ANNOUNCEMENT
It will be a weekly thing every Saturday, 1-3.30pm, and we will be putting up a combined concert with the Main Band on the 26th of February, 2008.
Please RSVP to your respective batch reps if you are turning up!
Thanks and hope to see you guys soon!
Nicole
(P.S. Spread the message as well)
CSSAB
Embracing Music Together .
Gold for SYF
Congratulations to Commonwealth Military Band for attain a Gold Award at the Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging for Bands!
Keep up the good work!
CSSAB
Embracing Music Together .
Ppl, lets pick up the dust from here...
Firstly let me say a few words. The alumni band is mostly inactive for the past 2 years since our last concert was due to the lack of time of the organizing committee, mainly myself. As most of you know, I've started studying at NTU since August right immediately after I ORDied (left army), so I have no time to plan for anything. If anyone would want to organize any activity for the alumni band, be it a BBQ gathering or any concerts, PLS do let me know! If not the band's activity would be solely based on my schedule, and I don't think you would want it to be that way.
CSS has officially moved to their new location at the previous River Valley High Sec Sch compound near west coast. So don't go trotting back to Jurong East St. 24 and be surprised with Hong Kah Sec students occupying the location! The new band room is located temporarily on the 4th floor of the "CCA Block" as the real band room on the 1st floor is undergoing renovations.
CMB will be having a band camp from coming monday (4th Dec) to thurs (7th Dec) at the "CCA Block".
I hereby invite and encourage you to visit them during the band camp and help out whenever possible (they really need it!!!). They are currently preparing for next year SYF's set and choice piece (Rhapsody for Hanukkah and some new Singapura thingy). Take it as a trip to visit the new location, new bandroom, the sec1s...
If you're going back during the daytime, there will be a security guard there to take down particulars for security purposes. Please don't rebutt him or ignore him, he is just doing his job. Just do what he wants and the school is yours to explore. Also, please dress appropriately, we are all young adults, so no need for me to further explain (no slippers!) Remember that we have to give a good impression to the school as an alumni body!
I'll be going back only during the night as I'm taking a temporary job in school, so please refrain from calling me in the daytime to inform me that the security guard is bullying you...!!!
Some info on how to get there: 176 from Jurong East Bus Interchange and 30 from Boon Lay Bust Interchange.
If you're dying to ask me something please message me. Get the number from your batch rep.
Thanks so much for reading! See you there (at night)!
Cheers
Tun Kai
CSSAB
Embracing Music Together .
MEETING 13/05/06 What's Now? So for now, please wait for more good news!
New Committee
As mentioned before, due to burgeoning band size, the band needs a new committee consisting of people from the younger batches to take up committee positions. Hence, one of the key meeting points was choosing the committee. I will continue to take on the role of a president to guide the committee and here are the rest of the list:
For now, the QM post is still open due to lack of response during the meeting. If you want to offer yourself, pls let me know! Thanks!
Concert Ideas
Another main focus of the meeting is to discuss plans on future activities, most importantly, a concert. Although there are members who prefer an all-out concert at an established hall, there are many reservations and I have summarized them as follows:
Established Hall eg,VCH
Thanks to Sheng Shi's recommendations, the meeting members have decided to have the concert in our own school hall. Details as follows:
However, the school will be using the halls for its O levels during the October-November period, and also the fact that the school is moving BY Jan 07, so we may not be able to play in our old school hall. Why not before the period? Because most of the younger batches having exams, and the fact that we can pull in this year's Sec4 for next year's concert (slated in the 1st quarter). Practices will however start soon, even though the length of time between now and next year is quite long.
The school and the school alumni will be contacted of our plans and a proposal will be written to them. We will need a committee meeting to fine tune the proposal before handing it up.
Post meeting at Alistair's Condo conference room
CSSAB
Embracing Music Together .
Again, A reminder..
Re: Upcoming Meeting.
There will be a meeting on the 13th May 2006, Saturday. The meeting time and venue will be, 4.30 p.m. at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange. This meeting cum discussion will regard to Alumni Band's nominated committees and upcoming events.
Your co-operation is greatly appreciated. Please spread the words.
Thank you.
CSSAB
Embracing Music Together .
If above doesn't work, CLICK HERE.
-Hak-
p.s: btw Stan, the blog template was initially from Nicole. And I tweaked it abit here and there.
CSSAB
Embracing Music Together .
When we (batch representative) sms to all of you regarding band updates or anything related, please understand that we're sending to more than 10 ppl. So we can't possibly reply everyone with "OK" or "See you" and end up bursting our SMS quota by our phone plans. Many of our phone bills are paid for by our parents, so we don't wish to put our overpriced bill under our parents unneccesary scrutiny! Unless when a reply is unevitable, we will reply. Please understand!
