Limelight 2025

Two weeks. That's how long it took for VJC Symphonic Band  (VJCSB) to prepare a stunning two hour long performance at the Esplanade, one that they put their heart and soul into. On the 19th of May, right after attaining distinction in the SYF(Singapore Youth Festival), a flawless streak upheld since the school's founding, VJCSB proved once again that their annual performance was not to be missed. With exquisite technique and dynamic movements, the concert was not just music to the ears, but also a feast for the eyes. A frolicking Totoro, a throwback to the 60s…who could ask for more?

Despite the excitement of the performance, the journey there wasn't without its hurdles. Band members mentioned the terrible burnout they faced, with their vice chairperson, Nicole Lim Shi Jia from 24S310, elucidating on how many members struggled under the time crunch to prepare for yet another concert right after SYF. She describes that time period as “very frantic”, yet also stating, “The members were very motivated. For the J2s, it was their last chance to perform at the Esplanade…I'm very proud of them”. Ryan Suwitcha Kwan Xie Ting from 24S54 also seconded this notion, recalling how “gruelling” the practice sessions were, especially when many members had to juggle other commitments. Their struggles took nothing away from the quality of the concert, however, allowing us all to appreciate the effort and hard work they had put in for the performance.

Full dress rehearsal in the Esplanade. Photo taken by Tan Yuan Bin Clarence (24S45) from VJC Photography Society.

The concert started with the very same piece that won them distinction in the SYF, ‘Armenian Dances’. The ephemeral sounds of the flutes and rich notes of the clarinets blended together to create a mellifluous melody, underscored by the harsher tones of the brass instruments and the rhythmic beats of the percussionists. The piece's lively end fully encompassed the audience in its rising tension as it sped up further and further until the unfortunately inevitable conclusion. Vibrant in both sound and emotion, it was clear that the distinction awarded to them was well-deserved. 

Band members practicing Armenian Dances during rehearsal. Photo taken by Lin Han Jing Delfina (24S35) from VJC Photography Society.

Next up was ‘Breeze in the Forest’, a piece that set the stage for a flute solo by the band's chairperson Lim Sing Yee from 24S31.  Nimble fingers danced throughout this technically difficult piece, with its numerous trills thrilling the audience with its high speed and intensity. Rapid crescendos and decrescendos brought to mind the coming and going of the breeze, exciting and calming the audience in quick succession while showing her ability to influence the audience between melancholy and cheer.

The third piece of the night, ‘At World's End’, expressed the more interesting aspects of the orchestra. The introduction consisted of drum beats that flowed like the waves of the sea, followed by the chime of a bell, vocal accompaniment and even the rattling of chains, which were very evocative of the Pirates of the Caribbean. The thrilling timbre of the wind and brass instruments followed soon after, driving away the dark clouds and bringing to mind scenes of adventure and exploration. This epic piece was fully brought to life by the band members, creating an exciting and adrenaline-inducing atmosphere distinct from the other pieces of the night.

One of the more prominent sections in the concert was definitely the saxophones, starting with a jazz solo by Zeker Lee Ying Xuan from 24S43 . Freely expressing his soul in the piece ‘4 Pictures of New York, Movement 2: Tango Club’,  audience members could clearly feel the heartfelt passion and energy he conveyed in the piece. Yet another expressive piece by VJCSB was brought to life, and the audience could not help but tap their feet to the memorable tune of this jazz solo, with its quick interplay between its deep melody and high notes. His spirited, vigorous movements showed his immersion in the piece, paralleled by the audience who were absorbed in the vibes.

Saxophone soloist Zeker Lee Xing Yuan (24S43),  fully immersed in the moment. Photo taken by Tan Yuan Bin Clarence (24S45) from VJC Photography Society.

Next was the piece ‘Perseus’, reminiscent of the adventures this Greek hero led. Through soaring melodies and dynamic rhythms, audience members were brought on another adventure, this time through mythology instead of the sea. As the volume rose and fell, so too did the audience’s emotions, guided by the heavy strokes of the drums. 

French horn sectional leader Ryan Suwithcha Kwan Xie Ting poised to play. Photo taken by Tan Yuan Bin Clarence (24S45) from VJC Photography Society.

Playful, light-hearted, and exuberant- these are the words that appear in my mind (and I’m sure the audience’s as well) when I recall the next piece, “Give Remix”, a medley of Japanese composer Joe Hisashi’s songs. Played by a saxophone quartet, well-known and loved songs like One Summer’s Day and Merry Go-round of Life. Mixing melancholy with spirited mischief, the audience was so drawn in by the music that they seemed to have accidentally summoned a real-life Totoro! Wielding an umbrella and concealed by a onesie, a mystery band member appeared on stage to illustrate the jolly atmosphere, swaying to the beat on stage alongside the quartet as they stepped side-to-side in sync to the piece My Neighbour Totoro. 

A saxophone quartet summons a lively Totoro on stage. Photos taken by Tan Yuan Bin Clarence (24S45) and Lin Han Jing Delfina (24S35) .

The next piece was ‘La La Land Suite’, a piece that got heads bobbing to the catchy tune presented by the band. The lighthearted tone seemed set for the rest of the night as the orchestra’s energy seemed contagious. Their quick beats soon gave way to more laid back jazz tunes led by the saxophones, before turning back to its snappy strain. It may have given me earworms for the rest of the week, but it sure was worth it!

A catchy tune rings through the air as the audience joins in the performance. Photos taken by Lin Han Jing Delfina (24S35) and Tan Yuan Bin Clarence (24S45) from VJC Photography Society.

This was followed by the next piece ‘Sounds from the 60s’. A throwback to 1960s club music, the brass sectionals were the highlight of this medley as their resonant notes filled the air. This soon transitioned to yet another captivating mini solo by our very own Writer’s Circle member, Ahmad Haris Bin Ismail (24S56), before ending with a powerful and fierce solo by the drummer, Evan Justin Suki from 24A12. 

It’s time to party as soloists take the stage! Photo taken by Lin Han Jing Delfina (24S35) from VJC Photography Society.

Ending off the night was another fun medley of pop music, “Let’s Party Bro’. A splash of colour was added on to the stage as band members put on their striking decorations consisting of clown wigs, sunglasses and even a pair of spiderman outfits. With the audience encouraged to join in by clapping their hands, the music included pieces like ‘Let’s Get Down’ and even ‘Oppa Gangnam Style’, where select members moved to the front of the stage to dance their iconic moves. 

A merry and colourful end to the concert. Photos taken by Lin Han Jing Delfina (24S35) from VJC Photography Society.

The night thus ended with fun and laughter as both band members and audience members streamed out to capture the memories of Limelight 2025 before they faded away. Alternating between classics and contemporary pieces, the concert was certainly demonstrative of the skills of 41st and 42nd batch of band members, and shall remain a core part of the students’ recollections of their days in VJC. 

A bombastic end to the concert. Photo taken by Tan Yuan Bin Clarence (24S45) from VJC Photography Society.