Saturday, 2 August 2008

Attendance

I'm sure everyone who came on Friday already knows this.

The attendance was horrible. Like some undigested lump of something in the bowl after you've had a dump.

Sure, it was after exams. Everyone is thinking (especially those that didn't come) that there shouldn't have been band; they should have been allowed to take a break, like run off to watch a movie or something. The fact is, there WAS band, and it was the first practice after the exams with Mr. Tan.

The people that didn't come obviously do not have the discipline that is required of them, nor do they have the basic respect for the other members of the band, let alone Mr. Tan. If the rest could fight temptations and turn up, punctually or not, why should those that didn't come be allowed to do so? All thanks to them, the practice wasn't fruitful, morale was low, and Mr. Tan's didn't have his usual sunflower face on.

Monday's sectionals; section leaders are reminded to make sure your members come down for practice. And if any member thinks he can weasel out of it just because his SL closes an eye or two, then he can think again, knock his head on a wall, then walk back to the band room.

Band practice is relaxing, so just have an open mindset and stop trying to avoid it. All it requires is for you to sit down and make good music- or at least try to- in a comfortable air-conditioned room. It is not something tiring like 2.4 or physical training. So if someone tries to pon band, we'll take the hint. Next time he turns up, he won't be practising, he'll be having extremely constructive physical training in a nice and comfy field. Don't make the leaders resort to that.

It's really up to you.

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