CHSSB

Aesthetique 2010 - Painting on Silence

2010-03-10T20:47:00.004+08:00

Hello band members!

Below are some of the Secondary 3s' reflections regarding our recent concert on 4th March 2010 - Aesthetique 2010: Painting on Silence. All band members (especially the Secondary 3s) are strongly encouraged to post their reflections about the band's progress on our band blog.

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Zhe Wei:

Our concert was not a total success, neither was it a total failure. We have indeed given it our all in terms of our spirituality and tried out utmost best to communicate with the audience and perform to our utmost best which was of partial succcess, but with such high levels of “unpreparedness", our eyes tend to be glued to the score instead of the conductor leaving us to be unable to take signs from him and unable to feel and sense the same pulse. This caused the music to become very disorganized and messy, resulting in it to be a failure.

I have learnt from our concert that there is a serious problem with our techniques in music-playing. This was evident as we were struggling to try to finish the piece and decode the rhythms. This all underlies to our problems in the fundamentals of music playing. Clearly, our fundamentals are not well built and as a result, our playing is suffering due to our poor fundamentals and basics. Despite the fact that this point has been severly empahsised and repeated, not many people have taken heed of this advice and simply refuse to do anything on their own self-effort to improve.

Also, many people in the band simply refuse to come down to self-practice their score and simply come to combined sessions without practicing their score beforehand. This leads to a lot of them having not practiced the score and thus becoming unfamiliar with the score which as a result leads to them not playing their own parts well. With nearly everybody in our band having that kind of mentality, it is indeed hard to bring our music to further heights as we would be stuck at the same places and would be unable to get past it because some fellow members simply refuse to practice their parts and would be stuck at that part for long periods of time.

"The strength of a band is in its weakest player." This saying is indeed true. No matter how far some members may go to self practice their parts and aim for perfection, as long as we have some who refuse to practice, this slipshod attitude would not only cause their own downfall, but also ultimately lead to the band’s downfall.

In addition, many members of our band has the "skimming the surface" attitude and simply just wish to be able to play the notes and get the rough idea of the piece without caring about the minute details such as crescendos, de-crescendos and difficult parts. This leads to the music that we play to only be a rough, general idea and not a meticulous one. To quote a few examples from our concert, our piece “Seventh night of July“ was done without much expression in the dynamics. In addition, the 3rd and 4th page sounded very messy as these were the “difficult” parts of the section and we, adopting the “ skimming the surface “ attitude have only just played through the score very briefly without aiming for perfection, clarity and togetherness.

Also, our "unpreparedness", for the concert can be reflected in our musical playing. We have clearly just practiced the easy parts and left the difficult parts aside, adopting a "heck care" attitude. An example to showcase this would be the "Legend of the ancient hero" piece, our second page at the 7/8 bar was not done together as everybody felt different pulses with some lagging behind the actual tempo and some not knowing their notes and playing incorrectly. This confuses the members who have practiced and cause them to blunder which the different "noises" which they are hearing.

Lastly of all would be our attitude. Some of us hold an earnest attitude towards musical playing and practice conscientiously to aim for perfection. Some others on the hand as said hold a "heck care" attitude “ and do not spend any of their personal free time to practice which causes the band to be unable to progress further because of the mentality of these people. If we could all change our mentality and aim for one common goal, to strive for the best in what we do and do our personal part to help the band improve and soar to greater heights, our band would truly be a wonderful band.

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Shao Kai:

The main problem of the concert was the lack of preparation from each individuals of the band. Even the seniors (Secondary 4) were lacking of the preparation to confidently finish the pieces. I feel that the seniors have really helped us too much which can already be equated to spoon-feeding till they neglect almost everything including studies and practising their own part. Not sure about the other seniors but to me in my section, this occurrence is getting more and more obvious and the juniors, including me, took it for granted till they reminded me about this issue 2 days before a concert with a random remark and I finally realised that this is going on with me showing only the slightest appreciation. That got me thinking a lot till the concert.

This brings me back to the main topic for this reflection after the sidetrack. To me, everything that has passed has passed. I treat these past events as lessons that I have got to learn from, may it be a perfect event or an imperfect one. This time it was really the imperfect side. Although many feedbacks from people who are “not well exposed to music” were like ‘Great concert you have there I enjoyed it!’ and ‘Whao, quite nice leh’ etc. all having the positivity, I still felt that the concert was not that well done at all, maybe for majority of the pieces. Moreover, these people could even identify one out of the many mistakes made like the squeaking of one of the clarinet and not coming in tempo or not in tempo from the percussion. Then what about those who know music? The answer is straightforward. Worse.

Never have I gone for a full concert performed by me and my band throughout, this is the first time. An unforgettable first time… Doing analysis for each song about what is wrong and etc. is pointless in this reflection. There are lots and lots of things going through my mind after the concert. I have seen and heard lots of things that made me feel quite emotional the day after the concert. Some band people were saying just enjoy the concert. I feel that we should not enjoy but seriously be musical and expressive at the point in time, express all our feelings fitting to what should be in the piece. Enjoying is not enough if a good performance is aimed to be given although it is near impossibility.

Leadership during the whole process was good, quite good. Everything was planned out very nicely; maybe it’s because of Mr Glosz. Just that some people need to be motivated to feel sense of urgency for things to be done like transportation, packing, moving from place to place etc. This would need the band to work together. One issue that I seen during the concert was that everyone is downright un-united and un-bonded. Everyone was in their small groups. In my section it’s already happening, in my huge batch of Secondary 3 it is even more obvious, not sure about the Secondary 4s though. Conflicts are all around. However, even there is conflict there I still feeling that the band can try to be united with the slightest bonding and work together.

Playing for the first half of the repertoire was alright, better than expected. Not to mentioned the countless mistakes made by the intermediate band. I felt that my section and I did well for the soli in Jubilance. One of the best that I have played so far. I was thinking about my seniors’ efforts put on my section and I, that I have to support my section. It was the most enjoyable time in the first half as I had a lot of feelings mixed into this soli.

Till the second half, after breaks and all the mistakes, everyone was not focused at all. Everything played was not at even the normal standards. I really do hope that the band have much more perseverance. I did not enjoy the second part at all. Yes people were clapping this and that, here and there, the atmosphere was there but I really hope the band can play as well as the atmosphere. After the whole performance was over, it was really very messy. People are looking for this this this this, oh then this other person is looking that that that. Total mess. Being the last person to leave the dressing room, I felt quite sad that all the plastic bottles are left behind. With other litter here and there. It was like rush hour and in one small corner showing the little aftermath of this crowd here after leaving that particular area. There were also things that were left behind by my section mate and I brought everything down for them but end up forgetting to bring my own blazer and school uniform. Felt pretty anxious at that moment… No light at all. Luckily there was someone there using handphone light to look for something and I borrowed it from him.

Upon reaching school, it was really unknown why Jin Sheng was so angry and had a fiery tone. Luckily people did not flare or get offended by him. But I still feel that he should change the way he treats people especially not going with his mood.

Although we did not get a chance to talk about the concert that night, doing this reflection can help me express part of it. I hope that the band can really buck up; there were a few times where I tear as I had a flash of thought of the Secondary 4s leaving us, as I have built really strong bonds with them after all.

The concert was a lesson for everyone, of what you really cannot play and what damage you can incur to the band for your incompetence. Our next short aim would be Hawaii although the more far-sighted one is taking over of the current secondary 3s, POP video all that. The concert marks as a date for everyone to know and to remember and to learn. I hope that really, everyone learnt something. As for me, I have learnt many things through this period of time till the concert. I really had got to be more musical and expressive of what I play, I have also learnt the correct way of practising any pieces, importance of fundamentals like the majors and minors and the chromatics and many more. Although we have passed the concert, we still have got to strive and continue with the effort that we put in during the chionging period before this concert. With this consistency I am pretty sure that we can do well. I have confidence in everyone in the band.

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Alumni members who have attended our concert are more than welcome to post their feedback for the band here! :D Do tell the band what you think of our concert and our current band.

That's all :)

Band Camp - Packing List

2009-11-21T12:55:00.003+08:00

Hello! If you did not attend the previous band practice, or happen to lose your packing list for the camp, here it is:
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Packing List:
x1 Band Polo Tee
x2 Home Clothes
x1 Band PT Shirt (Orange)
x2 PE Attire (Shirt and Pants)
x5 Undergarments (Socks and Underwear)
x1 Track Shoes/School Shoes
x1 Slippers/Sandals
x2 School Green Shorts
x1 School uniform (for CIP Participants)
x1 Toiletries (Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, towel, toilet paper)
x1 Rags
x1 Poncho/Small umbrella
x1 Raffia String (Laundry Line)
x1 Plastic Mug
x1 Fork and Spoon
x1 Torchlight with batteries
x1 1.5 litre water bottle
x1 Sleeping bag
x1 Writing materials
Cash (at least $20)
EZ Link card (topped up with at least $10)

Optional:
Medication (e.g. Inhalers)
Jacket
Track pants
Plastic Bag (For Clothes)
Vitamin C Pills
Sun Block
Hair Wax/ Comb/ Gel

Do NOT bring:
Snacks
Electronic Devices/Handheld Devices (PSP, Nintendo, iPod, MP3, etc)
Cards, Mahjong, Boardgames
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Rest well and remember to prepare your solo pieces for band camp! You guys will definitely love the camp! :)

MY thoughts. (~PHS)

2009-11-19T20:44:00.002+08:00

Hey Guys!

