YST STORIES

SAF Band and YST sign MOU to strengthen musical outreach and talent development

29 July 2024

The Singapore Armed Forces Band (SAF Band) and NUS Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YST Conservatory) have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further partnership in the areas of talent development, community outreach and music sector growth.

The MOU was signed on 28 July 2024 by Military Expert 6 Philip Tng, Senior Director of Music, and Professor Peter Tornquist, Dean of the YST Conservatory. This was witnessed by Brigadier General Tan Tiong Keat, Chairman of the SAF Music Board and Ms Yvonne Tham, YST Governing Board member and Chief Executive Officer of The Esplanade Company Limited.

From left: Brigadier General Tan Tiong Keat (Chairman of the SAF Music Board), Military Expert 6 Philip Tng (Senior Director of Music, SAF Band), Professor Peter Tornquist (Dean, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music), and Ms Yvonne Tham (YST Governing Board member and CEO, The Esplanade Company Limited).

Photo credit: Singapore Armed Forces Band / Nathaniel Lim

Under the MOU, the SAF Band and YST Conservatory will collaborate to promote continuing education and talent development for military musicians as well as Singapore music industry professionals. In addition, they will collaborate on local and regional community outreach efforts to engage wider audiences.

ME6 Philip Tng shared, “Through our partnership with YST, we are delighted to open up further professional development opportunities for our military musicians through access to the Conservatory’s graduate and continuing education pathways. In addition, we look forward to future collaborations founded on a shared commitment to musical excellence and community engagement.”

Professor Peter Tornquist said, “In a rapidly-evolving performing arts industry, lifelong learning is crucial for musicians to stay relevant with the skills to navigate an ever-evolving ecosystem. The SAF Central Band is recognised as one of the most prolific military bands in the world today. With our strong relationships with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, YST is pleased to work together with the SAF Band to support talent development initiatives for military musicians, as well as to enhance our continuing education offerings through greater connection with the music industry.”

The signing ceremony took place at Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, directly before the SAF Central Band’s concert as part of the Singapore International Band Festival 2024 closing gala.

The Singapore Armed Forces Central Band in concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall, as part of the Singapore International Band Festival closing gala.

Photo credit: Singapore Armed Forces Band / Nathaniel Lim

Press contact:
Ms Ong Shu Chen
Communications & Engagement
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Email: shuchen_ong@nus.edu.sg

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