MAC music education nurtures talent, ambition, camaraderie
Interview by William Chan
The Big Mac Band of Macau Anglican College (MAC) performed two outdoor gigs on October 26 and last Saturday during Macau’s GEG Lusofonia Festival in the Taipa House area. The band showcased a wide range of different tunes, including The Girl from Ipanema, Autumn Leaves, and From the Start.
After their performance on Saturday, the band’s conductor Ng Sa, who has been the band director for nearly two years, along with the band members, spoke about music education at their school in an exclusive interview with the Post.
“This year, we revived the big band programme in the school, as we faced numerous setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ng. “Not only were performances limited, but we also experienced frequent changes in teaching staff, which led to a challenging experience for the students.”
Ng noted, “We are fortunate that at Macau Anglican College, there is well-rounded training in music, which is exceptional among local schools, as it is incorporated into the regular curriculum and not just an extracurricular activity.” Students can choose music as a subject and receive group lessons in musical instruments, allowing them to develop a solid foundation in music, Ng underlined.
Henry Huang Seong Fong, captain of the Big Mac Band and a guitar player, noted that he has always been enthusiastic about music, thanks to the supportive school environment. “The other thing about our school is that there is huge encouragement for us to form our own small bands. We formed a band called Window Cleaning Service comprising myself and five of my schoolmates. So we are always eager to be part of different kinds of music groups to gain more experience.”
Given the musical atmosphere, Huang said, “I think what conductor Ng brings to the table is the ability to bring a large group of often unfamiliar students together to play as an ensemble. Besides the positive traits of a teacher, a band leader needs strong leadership skills, great charisma with students, and the musical craftsmanship to make it happen. Since conductor Ng took over the music concert band ensemble, he has made numerous changes, both in and outside the music realm. He made a promise to us that if we showed dedication to the ensemble, he would strive to organise a tour for us. He is also very proactive in bringing other music groups to our school for exchanges, as well as providing opportunities for us to perform outside, like at the Lusofonia festival, trying his best to provide the students with the best possible experience.”
Huang noted that currently the ensemble has grown from less than 10 musicians to now becoming much more active, and that its members are willing to come together, participating with a stronger sense of identity and connection to the ensemble. “The big band, which was formed less than two months ago, managed to step onto the international stage at the Lusofonia festival after rigorous practice, diligence, and care for each other,” Huang noted, adding that the students even created their own band merchandise, and the total number of students across the concert band ensemble and the jazz big band now exceed 100.
Conductor, music educator
Ng is also the conductor of the University of Macau Symphonic Band, which performed twice during this Lusofonia festival. He noted that for both bands, their success is owed to the unwavering support and resources provided by the respective schools.
“Like most musicians who studied professionally, we all aim to be performers to share and showcase our musicality, which I still do quite often. However, as I’ve aged, I’ve found gratitude and satisfaction in other areas of music, especially education,” Ng said. He mentioned a case where one of his students, initially very shy and timid due to family issues, had few opinions, connections with his schoolmates, or direction in life.
“I have been teaching him for several years. Besides developing his musical abilities, we gave him the opportunity to interact within a band and find his purpose. His mother later told me, to her surprise, that he expressed a desire to study music, which was something he had never mentioned before. Now, this student has become great friends with Huang and other peers. That is what matters to me more than anything else – to witness a student’s growth, to inspire them, and eventually see them surpass me. Knowing that I played a small part in shaping a segment of their life is truly meaningful,” Ng said.
Macau Anglican College (MAC) students talk to the Post after their performance on Saturday. – Photo: Ng Sa
Ng Sa conducts the University of Macau Symphonic Band at the Amphitheatre of Taipa Houses during the Lusofonia festival on Sunday night. – Photo: Leung Kin Hang
Henry Huang plays the guitar with his fusion band Window Cleaning Service last year. – Photo provided by Huang
Big Mac Band of Macau Anglican College (MAC) performs last Saturday during Macau’s GEG Lusofonia Festival in the Taipa House area. – Photos: William Chan