It has been so long since I posted on this blog…I have so much to tell you!

Well, since I didn’t turn up for the chair session (because of some personal reason), I will give my speech here. On the blog. =)

Now I really understand the meaning of “time flies when you are having fun”. For the past 4 years, I have really enjoyed the experience of being in CHSSB and being beside my good friends while making good Music. It will be an unforgettable experience for me…and it will be deeply etched in my mind forever.

The day when I joined band still seems so familiar and so fresh in my mind…as though it was yesterday. For many of you, I guess you don’t know the reason for me joining the band. Well, my CCA in primary school was seasonal drums (for those who went to Malacca you would probably know what seasonal drums are), and I wanted to join a CCA which has similar experiences. I should probably have joined the Chinese Orchestra, because their percussion section is similar to what I had in primary school. But I wanted new experiences. I wanted to join something new. So I went to the band.

At that time, I was a timid secondary one student who didn’t dare to speak up. It was a nerve-racking experience for me to go and try on all the instruments and pick one. It was also a bit scary to listen to the seniors while they persuade to try this or try that. They were a bit…pushy. But nevertheless, I ended up in the Horn section.

Then came secondary two. Then came banding. Then came SYF 2007 as well. It was a turbulent year for me. To manage my studies, my relationships with my friends and to cope with band is tough and tiring, especially all those “motivational talk” (which was exciting at first but grew to be annoying soon after) and practices late into the night. Then came the blow. We got Silver. It wasn’t as hard of a blow to me as it was probably to others, and I didn’t really cry. This was partly because I sort of already knew we weren’t going to get it.

As I progress into secondary 3, I started to learn to become more initiative. I learnt to manage relations better. I learnt how to influence people, both my classmates and my juniors. I learnt how to organize things efficiently, from both positive and negative examples. I learnt how to do things the way I want while convincing others to follow me. You may say that all these are leadership qualities, but I really don’t think so. All these, I feel, are just things every tom, dick and harry will pick up through his course of life. It all matters on how you use it. Responsibilities are sometimes tedious and difficult to manage, but I was able to cope with it.

Finally, I became a secondary 4. SYF 2009. =D
The stress of O levels caught up with me in early April. Yes, close to the post SYF period. So you can imagine how nervous and stressed out I was. But I still manage to cope with it all the way. And in the end we got a Gold With Honours. Yeah!
Then after that, its all studies, studies, studies. Time and time again, obstacles and hurdles were thrown at, not just me, but all your secondary Fours. The secondary Fours in Band worked as a team and overcame them together. But sadly, after that, we were so focused on our studies that we rarely meet up. This relationship with ALL the secondary Four Band members is something I will treasure until I die. The “taupok”-ing, the fake Rugby after Band hours, the wrestling, the Light saber fights, the screaming of “YEAH GOLD WITH HONOURS! IN YOUR FACE!” after SYF 2009….….they will be in my memories forever. =)

Oh well. All well that ends well.

Sometimes, I feel as though life is really like a race. A race not to the finishing line, but to experience the wonders and beauty of the race of life itself. We meet people of different personalities and different faces, and they all add vibrant colours to your life. But still, we all have to part one day and that is for sure. So, there is no need to feel so sad.
That is something I have learnt after 4 years in Band and in CHS.

My final note to every CHSSB member out there: enjoy your time here. Society is a cruel and harsh place where reality sinks in and if you aren’t fast enough to get what you want or to show other people what you are capable of, you are dead. So enjoy your time here in CHSSB. Enjoy your time here in CHS. Enjoy your youth. For when you become older and older, you will see more and more of the cruel realities of life.

In CHSSB, all the opportunities are presented to you. All you have to do is grab it. So grab it! Use every chance you can get to shine.

Seniors, do look after your juniors and please ensure their well-being. I guess that not many know that how a junior behaves is influenced by his senior’s actions and speech as well. So seniors, please make sure your conduct is good at all times. Take good care of your juniors, for if you do, they will remember you not just as a senior, but as a friend and a mentor. They will remember you for life. Trust me, I know. (first-hand experience ;p)

And also, not system is perfect in the world. And not one person is perfect as well. I have said this once, and I will say it again. Even if you hate someone in Band, or you hate the Band system, don’t hate music. It is pointless, for hating music is like hating salt. Even if you resent music and keep missing Band just because of some stupid reason like you hate the system, it will come back and haunt you one day. Because there is not one person in this world that hates music. I can guarantee that, because its in our nature.

Remember, it is you who chose Band, not Band who chose you. You have no reason to dislike it. Even if your parents are unhappy with Band, all that matters is that you don’t. Joining Band is not just about having a good time and attaining exceptional results; there is element of sacrifice and hard work as well. Time is precious, so you sue it wisely. Everyone would have to learn how to juggle enjoyment, school work and Band. It’s the same for all other people. But the more you put in, the more results you will reap. These results are as outstanding to you as they are to other people. Before that, sacrifice is necessary. I still remembered in 2007, we practiced until 9 pm! And no parents complained, because we made them understand that its our choice that we want to stay until that late to practice.

If you love Music, you will do whatever it takes to make yourself a better musician. You have the choice.

Always remember that there always more than one option. Consider all of them, start to solve problems the direct way. If you don’t like the system, give suggestions to change it. If you don’t like the leaders, talk to them and make clear to them your unhappiness. If you don’t like someone, thrash it out with them and clarify your doubts. People ask me what is the best way to solve problems, and my answer is “the direct method”.

Just decide on something and go do it. For example, you decide that you want to improve. So, don’t hesitate. Go and self-practice immediately.

Well, I hope you survived until this paragraph. It’s a long post and I hope you get what I mean and what I am trying to say.

CHSSB, on behalf of the secondary Fours and Alumni, I wish you all the best and we all have faith that you will soar to even greater heights.

Most importantly, enjoy your time there and treasure it. Make every minute fruitful. Because only if you enjoy making Music, will you be able to produce Music that is so heavenly that it is enjoyable for the people you love. Never forget that.

Go for it! B)

Poh Hang Siang (~PHS)

CJC TUNE IN 2009!

2009-11-16T21:38:00.004+08:00

Hey graduating batch of CHSSB!

CJCSB will be having a tune in on 5th december 2009! (it's a saturday)

Here's the poster for it

For more details you can click on this link sgbandfusion

Yup! It'll be fun! Anyway, all of you Yellow Badge people are invited to join us for TUNE IN, even if you may not be considering going to CJ

BUT! come and have an experience of what our band is like and who knows? we'll see you for the rest of the year and you might wanna join us next year too!

I know that CJC doesn't sound like a good school as always, but in my 1st year, it is quite fun and once you're in, you don't wanna go anywhere else. That's how it's like

SO! Contact Xing Hao @ 92251762,
including your details like :
1. Full Name
2. Which sec school are you from (obviously cat high)
3. Which section are you from

Thanks very much! :)

I hope the sec 4 still visits the band blog to see this. hahaha.

Updates

2009-10-26T13:15:00.002+08:00

Hello band! :)

As the band website is currently under maintenance, I have uploaded the official leave form for download. Click here to download the leave form.

If you are going overseas this holiday, and you cannot find the hard-copy version of the leave form in the band room, you can now download the soft-copy version and fill in the leave form before you go for your holidays.

Yup, that's all :)

&, On behalf of everyone in the band, ALL THE BEST to Sec 4's for O'Levels! Jiayou :)

- Kit Chong

hey band.

2009-09-26T17:47:00.003+08:00

Yes, yes, yes. Would you believe it? It's me again.
I'm sure we all know that it's been a while since anyone posted anything.
In fact, the last time anyone posted anything was eons away.
Actually, I'm doing this not because I want to administer CPR to this blog.
Well, it's actually because I want to convey a message to you all.

otherwise, why would I want to post here? for fun?

One night, after having been knocked out from trying to study Geography, I had envisioned (to my sheer horror) that certain unimaginable things might become reality. A foreboding premonition, I would say.

As in, certain things may happen.

In fact, maybe they DO happen.

I took this into serious consideration, before I made the decision to post on our blog.
So I ended up taking time off my mugging regime to tell you guys this.

1. Do NOT consume any foods or sweet drinks in the band room.

This also applies for the band store.

This might be applicable from COMMON SENSE, but for fear that some of us don't have it, I shall say this once.

consuming any type of foods or sweet drinks is strictly prohibited and punishable by the laws of the band room.

we don't want any cockroaches running around in our sacred band room, do we.

Yes, yes. We all know that foodies are yummy and have this fragrant, tempting aroma about them, and we all know that the band room/store is one of our favourite places in the world.

But we also need to take note of this - that foodies not only tempt us, attract us; it also attracts cockroaches, mice and other such creatures. Just like bees to honey.

