By RecBad Batch ’17
The name RI is usually synonymous with competition. Rafflesians are encouraged to fight for the school as a display of school pride. While this competitiveness is certainly laudable, many-a-time, Rafflesians tend to get distracted from a more virtuous reason to join a sport – for passion.
By Linus Chen (17S03A), Librarian & Leon Tan (17S07D), Band Major
“Why do so many of us try to explain the beauty of music, thus depriving it of its mystery?”
– Leonard Bernstein
What is the meaning of life?
By Lee Yun Ning (17A01E), Quartermaster; Kim Seon Young, Sophia (17S03P), Secretary; Ethan Cheong (17S03H), Vice-chairman; Su Ying (17A01B), Chairman
A steady beat on a bass drum, intertwined with the groove of a throbbing bass line. A meaty strike on the guitars, complemented by a warm tone on the synths. A gritty melody splitting through the soundscape, and, above all, the soaring spirits of the band undergirding the fire in the music.
And this, is exactly what we do here in Raffles Rock. Guided by our love for music, we are a community of musicians committed to the creation of music.
By Elyn Tzen Yo-Lin (17S03B), Chairperson; Kelly Siah Xinjie (17S06F), Vice-Chairperson; Ho Xi-Yen Cristel (17A01D), Quartermaster; Zou Tangming (17S03N), Secretary
“If they act too hip, you know they can’t play shit.” — Miles Davis
In pop culture, flashy stages and unabashed swagger may seem like the real deal. Not so for jazz. Only two things matter in a jazz performance: the music, and the moment. Here in the land of jazz, with its historical roots in counterculture and the aspiration towards cultural freedom, nothing makes for a better stage than the opportunity for heartfelt musical expression.
By Chavez Cheong (17S06I), Quartermaster & Joan Ang (17A01B), Member
The stage doors swing open. Approximately fifty people clad in black and red stride out to uproarious applause, and arrange themselves in orderly rows. A man clad in a black blazer follows, positioning himself in front of a podium where he neatly places a single, black file. He bows, and faces his back to the audience.
You close your eyes. Focus. This is the culmination of months of hard work.
