Direct School Admission is an MOE initiative designed to give selected schools greater flexibility in student admission, so that a more diverse range of student achievements and talents can be recognised.
In April 2008, MOE approved Ang Mo Kio Secondary School’s application for niche development in the area of Symphonic Band.
Beginning in 2009, Ang Mo Kio Secondary School will be able to offer up to 5% of the Secondary One vacancies on a discretionary basis to talented band pupils who display the passion for band music.
Alignment with School Vision
Aligned with the school’s belief to p rovide a balanced and holistic education, the band programmes have been crafted to allow its members to experience an enriching learning journey over the four to five years of band, and challenges each member to attain greater heights, together with the rest of the band.
The band’s mission is to instil the passion for music-making in every member and inculcate a lifelong learning in music appreciation.
Band’s History and Achievements
The band was founded in the 80s as a military band. It was converted to a symphonic band in 2001. Since then, it has been a high performing band with a proven record of doing well in competitions, as demonstrated by achieving the Gold with Honours Award in the 2007 Singapore Youth Festival.
It was one of the only 3 secondary school bands to win the accolade.
In addition to band performances at MOE-sanctioned events such as the Istana Open House and the Opening of WASBE Outreach in 2005, the band has also collaborated with overseas bands and held combined performances with North Rhine Philharmonic Winds ( Germany ) in 2005, and with Wat Suthiwararam School Band ( Thailand ) at Esplanade Concert Hall in 2006.
In March 2008, the band was honoured to be invited by the New York State Band Directors’ Association to be the only overseas symphonic band to perform at Syracuse , New York at the Band Symposium 2008.
In April 2008, the band was featured in the Esplanade Limelight Series for Concert Bands.
Admission Criteria
In DSA 2008, we are looking for promising primary six pupils who satisfy the following criteria:
Students admitted through the DSA exercise must remain in the niche area throughout their 4/5 years in the school, and must continue to show commitment and passion in band music.
Selection Process
Applicants are required to play at least 1 major scales on their instrument.
Applicants are required to play a piece of their choice and will be given a piece of Sec 1 music to sight-read.
Applicants are to bring their own instrument for the audition.
Only percussion instruments will be provided by the school.
Application Procedure
Ang Mo Kio Secondary School 6 Ang Mo Kio St 22 Singapore 569362 RE: Direct School Admission
