Reflections 2024, Republic Polytechnic’s Community Arts Festival’s theme is Bhumi (Earth in Malay), where we celebrate our collective resolve in tackling the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges and to encourage more commitment to practise more sustainable efforts towards creativity and the arts. The different shows within the festival will strive to showcase the incredible beauty of our planet as well as the sense of comfort and peace that provides for all.
Our Reflections Community Arts Festival 2024 also celebrates collaboration, we feel truly blessed for the support and encouragement that the community has given this festival series. We also acknowledge the generous support of our sponsors, friends in the community, schools, and professional artistes and partners from the other educational institutions who have been selfless in contributing their creativity, time, and resources to Reflections 2024. Special thanks to the National Arts Council for recognising RP and TRCC as an Arts Node and for collaborating with us to bring the arts and community together.
We thank Republic Polytechnic’s management for steadfastly believing in and promoting the arts as a means for our youth to realize their individual and often unique peaks. Our heartfelt thanks and respect to the staff, trainers, and alumni for their generous sharing of their talents, spirit and vast experience. They have each in their own way guided and motivated our youth, to realize their creative passion and potential.
A lot of effort has gone into this fun, eclectic and meaningful community arts festival. So, it is with great pride and pleasure that we invite all of you to immerse yourselves and enjoy the creative spirit, energy and sheer talent of our youth, as they present us with performances that will help us reflect deeply on our stories and traditions and our rootedness to nature and the important role each of us play in sustaining our environment. We also celebrate our common love for the arts and the strength we have as a vibrant and creative community reflecting our Resilience and Empowerment both in the arts and through the arts for a more sustainable future.
net has hold a e, and lyst for g p g g g passions around the critical issues of environmental stewardship.
At Bhumi, we believe that art can illuminate the beauty of our natural world while also confronting the challenges we face. This includes creating awareness and incorporating sustainable practices, from using ecofriendly materials to recycle and reducing waste, ensuring that our artistic expressions honour the very environment that inspires us.
In the elegant Evening of Music, Fun and Friends - Closing Walls & Ticking Clocks, we celebrate the great music of Coldplay and the Roots to draw attention to their efforts at raising environmental awareness. Fresh from winning the Gold Award at the recent Singapore International Band Festival, the RP Wind Symphony attempts Symphonie De Republique - On Atlas Shoulders, a journey of reflection through evocative and powerful music to appreciate our Earth. In Kancil, our Operations Theatre drama group, details a birthday celebration for the legendary mousedeer who outsmarted the Crocodile while contemplating the unknown future. We end the festival with another highlight, World Drum Night VI – Songs of Our Land, directed by award-winning artiste, Riduan Zalani. This epic production boasts a cast of over 200 drummers and percussionists from 12 youth groups and six institutes of higher learning. “Songs of our Land” aims to uncover, resurrect, and reenergize the melodies, songs, and rhythms of our homeland - a place rich with its native heritage and migration stories, the birthplace of first-generation settlers, the spirit of independence, and the essence of a modern multicultural cosmopolitan.
Another highlight is our Community Arts Project/Exhibition, From Ashes to Rainbows, an immersive, interactive art installation where desolate leaves bloom into life with the caring contribution of the community around it, just like how climate conservation is only possible with meaningful, communal effort.
It definitely takes the whole kampong; this festival has truly been a communal effort where the student performers, the trainers, the artistes/mentors, the community and especially all in Republic Poly converge in our little vortex of creativity. It has been a privilege for me to see the growth and overall, I must say it has been a wondrous and satisfying journey where our passion converse, connect and create.
play tonight to bring to life the sounds and stories of our planet. These will take us on a journey from a lively underwater world full of shiny fish and waving seaweed—where calm and mystery live side by side—to grand rock formations old cave homes, and the rich history that makes Cappadocia unique.
As a music director, I am continually inspired by the power of music to unite us in a shared experience. It transcends language and barriers, allowing us to connect with one another and with the world around us. Music has an extraordinary ability to awaken our senses and evoke emotions, helping us to see our environment through new eyes. This evening, I encourage you to listen not just with your ears, but with your hearts, as we explore themes of harmony, sustainability, and our responsibility to cherish and protect our Earth. I want to extend my d t tit d t i dibl i i d our dedicated from the very ntributed your ey not just a s our heartfelt ur behind-theour excitement ebrating music hat every note cture—one that dive into the over your own we share on our of this journey urselves of the t our valuable
Being part of a school community RPWS keenly
Republic Polytechnic Wind Symphony (RPWS) was formed in 2003. Since its inception, the band has always been about providing an avenue and home for wind musicians to enjoy music-making through musical exploration.
