by Joaquin Inigo Daroy (DLSZ 2030)
The De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ) Symphonic Band brought home a Silver Award after an impressive performance at the 10th Singapore International Band Festival (SIBF) 2026 on July 23, 2026 at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YST) Concert Hall, Singapore.
The DLSZ Symphonic Band, composed of students from Grades 4 to 12, competed in Division 2A (age 20 and below). Their performance featured “Symphonic Festival” by Robert W. Smith, the required selection “Rocketship!” by Kevin Day, and “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika at Anak” by Aristotle Guerzo. Accompanied by High School Symphonic Band Teacher Mr. Linwell Lalic, Grade School Symphonic Band Teacher Ms. Mary Armine Rane Carpio, DLSZ Humanities Chair Ms. Adrienne Victoria Zaballero, together with supportive band parents and families, the delegation spent a week in Singapore, from July 21 to 27, 2026, participating in one of Asia’s premier band festivals.
The band competed alongside outstanding high school ensembles from across Asia, including Tsung Tsin Wind Symphony (Malaysia), New Taipei Municipal Hai-Shan High School Junior High Division Wind Band (Chinese Taipei), Assumption College Rayong Symphonic Band (Thailand), Foon Yew High School Kulai Concert Band (Malaysia), National Junior College Symphonic Band (Singapore), Muar Chung Hwa High School Wind Orchestra (Malaysia), Chengdu Golden Apple Jincheng No. 1 Secondary School Wind Orchestra (China), and Raffles Girls’ School Symphonic Band (Singapore).
Following the competition, they attended a masterclass/workshop led by one of the festival’s adjudicators, Dr. Surapol Thanyawibool from Thailand. The session provided valuable feedback on musicianship, dynamics, articulation, blending, interpretation, and overall performance as a band. Students also learned effective strategies for individual practice, proper band warm-up routines, and techniques for achieving greater balance, precision, and musical expression, teaching them practical skills to further develop their artistry as an ensemble.
Beyond the competition, the group participated in an Exchange Programme with St. Margaret’s School (Secondary) of Singapore, where they shared performances, collaborated in making music together, and strengthened friendships through their shared passion for music. Students bonded with their counterparts by instrument sections, played games, recorded Tiktok videos, exchanged tokens and social media accounts, and toured the school’s campus, fostering meaningful cultural exchange and lasting international connections.
On July 25, the band performed in the festival’s Outreach Programme at Bedok Town Centre, bringing music to the local community through an outdoor concert. Their lively repertoire included “John Williams in Concert” by Paul Lavender, “Tibok” by Earl Agustin/K. Lopez, “Earth, Wind & Fire Dance Mix” by Paul Murtha, and Music from The Incredibles by Michael Giacchino/Jay Bocook, entertaining audiences while proudly showcasing Philippine music and the school’s musical talent on an international stage. The delegation also attended the festival’s Symposium Concert at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, where they witnessed performances by distinguished ensembles and gained inspiration from musicians around the world.
Outside the festival activities, students experienced Singapore’s rich culture by visiting landmarks such as Bugis, Chinatown, Little India, Merlion Park, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and Jewel-Changi Airport. They also explored local music stores, enjoyed Chinese, Indian, Singaporean, Indonesian, Malay and Western cuisine, and spent a day at Universal Studios Singapore.
The week-long experience was made even more memorable through the warm hospitality of Auntie Edna, who welcomed the delegation upon arrival, and Uncle Peter, whose care and guidance throughout the remainder of the trip made the students feel at home.
More than a competition, the 10th Singapore International Band Festival became an unforgettable journey of musical excellence, cultural appreciation, friendship, and personal growth. Through every rehearsal, performance, and interaction, the DLSZ Symphonic Band embodied the Lasallian values of excellence, community, and service while proudly representing both the school and the Philippines on the international stage.
Organized by the Wind Bands Association of Singapore and Rave Group, the Singapore International Band Festival (SIBF) is a biennial event established in 2008. The festival has become a respected international venue that promotes musical growth, artistic excellence, and collaboration among wind bands from around the world through competitions, masterclasses, outreach performances, and cultural exchanges.
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