbird. Both pieces were performed with power and precision, showcasing the ensemble’s unity and confidence
Closing the first half, the Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mr Zhao, gave a beautifully poised performance of Dvořák’s Slavonic Dance No 2 followed by the stirring Dambusters March by Eric Coates The orchestra’s playing was rich, expressive, and full of character – a fitting conclusion to the opening half of the concert.
After the interval, the Chamber Orchestra, under Mr Baxter, performed Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins, Cello and Strings before presenting a fun and imaginative string arrangement of Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy. Their versatility and sense of enjoyment shone through both pieces.
The choral performances were a particular highlight of the evening. The Girls’ Choir, directed by Ms Owain, sang Bill Withers’ Lean on Me and Michael Haydn’s Magnificat in F Major with warmth, and clarity, supported beautifully by a string ensemble The Senior Choir, led by Mr Hall and accompanied by Ms Germaine, followed with Bob Chilcott’s Be Thou My Vision, featuring soloist Kate T, and the rhythmically exciting Tarekita, performed with infectious energy.
The Chamber Choir delighted the audience with a stylish and light-hearted rendition of Fats Waller’s Ain’t Misbehavin’, before the Big Band brought the evening to a vibrant close with The French Connection and April in Paris – two pieces full of flair and swing.
The Music Department extends its heartfelt thanks to all the staff, conductors, and support teams who made this event possible, and most importantly, to every student who performed with such enthusiasm and musicality. The Spotlight Concert 2025 was a true celebration of the talent and spirit that make Tanglin’s musical community so special. To view highlights, please click here
SHOWCASE CONCERT in Berrick Hall
Later in November the Berrick Hall was filled with energy, colour, and sheer musical joy as students from across both the Junior and Senior Schools took to the stage for our annual Showcase Concert. Featuring an impressive range of ensembles and genres from the delicately traditional to the boldly contemporary the evening captured the remarkable breadth of musical opportunities on offer at TTS. Families, friends, and staff were treated to a celebration of talent, dedication, and collaboration that truly highlighted the thriving musical life of our school
The concert opened with the Sostenuto Strings performing Brian Balmages’ Impulse, a piece written to be both accessible and electrifying. Their spirited performance, under the direction of Mr Chu, set the tone for the evening, demonstrating both technical discipline and infectious enthusiasm
Chamber Winds, conducted by Mr Aw Yong, followed with a beautifully textured arrangement of How Far I’ll Go from Disney’s Moana. With flutes, clarinets, oboe, and bassoon weaving shimmering layers beneath guest vocalist Cate W, the ensemble brought warmth and emotional depth to this wellloved song about courage and self-discovery.
Our talented Cello Trio then presented Daniel Cruz’s Cello Trio No. 3, showcasing expressive interplay and rich ensemble tone, before shifting mood completely with the lively, ragtime-inspired Holiday Rag by Gabriel Koeppen, an audience favourite
A sparkling highlight of the evening was the combined performance by String Camerata and Senior Strings, conducted by Ms Knight Lucas. Their rendition of Offenbach’s high-spirited classic The Can-Can delighted the audience, with its playful switches between pizzicato and arco.
Led by Ms Murray, the Ukulele Ensemble brought sunshine to the stage with Vance Joy’s Riptide, capturing the song’s sense of adventure and heartfelt optimism This was followed by a serene and culturally rich moment as the Gamelan Ensemble performed a traditional Javanese piece, Thousand Weaver Birds, marking the group’s first performance of traditional gamelan repertoire under the leadership of Ms Zuhaila
The Junior Band delivered a bold and cinematic performance of Viking! by Michael Sweeney, conducted by Ms French while the Harp Ensemble, directed by Ms Prinatalia, transported listeners with the graceful dance rhythms of Country Dance
The Flute Ensemble, conducted by Ms Shirley Tong, offered a moment of enchantment with Colours of the Wind, enhanced by the ensemble’s debut use of piccolo and alto flute, adding fresh tonal colours to their sound
Another memorable moment came from the Junior String Quartet performing Mozart’s youthful yet sophisticated Rondo Coached by Mr Tian Zhao, the group played with assured confidence and charm.
The concert concluded with the Concert Band, directed by Ms Tong, who brought the evening full circle with energy and humour from the swirling power of Wind Dances to the instantly recognisable fun of Mah-ná Mah-ná, complete with smiles all around.
