Newstead Girls' College Negombo
More Beyond
The Band Show "Fermata" is not just a band show; it's an immersive musical experience that celebrates the rich tradition of brass band music.
Our Fermata series showcases the talent and dedication of brass bands from schools across the region. From classical masterpieces to contemporary arrangements, Fermata III offers a diverse repertoire that caters to every musical taste.
In October 2009, the inception of what would become a beloved musical tradition took place with the creation of our first-ever Band Show, “Fermata I”. Led by the leadership of Kusana Javaheer, “Fermata I” marked the beginning of a journey into the vibrant world of brass band music. This event was a resounding success, drawing participation from eight leading schools who came together to showcase their musical talents. In 2011, Fermata II was organized colorfully, with mature blend of sound and skill which was led by Ransala William.
After many years, the much-awaited return of Fermata arrives as Fermata III this year. With the participation of eight schools, the event will take place at the college premises, all under the dynamic leadership of Ms. Nethara Jayasinghe. It promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, talent, and community spirit.
In 1991, we were the only outstation school out of the 14 bands that performed at the SAARC Games and was invited to perform at every National Independence Day celebration during the tenure of Late president Ranasinghe Premadasa.
Our school band, which changed outlook as it became known as the College Cadet band in 1993, remained such until 2004, when the tsunami devastation hit Newstead too very badly. We recovered gradually from the damage it did particularly to the musical instruments of the College band, thanks to the magnanimity of the National Christian Council through the invention of Mr. U.S.H. Fernando, former vice principal of the school who facilitated the transaction. We started the school band again independent of the Cadet Band and from 2006, both bands exist to embellish at our functions. The first band leader of the new band was Miss. Leyanvi Mirando.
In October 2009, our first ever Band Show called Fermata I, under the leadership of Kusana Javaheer, was a success story as 8 leading schools partook in the event. In the same year, our band begged the Best Band Trophy and the band competition held in Colombo, organized by the British Federation. The band leader was Minuri Fernando. Steps were taken to expand our band as it thrived in talent representing regularly at the band shows organized by the British Federation. Our Brass Band became the best band of the year, and the Melodica Ensemble secured the gold medal on the occasion.
In 2011, Fermata II was organized colorfully, with mature blend of sound and skill which was led by Ransala William. Later, Miss Savini Perera, Rebecca Fernandopulle, Sasini Fernando, Buddhini Tamaliya, Mariah Fernandopulle, Anjali Waduge, Hasandi Welarathne and Malini Fernando became the leaders of the band respectively in the succeeding years. Nethara Jayasinghe is the present leader of the College Western Band.
In 2023, a new chapter was added to our band's history with the introduction of a newly designed band logo, symbolizing our continuous evolution and commitment to musical excellence.
