Come on Guys.. You can DO IT!!!

To: The Band

Band members...there is a thing that I feel that we have to buck up on.

It is our academic results. Studies have proven that band members do better academically due to higher ordinance levels of critical thinking and more advanced brain developments. We should follow up on this ideology and start working hard towards advance in academic progress. Regardless of how much we love band, how much band contributes to our growth in social, psychological and physical aspects, we are still termed as "student musicians". Remember. "Student Musicians". The term "student" comes first, then "musician". So basically, the socio ideology of being a "student musician" is on the knowledge that we should place our priorities right. Band is important, but studies are equally important. In today's meritocratic and materialistic world, even if the Catholic High School Symphony Band achieves world-class standards, we will still be viewed as a band who is lopsided. Lopsided so much so that the band's studies suffer.

I am not referring to all the band members, but the majority. Indeed, our academic results have shown improvement, but we still need to constantly buck up. For the Secondary 1s, 2s and 3s, Mastery Review 2 is just 5 weeks away. You think that is enough for you to prepare to do well? You really think so? This is the split up of the time.

5 weeks=35 days
35 days= 840 hours

Within the 840 hours,

840 hours
- 280 hours for sleeping (assuming you sleep 8 hours daily)
- 105 hours for eating, bathing, using computer, msn, etc, doing miscellanous stuff (assuming that you spend 3 hours)
- 36 hours for band (assuming band practice is 3 times weekly for 4 weeks, week 5 is break)
- 280 hours in school (7am to 3pm)

That leaves you 139 hours to prepare for your Mastery Review 2. And that's after much concession. Think. 139 hours. Especially for Sec 3s. Taking 7-9 subject courses; furthermore you are in the transition period. Assuming the norm has an 8 subject course.

That leaves you 17 hours per subject for Sec 3s, 27 hours for Sec 2s and Sec 1s. That is not a lot. Seriously. If you decide to buck up now, there is still time.

Personally, those in 3-3 will know that I more or less screwed up for Mastery Review 1. So instead of crying over spilt milk, expecially when the results are out, then with the "emo" attitude, come band and don't perform well, what more should you do than buck up now and prepare for the battle? Our concert is 2 weeks after the Mastery Review 2. By the time, most of our results would be known. How do you want to feel?

Sec 4s, Prelim 1 is in June, but please, treasure your time. Its important ok? Make the band proud... break through the band's past O level records this year ok? Let the band be proud of you. We are behind you all the way. All the best hor...

And to all, a final note: Time is in your hands. You are the master of your future. There are obstacles looming ahead. Whether you want to achieve success is up to you. ALL THE BEST, AND START STUDYING NOW!!!

God Bless All of You.