It was, in every sense, a fabulous evening and one that celebrated not only the talent of our students but also their hard work, teamwork, and love for music. Huge congratulations to everyone involved and especially to Ms Knight Lucas who masterminded the event!
A Joyous Night of French Orchestral Magic presented by The Tanglin Philharmonia
The Tanglin Philharmonia, our vibrant community orchestra that now proudly includes several of our most advanced student instrumentalists, presented a truly unforgettable evening in the glorious acoustic of the Lee Foundation Theatre Their ambitious, colourful programme led us on a magical journey from midnight mystery to radiant dawn, celebrating the brilliance of late-19th- and early-20th-century French orchestral music. With an appreciative audience and an ensemble brimming with passion, the night was both exciting and deeply moving and marked Rob Hall’s debut as their new conductor
The concert set off at the ‘stroke of midnight’ with Saint-Saëns’s Danse Macabre, a deliciously spooky showpiece that had the orchestra painting vivid musical pictures. Twinkling xylophone “bones,” an eerie solo violin depicting ‘Death’s fiddle’ played expertly by our Violin Tutor Mr Tian Zhao, and the oboe’s ‘crow’ chasing the ghosts away all came together in a performance full of sparkle and playful energy Even in its darkness, the music danced with charm - a testament to the composer’s gift for turning the supernatural into sheer entertainment.
From there, the mood shifted into the enchanted glow of childhood imagination with Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite. This jewel of musical storytelling was performed with delicacy and warmth, each movement unfolding like a lovingly illustrated storybook. The gentle Pavane de la Belle au bois dormant (Pavane of the Sleeping Beauty) suspended time with its soft flutes and muted strings; Petit Poucet (Hop o’ My Thumb) brought wandering melodies and bird-like violin harmonics; and Laideronette, (Empress of the Pagodas) delighted us with its glittering oriental colours and music-box charm. Les entretiens de la Belle at de la Bete (Beauty and the Beast) danced their tender, characterful duet, before the orchestra carried us into the radiant stillness of the Le Jardin feerique (The Fairy Garden), glowing with wonder and serenity, before ending in triumphant fanfare.
The evening reached its dramatic summit with Franck’s Symphony in D minor, a powerful journey from shadow to blazing light. The orchestra embraced the symphony’s sweeping emotional arc - from the mysterious opening motto to the glowing, joy-filled finale. Particularly memorable was the Cor Anglais’s beautifully shaped solo in the second movement, a moment of heartfelt calm amid the symphony’s grand architecture The musicians gave everything in the final pages, bringing all the recurring themes together in a stirring celebration of hope, unity, and musical triumph.
From Death’s playful midnight dance to fairy-tale enchantment and a symphonic sunrise, this concert was a joyous showcase of community music-making at its finest ambitious, expressive, and full of heart. The Tanglin Philharmonia once again proved how powerful music can be when shared by people who truly love it Bravo!
A Joyful Start to the Festive Season at the St George’s Festival of Music
Towards the end of term, St George’s Church was filled with warmth and anticipation as the wider Tanglin community gathered for this year’s Festival of Music. Always a highlight of the calendar, the event brought together students from across all three schools for an evening of festive music that heralded the beginning of the Christmas season for many families
The concert opened with the traditional Once in Royal David’s City, the first verse sung by soloists before everyone joined in from Verse 2 That set a beautifully reflective tone before the younger choirs took centre stage; firstly the Year 2 Choir performed two lovely Christmas songs which were greeted warmly by the assembled audience. They were followed by the Year 3 and 4 Choir performing The Colours of Christmas and the lively Santa’s Coming. Their bright, energetic singing created a sense of excitement that carried through the rest of the evening’s programme.
The Junior Chamber Choir delivered a beautiful rendition of John Rutter’s Angels’ Carol, while the Chamber Orchestra brought festive fun with a compilation of Sleigh Ride and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
The Year 5 and 6 Choir offered dynamic and energetic performances of two modern christmas pieces before the Senior Chamber Choir presented a calm and lyrical rendition of John Rutter’s Nativity Carol.
Adding cultural variety, the Girls’ Choir performed the gentle Shiao Bao Bao and the festive favourite Feliz Navidad, before the Senior Choir closed the choir performances with Elizabeth Poston’s beautiful Jesus Christ the Apple Tree and an energetic Rumba, Where Riches Is Everlastingly by Bob Chilcott.
