Wgssband
Formed in 2000, the Woodgrove Secondary Symphonic Band was a young band. Slowly, the band grew and took part in countless school events and external performances. The Woodgrove Secondary School Symphonic Band is now a musical ensemble made up of woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments and may include a string bass. Our musicians play a repertoire of music from classical to pop.
Why music?
Experts say Music Makes a Genius. As musicians learn and play, the neural paths are repeatedly forged across the corpus collosum - the bridge between the brain's left and right lobes. In a non-musician, the "home" for music is the right side of the brain. For musicians however, mental maturity from music takes place in both sides of the brain. This is what is known as the Mozart Effect, based on the findings of the researcher Don Campbell. Studies supporting it show that music increases spatial intelligence - the capacity that allows the child to accurately perceive visual things and recognise patterns. It also aids higher brain functions for complex mathematics, computer skills, sciences, architecture, map reading and even chess.
Achievements and Events
2002
♪ School Official Opening Ceremony
2003
♪ SYF Central Judging Competition - Silver!
2004
♪ Friendly Concert @ Victoria Concert Hall
2005
♪ SYF Central Judging Competition - Silver!
♪ Balloon Hat Festival @ Sentosa
2006
♪ Debut Concert @ Singapore Conference Hall - 'Giovialita!'
2007
♪ SYF Central Judging Competition - Silver!
♪ N7 Cluster Instrumental Competition - 1st! (Saxophone)/2nd! (Clarinet)
♪ 1st National Trumpet and Brass Ensemble Competition - 2nd : Silver! (School)/Silver! (Alumni)
♪ International Band Competition @ Genting Highlands - High Silver!
2008
♪ Concert by The Performing Arts Groups of Woodgrove - 'Faire La Fete'
♪ Participated in Singapore International Band Festival 2008
♪ Overseas Music Imersion Trip to Perth, Australia
2009
♪ SYF Central Judging Competition - Silver!
Resident Conductor
Toh Yang Yang
♪ Mr Toh Started his Band Directing career in 1998 and was appointed the resident conductor of Chung Cheng High School (Branch) ; currently renamed Chung Cheng High School (Yishun). He took over late Mr. Hashim to set up Woodgrove Secondary School Symphonic Band in September 2000. With his passion and leadership, Our Band got his first Silver Medal in 2003 SYF Central Judging for Concert Band and received very positive feedbacks from Musicians around Band circle of Singapore. He then handed the Band over to one of our very own member, Joey Chian, who lead the band through SYF 2005 with a second Silver Award. He was back to lead our band family again last September and we hope to soar for greater musical heights under his Direction.