Say, what would happen to an ignored crumb, grain, or whatever nice and flavored ends up on the ground?

I don't want to imagine.

Infested with pests and vermin...can we still call our band room a "sacred place"?

So, just take note of that. In case you can't remember not to break this time-honoured code of the band room, remember what your brain is for. Put it to good use.

Use it in the RIGHT way.

2. do NOT play BALL games in the BAND ROOM.

all right, we all heard it.

I believe we all know that many things in the band room are purchased with exorbitant prices that broke the bank.

Therefore, take the balls outside to play if you want to.

After all, avoiding such a vice is better than cure/caution/whatever you call it.

3. do NOT mess around with the vacuum cleaner.

As we all may have noticed it, there is a nice, shiny, nice, brand-new, nice, expensive, nice, multi-purpose, nice, functional, nice, portable, nice, clean, nice vacuum cleaner in the band store, stowed under the QM table (despite its inability to accomodate the thing completely, Wee Kiat has agreed to let me keep it there due to lack of space. Thanks Wee Kiat^^) which is, to put it succinctly, nice.

Hence, I don't want anyone to meddle with the vaccuum cleaner. As one of our taggers has said, "those things are expensive". I would like it if it is only put to use when the band room is particularly filthy and it needs a machine to help clean it out.

As an afterthought, please don't use the broom leaning in the corner to sweep up all the tiny little eyesores from the floor. It will only make the band room dirtier by adding all its hair onto the floor, ie. 越帮越忙, despite your efforts to help clean the band room since you can't use the band vacuum cleaner without the estate managers', or any of the leaders (ie.majors)' presence and consent (I know I didn't mention this before, so here it is). Thanks^^

So, study hard for your exams, don't let your teachers down. Study hard, you hear? Then when we come back for band, play HARDER! (without completely putting your studies aside, of course.)

I suppose that's all I have to say then.

Well in that case,

have a good evening and happy mugging!

=> Thanks, your friendly neighbourhood estate manager.

2009-07-22T22:21:00.003+08:00

Hey band.
This is your estate manager speaking.
Due to time constrain, I frankly doubt I would be able to get my point through in band practice.
Therefore, I will now tell you guys what I want you guys to know. (ie., say my piece.)

1. Do NOT put whatever you like all over the band room.
I believe most of you have noticed that there was a notice placed on the door of the band room not too long ago.
The BAND ROOM is a SACRED PLACE, it said.
I know that some of you see the band room as a second home.
But it's not an excuse to treat the room like your own house!
People who came down to practice last friday would have seen it.

Water bottle on the green shelf. (you people should know which green shelf I'm referring to.)
Hanger on the floor.
etc, etc.

PLEASE, if it's your stuff on the green shelf, take it back!
That should be all for part 1. Now on to part 2.

2. Instruments on the shelves.
Look, I don't think anybody would mind if you placed your beloved instrument there TEMPORARILY (ie. 5 minutes?) because you're afraid you'd damage it in any way. Remove it as soon as possible after that.

BUT.

When you people are told to keep your instruments, or when you're done with your personal practice, please do not place it in the band room. It should be kept in the band store, or to be more specific, your instrument's case. Do not put your instrument there, forget about it and go home.

As for instruments that can't fit in their cases, kindly put them in the band store, your section's shelf, where it wouldn't be too obvious to cause any hindrance. Thank you.

Now on to part 3.

3. The cleanliness of the band room.

This is the part where I'm most annoyed.
I think you guys know this already.
We all need a conducive environment for band practice.
The cleanliness of the band room, naturally, plays an orchestral role in this.
What I don't like is that you guys don't seem to take this seriously.
In fact, it might be to the point that people call it disrespect.
Now, listen up. I'm tired of saying this again and again, and I don't want to say it again.
When you guys are done keeping your instruments, you're supposed to sit quietly, in your distinct and neat rows, playing your part in keeping the band room clean (ie. picking up the white and red stuff on the carpet). Well, you guys are supposed to be bending over and picking up those tiny little eyesores until someone comes along to address you people. Then you straighten up and listen.

Instead, what do you guys do?

I see the majority of you ignoring little bits of stuff in the carpet, TALKING, SITTING AROUND DOING NOTHING, PLAYING.

I think I need to get this straight.

I am not here to clean up the band room for you.
Rather, what I do is to direct you guys in making the band room a cleaner, nicer, and a pleasant place to practice in.

As such, I would not tolerate that wrong idea. In fact, it might become what I see as utter disrespect if you even have the guts to tell me that.

I hope you guys will understand.

=>Your friendly neighborhood estate manager

2009-07-16T23:21:00.002+08:00

Hey Band .

GOOD NEWS .
There is OFFICIAL band practice from Monday onwards .
Practice starts at 3 so please be punctual .
Be prepared for an AWESOME practice on Monday, so BE THERE .

Some thoughts.

2009-07-14T23:08:00.002+08:00

Hello people!

It has been a VERY long time since I have posted something.

So I am sure everyone will be looking forward to my posts.
So, here I am. =D

JUST JOKING!

Well, just here to share an interesting moral/ethical dilemma with you.

You are driving down the road in your car on a wild, stormy night,
when you pass by a bus stop and you see three people waiting for the
bus:

1. An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
2. An old friend who once saved your life.
3. The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.

Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing that there could only be
one passenger in your car?

Think before you read on, because your answer speaks a lot about your character and your attitude in your own responsibility to others.

You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus, you should save her first.
Or you could take the old friend because he has saved your life and this would be the perfect chance to pay him back.
However, you may never be able to find your perfect mate again.

This was told to me by another friend of mine, and I chose the first option.

But its not even close to the perfect answer.

You should give the car keys to your old friend and let him take the lady to the hospital. Then, you would stay behind, and wait for the bus with the partner of your dreams.

Missed that out right? Ha! I knew it.

There are so many things in Life which we, as young people, are missing out now. All around us, poeple are needing help, but we often turn a blind eye towards them. Your excuse? "I have no time!"

Kindness begets kindness. Unkindness begets unkindness. And an act of helping others will definitely lift your soul to a whole new level. Nope, this is not a sharing about Music-making, but a sharing on Empathy: how you treat to others just because you want to.

I feel that there has been too much emphasis on Music-making in CHSSB. Although that is excellent, I felt that the "brotherhood" between members have disappeared. You only care about what will benefit you.

That may not true for everyone, but it certainly is for most. (Not just CHSSB)

So, please, I urge everyone of you to look around you and ACT. There is no need to hesitate, no need to deliberate and no need to consider when you see someone in need. If you see your seniors struggling, a word of concern is enough to keep them on track. If you see your juniors discouraged, a small word encouragement is enough to fuel their spirits. We ARE One Band, One Sound, and One Brotherhood.

How can there be One Band without One Sound, and how can there be One Sound without One Brotherhood? And being emphatatic, and thinking a bit out of box, is just what you need to achieve what CHSSB has been trying to achieve for the past few years.

Most importantly, it is important to dare to try. Who cares if you fail? Only you band-mates will care for the best for you; by encouraging and helping you to solve your mistakes.

Anyone can do it, its just a matter of how. Afterall, all of these are intrinsic, right?

Quotations.

2009-07-13T10:37:00.002+08:00

Recently I borrowed a book from the Esplanade library titled “The Quotable Musician: from Bach to Tupac” by Sheila Anderson and found it pretty interesting, holding all manners of quotes from musicians and artists from all walks of life. I would like to grab some of the interesting quotes and share it with you guys…they’re all interesting, but whether I agree with them is another issue altogether.

***

‘Only become a musician if there is absolutely no other way you can make a living.’ – Kirke Mecham

‘I am not a blues singer. I am not a jazz singer. I am not a country singer. But I am a singer who can sing the blues, who can sing jazz, who can sing country.’ – Ray Charles

‘A good composer is slowly discovered. A bad composer is slowly found out.’ – Ernest Newman

‘Give me a laundry list and I’ll set it to music.’ – Puccini

‘The way to write American music is simple. All you have to do is to be an American and then write any kind of music you wish.’ –Virgil Thompson

***

‘I once sent him a song and asked him to mark a cross wherever he thought it was faulty. Brahms returned it untouched, saying, “I don’t want to make a cemetery of your compositions.” ‘ – Hugo Wolf

‘There are still so many beautiful things to be said in C major.’ – Sergei Prokofiev

‘You can’t possibly hear the last movement of Beethoven’s Seventh and go slow.’ – Oscar Levant, trying to explain his way out of a speeding ticket

‘I say, play it your own way. Don’t play what the public wants…you play what you want, and let the public pick up on what you are doing, even if it does take them fifteen, twenty years.’ – Thelonious monk

‘Applause is a receipt, not a note of demand.’ – Artur Schnabel

‘If I don’t practice for one day, I know it; if I don’t practice for two days, the critics know it; if I don’t practice for three days, the audience knows it.’ – Ignacy Jan Paderewski

***

‘I cannot tell you how much I love to play for people. Would you believe it – sometimes when I sit down to practice and there is no one else in the room, I have to stifle an impulse to ring for the elevator man and offer him money to come in and hear me.’ – Arthur Rubinstein

