I Went To Prison

Today I went to prison.

Kaki Bukit Centre (Prison School), that is.

As part of their enrichment programme, and part of community service, and as part of the Yellow Ribbon project, Temasek Polytechnic Concert Band (TPCB) performed at Kaki Bukit Centre (KBC).

Led by resident conducter Mr Tan Beng Wee, together with Cynthia, the person in charge of TPCB, the band played an interesting array of pieces, with the aim to encourage, enrich and enlighten KBC's students about band music.

Playing to a 300-strong crowd made up of males ranging from 18 years old to 30 years old, the band's performance was warmly accepted by the students with heartfelt cheers and supportive applause.

Sparking off the performance with a fast-paced piece, Elvis: The Legend Lives On, a compilation of Elvis Presley's songs that includes Hound Dog, Love Me Tender and (ironically) Jailhouse Rock, the band moved on to play pieces of different genres for example, My Way that was originally sang by Frank Sinatra and Pirates of The Caribbean: The Black Pearl , the movie's soundtrack.

A highlight of the event was the introduction of the various instruments that form a band, after which, the students heard popular tunes and rhythms played by each instrument.

The event ended with a quick Question & Answer session where the band was asked several engaging questions such as "Which aspect of band do you think benefits all of you?"

Judging by the loud applause and cheers generated by the students, it can be safely concluded that the performance was a success in terms of entertainment though one wonders if the students remember the facts they learn about the various instruments.