By Karen Tho (Grade 12)
What does the symphonic band consists of?
It consists of brass instruments, woodwind instruments and different musical ensembles such as the flute choir and the clarinet ensemble.
What songs will they playing?
The grade 9 students are playing the Phantom of the Opera while the grade 7 students are playing the Jingle Bell Rocks and Up on the Housetop.
Why are they playing these songs?
Phantom of the Opera is very a famous musical. It is actually shown daily on Broadway in New York. This specific arrangement for band is a very good arrangement that incorporate just the right amount of skills so the students can play it. Students will be proud to be able to play this piece because they have spent great amount of time practicing and perfecting their playing. I personally like this song very much because the story behind the song is cool and the music is beautifully written.
There are a couple reasons as to why I chose Jingle Bell Rocks and Up on the Housetop for the grade 7 students. One of the reasons is that they have just started learning the instruments and have very limited skills and experiences with music. It would be a very challenging task to have them play something that is more advanced like the grade 9 students. Another reason is that it is Christmas and I want them to play songs that have the festivities spirits.
How often do they practice?
The students are very hardworking. They practice whenever they can; before school, after school, before class, during class and even during lunch time daily.
What are the challenges you have so far?
One of the challenges that I have encountered is that the current grade 9 students are having some difficulties in playing the Phantom of the Opera. Another challenge is that my students have varying musical skills and backgrounds. Some have extensive music backgrounds since they were exposed to music for years while others have never touched an instrument before. Trying to meet the deadlines is another challenge that I have to deal with. There is a lot of pressure.
How do you resolve these challenges?
My music programs are designed such a way that students with no music background should be able to play successfully as long as they work hard and complete all of the practices. I have students who have limited musical background. These students are very hardworking and generally have good work ethics. They practice when I tell them to and because of that, they are very successful players and achieve high scores in my class. People who failed my course are just people who don’t spend enough time practising their instruments. It is impossible to fail my course if they have passion and willing to learn music.
Any interesting/funny stories from rehearsals?
I always think of ways to make the performances entertaining for both the audiences and the students. I choose fun, lively songs for the musical ensemble. For instance, the flute choir are playing Angry Bird and the clarinet ensemble are playing The Entertainer. They are lively and famous pieces that will lighten up the mood. We will use different props and costumes to add to the concert. The process of planning a playful and entertaining Christmas concert is pretty fun for the students and I.
Anything else that you would like to add?
Everyone is welcome to attend the Secondary Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 16th in the MUST auditorium at 5 pm. Tickets are 50 MOP each and will be on sale in the office in December.