‘Never look at the trombones; it only encourages them.’ – Richard Strauss

‘I am amazed at radio DJs today. I am firmly convinced that AM on my radio stands of Absolute Moron. I will not begin to tell you what FM stands for.’ – Jasper Carrott

‘I never use a score when conducting my orchestra. Does a lion tamer enter a cage with a book on how to tame a lion?” – Dmitri Mitropoulos

‘God tells me how the music should sound but you stand in the way.’ – Arturo Toscanini, to a trumpet player

‘Conductors must give unmistakable and suggestive signals to the orchestra, not choreography to the audience.’ – George Szell

‘If anyone has conducted a Beethoven performance, and then doesn’t have to go to an osteopath, then there’s something wrong.’ – Simon Rattle

‘He uses music as an accompaniment to his conducting.’ – Oscar Levant, on Leonard Bernstein

‘Opera is when a guy gets stabbed in the back, and instead of bleeding, he sings.’ – Ed Gardner

***

‘Too many pieces of music finish too long after the end.’ – Igor Stravinsky

‘Music rearranges your molecular structure.’ – Carlos Santana

‘The rhythm of jazz is against the normal psychological needs of Man.’ – The Peoples Music Press, Peking, China

‘I like Wagner’s music better than any other music. It is so loud that one can talk the whole time without other people hearing what one says. That is a great advantage.’ – Oscar Wilde

‘I have often thought that if there had been a good rap group around in those days, I might have chosen a career in music, instead of politics.’ – Richard Nixon

‘An artist should be judged by his best, just as an athlete is. Pick out my best work and say, “That’s what he did, all the rest was rehearsal.” ‘– Artie Shaw

:D

2009-07-12T20:37:00.002+08:00

BAND.

Alright, this is the first time I'm blogging here.
I understand every single band member is now all asking this same question:
"WHY IS THERE NO BAND?" .
for some truly passionate musicians, those who pester me to open up the band room even during the band break last week, they are probably going like,
"I MISS BAND LIKE I"M DEPRIVED OF A LIVING SOURCE."
for some other opposites they'll probably not care about band at all .

My point of this whole post IS TO GET EVERY SINGLE BAND MEMBER DOWN FOR PRACTCIE TOMORROW . IT IS NOT COMPULSORY BUT HIGHLY ENCOURAGED FOR EVERYONE TO BE DOWN TOMORROW AT 3 .

This is the direction from the school . It is a FREE PRACTICE (if you get what i mean)
It is not compulsory but i'll be down there so i want to see the whole band there . I won't punish you if you are not there but YOU'LL REGRET NOT GOING DOWN FOR PRACTICE TOMORROW BECAUSE you will CHANGE THE IMPRESSION EVERY OTHER BAND MEMBER HAVE OF YOU.

So, get the message. Be there at 3 tomorrow PUNCTUALLY . ENCOURAGE ALL YOUR BAND BUDDIES TO GO DOWN IF THEY ARE INTENDING NOT TO . Ultimately , you can still choose not to go down tomorrow 13th July , you WON'T get punished .

It's your CHOICE . MAKE THE RIGHT ONE .

Promoten.

2009-06-09T00:19:00.002+08:00

Hello all!

Just here to promote a concert where my second work for wind band will be premiered!

OP.2009
"10th Anniversary Concert: The Next Lap"

Date | 19th June 2009, Friday
Time | 1900 hrs
Venue | Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Concert Hall (National University of Singapore)
Admission Charges | SDG$10.00

Clarence Tan | Music Director
Nathaniel Tan | Bassoon

Programme:

Orchid Park Wind Orchestra
Singaporean Folk Song Suite | Zechariah Goh Toh Chai
Dreamscapes (World Premiere) | Terrence Wong
Symphony No. 2: II. Dreams Under A New Moon/III. Apollo Unleashed | Frank Ticheli

OP'us Alumni Winds
March "Wind For Winds" | Shin'ya Takahashi
Old Churches | Michael Colgrass
Bassoon Concerto in Bb Major K191 | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The Merry Widow Selections | Franz Lehar

Interval

Combined Wind Orchestra
First Suite In Eb | Gustav Holst
El Camino Real "A Latin Fantasy" | Alfred Reed
1812 Overture | Piotr Illyich Tchaikovsky

FOR TICKETS and directions ask me directly or approach Yue Feng! :D

P.S. good luck for Elegance al Esplanade!

Instrument Fixing

2009-06-06T12:37:00.003+08:00

Due to unforseen circumstances, the windworks people will only be coming down on the next friday, in the morning.

So during the next week, please try to write an account for your instrument, if your instrument is not working well.

e.g. Eb Key is not moving, dented at blah blah blah.

-Thanks

Attention all sec 4 band members

2009-06-03T21:49:00.005+08:00

There would be band practice for the sec four band members on this Thursday and Friday. Practice next week would be on Monday, Thursday and Friday. There would be a break for your prelims following that week. Practice would then resume on 26th June, Friday.

Holiday Practice schedule

2009-05-30T11:32:00.002+08:00

This is basically the schedule for every week of the holidays.

Mondays- 1pm to 6 pm (sectional for sec 2s and 3s)

(combine for sec 1s)

Thursday- 8am to 12 pm (junior band)

1pm to 6pm (combine)

Friday- 8am to 12 pm (junior band)

1pm to 6pm (combine)

On 25^th June, Thursday, there would be a full day exchange with St Patricks from 8 am to 5 pm.

Secondary 4 Band members........

2009-05-17T18:33:00.003+08:00

I do hope that this blog is still surviving...

This is a notice to remind [ALL Secondary 4 Band Members] that they [Are to] perform for the [Esplanade Showcase].

Rehearsals will be [Limited] Only to the [First Week of June].

If there are any issues regarding the above, kindly look for the Leaders (any), or the various Teachers-In-Charge.

thanks. X)

Lawliet,

Pandemonium and Chaos......

2009-05-03T12:05:00.003+08:00

Hey band,
No more lame arguments alright?
At least have musical ones.
Dont need someone (especially your band leaders) to bring order okay, just be matured and take care of yourselves.

Such trivial matters are really not worth going on about.............

Sec 1's, 2's and 3's.......

It's your examination period..........
Study hard and persevere.
I wish you all the best in your respective exams. X)

Sec 4's...........

Study. Do Homework. Revise. Go for your remedials lol.

yupp, pretty much it.
your exams arent that far off.........
O levels arent exactly the most fun thing to prepare for... but yea...... you dont want to have those tears of regret at the final day.

I'm missing band and my Instrument already....
haha....... X)
Hope you guys are doing alright.
Mr glosz too. ^^

Cheers.......
buhbye! X)

Lawliet was online on 3/5/2009 at 12:05pm.

A source of Insipration

2009-04-23T22:56:00.005+08:00

I am sure many of you have seen this.

Susan Boyle, 47, "country bumpkin, dazzled the crowd and the judges during the auditions for "Britain's Got Talent 2009"

She sang "I dreamed a dream" (Don't ask me about the grammar) from Les Miserables (sounds familiar Secondary 4s?). At first, they laughed at her. "Cyanical" was the word, but after she sang, they weren't laughing anymore.

How could they, when all of their mouths were agape?

I hope that this video will never cease to be a source of inspiration to you, because it has been mine...(at least for the past few days)

Watch Susan Boyle, hd in Entertainment | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Our Deepest Gratitudes.

2009-04-15T22:55:00.003+08:00

Hey people!

On the behalf of the whole CHSSB, I would like to extend our deepest gratitudes to all our teachers, alumnis and tutors for their hardwork and their unwavering support to us during the most arduous part of our journey towards our GOAL. (not gold w/hon)

I would also like to take this oppoturnity to thank all the people who gave us their congratulations after SYF for what we have achieved.
(Thanks Mr Leonard Tan!)

Last but not least, though I know this is kind of late, but I want to thank all CHSSB members for not giving up, and perservering on together as a band towards our GOAL during the SYF period. I want to thank every single one of YOU who toiled, struggled, played, and cheered side by side with me, and the rest of the band.

Those memories will really stay with me forever. (Especially how crazy we went after everything..)
And I am sure they will stay with you too.

Concert Advertisement

2009-04-14T21:55:00.008+08:00

Hey band, our alumni have been very supportive, encouraging and motivating during our SYF period. So, we should do the same!!! For example, going for this concert:

Victoria Junior College Symphony Band

Majestia XXIV (24)

Victoria Junior College Performance Theatre

23 May, Saturday

7.30p.m.

Tickets at $10

Repetoire:

By the River's Bend

Arioso

Procession to Peace (very peaceful piece)

Omens of Love (very lovely piece)

Pictures of Imaginary Windscapes (their SYF choice piece)

It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got the Swing

Oh by the way the entire repetoire up there is tentative. Yeah. Ingmar is coming down next week with the tickets, so if you all want to go and watch this concert, which will be great, great referring to the act of you all wanting to go watch the concert as well as the musical standard of the concert, get your money ready. Yeah. If you feel that you have extra money, you can also bring it along.