Throughout the evening, the whole community joined in well-loved carols, filling the church with the sound of shared voices, supported by organ, timpani and trumpet. The final congregational carol Hark! The herald angels sing brought students, staff, and families together once again, ending the night on a high and joyful note.
One of the strengths of the festival is the way it showcases the progression of musical talent across the school, from the confidence of the youngest singers to the polished harmonies of the senior choirs. Together, they created a rich and varied musical journey that embrace both tradition and a few unexpected delights
This year’s Festival of Music was a wonderful reminder of the power of music to bring people together. It was a celebration not only of the festive season but also of the unity, talent, and spirit that make the Tanglin community so special
In the final week of term, The Hive once again proved the perfect setting for our annual Senior School Christmas Jazz Night - an evening that captured the breadth and vibrancy of Jazz across the school. With its relaxed, Jazz club-style atmosphere and appreciative audience, the event showcased ensembles of all shapes and sizes, reflecting the rich provision available to our students, from larger Big Band classics to intimate small-group performances and solo features
The night opened with the Round Midnight Ensemble presenting Agua y Arena and Tequila, setting a warm and grooving tone. Dylan O's followed with a soulful rendition of Layla with lead vocals provided by Faith T, before the Scholar Jazz ensemble lifted the room with Take the A Train and the festive Merry Xmas and All That Jazz Finn C’s energetic 101 Shuffle was a highlight, demonstrating the impressive musicianship emerging from our Year 13 A Level and IB cohorts
The Big Band brought trademark power and polish to their set, including Straighten Up and Fly Right, a festive medley of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Holly Jolly Christmas, and Don Ellis’s The French Connection Seasonal cheer continued with the Tutor Christmas Ensemble delivering imaginative interpretations of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and The First Noel.
Our Jazz collectives, including the Blue Note Collective, added stylistic variety through pieces such as Minnesalsa, Big Sky, and Slice and Dice, while students from the YolanDa Brown Workshop closed the evening with the sunny rhythms of Surfin’ - learned by ear in a session with the Yolanda just after half term, and giving students the chance to improvise using pentatonic, blues and modal scales
Special thanks go to our dedicated Jazz tutors, as well as Mr Hyland and Mr Baxter, whose organisation and guidance make this flourishing Jazz culture possible.
A Remarkable Debut for the Tanglin Concerto Competition
The inaugural Concerto Competition took place over two inspiring evenings in the Recital Room this week, marking an exciting new addition to our musical calendar Designed to stretch and challenge our most advanced instrumentalists - many already studying at diploma level or beyond - the competition showcased an exceptional level of artistry, confidence, and technical command.
Director of Music Rob Hall praised the event as “the highest standard of solo performance I have heard in my career,” commending the musicians for tackling repertoire of formidable difficulty. Across both nights, students presented movements from major concertos spanning Mozart through to Liszt, demonstrating not only virtuosity but also mature musical interpretation well beyond their years
After much deliberation, the adjudicators (Mr Ramu Thiruyanam - Head of Singapore National Youth Orchestra and Mr Adrian Chiang - Music Director of the Asian Cultural Symphony Orchestra) awarded three Runners-Up:
Charlotte T (Cello), Bingxi H (Piano), and Trevor W (Trombone). Each will have the exciting opportunity to perform their concerto movement again - this time with full orchestral accompaniment - alongside the Tanglin Philharmonia in a special concert at SOTA on Saturday 23 May
The overall Winner, Tyler Y (Piano), will perform the entire Liszt Piano Concerto No 1 in E-flat major, S.124, a work of breathtaking technical and expressive scope, with the orchestra at the same event
The competition has set an inspiring new benchmark for solo performance at Tanglin, and we look forward to celebrating these outstanding young musicians on stage with the Philharmonia in May.
INFANTMUSIC
This term we have celebrated with all of Year 1 and 2 house drumming on the astro playing along whilst following the beat to many tunes including the famous K Pop Golden song! The drumming continued when Year 1 music lessons all took place outside at the ducks with Donald and Daffy playing the drums and singing to them!
After half term we really enjoyed the Yolanda Brown sessions which was fantastic and all the children loved singing and dancing along.
The choir opened the Parent workshop in the first half of term singing beautifully and then they also performed at St Georges and the Christmas fair. All the other groups performed for their families at the Christmas fair. We had the biggest number of performers ever from Recorders, Ukuleles, Percussion for fun, Circle time and Clapping fun group and two strings groups. The piano group even performed.
