Blowing Off Steam — My Journey as a Nurse and French Horn Player!📯
Hi, I’m Jason and I’ve been a nurse since 2017! I currently work in the Infectious Diseases ward (Ward B7 Subsidised), and in 2023, I also had the opportunity to rotate through the ICU and the dialysis unit.
Outside of work, I have a second passion that has stayed with me since I was 13 — playing the French horn.
Music has always been a part of my family. My sister was in her school band CCA, where she played the trumpet. I remember watching her come home with her instrument, and that sparked something in me.
When I entered secondary school, I followed in her footsteps and joined the band too — though I chose the French horn instead. That decision marked the start of a lifelong love for music.
Today, I play with the New Gen Wind Symphony (NGWS), a community band formed in 2014 by 12 passionate youths, including myself. Since then, we’ve grown to over 70 members and rehearse regularly under the Taman Jurong Community Arts and Culture Club.
Our rehearsals are usually held every Saturday morning at the Taman Jurong Community Centre, and our motto is “Forging Friendships Through Music.”
🎼Suited up and stage-ready — My version of a power pose, French horn in hand.
🎶 The band behind the magic — New Gen Wind Symphony, bonded by music and friendship.
🎵 Practice in pink — Keeping the rhythm (and style) alive at weekend rehearsals.
Balancing shift work with rehearsals isn’t always easy. I plan around my off days and sometimes attend rehearsals right after a morning shift. Sometimes, I even squeeze in a quick morning practice before an afternoon shift.
The most intense days are when I end a night shift at 8am, rush home, and head straight to a 10.30am rehearsal. But despite the fatigue, it’s always worth it.
One of the most memorable moments in my musical journey was performing at the Esplanade Concert Hall — a dream venue for many musicians.
More recently, I had the honour of performing with NGWS at the School of the Arts (SOTA) during the 22nd Asia and Pacific Band Directors' Association (APBDA) Conference in Singapore on 24 August.
It was an incredible experience being part of an international music community and playing for such an appreciative audience.
🎺 Big stage, bigger dreams — Performing at the Esplanade with passion and pride.
🎶 Performing with NGWS at the 22nd Asia and Pacific Band Directors' Association (APBDA) Conference at SOTA.
Music is my creative outlet. It helps me de-stress, express myself, and reconnect with who I am outside of work. As the demands of nursing grow tougher, music keeps me grounded.
There’s also something magical about playing melodies and harmonies together as one — it’s a reminder that even in our individual parts, we create something bigger when we come together.
Story written by:
Jason Alfaro
Senior Staff Nurse
Ward B7 Subsidised, NTFGH
