Toa Payoh Guitar Club of Singapore

Toa Payoh Guitar Club (TPGC) was formed in March 1974 under the Young People's Service section of the Toa Payoh Branch Library by a group of talented youths under the guidance of the library officer-in-charge, Ms Anuar, Hedwig Elizabeth. It was then known as the Toa Payoh Branch Library Music Club. The main activity then was singing and very often, some members would appear on television as they did very well in Talentimes.

The music played was diverse, ranging from the piano to the guitar as most members were proficient in at least a musical instrument. However, the Club was disbanded in late 1975 following conflicts among the members.

The Seventies

In early 1976, the Club was reformed under a new name, Toa Payoh Branch Library Guitar Ensemble with just 18 members. A year later, the Club organized its first concert known as "Guitar Voices" when it also recruited about 70 new members after a very successful concert.

In 1978, the Club introduced its first SHARE CONCERT™. The aim was to share guitar music with the public at large. This concert has since become an important event for the Club and is usually organized annually.

In 1979, the Club was renamed to the Toa Payoh Branch Library Music Club to facilitate the inclusion of other musical instruments besides the guitars. However, it turned out to be unsuccessful.

The Eighties

In 1983, the club changed its name to the Toa Payoh Branch Library Guitar Club to focus on guitar music. The Club came to the limelight when it won the 10th and 11th Yamaha Guitar Competitions in 1983 and 1984 respectively. Bagging top spots in the Ensemble, Classical and Non-Classical sections of the competition, the Club received strong recognition from the public for its achievements.

Following these competitions, the Club began to focus on Latin American ensemble pieces and was invited to perform at several public and private events such as the SIA 40th Anniversary Celebration, People's Association Cultural Show, 100 Guitars of Singapore and the Singapore Festival of Arts.

In March 1986, the Club left the Toa Payoh Branch Library following the adoption of a new policy by the National Library. The Club then became known as the Toa Payoh Guitar Club and is a registered organisation with the Registry of Society, Singapore.