Maha Bodhi

[MMM]

Annieapple:

Hi, need advice whether if P1 choose symphony band for CCA, do they go for 2 weekdays practise? Thanks!

Hi,

For P1 and P2, they only need to go for once a week practice.

From P3 term 3 onwards, then will they be required to do twice a week practice.

Do note that it's easier to join symphonic band at P1 as they will be taught theory, etc... when they join at a later stage, they will be required to go through audition.

In addition propose that you have a long term view if you intend to put your P1 through symphonic band. My older kids have been with band since P1/P2. It's very rewarding to see them grow in the band and even post-primary school.

Last but not least, MBS band is really impressive and has a strong alumni. I was told by my niece that their standard can be comparable to sec school. I think they have some performances on youtube if you are curious.

[Annieapple]

Hi, thanks for the detailed reply. Have a couple more question. Why do we need to fill in 2 CCA choices? Read the past threads, it seems if we indicate band and a 2nd CCA choice, the child will not be assigned to band, due to high number of pupils interested in band. What is the criteria for P1 to join the band? Thanks!

[mryeo]

regarding the Parents support group, for festive like Chinese new year are the PSG volunteers be call to help up?

[MMM]

Annieapple:

Hi, thanks for the detailed reply. Have a couple more question. Why do we need to fill in 2 CCA choices? Read the past threads, it seems if we indicate band and a 2nd CCA choice, the child will not be assigned to band, due to high number of pupils interested in band. What is the criteria for P1 to join the band? Thanks!

Hi,

We need to fill up 2 CCA choices because just in case the other is oversubscribed, your dc will be posted to 2nd choice.

For my P6 ds, when he was P1, he applied for band and another cca, he was posted to the other cca. He only managed to get into band in P2. Since then, he has developed passion for band. I've another Sec 1 dd who also benefitted and she started since P1.

Historically, there is no criteria to join band at P1. So a child who have never learn any instrument can join. I recalled the P1 were taught music notes by the conductor and they only got assign to instrument at P2. But it's always easier for those with music background to pick up.

However, I recently heard from my older kids that they heard that P1 potentially need to go through auditions now. But frankly, I am not too sure about it. Was there any notes on this in the cca form?

Separately from a talent building perspective, there are alot of opportunites for MBS band members. It is not limited to school band. Eg. they have music talent development centre (run by MOE) for P4 and P5. Some students may also choose to participate in Winds Band Association school hol camp to improve their musicianship. Such events are nationwide wide so they get to meet band members from other schools in Singapore. MBS was also invited to perform at Navy open house and Istana last year. They also did the HK winter fest competition and won a gold award. This year is their SYF year so yes, that they will continue with their stellar performance.

Sorry if I sound like I am selling band. My kids have benefitted from band and we are very supportive of their band activities. We've seen peers dropping out along the way as parents think it's taking too much time, etc... and will affect their PSLE results. To us, being in band led the kids to be more discipline. Yes, towards SYF, there are thrice a week practices that I am worrying for my P6 this year. But we are trying to manage that. Having seen how Sec school appeal cases work this year, it does make sense to be involved in a cca that gives you that added advantage/ talent that you can offer to the school when you need it.

[Annieapple]

Thanks MMM!! Good to know the various opportunities offer by the school.

The cca form did not state audition for P1.

[mryeo]

My son is interested in their Lion Dance activity. When can my son sign up? He is in P1 this year.

[lostbunny]

mryeo:

regarding the Parents support group, for festive like Chinese new year are the PSG volunteers be call to help up?

Usually the school will need some parent volunteers to help out at the CNY celebration. If you have signed up on the parent volunteer form which was given out during the orientation day, you may receive SMS from PSG (i.e the core group) to check if you are interested to help at the respective events.

[lostbunny]

mryeo:

My son is interested in their Lion Dance activity. When can my son sign up? He is in P1 this year.

Was your son given the CCA option form? If yes, u can indicate Lion Dance as the CcA your son wish to join and get your son to submit the form to his form teacher.

[lostbunny]

Bigismalli:

Hello.


May I know when can I start getting SBF letter for this year's P1 registration?
Thanks in advance!

Suggest you call SBF to check.

[mryeo]

lostbunny:

mryeo:

regarding the Parents support group, for festive like Chinese new year are the PSG volunteers be call to help up?

Usually the school will need some parent volunteers to help out at the CNY celebration. If you have signed up on the parent volunteer form which was given out during the orientation day, you may receive SMS from PSG (i.e the core group) to check if you are interested to help at the respective events.

ok thanks.