Through the years, RPWS has gained recognition for their excellent musicianship on both the local and international stage. On top of staging regular successful concerts, they actively take part in festivals such as the biennial Singapore International Band Festival and Chiayi City Band Festival in Taiwan. RPWS is also honoured to have worked with bands such as Hong Kong Festival Wind Orchestra and Singapore Armed Forces Central Band.
Being part of a school community, RPWS keenly collaborates with other interest groups to showcase talented students and encourage youths to pursue their passion. The band aims to support and enrich existing school band programmes by organising projects for school bands. RPWS also regularly puts up free concerts open to the public. These endeavours underscore RPWS' desire to contribute to the local band community and encourage musical growth and development in school bands.
RPWS strives to be the stimulus for musical excellence in school bands in Singapore. It is in this spirit that they continue to dedicate themselves to bringing quality music to the community and work closely with school bands through their initiatives.
RP Wind Symphony
@rpwindsymphony
Republic Polytechnic Wind Symphony
@rpwindsymphony
LAU YU BIN ZION
Starting off as a percussionist back in primary 3, he was very intrigued by music with all the rhythms and melodies before moving on to Marsiling Secondary School Concert Band as a tuba player, and then RP Wind Symphony.
Believing in observing and applying, he observed how conductors conduct bands, which peaked his curisoity and intrest, leading him to audition for the Assistant Concertmaster role in the band.
Under the guidance of Mr Luo Tianze, he is able to learn an abundnace of knowledge about conducting and playing the tuba that he did not even know or think of. And because of that, he is very glad and appreciative for the guidance in conducting and playing.
"WHAT WE ARE DOING TO THE FORESTS OF THE WORLD IS BUT A MIRROR REFLECTION OF WHAT WE ARE DOING TO OURSELVES AND TO ONE ANOTHER."
-MAHATMA GANDHI
This movement draws inspiration from Singapore's historical and cultural significance, particularly the motif from Leong Yoon Pin's Daybreak and Sunrise. In this work, dawn symbolizes the awakening of Singapore's dreams, a fitting parallel to humanity's renewed awareness of its responsibilities toward the Earth.
This movement reflects the idea of awakening—much like how Atlas must bear the weight of the sky, humanity must "awaken" to the burden of environmental stewardship. As the dawn rises, it symbolizes new beginnings, reminding us that it's not too late to take action and protect our planet.
The piece "Aquarium" divided into three mov through unique music underwater world wit "Bhumi" in our concer balance of life on ecosystems. The piece on nature, emphasizing
Chasing Sunlight was inspired by the experience of driving west into the setting sun, as if trying to keep up with the earth's rotation to catch the last few rays of light before dusk. The steady eighth note motif throughout the piece represents this sense of urgency, while the soaring, lyrical themes depict the warmth and radiance of the sun low in the sky. Just as the sun will always set, humans must accept the impermanence of all things in life, and make the most of every opportunity before it has passed. Chasing Sunlight also represents the ongoing pursuit of these opportunities.
“And Then the Ocean Glows” was commissioned by Niihama Grade School and Mr. Shinichi Tagawa in 2002; which depict the water element of the ocean. Mr. Tagawa and Satoshi Yagisawa titled the piece together by drawing from sectional themes of “Shining Morning Ocean”, “Wind Stormy Ocean” and “Large Mother Ocean” – which we will be able to differentiate and identify the different sections of the piece based on the style of the music.
This piece is a reflective, atmospheric piece for concert band, which evokes the natural beauty and mysterious glow of the ocean at twilight. The composition explores the themes of nature's serenity, using slow, expressive melodies that build towards a luminous climax.
Joe Hisaishi's "Animation Song Medley" is a medley of some of his most iconic compositions, particularly from Studio Ghibli films such as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl's Moving Castle. The medley evokes a sense of nostalgia, wonder, and emotional depth, capturing the essence of nature, imagination, and human connection—themes central to many of Hisaishi’s works.
This piece represents the beauty and fragility of the Earth, inviting the audience to reflect on the balance between humanity and nature through evocative music. The nostalgic and emotional resonance of Hisaishi’s pieces fits well with the idea of preserving the beauty of our planet for future generations, much like the essence of Bhumi in this concert.
ed on the words ork - “The sky ere are combat up.” He wished on earth and s piece will give ants to convey:
This piece is a high-energy, percussion-driven piece that conveys the intensity and power of a storm. Through its dynamic rhythms, sharp contrasts, and shifting tempos, the music portrays the onset, fury, and eventual calm after a storm.
As rhythmic elements layer in, the motive of Stormbreak becomes clear and will continue to make itself known throughout the piece. Utilising frequent repeats in most parts, it offers a great way for young, intermediate players to become more comfortable with the concept of “grooving” in their own part while placing that groove within the mix of their fellow groove-playing compadres.