Ok guys here's the thing. There's this...um...culture that we are losing. The band members are, for some reason, no longer interested in watching band concerts. I mean, what happened? This is a rather bad thing, because it shows that the members are not having the musical exposure. Which means, we will be frogs in wells! ZOMGAWDBBQ!!! Yeah, we must be open-minded and humble (I'm not saying we're better than VJC, you know what I mean), and learn from other bands, if we want to progress and improve and "soar to greater heights"(how many times did I see this phrase when reading the essays...I wonder...). Yeah. Sec 3s if you wanna show how enthu you are (which is kind of late, but don't fret, it's not too late), you can go for this concert =)

So, to sum up, GO WATCH THIS CONCERT!!! SHOO!!! STOP SITTING IN FRONT OF THE COMPUTER!!!

Revisionist perspectives of the SYF. Or band for the matter

2009-04-05T12:31:00.004+08:00

Continuing from my posts on the Band Blog Tagboard.

I've left the school for 2 years now. But while I don't remember what the school taught me for Physics (I'm an Arts student now) or how many times I was late for school, it's the experiences I've had in Band that I still remember to this very day.

Like, how we played sunrise at sunrise.
Or, how the band screamed their guts out for Jericho (2005 SYF/WMC)
Or perhaps, the evil playing and whacking of timbales, or other instruments for the matter, for Incantation and Dance. (I'm sure some of you guys remember the rhythm)
Or maybe whatever dance moves or choreography we showed at VCH or the Esplanade whenever it was aesthetique.
The ecstasy of hearing the results that we got GWH for 2005 and the heartbreak when we got Silver 2 years later.
And maybe, some of the more unpleasant experiences along the way.

But that's life.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

I'm sure you've heard of that somewhere.

Because many years later, while you might have forgotten your subject content in school (that's why the USA produced Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader... when some of its applicants are Ivy League College Grads), or even how to play your instrument to the standard you are now, it's those memories that you'll remember for life. It's the experiences that brought you along to that final result that you'll keep in your memories.

And speaking of Jericho and Incantation and Dance, I can still play my parts for the pieces. I bet same goes for Yiyong and Junwei.

CHSSB - Our SYF 2009

2009-04-04T23:53:00.002+08:00

Hey guys!

Before I start to write anything, I would firstly like to APOLOGISE for the outdated-ness (if there is such a word) of the band web. TO all the "fans" of CHSSB and its web page out there, I AM SO SORRY! (My excuse: Was really busy with SYF and the numerous tests from my teachers) Please forgive me! T_T

You would probably have read all the inspiring posts from Quintus, Louis, Luke etc etc etc. (No Jun Yao?)

Blah Blah Blah. Ok, we have reached what we have desired for since god-knows-when. We have got our GWH. We have got back our pride, our honour, our past glory.But, So what? Like what some of the posts said:" We must keep up with our reputation."

Saw what some of you all wrote on the tagboard: So many bands got GWH, 8 gwh in 4 days,so maybe ours "worthless and useless".

Basically, after all the shouting and screaming and cheering (and hollering at CO and Choir), I had that same thought. If so many bands got GWH, what makes our GWH then?

Then almost immediately, the answer dawned on me.

Let me use an example (specifically Zhen Xi's one):

Let's imagine, in the whole cohort of Secondary 4s (or 3s or 2s or 1s), everyone got at least 85 marks and above for Physics. If I have that initial mentality, I would be thinking :" What the H**L? Everyone got almost the same mark as me? Sian diao la..then like that I might as well get Zero!"
But, for me (only), I would be thinking :" YES YES YES YES YES YES YES! Finally I score in Physics! After so much hard work and mugging...I improved by SO MUCH!"

Yes seriously. I am not being hypocritical. (FYI, my physics is very lousy)

It's the same for our band. From a silver to a GWH is a quantum leap.

Furthermore, to me...
GWH is just GWH.
It's just a certificate.
It's just an award.
It's just 7-8 CCA points (or whatever).
It's just a name.
It may give you (or us for that matter) a momentarily outburst of pride and spontaneous joy, but it is short-lived. Don't you agree? After 20 years, you will worrying about something else instead of remembering what was the date of the SYF year in which we got back GWH.
What comes after SYF and GWH is the cold, hard, cruel reality. Who in the world cares abotu your SYF? Get your A1s, sustain your standards, continue to improve etc etc etc.

But maybe I am mistaken. Maybe the award really is worthless after so many bands got it. Maybe I am wrong. Really, it all depends on what your definition of that award is.

MY definition (after much thoughts) is :GWH is the journey.

I admit that SYF 2009 left me great memories. SO great, I will never ever forget them. And you know what's great about them?
It's not the award.
It's not the my not-screwing-anything part.
It's not "getting back our glory" part.

It's the journey. The numerous practices. The tiring and arduous hours. The hard work we put in to impress and to not disppoint. The nerves that everyone gets right before our performance. The brilliance of our performance. The friendship and bonds between band mates that were strengthened. And the relief that finally, it's all over.
That was what MY GWH is all about. They always say that it is the journey that counts, not the result. I always remained skeptical of that statement, up until now.

So do I think that our award is useless after so many band got the same award?
No.
A blatant no.

Why? Simple.
Because I think our band is unique, not in a way that it is better than others.
But, in a way that, CHSSB has experienced and achieved so many things, before and after SYF, that NO bands anywhere could ever have possibly done so!

I know that this is a very bias statement, and I am sure that not everyone agrees with me. But I don't care. And I know I can't brainwash all of you with this as well.
Because this is my definition of SYF, and of GWH. This is my interpretation of what CHSSB has achieved in April 2009.

I don;t care what pther people got. Because I will never ever (ever x100) forget what I had been through with all my brothers, and what we had experienced and achieved together on-stage and off-stage.

"Unforgettable" is truly the word.

SYF 2009

2009-04-02T21:35:00.003+08:00

Hey guys,

I would like to say, a good job done for our SYF 2009!

I'm really proud that all of you persevered through the practices before the SYF. Especially from Friday onwards, it was going at like 1 day 10 hours or something. It must have been really tiring. Your mouth probably might have ached at some point (trust me, I know how it feels. I'm playing friggin' 1st Trumpet after all). You tongue may have ulcers on it. But what matters is that we all persevered through it. Pushed ourselves forward, as one band, together, in the very last lap. I must say, that is really commendable.

Your perseverance, tenacity and team spirit really shone. Came through. Dazzled. That was totally brilliant. It's nice to see such high spirits in all of you. For a change. I'm really glad to see how happy all of you were when the results were announced. We did awe the audience, and now we get a golden jubilee, WITH Golden Jubilee. Haha nice isn't it? Great feeling. Yep. Having said that, time to rain on your parade.

Guys, I know that most of you are rather high that we've gotten a prestigious Gold with Honours. unfortunately, that has resulted in some complete morons losing their brains entirely.

Number 1: I know that with that Gold with Honours title, you all are feeling damn big now, but please retain your head! You don't go around thinking that you are the best in world just because you got a Gold with Honours ok? It was not a flawless performance, and there were some rather prominent errors in it. Reality check: WE ARE VERY VERY FAR FROM THE BEST IN THE WORLD! MILES AWAY! LIGHT YEARS! Don't think you're so damn great ok? Don't let the result get to your head, and forget all else.

Number 2: None of you should be suaning other CCAs about our good results. Or other schools for that matter. Don't be an idiot, please. I mean, yeah, you suan other CCAs, you get blasted by teachers. You suan OTHER SCHOOLS? What is the brain for? Seriously, keep your condescending/sarcastic/sardonic remarks to YOURSELF! YOURSELF EXCLUSIVELY! There's no need to let the entire band scene in Singapore know your opinion of how other bands are ok?

Number 3: Quit ego-ing around. You may be joking, you may be serious, but sooner or later it's gonna break someone's limits, and everyone's gonna think that,"Band got Gold with Honours only so arrogant liao. Next SYF sure die." And everyone's gonna hate CHSSB for that. Please. I know that you all wanna just express how happy you are, but try to restrain ok? If you really need to, just express it to your fellow band members, then both of you just secretly get high together, WHILE NO ONE ELSE KNOWS ok? There's no need to repeat to the whole school 1000 times what medal we got. They already know.

I know this is really demoralising but too bad. It has to be done. Get it into your head that we may be a Gold with Honours band, but now the most important thing is, WE HAVE TO LIVE UP TO THAT REPUTATION! Some of you might have heard some rather undesirable remarks about certain other bands who behaved really inappropriately. Would you want people to be gossiping about us behind our backs? Now that we have earned back our reputation, please maintain it! Don't talk rubbish or whatever!

Ok, now to switch to neutral stuff. Guys, as you all can see, your hard efforst have paid off. I believe all of you know now what it is like to succeed in SYF. I believe no one will contradict me know when I say, IT IS WORTH IT TO PUT IN HARD EFFORT! Reminiscence about how you felt when they announced the results. How we cheered with jubilance. Our truimph. Our glee. Our glory. Our joy. Remind yourselves all that. Keep it constantly and fresh in your memories. And the next time when you gripe about how hard you have to work, think about this. Think about it, and know that...

