Herbert Fan joined The Chinese High School string orchestra in 2000, where he realised his interest in playing strings music and started learning to play the cello in orchestra performances. In the orchestra, he was involved in numerous performances, including combined performances with Nanyang Girls’ High, German International School for German National Day and German Reunification Day, school performances for various functions such as International Friendship Day, Teacher’s Day, Racial Harmony Day, Founders’ Day, charity performances raising funds for Children’s Cancer Foundation, Children’s Home Foundation, as well as external performances for the unveiling of key sculptures at DSO. Herbert was also an active participant in combined schools camps, 2002. He was also an instrumental part of the 2003 Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging of Instrumental Ensemble, where the orchestra was awarded Gold.
In 2004, after only four years of performing experience and under the influence and encouragement of his friends, mentors and peers, Herbert decided to audition for, and subsequently joined, the Singapore National Youth Orchestra. Despite demanding academic workload and school and external commitments, he was actively involved in SNYO activities throughout his Junior College years. In 2004, Herbert played with the SNYO at the Director General of Education, Mr Wee Heng Tin’s farewell dinner, and in that same year was also involved in the Singapore Youth Festival 2004, in which the SNYO performed at the Esplanade. He also performed in a chamber music concert at Asian Civilisation Museum, a concert at Victoria Concert Hall, and for National Day that year, the SNYO performed at the National Day Parade. In 2005, Herbert’s involvement with the SNYO included another concert at the Victoria Concert Hall, “Poet and Peasant”, SYF 2005 opening ceremony at the Esplanade, and in that year an overseas trip to Vienna, Austria to take part in the 34th International Youth and Music Festival – Competition for Orchestras as part of the SNYO Vienna Tour 2005, in which the orchestra clinched a joint 1st prize with China’s entourage.
In school, Herbert was actively involved in the Hwa Chong String Ensemble as well. As secretary of the executive committee, he was an integral part of the fruition of ensemble activities such as Inspirations, the ensemble’s annual public performance, performance at the Esplanade Concourse, Hwa Chong Arts Festival concert, combined performance with The Chinese High School string orchestra and band to celebrate the school anniversary, external performances such as at the Ministry of Home Affairs, and various Community Involvement Projects performances at organisations such as St. Luke’s Hospital and Children’s Cancer Foundation, some with collaborations with the college Interact Club. The college-based performances include College Day, 30th Anniversary Carnival cum grand dinner. In 2005, the ensemble went on to achieve Gold with Honours for the Singapore Youth Festival Central Judging of Instrumental Ensemble, one of two junior colleges so awarded.
Herbert also enjoys busking as a quartet or in a small group performance. In 2005, he took part in the Rhythm of Youth organised by People’s Association Youth Movement as an octet held at Parco Bugis Junction. Herbert also actively involves himself in various wedding functions, as well as other ballroom functions of independent employers. In 2006, Herbert obtained a busking license from the National Arts Council after an audition at MICA building, which allowed him to busk freely on Singapore streets with his small group ensemble during festivities such as Christmas and the New Year.
In 2008, Herbert was invited by the National University of Singapore Wind Symphony to perform cello solo parts for the Johan Meij composition “Planet Earth”, at the University Cultural Centre. One thing led to another, and soon he was talent-spotted to join a newly-established orchestra, named the Orchestra of the Music Makers, conducted and directed by Maestro Chan Tze Law, music professor, conductor and lecturer at the NUS Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.
In June of the same year, Herbert was part of a six-member group of strings musicians who performed as part of the musical band, in Taiwan singer-superstar Angela Chang’s concert at the Singapore Expo.
Besides playing the cello, Herbert delights in singing as well as playing video games that are music and coordination related, such as Guitar Hero and Beatmania, to complement his music-making endeavours in terms of skill sets.