The wonderful Tanglin music community have helped me discover new pathways through my music career, and allowed me to broaden my musical knowledge as well as deepen my passion for cello. - Charlotte T, Year 9

One hundred thirty of Tanglin’s finest young musicians entered this year’s competition to be crowned the Musician of the Year 2024. The first round took place online, and performers submitted a video recording of their performance for the judges’ consideration. The Director of Music, Rob Hall and the Heads of Instrumental sections listened to every performance and selected approximately 60-70% of entries from each category for Round Two. Even at this early stage, it was clear that the overall performance standard was noticeably higher than in previous years, with many notable submissions catching the eye.   

Round Two took place in early March and required our instrumentalists and singers to perform live in front of a small panel of judges made up of instrumental and faculty staff. Our Accompanist in Residence, Ms Germaine Goh, was certainly kept busy accompanying many students, many of whom were playing complex and substantial works. The judges then debated each performance before deciding who to put through to the Finalists’ Concerts. Many factors go into such decisions: technical proficiency, musicality, accuracy, and engagement, but it often comes down to which performances we would like to see and hear again.   

I felt very proud to win Young Musician of the Year award (intermediate level) as I haven't previously won anything big in music before! - Rui Quan, Year 5

The Finalists' Concerts, held in late April, showcased the rich diversity of musical talent here at Tanglin. The standard of performance and musicianship throughout both concerts was nothing short of phenomenal, leaving the audience and judges in awe of the confidence and prowess displayed by each and every performer. The concerts featured a wide range of musical genres, from traditional classical music to jazz, pop, musical theatre, and even some Australian Punk! The judges had the challenging task of selecting the winners of each category, but they commended all our performers on their superb performance levels throughout the concerts. 

Paul commented, ‘What struck me about this exceptional event was the sheer depth of talent and musicianship across multiple disciplines, from Intermediate to Advanced Class. I feel that it’s important to express and articulate careful practice and preparation in performance - not something that comes naturally to all musicians, especially young people. I was deeply impressed by so many of the performances. None of this happens by accident, and it is an amazing testimony not only to our students but also to their teachers, who are working hard to encourage them to be the ‘best versions of themselves’, even in what could be a stressful performance situation. Congratulations to all!’    

Many congratulations to everyone who performed, but mainly to the winners: 

Intermediate Class 

• Woodwind and Brass: Llio O 
• Piano: Rui Quan P 
• Strings: Jayden L 
• Singing: Isabella F 
• Open Guitar: Senan D 
• Rock n Pop: Aarna S 

Advanced Class 

• Woodwind and Brass: Trevor W 
• Piano: Anne Y 
• Strings: Charlotte T 
• Singing: Olivia M 
• Rock n Pop: Isha S 

Special Congratulations to the Overall Winners of the Classes:  

• Intermediate Musician of the Year Rui Quan P   
• Advanced Musician of the Year - Charlotte T.  

A huge thank you to our judges, Paul Phoenix, Hannah Baldwin, Head of Performing at NLCS Singapore, and Lei Ramos, Director of Music at Dulwich College Singapore.