COMMUNITY
THE HALLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC
17 Apr 2006
Forget clinical, cold and quiet.
Instead, the halls and corridors of Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) came alive with the sound of cheerful and inviting music on 11 Apr.
Playing up-tempo songs from movies like Aladdin and Grease as well as familiar tunes from John Lennon and the group Earth, Wind and Fire, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Central Band helped to uplift patients' spirits during a 45-minute lunch-time concert held at TTSH's atrium.
Ms Netti Bhattacharjee, a patient at the hospital, picked the happy melodies from Grease as her favourite pieces of music.
"I enjoyed the music very much and it helped take my mind off my worries and pain for a while," Ms Bhattacharjee (left) said.
And this is exactly the kind of 'therapy' TTSH hopes to bring to patients. The hospital's Director of Corporate Communications, Ms Olivia Branson, explained that while its doctors and nurses provide the best clinical care for patients, it is also important to further stimulate its patients' healing journey.
Hence, in February, TTSH kicked off an 'Art of Healing' programme that aims to provide "holistic healing" for its patients. As part of this programme, arts groups like bands and dance troupes were invited to perform at the hospital.
"Something like music gives them a sense of hope, for them to feel they will get better. By filling the place with music, it makes the hospital less clinical, brighter and full of hope," she added.
The positive effects of the performance are not limited to the patients; hospital staff need this boost too.
Ms Branson said: "Our staff work long hours, so if they get to enjoy the music while they are having lunch or even when walking along the corridors, it allows them to relax, calm down and recharge for the rest of the work day."
This was the SAF Central Band's first performance at a hospital. Thus extra thought went into its preparation for the concert.
Its Director of Music, Captain (CPT) Chua Siong Loo, said he scaled the band down to 38 members, and musical pieces that were not too heavy or loud were chosen.
The play list comprised popular songs that a general audience would enjoy.
"Music has a therapeutic quality," said CPT Chua.
"I could see the patients enjoying themselves and moving to the beat. And I agree that when you feel happier, this can lead to better health and a speedier recovery."
The musicians also benefited from the performance in TTSH.
Lance-Corporal (LCP) Tan Zheng Wen (left) said: "Playing at parades has become somewhat routine for me and I felt I had lost focus on why I wanted to play music in the first place. But after today's performance, I feel revitalised and aware of what I want to do, that is to entertain."
The tuba player added: "I really enjoyed the concert, seeing the crowd entertained by the music. I knew the mood in the hospital can be quite solemn and serious, so I am glad I was able to brighten up the patients' day."
And this goal was definitely achieved. Ms Tan Poh Hong, a patient at the hospital, said the music put her in a good mood.
So will she be attending another SAF Central Band performance?
"Yes!" she said. "But not in the hospital again!"
Instead, the halls and corridors of Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) came alive with the sound of cheerful and inviting music on 11 Apr.
Playing up-tempo songs from movies like Aladdin and Grease as well as familiar tunes from John Lennon and the group Earth, Wind and Fire, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Central Band helped to uplift patients' spirits during a 45-minute lunch-time concert held at TTSH's atrium.
Ms Netti Bhattacharjee, a patient at the hospital, picked the happy melodies from Grease as her favourite pieces of music.
"I enjoyed the music very much and it helped take my mind off my worries and pain for a while," Ms Bhattacharjee (left) said.
And this is exactly the kind of 'therapy' TTSH hopes to bring to patients. The hospital's Director of Corporate Communications, Ms Olivia Branson, explained that while its doctors and nurses provide the best clinical care for patients, it is also important to further stimulate its patients' healing journey.
Hence, in February, TTSH kicked off an 'Art of Healing' programme that aims to provide "holistic healing" for its patients. As part of this programme, arts groups like bands and dance troupes were invited to perform at the hospital.
"Something like music gives them a sense of hope, for them to feel they will get better. By filling the place with music, it makes the hospital less clinical, brighter and full of hope," she added.
The positive effects of the performance are not limited to the patients; hospital staff need this boost too.
Ms Branson said: "Our staff work long hours, so if they get to enjoy the music while they are having lunch or even when walking along the corridors, it allows them to relax, calm down and recharge for the rest of the work day."
This was the SAF Central Band's first performance at a hospital. Thus extra thought went into its preparation for the concert.
Its Director of Music, Captain (CPT) Chua Siong Loo, said he scaled the band down to 38 members, and musical pieces that were not too heavy or loud were chosen.
The play list comprised popular songs that a general audience would enjoy.
"Music has a therapeutic quality," said CPT Chua.
"I could see the patients enjoying themselves and moving to the beat. And I agree that when you feel happier, this can lead to better health and a speedier recovery."
The musicians also benefited from the performance in TTSH.
Lance-Corporal (LCP) Tan Zheng Wen (left) said: "Playing at parades has become somewhat routine for me and I felt I had lost focus on why I wanted to play music in the first place. But after today's performance, I feel revitalised and aware of what I want to do, that is to entertain."
The tuba player added: "I really enjoyed the concert, seeing the crowd entertained by the music. I knew the mood in the hospital can be quite solemn and serious, so I am glad I was able to brighten up the patients' day."
And this goal was definitely achieved. Ms Tan Poh Hong, a patient at the hospital, said the music put her in a good mood.
So will she be attending another SAF Central Band performance?
"Yes!" she said. "But not in the hospital again!"
ALSO READ IN COMMUNITY
S’pore Airshow 2026 takes flight
05 Feb 2026
The Singapore Airshow marks its 10th edition and 20 years of contribution to the global aerospace, defence, and space sectors.
How to survive an NS relationship
03 Feb 2026
Do NS relationships really last? Is getting your girlfriend “stolen” when you’re in Basic Military Training just a myth? Here’s some advice from Singaporeans!
RSAF returns with dazzling aerial display at S’pore Airshow 2026
31 Jan 2026
Visitors to this year’s Singapore Airshow can look forward to 17 thrilling manoeuvres performed by the RSAF’s F-16C fighter jet and AH-64D Apache attack helicopter, and a static display of 10 different assets.