...eventually...

...it is worth it.

1st April 2009, the day we will never forget.

Leonard Tan's congratulations!

2009-04-02T19:11:00.002+08:00

On Facebook...

"Leonard Tan congratulates Catholic High School Symphony Band! One band, one sound, one brotherhood! Bravo gentlemen! "

and so do i. great job, men and boys of Chssb.

Just to let you all know...after i sent him the news that CHSSB had won GWH, he sent me back...

"YAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great to hear abt this absolutely FANTASTIC NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I actually stayed up to listen to the band LIVE via the telephone......I was so proud of your juniors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have SO MANY LOVELY memories of the band!!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO CHSSB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I actually teared when i saw this and am still tearing as i type this. Where in the world can you find such a man who will stay up till 3am just to hear his former band play? Go figure.

The Value of GWH

2009-04-01T23:50:00.002+08:00

Hey all. Can't really sleep after all the excitement and chong pang nonsense so I'll just post a little on my thoughts.

SYF hasn't been a very eventful journey, but if you think deep it is. Here's how it goes for me: initially, I was a medal-obssessed beast. I don't deny it. I was HUNGRY for Gold with Honours! Then came new thoughts about lots of things; like our musicality fading and other stuff. I started thinking, were we just looking at the medal that we wanted (sorry, certificate) and not really focusing on what really mattered? Thankfully, Fei Yang's talk seemed to have a positive effect on everyone and we all (while still HUNGRY for gold with honours) started to strive to get our musicality into the pieces.

Alright, enough repeated stuff that you all have heard for a million times. After today, after going crazy and screaming our voices till there's no voice left and band-cheering about 7 times or more, I realised one thing: that Gold with Honours might be redemption, but it is a very little bit of it. It's hardly worth mentioning if you have redemption in mind. Gold with Honours is recognition for putting on a good performance, of course. But best of all, I really love the happiness coursing through everyone when we attained it. It was bloody addictive! Damn! I really wish I could go back in time and listen to the results get announced and jump up screaming again.
And even better is how some people whose hearts were never really in the band seemed to change after the screamfest. That's really fantastic. Join the train ride man.

This is a day I'll never forget!

The First of April, Twenty Zero-Nine

2009-03-31T21:36:00.009+08:00

"....Cat high band has so much potential!......."

alright....... We have reeallyyyyyyy heard that alot of times.......
Tomorrow, the first of april.........
Yupp SYF........ Band number 53........
We show everyone just how much potential we have alright? X)

Sec 4's...... you know how much this means to us........
What I call " One Last Shot. ".........
I ask you not to be complacent, but to believe.

Personally, I dont want All our senior's efforts in supporting to go to waste. I'm sure many of you will feel the same way.
We have so many supporting us.
Remember our conductors?
Ms Tan? Mr Tan? Mr Glosz?...... I've been around for 4 years in band, and these are the conductors that have come and gone... always bringing our standard up...
They have been always putting their hearts and efforts into the entire process of me growing as a band member.
I know my batch mates have been through this journey too!
It all comes to tomorrow, the First of April......

Remember our teachers?
Mr Heng, Mr Tey, Ms Wong, Ms Khoo....... X)
Band Practice....... Band Camp...... dinners?
They have always been there to support us.... To really bring the best out in us...... To keep things as they should be.
They'll be there for our SYF alright!

Remember our seniors and alumni? X)
Yes..... all those wonderful moments with them, the laughter, the joy, the tears......
How they would teach and correct us, in the hope that we would succeed them.....
They would be the ones who would be next to us, to play that note, to tell us to soften down where necessary.
They will support us in their hearts even if they cant be there for our Syf.

We look so far, but do we look next to us?
The friends, we have journeyed with.....
well, for me, it has been 4 years......
I have no regrets in joining Band. X)
Our friends, the camaraderie........ They have always been there with you for the ups and downs.
The happy smiles that will touch your heart when you look back.....
We will finish this, together, a Band of Brothers, bonded with a common goal.
Its a combined effort, and the only way.... is to encourage each other on, never giving up.
We can draw this strength in the close bonds of our brothers.

Its just a short while away.

One performance. The performance.
where we share our music, Catholic High School Symphony Band's music, with everyone there!

yea.... think about it...................

Remember........... the result may be important, but it is Never Everything.

In each of your hearts, spirits within, know that we have come a long way. Let us really focus for that 15 minutes. Play our hearts and souls out, not by blasting, but by feeling.
This understanding we have for each other in our band, described as " mo qi ".....
Show that we have what it takes to make the music that is truely trencendental.

Every note........
Play it with emotions, supported by your mastery of your instrument.
Every phrase..........
Bring out the true character of it.......
Technicality, Musicality.
The 2 pieces........ Enjoy it with all your emotions. X)

Alright...... Think about what I've said okay? X)
haha..... I dont want to continue tiring your eyes out haha......
I'll end it...... by leaving you with......

Mr L Tan: All the best, CHSSB! I have faith in all of you!'

Everyone will be proud of you guys tomorrow, alright! X)

Rest well ChsSB........!
Bring Full Attire ( Black leather Shoe, Black Socks and Black Tie! ) and $16 too!

and.....
We put our trust in God.............
Amen.
Good Night...... X)

Louis, X)

One last lap

2009-03-30T22:21:00.004+08:00

Guys. One last practice. Before the big day. How do you all feel? Confident? Nervous? However you feel, just give it your very last push. It's just one more practice, then our efforts for the past few months will show. It's the last lap. The last mile. Persevere through this and emerge victorious.

You all heard what Fei Yang said today. Our unique sound is disappearing. This is the very last SYF which the world will get to hear it. Therefore, let's make it count. We cannot prevent it or reverse the process. However, there is one thing we can do. We can let it end with a bang. So, lets make this SYF the most musical performance we can ever give (of course not undermining our technic in the process). After all, that is what music should be about. Making things as musical as possible to communicate feelings and thoughts and emotions to others, through a very melodious method. So, let's play music. Honour the Catholic High School Symphony Band sound for the last time. Let that sound be the sound which gets us what we want for this SYF.

We may be many (ok not many compared to other bands), but our music which comes through should be single-minded. One identical aim from all of us. All of us heading towards the same direction, together, as one band. One sound, one musical direction, and we can celebrate together as one band. As you all know very well, we are improving. But compromising our attitude and discipline in the process. That = very bad. Guys, remember, we are disciplined rugged musicians, not musical barbarians or gangsters. I know practices are tiring, and that you all just want to have some fun after an exhuasting day, but please do remember that not losing your heads is very important too.

For example, if I get full marks for a test, I don't go on a mass killing spree just to celebrate. Neither do I go chiong lan shop for 77 days straight in a row. We must remain humble, and keep cool. It's not the big day yet. Save your energy. Keep your discipline. When we get what we want, we can all go crazy together (without raping anyone). Remember guys, please remember, now is NOT the time to get complacent. We are merely one step away, one small step, all the more we should push ourselves harder, stretch our limits further, and persevere through this last small step. After all, it could be this very small step which makes all the difference.

Which it probably will be. If we think we are all very good now and simply give up, I can garauntee you you won't even get a Gold. Ok not that we should be oriented towards medal achivements, but yeah. Allows you to picture it. We need to push through, harder than ever. Give it our all. And then we can catch all the breath we want after the thing is over. After we have given the greatest musical performance of our lives.

Secondary 4s, this is probably your last concert. Secondary 3s and 4s, this is your last SYF in Catholic High School Symphony Band, unless you do something which is not really desirable, called getting retained. No offense to anyone there. Our juniors are all looking up to us. We have to do well, so that we gain their respect. Show every other CCA, Band is NOT to be trifled with. Do not let down yourselves. Do not disapoint those who see you as their role-model. Set a good example for them to follow. Start a legacy. Let us be the type of people who make things happen. Be a useful person (, keep your plates and bowls after eating).

All in all, let's give tomorrow's practice our 101% concentration, 102% perseverance, 103% determination and 104% effort. We can do it. This band has a lot of potential. How many (bajillion) times have you all heard that, and from how many (bajillion) people? We all can do it, with ease! It's just a matter of whether you all want to or not, and whether you all take the necessary steps to work for it. So, for our well-deserved award, let's just give our final boost of energy, and push through it with satisfaction.

Play music! Stop pretending to look at your score while ignoring the conductor's actions. You should have memorised your scores by now. You should not have your head in your score, you should have your score in your head. Every little action counts. Sit up straight, on the front half of the chair. Watch the conductor intently; there may always be some subtle actions or expressions which you can pick up and execute. Come for band on time, stop leaving early! DAMN IT! Spend the time thinking up of lame excuses to go through your scores instead. Motivate others along! Have a spontaneous attitude! Secondary 3s, now is the time to show how influential you are. Remember, leadership is influence. NOT BOSSINESS!!! ZOMGAWDBBQ!!! Don't mix that up! You don't friggin' give your senior instructions ok! DAMN!!! What's wrong with all of you?

