Formed in 2002 by Ms Ng Shau Ching, The Guitar Ensemble started on a small scale, with Mr Thomas Liauw as the ensemble's instructor.
Mr Terence Choo took over as instructor and conducted the ensemble in the 2003 Singapore Youth Festival. Despite using just Spanish prime guitars, the ensemble won an unexpected gold medal. The ensemble also held its debut concert in July, offering all members valuable stage experience.
Mr Michael Gaspar is introduced to conduct the senior ensemble, Mr Balraj Gopal in brought in to teach the senior ensemble during sections. Mr Terrence Choo is transferred to teach the recruits. The ensemble has a combined 2004 Festival of the Arts event with the Chamber Orchestra and the Choir. The ensemble is upgraded to orchestra status with the purchase of 8 Niibori alto guitars, 2 Niibori basses and 1 Niibori contrabass.
An additional 8 Niibori altos and 1 Niibori contrabass are purchased. The orchestra won a Gold medal at the 2005 Singapore Youth Festival. The orchestra performed at multiple events, including the Association of Banks annual dinner at PanPacific Hotel and the Methodist Teachers Get Together. The orchestra held its Festival of the Arts, featuring soloists, duets, small groups and orchestra style works; Chen Yi plays solo for the Concerto Aranguez; new styles are explored by the orchestra, which has a much wider range of tone and pitch.
An additional 4 Niibori altos, 2 Niibori basses and 1 Niibori contrabass are purchased, bringing the total number of instruments to 20 Niibori altos, 20 Spanish primes, 4 Niibori altos and 3 Niibori contrabasses. First ever inter-school exchange programme held with PLMGSS Guitar Ensemble in June 2006, large combined orchestra style playing proved to be a fantastic experience.. Selected members participate in Haven, a school produced musical.
This year, the Guitar Orchestra invested much time on learning unusual repertoire and interacting with guitarists from other schools. Other than the internal camp held to bond our members and improve our technicality, we also initiated an exchange programme with the PLMGSS Guitar Ensemble. The exchange served to foster greater ties between musicians from both schools and it also allowed us to learn how other ensembles function.
In addition, we represented the school by performing at a charity concert organized by ACS (Barker) and at CHIJ (TP) guitar ensemble's concert as guest musicians. We are constantly widening our repertoire, playing music from all genres, even music from Electric Light Orchestra, a less known British pop group; as well as mainstream Spanish hits and jazz pieces.
No doubt, the sacrifices made by our conductor, Mr. M. Gaspar, our instructor, Mr. Balraj. Gopal., our teachers-in-charge, Ms Ng Shau Ching, Ms Audrey Tay and Mr. Peter Dumortier, as well as all the members of the orchestra have shown much result. We will continue to work hard and strive to reach our full potential.
2006
Eugene Phoen, President
Schools looking to host or join an exchange programme (local and international) can contact the teacher-in-charge to discuss details. Companies and organisations looking for performers can also contact the teacher-in-charge to discuss details.