Our Smiley singer leaders went to St Johns to perform for the residents and then went to Tanglin Mall to share the Christmas joy with shoppers so we have been spreading Infant music joy this term.
We also have had our Year 2 show A little bird told me and Nursery Singalong which were fabulous too!
Delphine Hastwell Head of Infant Music
All the Infant music CCA’s have continued to flourish with a greater number having joined our Infant strings group. This group now includes Year 1 and 2 children as we well as cellos and violins.
JUNIORMUSIC
This term marked an exciting new chapter for the creative life of our Junior School as we officially opened our state-of-the-art Junior Arts Centre The launch event was a joyful celebration of student talent and the possibilities this new facility will offer with performances from Chamber Choir, talented soloists and a dynamic demonstration lesson on the African djembe drums.
In Week 8, we celebrated our first Music Spotlight Week, a vibrant programme designed to make full use of the new JAC music spaces. Thanks to generous support from the Tanglin Trust School Foundation, students experienced a rich variety of performances, masterclasses and workshops Daily Open Mic sessions in the J:Hub showcased an impressive range of musical talents, while a special masterclass with ABRSM examiner Yao Cong Tan helped recitalists refine their technique and deepen their musicality. International vocal coach Dylan Foster captivated children with his engaging A Cappella Loops workshops, demonstrating how a single voice can be transformed into a full ensemble through creativity and technology. Lunchtime Recitals featuring Years 3 to 6 and guest performances from Senior School Music Scholars rounded out the week, reinforcing the JAC’s role in nurturing imagination, expression and community.
This term also saw the return of two major ensemble events: the Spotlight Concert at SOTA and the Showcase Concert in the Berrick Performance Hall Both performances highlighted the dedication and musicianship of our ensembles, offering students the unforgettable experience of sharing their achievements with families and friends.
With the JAC now open and already alive with energy, creativity and opportunity, this has been a term to remember. We look forward to even more musical discoveries and artistic growth in the year ahead
Fiona Knight Lucas Head of Junior Music
SENIORMUSIC
This term has been another rewarding one for our Senior School musicians, who have participated in a wide range of performances, workshops, and creative projects
The term opened with the Scholars’ Concert at Chijmes, providing a wonderful platform for students to share their talents in an elegant setting A variety of formal and informal concerts followed, along with another edition of Music in the Mornings featuring many instrumental and vocal soloists.
Helen Owain Head of Senior Music
Our singers contributed significantly to the Remembrance Service at Kranji, and the annual House Singing Competition brought energy and fun with its Elton John theme Shortly after half term, our ensembles concert at SOTA Concert Hall was an excellent opportunity for our students to show off their talents in a more professional setting. Another memorable moment was the visit from acclaimed saxophonist YolanDa Brown, whose workshops inspired both students and staff.
As the festive season approached, students performed carols at venues across Singapore, and bands performing at House Day added to the celebrations. The term concluded with two popular annual events: the Festival of Music at St. George’s and Christmas Jazz Night both showcasing the depth of talent in our school. Looking ahead, our senior bands are already preparing for next term’s Battle of the Bands
Classroom learning has been equally engaging Middle School students have explored practical music-making through band projects and composition tasks, while Upper School and Sixth Form students have been focused on performing and composing coursework
Adding to the experience, a group of students were lucky enough to attend a screening of Top Gun accompanied by a live orchestra a unique opportunity to enjoy the blend of film and symphonic music
AROUNDTHESECTIONS
Celine Tan - Head of Piano
As Term 1 began, our pianists enthusiastically launched into preparations for a vibrant calendar of events. The informal ones, such as Music in the Mornings at the Nixon Bus Bay and the Informal Recitals, provided a stage for students of all ages and abilities. These occasions not only showcased a diverse repertoire but also gave our younger pianists invaluable performance experience, helping them build confidence On the formal stage, the Scholars’ Concert at Chijmes and the Solo and Chamber Recital highlighted the remarkable talents of our Piano Scholars The Scholars’ Concert featured more chamber works and so our pianists combined to perform piano ensemble pieces such as a six-hands interpretation of Bizet’s Les Toreadors from Carmen Suite No. 1 and a piano duet with violin and cello presenting Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 6. At the Solo and Chamber Recital, the audience was treated to masterful interpretations of challenging solo piano works, including J.S. Bach’s Toccata & Gigue from Partita No 6 in E minor, BWV 830 and Liszt’s Transcendental Etude No 4 in D minor (Mazeppa)
Many congratulations to everyone involved in our Piano Concert in Week 14. Forty-five students from the Infant, Junior and Senior Piano Group CCAs performed to a full house in the Recital Room. The evening included polished duet renditions of popular songs – Lewis Capaldi’s Someone You Loved, Elton John’s Can You Feel the Love Tonight and more – accompanied by drums, as well as timeless classical masterpieces like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Rachmaninoff’s Italian Polka To further diversify the programme, we also presented a 6-hands rendition of Liszt’s La Campanella and a 2-piano, 8-hands jazzed up version of Mozart’s ever famous Alla Turca. The audience showed tremendous enthusiasm and support, and they warmly encouraged our Infant Pianists, who were making their duet debuts!