Haha that was not entirely true or sincere or valid, so yeah, back to the point. Let's all motivate each other, push ourselves and each other onwards, for one last final lap towards our goAL, and when we reach it, I can assure you, the feeling of euphoria...of jubilance...is simply indescribable. It cannot be put into words. This may sound stupid, but, let's get a golden jubilee with our Golden Jubilee. Let our music touch the hearts of the judges, of all audience. Let them have goosebumps, let them convulse with incessant shudders down their spines. Let them hear, the glorious music coming through. Musicality has always been our forte all these years. All the more, we should play to our strengths. Showcase our marvellous musicality, and wow everyone. Blow their minds. Rock the house down. OWN. Everyone, from now on, play music. Not notes. At the end of the day, when you all see the results, I can garuantee you....................................................

IT IS WORTH IT.

So guys,

Let's work together,

In this final run,

Towards Wednesday, 1st April,

Towards our big day,

Towards our final goal.

Remember:

Music is in between the notes.

There are no lousy bands, only lazy bands.

Practice like you are the worst player and perform like you are the best.

Start from scratch and keep scratching.

You must be hungry!!!

Is the air-conditioning working?

MUSIC IS PART OF OUR LIVES!!!

One last practice tomorrow, and...

...let the music come alive...

...on 1 April, Singapore Conference hall...

...for the very last time...

...in Catholic High School...

...Symphony Band.

Upcoming Band practices ( Junior + Intermediate Band)

2009-03-14T22:11:00.003+08:00

Hey people!

The following are the dates to note for for Secondary 1s & 2s :

Monday -> 11am to 3pm
Thursday -> 11am to 3pm
Friday -> 11am to 3pm

Section leaders and senior members, do inform ur juniors about this if they don't know.

Sec 2s or 1s, please spread this information to your peers as soon as possible.

If there are any wrong information, please do correct me via sms, handphone or email.

~ Thanks!

Leaders-Competant?

2009-03-08T13:03:00.002+08:00

taken from TIME Feb. 11, 2009 (http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1878358,00.html)

Competence: Is Your Boss Faking It?

Bosses may be an overbearing breed, but more often than not, you've got to admire their business chops. Wouldn't you love to have that same sense of competence and confidence, that ability to assess tough problems and reach smart solutions on the fly? Guess what? So would they. If you have ever suspected that your boss isn't actually good enough at what he or she does to deserve the job in the first place, a new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that you might be right.

Social psychologists know that one way to be viewed as a leader in any group is simply to act like one. Speak up, speak well and offer lots of ideas, and before long, people will begin doing what you say. This works well when leaders know what they're talking about, but what if they don't? If someone acts like a boss but thinks like a boob, is that still enough to stay on top? To determine just how easily an all-hat-no-cattle leader can take control of employees, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, devised a pair of tests. Cameron Anderson, an associate professor of organizational behavior and industrial relations, along with doctoral candidate Gavin Kilduff, recruited a group of 68 graduate students and divided them into four-person teams. To eliminate the wild card of gender, the teams were either all-male or all-female. Each group was given the task of organizing an imaginary nonprofit environmental organization; the group that did best — as determined by the researchers — would win a $400 prize. While the prize was real, the purported goal wasn't. What Anderson and Kilduff really wanted to see was how the alpha group members would emerge.

After the teams performed their work for a fixed amount of time, the members of each group rated one another on both their level of influence on the group and, more important, their level of competence. The work sessions were videotaped, and a group of independent observers performed the same evaluations, as did Anderson and Kilduff. All three sets of judges reached the same conclusions. Consistently, the group members who spoke up the most were rated the highest for such qualities as "general intelligence" and "dependable and self-disciplined." The ones who didn't speak as much tended to score higher for less desirable traits, including "conventional and uncreative."
"More-dominant individuals achieved influence in their groups in part because they were seen as more competent by fellow group members," Anderson and Kilduff write.
But so what? Maybe they were more competent. Isn't it possible that people who talk more do so because they simply have more to contribute? To test that, Anderson and Kilduff ran a second study with a new team of volunteers in which the skill being tested was a lot more quantifiable than forming a nonprofit green group. This time it was math.

Once again, the volunteers were divided into fours in competition for a $400 prize, but now their assigned task was to work as teams to solve computational problems from previous versions of the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT). Before the work began, the participants informed the researchers — but not their team members — of their real-world scores on the math portion of the SAT. When the work was finished, the people who spoke up more were again likelier to be described by peers as leaders and likelier to be rated as math whizzes. What's more, any speaking up at all seemed to do. Participants earned recognition for being the first to call out an answer, but also for being the second or third — even if all they did was agree with what someone else had said. Merely providing some scrap of information relevant to solving the problem counted too, as long as they did so often enough and confidently enough.

When Anderson and Kilduff checked the participants' work, however, a lot of pretenders were exposed. Repeatedly, the ones who emerged as leaders and were rated the highest in competence were not the ones who offered the greatest number of correct answers. Nor were they the ones whose SAT scores suggested they'd even be able to. What they did do was offer the most answers — period.
"Dominant individuals behaved in ways that made them appear competent," the researchers write, "above and beyond their actual competence." Troublingly, group members seemed only too willing to follow these underqualified bosses. An overwhelming 94% of the time, the teams used the first answer anyone shouted out — often giving only perfunctory consideration to others that were offered.
None of this comes as much of a shock — at least if you've been watching the news. You don't have to be a former homeowner burned by the housing fiasco or a blue-state voter screaming "I told you so" to agree that the way we pick our leaders is often based on something other than merit. That's not entirely bad, since no matter how competent bosses are, they still have to have the charisma and confidence to persuade people to follow them. Whether they're leading from the Oval Office or the corner office, it's up to the rest of us to watch them closely and make sure they know what they're doing and where they're going.

Anyone?

2009-03-06T21:18:00.002+08:00

Hello.Er sec2 and 1,anyone wanna go for self practice(sec2 sectionals+combined?,if any sec1's go,your sec2 seniors will teach yall some stuff).Anyone?Sec2s strongly encouraged,KL trip is nearing and everyone of us would want to present ourselves nicely?
Like what Mr Glosz said,challenge ourselves!Coming for 'self practice',which I would not call self practice cause we are supposed to have band on Monday,is already a challenge to some of you guys!Anyone??Its good:P

Singapore Youth Festival Balloting

2009-03-03T20:02:00.006+08:00

The balloting results are out. The balloting results are...

We are Band No. 53. We'll be performing on the 3rd Day of SYF, April Fool's Day, afternoon. Okok 1st April, in other words.

Day 3 Afternoon

Tanjong Katong Girl's School (Gold)

Chai Chee Secondary School (Certificate of Participation)

Raffles Girl's Secondary School (Gold)

Nan Hua Secondary School (Silver)

Catholic High School (That's us)

Sembawang Secondary School (-)

Nan Chiau High School (Silver)

Seng Kang Secondary School (Silver)

CHIJ St. Teresa Secondary School (Bronze)

Northland Secondary School (Bronze)

See what I mean? Not that beneficial to us...RGS and TKGS are a problem. So, we have to work extra hard from now on. We need to prove the the judges and to the audience that we are better than these 2 bands in particular (which have been constantly getting Golds in previous SYFs). There's no need to feel demoralised about this lousy positioning. Everyone should see this as yet another incentive to strive harder, to work harder, to practice harder, to push yourselves harder. There are only 26 days left to SYF. 14 days left to the KL Trip. That's about 17 and 6 more practices respectively. Not much. Not much at all. However, even though luck is not on our side (at all), we should all the more stand strong, with fortitude, and prove the the entire band scene in Singapore that we are a good band. Prove to everyone that even with other strong contenders in FAR TOO CLOSE proximity, we can still stand out and give an outstanding performance.

This is the final lap guys. Give it your final push. Your very best. Examinations are over. Prioritise your SYF now please. Whether we spend the next 2 years in turmoil, or whether we can be proud of our band's musical excellence for the next 2 years depends on this final 26 days. PRACTISE!!! FOR GOD'S SAKE!!! Come for band. Come for band punctually. Have pencils on your stands. Have passion for making music. Our standard has recently dropped, due to the examinations. Yet another reason why we should be pushing ourselves harder than ever. Remember everything the conductors have said. Also, DUH, put it to good use. There is no point in going home to memorise it without actually applying it when it comes to playing your part. This is not academics.

We have the potential to do well. How many people have said that? How many times have they said that? Plenty. Believe in ourselves. Target that nice shiny golden, honourable medal, and work( chiong actually) towards it. Okok, work towards it with an insane sense of urgency. We definitely can do it, it's just whether you all want to or not. So let's all work hard together, as one band, one brotherhood, and put up the performance of our lives during that crucial 10+ minutes. Anything less than perfection is NOT ACCEPTABLE. NA. Denied. Rejected. Voided. Anulled. Rescinded. Whatever. Yeah, that's pretty much all.

LET'S RAWK THE HOUSE DOWN DURING SYF MAN!!! ROCK DOWN THOSE ACOUSTICS WHILE WE'RE AT IT! YEAH BABY YEAH!!!

Concert Advertisement

2009-02-27T22:02:00.002+08:00

Hey band, in view of the recent upcoming NOTHING, here's something to occupy you all. Entertain you all rather.

