NUS students and young musicians unite in harmonious mentorship

On 3 Nov 2024, the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Concert Hall came alive with music, vigour, and collaboration during A Musical Odyssey: Fantasies and Journeys. The event featured three distinct performances by our credit-bearing arts groups NUS Symphony Orchestra (NUSSO), NUS Chinese Orchestra (NUSCO), and NUS Wind Symphony (NUSWS), each transporting the audience through worlds of fantasy, history, and imagination. Adding a special touch, NUSSO and NUSWS partnered with Greenwood Primary School’s String Ensemble and St. Joseph’s Institution (Junior) Brass Band, respectively, in a heartwarming showcase of community engagement and shared musical passion.

The concert was held at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Concert Hall featured a line-up that included local compositions such as “Kreta Ayer” and “Sisters’ Island” and popular film music such as “The Lord of the Rings” and “Kung Fu Panda”.

These collaborations were the culmination of a mentorship programme, where NUS students coached primary school pupils, helping them refine their skills and prepare for the stage. The younger musicians were inspired by the opportunity to learn from and perform alongside their mentors.

Music, mentorship, and growth

The primary school musicians found the experience as enriching and beneficial.

Steve Aung, a student from Greenwood Primary enthused, “The NUS volunteers were very kind and patient. They took time to listen to our playing and helped us as much as they could and encouraged us.”

His school mate, Nur Shadrina concurred. “I hope NUS students can come back to train our juniors,” she said.

“The NUS students were like big brothers and big sisters. They gave me advice on my playing and were really helpful,” said Rolan Benedict Widarbrata, a student from St. Joseph’s Institution Junior.

Students from NUS Wind Symphony travelled to St. Joseph’s Institution to provide coaching and mentorship to primary school students from their brass band.

For the NUS students, the project was equally meaningful. Dexter Tan, a Year 1 NUS Mathematics student is grateful for the opportunity to play music with the primary school students. “I can use music to bring joy to others. If I can inspire them to become a musician or continue to play music in the future, that would be a great thing,” he said.

Lychelle Cheng, a Year 3 Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences student majoring in Psychology agreed. “It’s been very heartwarming to play with the children, and watching them grow from being unable to read scores to becoming competent players,” she said.

Alyssa Neu, a Year 1 NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences student, majoring in English Language and Linguistics appreciated the chance to teach younger students. “I feel very privileged to work with the children. Teaching them was a very meaningful experience. I was able to connect with them and I learnt a lot about how to teach better. Overall, it was a very fun experience and I would do it again,” she said.

Students from NUSSO, NUSWS and the two primary schools were thankful for the opportunity to teach and learn music together.

Celebrating the unifying power of music

Beyond the collaborations with primary school musicians, NUSCO captivated audiences with their segment which transported the audience with music that played homage to Singapore’s rich cultural heritage. With evocative pieces inspired by historical landmarks and folklore, NUSCO’s performance showcased the orchestra’s ability to merge music with narrative, creating a compelling and immersive experience for audiences of all ages.

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere were interactive booths set up at the foyer an hour before each concert. These booths invited audiences to explore the world of orchestras and instruments through hands-on activities, fostering a deeper appreciation for music in a family-friendly setting. From learning how different instruments produce sound to discovering the roles of musicians in an orchestra, the booths provided a delightful and educational prelude to the day’s performances.

As a pre-show segment, concert attendees given the chance to try music instruments which were featured during the concert.

A Harmonious Finale

A Musical Odyssey: Fantasies and Journeys was more than a concert—it was a celebration of mentorship, collaboration, and the unifying power of music. As the music faded and the applause echoed through the hall, the event left an indelible impression on both participants and audiences. It reaffirmed the role of music in fostering creativity, community, and cultural growth, while offering a glimpse of the bright future awaiting Singapore’s musical landscape.