We are proud of each student’s growth and dedication, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Cynthia Z (Y13) who was awarded Second Prize in the Ages 17+ Piano Category at the Charleston International Music Competition (2025 Romantic Music Competition) We look forward to another exciting term of music-making after a well-deserved break! To celebrate the festive season, please enjoy Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas performed by our Infant Piano Group here.
Wishing all families a joyful and peaceful holiday, and a very Happy New Year!
Tzy Ren Chu - Head of Strings
The new academic year started with a flurry of string activities; the senior CCAs resumed their rehearsals in week 2 with the Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of our new conductor, Zhao Tian, playing Eric Coates’s Dam Busters March and Dvorak’s Slavonic Dance op.72 no.2, the Chancery Quartet rehearsing Crowdambo by Jeremy Cohen , the Senior Strings combined with the String Camerata played an arrangement of Offenbach’s The Can-Can, the Jams String Quartet played Bach’s Gavotte at the Bus Bay as part of the Music In The Morning programme, the Wilshire Piano Trio played a Beethoven Piano Trio in Bb major, op. 11 at the Formal Solo and Chamber Music Concert.
In preparation for the Scholars’ Concert, three chamber groups were formed: Betty Z, Charlotte T and Tasuku E playing Tchaikovsky’s Variazione Finale e Coda, from Piano Trio in A minor, op. 50, Maho F, Alexandra A, Anne Y and Betty Z playing a violin, cello, piano of Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No 6 and Tasuku E, Maho F and Rika K playing Friedrich Hermann’s Capriccio for 3 violins, Op 2
Starting off with the Introductory Performance, the Y3 Strings Programme 2025/26 had a total of 9 sessions this time, culminating in a mini concert at the last session, with each group performing their individual item, and a combined performance of Jingle Bells
On this particular morning, all the string instruments were represented in a variety of combinations, performing a string quartet, a cello ensemble, violin ensemble as well as a few solo performances. The Junior Beginner Strings made its debut at this event, performing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Katie’s Waltz.
Apart from several solo items, there were ensemble arrangements of Handel’s Chorus from Judas Maccabaeus, Clare’s Song and City Lights
Due to the overwhelming sign ups, this Informal Concert was split into two, with the non-piano performances held at the Recital Room
The Strings section of this concert featured the usual 2-pair and 3-pair violins but this time, we also showcased the viola, with a group of viola students performing Kathy & David Blackwell’s Viola Time as well as Alexa and Mia performing Gabriel Marie’s La Cinquantine This is done with the aim of creating more awareness of this instrument and hopefully more sign ups.
The inaugural concert of the Community Orchestra (now renamed as Tanglin Philharmonia) under the baton of Rob Hall was held on 30 November at NAFA’s Lee Foundation Theatre. Of particular interest is that this is the first time that a handful of students (mostly the music scholars) have joined the Orchestra as well We had 4 violinists, 1 violist, 4 cellists, 1 clarinetist, 1 trumpeter and 2 percussionists
Shirley Tong - Head of Wind, Brass and Percussion
As I complete my first term in this role, I’m thrilled to share some highlights from a wonderfully active season for our winds, brass and percussion community. It has been a joy working with our committed team of professional tutors who are passionate about nurturing and inspiring our young musicians.
This term began with an exciting Tutor’s Concert, where almost all our winds, brass and percussion tutors came together to perform How to Train Your Dragon in a small band setting - a fantastic way to showcase the teamwork and artistry our students get to learn from.