In the future, the batch representatives will SMS all the basic details, with reference to this blog, to all alumni bandmembers. So that we can save SMS and be refrained from sending distorted or length messages. A typical SMS will look like this: "Dear Alumni, there will be a band meeting on the 13th May, meet up at Bukit Batok bus interchange at 4.30pm. Pls reply asap, see you!" If you want to know more, I'm sure you do, please come to this blog (unless you don't have internet connection at your convenience, please let your batch representative know in this case) and find out more! Simple!
PS: Something unrelated but please....alumni taggers, please put your real name, not some unrelated moniker. It will be easier to communicate and much appreciated!
Cheers!
Tun Kai
Alumnus with scrutinised phone bill...
CSSAB
Embracing Music Together .
Regarding 13th May's Meeting
Hi, this is Tun Kai.
For the meeting, so as not to waste everybody's precious time, this is what we will be discussing about:
1. New committee. On the earlier meeting, we have come up with some names for each post. Namely the vice-president, secretary, quarter master, treasurer and librarian. However, you can carry on thinking of alumnus in your batch or other batches to fill this post. I will inform all about the "arrowed" people on the day of meeting. So if you have any comments or suggestions, please think of it ahead and you can voice out on that day.
2. The main band will be embarking on an overseas trip to either Japan or Thailand at the end of the year, more details will be told on the meeting, so they are not having their year end concert. As a result, we can't play as guest item (which we are used to) and need to come up with other plans. The earlier meeting suggested having our own concert with CMB as guest band or we can share a concert. Please brainstorm of this issue, or we won't have anything to work towards!!!
3. For the trip, Mr Tan is thinking of bringing willing alumnus (band alumni) with CMB to overseas. Like I said, more details will be given then.
It will be a short meeting, not expected to last past 7.30 (latest possible). Depends on the attendance which is attributed by YOU, the meeting could be a successful or one that fails due to lack of alumni. SO you can make this meeting fruitful for the band.
Lastly, the alumni band has been lying low for sometime and we do not want it to just fade away and fail. With the experience gained by the band over the years and our undying passion for this band and music, please give your fullest support for OUR cause. I would like to stir the passion that we have shown and proven to each other that has been dormant since the last concert we had.
Looking forward to seeing all soon...again!
With regards,
Tun Kai
Willing yet happy "slave" of CSSAB
CSSAB
Embracing Music Together .
Re: Upcoming Meeting.
There will be a meeting on the 13th May 2006, Saturday. The meeting time and venue will be, 4.30 p.m. at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange. This meeting cum discussion will regard to Alumni Band's nominated committees and upcoming events.
Your co-operation is greatly appreciated. Please spread the words.
Thank you.
CSSAB
Embracing Music Together .
Next Alumni Meeting
Please be aware that there would be another meeting coming up and your attendance is greatly appreciated. Just check this site out on a regular basis for updates on the meeting. Your batch representative shall inform you once again.
Thank you.
CSSAB
Embracing Music Together .
Meeting Cancelled.
Please try to turn up for other meetings we might have in the future. Thank you.
CSSAB
Embracing Music Together .
Alumni Meeting for 05' batch.
What: Alumni Meeting to come up with a committee ASAP
Who: All 05 batch people. (graduated in 2005)
Where: Jurong Entertainment Centre 2nd Floor
When: Saturday, 18 March
What time: 1pm
I'll send out emails, but meanwhile just try to remind each other to go for the meeting.
Also, please think of the following:
1) Who do you want for President/vice-president etc..? (refer to 1st entry for other committee roles)
2)Suggestions for any upcoming activities?
3)What you do think of a combined Alumni concert with AMKSS band? Any suggestions to go with it? (when/where etc...)
Thank you!
CSSAB
Embracing Music Together .
Greetings!
Regards,
Tun Kai
CSSAB
Embracing Music Together .
Info for new batch
Please read and start thinking of new ideas for the alumni band! (practice dates, upcoming events etc.)
COMMONWEALTH SECONDARY SCHOOL ALUMNI BAND
1. Introduction
The Commonwealth Secondary School Alumni Band (CSSAB) was first founded in 1999 by an enthusiastic group of band members, headed by the then out-going Band Major, Ms Lee Peilin (1996-1999). Although they were full of passion and drive, the lackluster membership numbers led to its closure in 2000.
The current CSSAB was revived in 2001 by Mr Hoo Tun Kai (1998-2001); Band Major (Music), Ms Joanne Lum(1998-2001); Band Major (Admin) and Mr Stanley Tan (1997-2000); Drum Major. In its inaugural year, it participated as a guest band in the Commonwealth Military Band (CMB)’s year-end concert.
Since then, CSSAB has been involved in 3 successive year-end concerts with CMB. In 2004, CSSAB held its own debut concert, Musique Autour De Nous , in the Singapore Conference Hall.
2. Vision of CSSAB
1. To provide an avenue for graduated CMB members with the passion for music, to continue to play in a band, in which everybody knows each other.
