SYF - Westwood Concert Band Sound Check

2 videos up by Loh Kin Wah of WWCB!

Night Safari-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm4M8Abd1Jc

The Merry Widow Selections-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU7-k637Tao

Mid Year Exams 2007

MYE's are here!

Study hard!
Study smart!
Give it all you've got!

Good Luck to the Sec 2s, 3s, 4s & 5s!

Westwood Chorus: SYF 2007

17th April 2007
The last choir of the first day of Singapore Youth Festival. It isn't very easy for Westwood Chorus as the pieces they had were famous pieces that goes around the 7 judges' ears.

The set-piece, Everyone Sang, was by Ko Matsushita, one of the judges present then. The touching lyrics was a poem by Siegfield Sassoon (1886-1967), a World War I service soldier. The poem speaks of a deeper, underlying reality - the closing lines bring that into focus. It is about the end of War, and how he had seen France, then.

'Lay A Garland', a madrigal for eight voices singing about a lady who has passed on because 'her love was false', however '...she died true'. Sad and calm piece, but another well-known song, putting up an aim for Westwood Chorus to hit.

The next piece and last piece, 'Pokpok Alimpako', this piece is based on a motif of a maranao (southern philippines) melody and the words of a muslim children's chant; it features virtuostic interlocking rhythmic patterns and a prestissimo tempo.

Westwood Chorus has come a very long way to come face to face with SYF2007. Unlike 2005, members would have always formed a different set of feelings, quality of sound and bond within them. It is never easy for the choir members to get the right feel and the right times.
But all efforts of hardwork has been payed off. Being th last choir of the day, it felt way tense than usual. What was worse? The unveiling process of the results.
Some Secondary fours went back up to receive results, while the rest waited for the news.

And yes! Though we didn't achieve our aim, for gold, for this year, maintaining it was great news. We'd love to thank Miss Fong and Miss Chen. And most importantly, our conductor, Mr Wilson Goh. Doing the seniors, teachers, our conductor and the school proud. Do not give up on anything right now, because this is only the start of your very great musical journey in Westwood.

All the best in Westwood Chorus' singing future!
Don't let the seniors down (:


Jacklyn
President, Westwood Chorus(2006-2007)

Awards Day 2007 - Guest Post By Arthur Lee

Awards Day 2007- How a graduate sees it

It was just yet another Awards Day. But this time, it's different for me. It was from the perspective of a graduate. Screened in the hall was the CCA Passing Out Parade. It came with the usual glamour and what not, fit for a parade as the name suggests. There was also the Student Council Investiture. It showcased the EXCO committee for that year and the new
student counsellors that were stepping up. Many new faces waiting for their leadership skills to brought to be an all new level. I bet being a student counsellor would be tough with all the meetings and administrative work. I myself had never been a student counsellor and never wanted to. It's just way too stressful. But i respect the people who take up these roles as
student counsellors as they could possibly compromise their academic studies and their social life. With great power comes great responsibility. However, there is often a debate regarding the selection of these student counsellors from the view of an average student. Who should get selected and who should not. Some student counsellors are "forced" into the student
council unwillingly. With that, i am referring to my own classmates. I wonder how's it like now. On the other hand, there are some people who have yet to hit the standard they should behave yet they are given the clout. Look at it from the positive side. Maybe it's just to give them a chance to behave even better and to give them a chance. Isn't that great? Just some
food for thought. Despite that, the school still managed to run smoothly with some stumbling here and there. But what's learning without mistakes, right?

There was the NYAA Awards Ceremony. Many students from Westwood had received this prestigious award. It was made compulsory for all students to take the Bronze Award starting from the cohort of Secondary 2's in the year. It is indeed something that we should celebrate. Each year, the class would send a representative to the event to collect the award on behalf of the class. It is quite a pity that not every single person can enjoy the glamour
of receiving the award from a Minister. But, there is still a certain element of glamour in receiving it during the Awards Day. For all these, we should thank Mr Neo Beng Seng, the Coordinator for NYAA for his hard work and dedication. Back at the graduates' seats, the seniors were talking about the juniors. Hehe. Ever wondered what your seniors thought about you? Haha. Some food for thought.

