Kasetsart University Laboratory School Symphonic Band was established in the year 1996 through the far-sighted vision of Master Wisanu Hothai, who recognized the potential and importance of music in the development of youth. In its early days, this band was like a small seed nurtured by the dedication of its first group of approximately 20 students, representing a diverse range of grade levels, specifically 6th grade and 10th grade. This gathering of students from two different age groups fostered an atmosphere of learning and experience sharing between older and younger members within the band.
Over the years, Kasetsart University Laboratory School Symphonic Band has grown and developed continuously. The number of members in the band increased in line with the interest and popularity of playing music among the students in the school. The commitment to rehearsals and learning various musical pieces has molded the band into a strong ensemble in terms of both skill and unity. When the band members were ready and possessed sufficient potential, it decided to step onto the competitive stage of the Yamaha Concert Band Competition between 1999-2001. Participating in this national-level competition was not only a test of the band's abilities but also an invaluable opportunity to learn techniques and musical standards from other bands across the country. The experiences gained from that competition became a significant driving force that motivated the band to strive for even greater improvement.
Beyond competing in the concert band category, the Band has also demonstrated its versatility and adaptability by participating in the Royal Cup Concert and Marching Band Contest in the years 2006, 2009-2010, and 2014-2015. Participating in the Marching Band category showcased the band's commitment to developing skills in performance and movement synchronized with music, which is another discipline requiring both physical coordination and musical talent.
In 2014 marked another significant turning point for the Band. In addition to regular concert band rehearsals, the band began earnestly practicing marching and Colour Guard. Enhancing skills in these areas opened up new horizons for the band members, providing them with more diverse performance opportunities and creating greater excitement for the audience. The dedicated hard work in rehearsals led to the prestigious opportunity for the Band to participate in the closing ceremony of the "Satit Samakkee Games" in 2016. This was another testament to the ability and readiness of this school band. Being a part of such a national event not only brought pride to the members, instructors, and the school but also served as an inspiration for future generations of students to pursue their development through musical activities.
Conductor Wisanu Hothai
Mr. Wisanu Hothai is a prominent figure in Thailand’s wind band music scene with a lifelong dedication to music education and performance. His journey began in school marching bands and advanced through formal training at Chulalongkorn University, where he majored in Western Music. He studied clarinet with Mr. Chowith Yunayong and music theory and conducting with Colonel Chuchart Pitaksakorn. During his studies, he was active in ensembles like the Thai Youth Orchestra, Chulalongkorn University Student Union Band (CU.Band), and the university’s symphony orchestra. He furthered his education with a Master of Fine Arts in Music Composition at Chulalongkorn University, studying under Professors Narongrit Dhamabutra and Weerachat Premanan. In 1995, he began teaching at the Demonstration School of Kasetsart University and, in 1996, founded the Kus Symphonic Band. Under his leadership, the band has received national and international recognition, including performances at WONJU TATTOO 2010 in Korea and gold medals at Yamaha’s All Thailand Marching Band Competitions. Mr. Hothai continues to be a central figure in nurturing young musicians and advancing wind band music in Thailand.