2. To strengthen bonds formed during former school days and to forge new bonds with seniors and juniors alike.
To provide assistance to CMB members; aiding the growth of the band
3. Situational Analysis
As the alumni band embarks on its 6th year, it has been observed that the growth of the band has slowed, despite the steady increase in CMB’s membership. The main cause that has been identified is the lack of involvement in the executive committee by the younger batches of graduated band members. This has given rise to the problem of waning interest amongst the younger graduated members in the CSSAB. Coupled with it is the incapacity of the current committee to continue the management of the band due to other mounting personal commitments. Hence, it has been proposed that a new executive/management committee should be set up as soon as possible to continue the management of CCSAB.
4. Proposed Action plan
1. To elect new presidents and/or committee members
2. To introduce the “new blood” to the whole alumni band, school alumni, school and main band.
3. Discuss important issues concerning membership, practice dates and others.
4. To submit updated proposal to the relevant authorities; i.e. school and alumni.
5. Roles of Executive Committee Members
5.1. President
-Organize and lead the committee in meetings
-Vetting Minutes of meeting
-Ensure that the committee is effective.
-Work out new direction for the band (e.g. Concerts)
-Plan practice schedules
-Attend meetings with school alumni and school when required
-Responsible for the locking up of the band room after usage
-Liaise with CMB’s conductor and Ex-co for administrative matters.
-Liaising with external parties (when necessary)
5.2. Vice president
-Organize and lead the committee in meetings
-Vetting Minutes of meeting
-Ensure that the committee is effective.
-Work out new direction for the band (e.g. Concerts)
-Plan practice schedules
-Attend meetings with school alumni and school when required
-Responsible for the locking up of the band room after usage
-Liaise with CMB’s conductor and Ex-co for administrative matters.
-Liaising with external parties (when necessary)
-Aid the President in all things
5.3. Secretary
-Compiling of meeting minutes
-Circulation of meeting minutes and other relevant documents
-Be informed of practice schedules
-To pass down info on practice dates and venues from committee to the rest of the band
-Monitor Attendance rates
5.4. Conductor
-To lead the band musically
-Ensure the band is up to standard for concerts
-Decide in repertoire
-Liaise with librarians for score matters
5.5. Treasurer
-Managing band fund available (both under Alumni Band and School Alumni)
-In charge of budget planning in all activities, with the cooperation of all committee
-To deal with monetary transactions, together with the 2 Presidents
-To collect band fund
-Keep check on receipts, to be claimed and also those that have been claimed.
-Maintain band fund
-Do a regular report on funds status, be it quarterly or monthly, or as advised by school alumni.
5.6. Quarter Master
-Responsible for the upkeep of the band room, instruments, accessories during Alumni Band usage, be it for concert or for practices.
-Liaise with Main Band’s QM, BM and Conductor regarding usage of instruments and accessories.
-Produce report on the details of instruments used per project for submission in proposals to the school’s authorities
-Produce report on the details of instruments used per project for submission in proposals to the school’s authorities
-To be informed of any damage to instruments during alumni usage and to report it to both Presidents.
-Make sure band room is well maintained after practices.
-Help Presidents to make sure that band room is locked after practices
5.7. Librarians
-Keep a record of all scores available in the band room (alumni and main band’s)
-Handing out of original scores during practices and collecting them back after use
-Maintain band room library
-In charge of providing concert scores to all musicians
-Bringing and be in charge of original scores during concerts
-In charge of all conductor’s scores
5.8. Sub-com
-Includes welfare IC, transport IC, attire IC, Advertising IC, Gift IC, ticketing IC, to be formed in the event of a Concert.
-To work in tandem with the main committee and to be managed by the Presidents.
6. Upcoming issues to settle
-Consolidate all alumni band member’s details using my attached format
-Assign point of contact for every batch for easy communication
-Organize a whole band meeting, in the form of a get together or just a meeting in school, to relay information. E.g. new members, upcoming events, new leadership, practice dates and timing
-Write a proposal
-Have a meeting with Alumni board, School Principals to introduce the proposal and to renew ties
-Start practice whenever possible!
CSSAB
Embracing Music Together .
Our Aims
2. To strengthen bonds formed during former school days and to forge new bonds with seniors and juniors alike.
3. To provide assistance to CMB members; aiding the growth of the band
CSSAB
Embracing Music Together .
History
The current CSSAB was revived in 2001 by Mr Hoo Tun Kai (1998-2001); Band Major (Music), Ms Joanne Lum(1998-2001); Band Major (Admin) and Mr Stanley Tan (1997-2000); Drum Major. In its inaugural year, it participated as a guest band in the Commonwealth Military Band (CMB)’s year-end concert.
Since then, CSSAB has been involved in 3 successive year-end concerts with CMB. In 2004, CSSAB held its own debut concert, Musique Autour De Nous , in the Singapore Conference Hall.
CSSAB
Embracing Music Together .
