Dear Band Member,
Infringement of the SYF Rule
Hi. Thank you for visiting this site.
As a band member, it is your RIGHT to know about this incident which took place on 17 March 2007.
I refer to the SYF rule which states that the set pieces cannot be performed before 31 July 2007. On 17 March 2007, a public performance was held at Ang Mo Kio Community Center, involving the bands from Ang Mo Kio Secondary School, Commonwealth Secondary School and Xinmin Secondary School. Parents and friends of the performers, as well as members of the public, could purchase tickets at the entrance of the hall and view the performance.
The conductor of the three bands, Mr Brando Tan, was showcasing the growth of the junior band to the parents. However, there were also performances of the above-mentioned bands of the SYF set pieces, ‘Sunrise’ and ‘Safari’.
The assistant conductor of Ang Mo Kio Secondary School appeared to make an attempt to stop Mr Brando Tan from performing the set pieces. However, Mr Brando Tan confidently reassured the audience that he is on close terms with a CCAB officer, should any trouble arise.
This is a blatant infringement of the SYF rule and suggests that the CCAB will grant him personal favour in breaking a rule that applies to all. This shows scant respect to all other school bands which strictly adhere to the rule.
It is regrettable that Mr Brando Tan's success in his charges are tainted by such a character flaw, clearly exhibited to all attending the performance, which surely have a negative impact on the character development of every young mind present.
It makes a mockery of his speech before the performance that being in a band aids a child’s character development, when he openly suggested in such a way that pulling strings will get himself out of trouble. I deeply doubt his supposedly 'good' intentions as a music educator to instill knowledge and strong moral values to our young.
I believe that all of you are smart enough to make the correct judgement.
Thank you for taking your time to read this.