Our scholars also shone this term, forming creative chamber groups such as the clarinet–violin–cello–piano quartet performing Walter Rabl’s Quartet 1st movement, and a flute and saxophone trio featuring our new flute scholar, Amy C. Their initiative and musicianship were truly inspiring.
In our regular Music in the Morning sessions, the department received warm compliments; from the expressive flute ensemble and solos to the lively drum features that lifted the energy for the whole school at the start of each day
We also celebrated a successful Spotlight Concert at SOTA, where the senior percussion ensemble, Symphonic Wind Band and Symphony Orchestra performed alongside other CCAs. This was a proud moment for our department and a reflection of the hard work our students put in throughout the term.
A lovely milestone this term was the Flute Ensemble’s participation in a formal concert for the first time, and their collaboration at the Christmas Fair with the Beginner Band, Brass Quintet and various jazz ensembles, bringing a festive, joyful atmosphere to the event
Our newly formed Brass Quintet is beginning to take shape as well They will launch officially as part of the Brass Ensemble CCA next term, meeting on Wednesdays at 7.30am. Brass players of Grade 2-3 and above are warmly invited to join. We look forward to seeing them grow and hope they will feature in next year’s St George’s Festival of Music - nothing says more than the sound of a brass band!
The term concluded with the Showcase Concert on 20 November, featuring Junior Band, Chamber Winds (with guest singer Cate W), the Flute Ensemble (introducing the Alto Flute and Piccolo for the first time), and Concert Band, who delighted the audience with their crowd-pleasing performance of Mah-ná Mah-ná from The Muppet Show.
Looking ahead, I’m excited for next term’s Wind & Brass Programme for Year 4 students. They will meet the tutors, try all the instruments, take part in six weeks of small-group lessons, and share a short performance at the end Students may bring their instruments home for the duration of the programme, with free rental extended to those who continue. We hope to see even more students discovering the joy of music-making and exploring the rich world of winds, brass and percussion.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to another inspiring term ahead!
Jonathan Tay - Head of Voice
It’s been a busy start to the year with lots of singing at Tanglin Some highlights include an excellent showing by our choirs at the SOTA Concert Hall in the Spotlight Concert, and again at recent Christmas performances. Special mention for our newly formed Boys’ Choir, featuring boys from Year 7 through to Year 9 who made their debut this term at the Christmas Fair at the Berrick. Many solo singers and ensembles stepped up to share the joy of music at our Christmas Fair as well, many thanks to all who performed
A wide array of songs was performed by our voice students at this term’s Informal Concert, with music by Rodgers and Hammerstein to Laufey and Dan Wilson. Earlier in the term we also had an excellent showing from our singers who impressed at the Music in the Morning showcase at the bus bay.
Our singers at Tanglin are also busy performing in the wider musical spaces out in Singapore and we love to see them thrive and succeed in those experiences as well.
A number of our students took part in this year’s B-Dazzled Music Festival Competition, with Cate W (9Wx) and Naisha R (9Cn) achieving Diamond Awards, and Lea B (8Wn) with an Emerald Award. Congratulations also go to Isabella F (10Wn) who gave an outstanding performance of the Singaporean National Anthem for the King's Birthday Party at Eden Hall in the presence of Princess Anne, the Princess Royal. Such an incredible experience!
Looking forward to next term, where we kick off with the wonderful Musical Sister Act, with our singers already working hard at rehearsals. Coming up is also Musician of the Year, where we look forward to listening to many excellent singers, so sign up and get excited! Our choirs will also start preparing for the Victoria Concert Hall Choral Concert which will take place on Thursday 23 April, with special guest, composer Bob Chilcott.
Looking Forward to the Next Term
Wed 7 Jan & Fri 30 Jan
Musician of the Year entries open and deadline
Tue Jan 13 - Fri Jan 16
Sister Act BBPH, 6pm
Fri 6 Feb
Battle of the Bands BBPH, 5.30pm
Correct at time of publication
Thu 5 Mar
Formal Solo & Chamber Music Concert Recital Room, 6pm
Thu 5 Mar & Mon 9 Mar
Y6 Production BBPH, 6pm
Wed 11 Mar
Orchestral Concert BBPH, 6pm
Sun 15 Mar
Tanglin Philharmonia Concert SOTA, 6pm
Wed 18 Mar
Bands Concert BBPH, 6pm
Mon 23 Mar
Musician of the Year Finalists Concert Recital Room, 4 30pm & 6.30pm