An Awards day without celebrating the Academic success of the pupils would not be called an Awards Day. The top few students of each cohort received their awards in recognition of their academic success. Three cheers for these people! There was a Valedictorian speech by Kian Boon as you all know him, the Scrabble King. It was indeed an interesting speech to listen to. The juniors out there must be thinking it's boring though. It only makes meaning
to you if you experienced what the Valedictorian himself was talking about which i experienced first hand. I shall let all of you in on a secret. The Valedictorian hit me before he went up onto the stage because he was too nervous. Hohoho...Can you imagine that? Kian Boon being nervous? Heh. I bet you've never seen that side of him. Behind the scenes before and after the
Secondary 4's took their award were the photograph taking sessions. Gotta thank Ms Joy Chen, our photographer for that. I shall send these photos to Jeremy when i get hold of these for all you people to look at. Your turn would come soon though.

After the Awards Day, the graduands were dismissed together with the teachers while the rest of the students were asked to stay back. I was down at the Cafeteria at the VIP table with the Principal,Vice Principal, Guest of Honour and a few other people. It was indeed an interesting experience. There was some talk about the school and some future plans. The juniors back
in the hall were probably given a good earful and a piece of the Discipline Committee's mind. I can understand that pain that they go through. It happens often after formal events. There are exceptions where the school would be praised and released early though instead of being kept back. I gotta say, you guys need to work harder on your performance for events like
this!

Ever imagined having a casual dinner with a group of teachers? Haha. I experienced that. I have had quite a few lunches and dinners with my teachers before but the one on the Awards Day was slightly different though. Marcus,Kian Boon,myself,De xian,Jia Jun and Chee lup invited the teachers for dinner at Pizza Hut.I think some Westwoodians saw us and the teachers
decided to get a table inside in order to prevent being harassed and have a good dinner. Ha! De xian,Jia Jun and Chee lup didn't turn up though. Do any of these names sound familiar to you? The teachers that turned up were Miss Gay, Mrs Melissa Tan, Ms Joy Chen, Ms Lim Chiau Li and Ms Sim(Also known as Mrs thio but i prefer calling her Ms Sim).We had dinner and some gossip talk about teachers and also students there. When you are in secondary 4, usually
you would get to hear a lot of rumours about both teachers and students if you have a close relationship with your teachers. It was the case for me, at least. Never imagined the gossips the teacher would talk about huh? Haha... i tell you, it's interesting.

For those of you who don't know me, don't worry if you are a secondary 4. Some of the seniors including myself would be coming back to tutor the graduating classes in Additional Mathematics and Chemistry by the request of our Westwood teachers. We could possibly be starting a Debating Society in Westwood too! I have spoken to Mr Johnny Ang. He said he has plans to make Language a niche area in Westwood. Good news for all of us? Heh. Another
achievement to come in time. Till then!

Background Information : The author of this post was an Ex-Westwoodian from class 4G who graduated in the year 2006 currently schooling in Jurong Junior College. The author has a personal blog which is updated regularly at http://www.arthurlgh.blogspot.com/

Videos! Official School Opening!

A little piece of history for you guys. By now, all of you should know the Miss Kok was the founding Principal of Westwood Secondary School.

Ever wondered how she was before you came in?

I've managed to upload Westwood Secondary School's - Official School Opening! It was held on 12 Nov 2002 with guests from MOE & Dr Amy Khor. Performances were put up by our students. Starting with the Westwood Chours alongside the Westwood Staff singing Many Dreams, One Aspiration. Folkdance by the Sec2s & 3s. A STOMP inspired skit by 2H & the Sec1s showcasing our RevUp.

The Finale item shows all of the performers coming together to perform a Light Show while singing the song "Reach" by Gloria Estefan.

With that aside - the videos is in 3 parts. Sorry, but you'll have to let it load. It's a long show.