Stormbreak symbolizes nature's uncontrollable power and the forces of the Earth. It mirrors the theme of humanity's exploitation of natural resources, much like a storm, highlighting the consequences of neglecting environmental stewardship.
This musical piece inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia in Turkey, known for its natural rock formations and historical significance. The composition reflects the grandeur and mystery of this region, blending serene and majestic themes to evoke both the beauty and history of the area.
Cavetown Cappadocia symbolizes the timeless relationship between humanity and the Earth, representing our responsibility to protect these natural wonders and the historical depth of our shared planet.
“NATURE IS NOT A PLACE TO VISIT. IT IS HOME.”
- GARY SNYDER
Sound
Daniel Hgalel
Firdaus Zolkifli
Mohammed Firdaus Bin Juma'at
LIGHTING
Fazree Azharie
Firdaus Zaini
Mohammed Hassan Syaziq Abdullah
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
Ganesh Kalyanam
FESTIVAL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Zaini Tahir
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Jeremy Leow
Muhd Amru
Skyler Tan
Wong Li Wern
MARKETING AND TICKETING COORDINATORS
Intan Nurliana
Skyler Tan
Wong Li Wern
VENUE MANAGERS (FRONT OF HOUSE)
Adila Mohamed Azizah Rohani
STUDENT FESTIVAL PRODUCERS
OPENING LAUNCH & PARADE
Lee Lok Yin
FROM ASHES TO RAINBOW
Lim Natasha Anne
Nayli Nasyitah Binte Mohamad Zian
AN EVENING OF MUSIC, FUN & FRIENDS: CLOSING WALLS AND TICKING CLOCKS
Muhammad Mirza Ruslee
Foong Shu Yee
KANCIL
Arvin Shankar
MUSE XIII: ELEMENTAL
Nurul Batrisyah Binte Zainal
Nurul Izzaty Bte Muhamad Shukran
WORLD DRUM NIGHT VI: SONGS OF OUR LAND
Vanshika
Nur Shakinah Binte Ab Halim
Mohd Anuar
Terence Chua
SOUND
Daniel Hgalel
Firdaus Zolkifli
Mohammed Firdaus Bin Juma'at
LIGHTING
Fazree Azharie
Firdaus Zaini
Mohammed Hassan
Syaziq Abdullah
STUDENT PRODUCTION TEAM
Campus Arts Production
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Intan Nurliana
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Photo Republic
The Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC) is an integral part of Republic Polytechnic’s mission of nurturing the multiple facets and talents of our students. TRCC is the focal point for the artistic and cultural development of our students, and also a cultural space that facilitates the integration of the community through a common appreciation of the arts. Republic Polytechnic (The Republic Cultural Centre) is part of the National Arts Council’s Arts and Culture Nodes Network.
TRCC’s venues provide aspiring artistes platforms to realize their passion, and to share that with a wider audience. With its arts series “Arts Platter” and the annual Reflections - Community Arts Festival, TRCC hopes to raise cultural awareness and appreciation for our colorful heritage. In so doing, TRCC seeks to be the venue of choice for entertainment, exploration and enrichment of the arts.
Designed by Maki & Associates (Japan), TRCC exudes an elegant simplicity and balance of aesthetics and functionality that reflects our approach to nurturing an appreciation for the arts and culture. Under its fan-shaped roof, TRCC has 2 main performing arts venues: a) 1,111-seat Theatre and b) 346-seat Studio. In addition to these performing spaces, TRCC also has a complement of rooms and studios for practice, rehearsal and recordings that support curriculum, student development.
TRCC is a home to 25 student arts groups. These groups have a safe haven to explore and evolve their art forms. Having them under the same roof promotes interaction, collaborations and synergy. This healthy atmosphere help the groups grow artistically as well as broadens their appreciation for what other groups are doing.
Both professional and amateur arts groups from the community often leverage on TRCC’s creative and professional staff and its facilities for practice and performances. Through our Artistes-in-residence scheme, groups like Singapore’s top Gamelan group, Gamelan Asmaradana, and ZingO Festival Drums are based in TRCC and work closely with RP’s student groups to mentor and develop their craft.
TRCC is thus more than just a superb array of arts venues but also a driving force that strives to provide a viable platform for students, staff and community partners, to realize their passion for the arts and the cultural vibrancy that defines us as a nation.
The Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC) and Republic Polytechnic Wind Symphony wish to convey the centre’s appreciation and thanks to the following for their gracious presence, guidance and support for Reflections 2024 – Symphonie De République: On Atlas’ Shoulders:
Principal/CEO
Management of Republic Polytechnic
Front of House, Ticketing and Ushers Team
Alumni and Guest Players
All who have contributed in making this evening’s concert a success!
