The Serangoon Concert Band was formerly known
as the Serangoon Military Band, which was then under the instruction of Mr Hong Hin Fun, Bernard. Under his instruction,
the band members came together for practice twice a week. Training camps were also organized in June for members to promote
the spirit of camaraderie and to enhance their musical skills.
In April 1997, the Military Band participated
in the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) competition and was awarded its first Bronze medal. In the same year, many opportunities
have been provided to give more exposure to the band members, including performances for school functions like Sports
Day, Speech Day and the weekly Assembly. The band has also done a successful combined concert with the school's Chinese Orchestra,
entitled "Harmony" held at the Victoria Concert Hall.
In 1999, the band secured its second Bronze
medal in the SYF Indoor Band competition and a year later, it successfully put up its first solo concert, entitled Phantasmic
2000. The band continued to excel in the SYF competition in 2001 and 2003, claiming the Bronze medal yet again.
In 2002, the Serangoon Military Band was renamed the Serangoon Concert
Band in order to pursue a higher level of musical performance. Since then, the band has performed for numerous school
events, the most significant being Serangoon Secondary School's Official Opening Ceremony in July 2003.
In January 2005, the band performed for the Secondary 1 Aesthetics Awareness
Programme as well as the CCA Orientation. It was an enjoyable experience for all the members.
On 6th February 2005, the Serangoon Concert
Band was privileged to be invited by the National Parks Board to perform at the Istana Park, which
drew crowds from our school as well as the public. Definitely a great learning experience!
To further expose themselves to outdoor performances, the Band performed
at Ngee Ann City as part of the "Music In the City" Series on the 22nd June 2005. Being able to
play in the heart of the city was something worth remembering.
On 9th August 2005, the Concert Band was invited
to play at the National Day Observance Ceremony held at
Bedok Reservoir Road, with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr George Yong-Boon Yeo as Guest of Honour.
On 25th November 2005,
the Band members participated in a Band Exchange Programme involving three other schools: Bartley Secondary,
Balestier Hill Secondary and Fuchun Secondary. It was quite an experience when all the members came together to play
"Stand By Me" as a 120-member strong combined band.
On 8th-10th December, the members concluded
the academic year through a 3 day - 1 night camp with both teachers and instructors
in school. They had lots of fun engaging in intensive practices as well as team-building games. Everyone enjoyed themselves.