Part One-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VPMIIbT9wM

Part Two-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua-QfiuBVec

Part Three-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9vOEXlZZCg

Enjoy one of Westwood's highlight!

Westwood Concert Band - Guest Post by Winnie Chong

Date: 12th April 2007

The bi-annual Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging of Concert Bands has finally arrived. All bands have to play a total of two songs; a set piece which is set by MOE and a choice piece which is chosen by the band director. The set piece for this year is Sunrise and Safari, a piece which is composed by internationally recognised composer, Adam Gorb. It comprises of two sections; Sunrise and Night Safari. The band director, Mr Patrick Wong, has chose to play Night Safari. The choice piece which the band has selected is The Merry Widow Selections.

The band members have put in a lot of hardwork in the midst of preparing for this competition. On top of the usual thrice a week band practices, band members have also took time off their hectic schedule to organise their own sectional practices.

The band has been scheduled to compete on the fourth day of the seven days long competition. Results have shown that the standards of this year's competition has been brought forth to a much higher standard. This has definitely increased the anxiety of the band director and members.

Nevertheless, the band members' hardwork has not been put off. They've clinched the third consecutive Silver medal for Westwood!

The hall roared with applause and cheers from the band members, band director, seniors, teacher in charge(s), Principal, and not forgetting, supporters from Coral Concert Band.

Band, you've done Mr. Wong, the seniors, teachers, Principal, school and everyone really proud! Juniors, please carry on working hard and not let your seniors' hardwork go to waste.

--
Winnie (Pioneer batch, Westwood Concert Band)

Singapore Youth Festival

SYF is here and all the Aesthetic Groups have been practicing non-stop to maintain the standard.

Good Luck to all the members out there from the following:

Choir, Band, Guitar, Guzheng

Bring GLORY to Westwood!

*Update*
BAND GOT A SLIVER! Kudos to them!

On another note, we have a Internet Radio - 3620Fm & a new blogger, Jacklyn. We have a new video up too, the much awaited Secondary One Orientation 2007. It'd be a treat as new footages of the Campfire Night is included alongside the original one.

Secondary One Orientation 2007


To Jacklyn: Hope you don't mind me stealing your video and putting here. Heh.

Chief Gone Wild During Sec One Orientation 2007 as seen on the Student Council Investiture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCnFKIVCOZE

More videos @ www.youtube.com/westwoodsec

Annual Four-In-One Major Event!

28th March 2007, Wednesday.

Early morning, gathered Westwoodians to celebrate the major event then. Being able to witness, not one but four events, on that day. Namely: CCA Passing Out Parade, Student Council Investuiture, NYAA as well as the Academics Awards Ceremony. After breakfast, students were dismissed and hence, starting the first event of the day. Our Guest-Of-Honour, Ms Suzanna.

CCA Passing Out Parade.
A day to commemorate the hardwork and efforts put in by the Secondary4 leaders, and also to pass down the leadership positions to the future Sec3 leaders of the CCAs. All the sports, clubs, uniformed groups, performing arts were all present, in the quadrangle getting ready for the event to kick start. Dressed up in their full-uniforms and costumes, each CCA shows what they are representing and stands proud for they are watched upon.

Student Council Investiture.
The current Sec4s must have had a great time serving th school with pride and honour, now it's time to step down and let the Sec3s to take over. For your information, Johnathan Aphonsus, the new Council President is taking over the Ex-President, Crystal Tilini. All the best for the leading batch of councillors as they take on their responsibilities as role models in Westwood Secondary School, strive on SCs!
NYAA Awards Ceremony.
The cohort of Sec3s(2007) received their Bronze Award. While 66 Sec4s(2007) received their Silver Award. These 66 students went on for this award totally on their on accord, yes! Voluntarily, and hence setting a nice atmosphere in this event!

Academics Awards Ceremony.
Yes! The day to reward the diligent pupils of Westwood Secondary. We see the consistant number ones and tops in languages, maths and sciences. Also, a push to the rest of the students to work hard and aim for the highest in life(:

The day ended with the Westwood Cheer, setting the end on a high note, leaving people with a happy impression of today's event. (: