Festival Winds 2024

FESTIVAL WINDS 2024

Date : (Festival) 10th - 13th December | (Concert) 15th December 2024

Time : (10th to 13th Dec) 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM | (15th Dec) 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM*

Venue : (10th to 13th Dec) Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts | (15th Dec) SOTA Concert Hall

Fee : $100 (early-bird discount for first 100 sign-ups before 22nd Oct) | $120 (normal registration from 23rd Oct)

*The reporting and dismissal times on concert day will vary based on the participant's registered track.

We are excited to present to you the Festival Winds 2024, hosted by the Band Directors’ Association (Singapore) for the sixth consecutive year. This highly anticipated music event promises to be an extraordinary celebration of musical talent and community spirit, taking place from 10th to the 15th of December 2024.

Festival Winds stands as a premier musical experience that unites students from across Singapore, emphasizing inclusivity and a love for music from a young age. Our festival offers three distinct tracks to cater to a wide range of of participants aged 10 - 19 years old:

1st Track - Aspiring Musician (Wind Ensemble):

Designed for primary school players and new secondary school players, this track welcomes young talents, fostering their musical journey and encouraging their growth.

2nd Track - Inclusive Ensemble (Wind Orchestra):

An open invitation to anyone with basic level of instrumental skills and above 13 years of age, this track promotes the joy of music-making and camaraderie.

Upon application, participants will be categorised into three bands, determined by a combination of factors including the number of years of musical experience, age, and the outcomes of the audition process. Our goal is to do our best to assign each participant to the most suitable and appropriate ensemble based on these criteria, ensuring that they can gain the most from the experience of the festival.

Festival Winds provides a transformative journey for all participants. They will engage in masterclasses led by esteemed professional faculty, rehearse as an ensemble for four days, and culminate their experience with a spectacular full-length concert featuring the National Youth Winds. Our festival is helmed by top local professional directors, including Mr Wong Yin Xuan and Mr Marvin Khoo.

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Objectives for Festival Winds 2024 :

Establish platform for students from different schools to come together, promoting both learning and performance experiences

Introduce the concepts of ensemble playing and comprehensive band training, fostering an environment that encourages camaraderie and teamwork

Empower student leaders with the skills and discipline required to serve as role models, capable of landing and assisting fellow band members in musical matters.

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More importantly, this event provides our budding young musicians with the rare opportunity to perform at the School of the Arts (SOTA) Concert Hall.

In addition to our band directors, the National Youth Winds, led by ME5 Ignatius Wang, will also be an integral component of the festival, adding to the excitement for all participants as they watch the debut performance of this premier youth wind orchestra.

Join us in celebrating the joy of music, unity, and personal growth in Festival Winds 2024. We look forward to welcoming students of all backgrounds and skill levels within the specified age range to this extraordinary event.

Host or Publisher Band Directors' Association (Singapore)