The Wind Band Ensemble in Singapore
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Following a NAC R&D Grant award in 2002, A Narrative History of Music in Singapore; 1819 to the present, and submission report in 2005, Eugene has been actively promoting the research data through local and international publications and conference presentations on interdisciplinary perspectives of music and their impact on music and education.
He has also written on Improvisation, specifically for the non music-specialist learner, based on an elective he runs on the University’s undergraduate programme. Together with Peter Stead, he has also published music textbooks for the General Music Programme in Singapore schools.
Eugene is currently the Music coordinator in the Visual and Performing Arts Academic Group at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University.
The musical practice of the wind band ensemble has been a part of the soundscape in Singapore for more than 180 years.
The earliest records we possess are from the register of St. Andrew’s Cathedral which reveals the units or detachments of Military Forces in Singapore from 1823 till 1851.
Evidence of political support for a military band was found in a costs statement in 1829, of the united Presidency of the Straits Settlement; expenses listed under the Band included instruments, rations and dress.[1]
Regimental bands were one of the many chapters in E.A. Brown’s book Indiscreet Memories, which claimed to be eye-witness accounts of Music in Singapore.[2]
More importantly, Brown acknowledged the significant role military bands played either in assisting with productions, in giving their own performances or providing music on public occasions.[3]
Further documentary evidence indicates band performances at Masonic functions[4] and incidental concerts[5] in addition to ceremonial duties and commemoration of the King’s birthday.
Tucked away in the Singapore Free Press review of a performance of Damp Beds and My Young Wife and Old Umbrella on the 27 September 1846 was this small acknowledgement: the excellent music of the 21st Regiment’s Band added not a little to the evening’s entertainment.[6]
Section XII of 1872 Summary Criminal Jurisdiction informs us unambiguously that criminal charges befell whoever, without the permission in writing of the Chief Police Officer, beats a drum or tom-tom or blows a horn or trumpet or beats or sounds any brass or other metal instrument or utensil. The only obvious exception was that This Clause shall not be held to apply to Military Music. [7] (emphasis mine)
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