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Symphonic Wind Ensemble

10th March 2009, Tuesday, 8p.m.

Lee Foundation Theatre, NAFA Campus 3, 151 Bencoolen Street

Repetoire:

Passacaglia by Timothy Jackson
Machu Picchu by Satoshi Yagisawa
With Heart and Voice by David R. Gillingham
Singapore Folk Song Suite by Zechariah Goh (current concutor of VJCSB)
Noah's Ark by Bert Appermont (composer of Jericho. Noah's Ark is 1 of the tunes Jin Sheng keeps blasting btw)
El Camino Real by Alfred Reed (composer of Golden Jubilee, if you don't know this, *bang*)
James Cook - Circumnavigator by Gilbert Vinter

Tickets priced at $4 for students. I'm not buying any tickets for you btw, I'm just doing Fei Yang the favour of advertising this for him. If you want a ticket, please buy it yourself for god's sake. Having said that, please "order your tickets through a leader". HAHAHA!!! Ok don't order through me because ah got nuthin' fer ya. Enjoy the concert, enjoy yourselves now. While you can...YEAH BABY YEAH!!!

Okay people, Its game time.........

2009-02-26T19:02:00.004+08:00

Yupp....
your exams are over as of tomorrow...
which is 27/2/09.

and.... YES!

There is [ Band Practice ] Tomorrow !
Come.
Band Room.
Friday.
2.30pm.
Punctual.
Period.

Exams may be over for now, but SYF isnt.
In fact......
SYF is in 30days..........

We are down to the the last month, everyone.........

I've been telling you about how this remaining time is either.... we Make it, or Break it.
Show me that we, CHSSB, can do it!

we know we are capable of it......
Lets set our minds and hearts to it then!
SYF 2009.......
today....
31 days and counting.....

ah haha....
I've got to study too lol......
Sec 4's... Prelim 1 may be over tomorrow........
but the 2nd and 3rd, and O levels arent........

Dont neglect your studies alright....

All the best to everyone in their exams tomorrow.......
bye.......

"The Only Place where [Success] comes Before [Work]...... is in the Dictionary."

now if you dont believe me... go flip open a dictionary and check.
you might want to consider dropping EL too lol.

rawr....! X)

L was online erm..... just now.

ACJC Concert Ad

2009-02-21T17:04:00.003+08:00

Hey band! Check out this concert:

ACJC Band Concert
31st March 2009
Esplanade Concert Hall
7.30pm
20 and 25 bucks, Student Rate 15 bucks. If there are 20 or more orders then you can pay by edusave, but er I think cash is better.
Repertoire: First Suite in Eb, El Camino Real, Turandot, Harrison's Dream, Pinocchio, West Side Story and much more!
If you like Springsfield, please go support him. If not, go and watch for the exposure. ACJC's a good band.
Please contact me at 92356756 for any details or orders. Book now ASAP.

Mr Tan's Message

2009-02-16T21:13:00.005+08:00

Beloved musicians of CHSSB,

Time really flies and it has been more than a month since I departed for USA. Many, many thanks for the farewell gifts, the 1 year + of memories and special thanks to those who messaged me and sent me off at the airport! My family and I are well-settled in the USA! My kids love playing in the snow! Lessons are very intense and there's a lot of work. So next time you feel tired by your homework, think of Mr Tan who'e slogging away too! It's a very exciting music school here in Bloomington and I enjoy the bands and orchestras very much!

I heard from Mr Glosz that the band is progressing very well. Congratulations! I have no doubt that under his training and leadership, the band will soar to greater heights! As I have mentioned to you all several times, CHSSB is brimming with potential. I truly believe that you guys have the substance to be a really outstanding band! I would like to encourage you all to press hard in working towards SYF. Though it's not all about the results, I believe striving for musical excellence and learning of musical values along the way will be things you carry with you throughout the rest of your life! Rock on and make CHSSSB an excellent band! You guys are blessed with a great conductor and marvellous wonderful TICs!

I watched the Faith, Hope & Love II video last week and it certainly brought back a lot of wonderful memories! Though it was a simple performance at a school hall, it meant a lot to me and is one of the most meaningful and memorable concerts in my life! Thank you for the music, CHSSB! May the good lord bless each and every single one of you! One band, one sound, one brotherhood! *sniffle sniffle*

Fondly,
Mr Tan

P.S. (Ok fine this isn't actually by him...added it as an afterthought, since...well,there's a slight connection...)Please remember:

"Music is in between the notes."
"Practice like you are the best player, perform like you are the best."
"Start from scratch and keep scratching."
"There are no lousy bands, only lazy bands."
"Music is part of our lives."
YOUR DAMN AIR-CON STILL ISN'T WORKING!!! (note the lack of quotation marks)

Lastly, good luck for Prelims Secondary 4s...

Apologies and Misconceptions.

2009-01-27T13:58:00.002+08:00

First and foremost, I offer my deepest apologies regarding my insensitive and ‘flaming’ remark that was made on the tagboard as ‘…’recently; I meant it in a matter-of-fact tone but I do know I have no talent in speaking nicely to people at many times. Once again, sorry to whoever I have offended and I hope it will not be taken to heart.

Still, I would personally like to correct some of the gross errors made by ‘Toreador’ who has a post right below this. Some of these misconceptions can be fatal. Please do note that it is perfectly fine if you, the reader, does not agree with my views, but the views below are also partly factual and partly generally accepted opinion.

1. ‘CONDUCTORS DON’T MAKE ANY SOUNDS’

Contrary to that belief, many conductors DO make a hell lot of noises on the podium, even during performances. Perhaps the conductors whom you readers have experienced do not make sounds, and you definitely do not hear it on most professional videos. For example, SCO conductor Tsung Yeh makes a little grunt in his throat every time he conducts a strong beat (which is really rather often actually) and is usually audible to the performers and the unfortunate row of people that sits right up front. My orchestral conductor makes a soft hissing sound throughout the entire performance, often blending into the tone of the string players and actually helping to give them more drive in their performance.

There have been countless cases where conductors who are so used to making noises on the podium end up wasting much precious time in the recording studio. (Mind you, renting a recording studio for an orchestra/band and hiring all the audio crew is really EXPENSIVE.) The conductors often do not realise it and are often embarrassed when audio engineers claim that there is some sort of foreign noise affecting the recording. Foot-tapping, batons hitting the music stand, and even jumping conductors help to contribute to the available force of the percussion section.

2. The disclaimer that ‘Toreador’ talks about ‘conducting an orchestra/ensemble of COMPETANT musicians who do not need to practice articulation/intonation/tone/rhythm or other mundane aspects.’

Competent musicians are not competent without a tedious daily practice routine. Orchestra rehearsals take up a few hours of a day’s time at most. Such little ‘mundane’ aspects are what makes up the professional player’s ‘appetisers’, if one is to compare the daily life of a musician to a good meal. Usually, performers spend up to six hours a day practising (albeit with tact), and a quarter to half of this time is spent on ‘mundane’ aspects, and in the process of trying to improve themselves, the performer never stops practising these basics even for a single day. As aspiring musicians yourselves, you should also take these as great examples and practice as much as your schedule permits.

3. The difference between an Instructor and Conductor

A Conductor has many titles; they may be, ‘Music Director’, ‘Resident Conductor’, and even ‘Instructor’. Of these titles, we often look down upon the one of ‘Instructor’, because he is usually one that goes around teaching school bands rather than honing his skills on a professional orchestra. But when one ponders about it, is it not obvious that the job of a good Instructor is a lot more difficult than a Conductor, and deserves a lot more respect? A conductor of lets say, the SSO, faces a competent orchestra that will play well regardless of whether the conductor conducts well. (Of course, a good conductor will be able to help the orchestra play better than their individual standards.) However, an instructor has to educate the students in theoretical, practical and musical aspects, has to sensitise the students to his conducting gestures, AND still be able to help the students perform as best as they can!

Some spelling errors found are:
‘Conducters’ – Conductors
‘Maent’ – Meant
‘Competant’ – Competent

For further posts by me on conducting and performance, follow the links below:
http://chssband.blogspot.com/2008/09/skills-of-modern-conductor.html
http://chssband.blogspot.com/2008/09/tips-for-aspiring-and-even-professional.html
http://chssband.blogspot.com/2008/10/recorded-and-live-performances.html
http://chssband.blogspot.com/2008/07/little-on-conducting.html

Still, I DO agree that conductors are supposed to make the players’ eyes shine—albeit inspire them to play better than they think they can! That is a wonderful point there, ‘Toreador’, and I wish all of you a Happy Lunar Niu Year!

P.S. Hope the Istana performance went well :D

Shining Eyes

2009-01-26T13:54:00.000+08:00

I was musing over the conducting techniques of various conducters i have seen when i was hit by a revelation.

CONDUCTERS DON'T MAKE ANY SOUNDS

this may seem an obvious point, but it is something most people overlook. conducters make no sounds, play no instruments, nor add to the overall sonority. then i realised something:

CONDUCTERS ARE SUPPOSED TO MAKE THE PLAYERS' EYES SHINE

what does that mean? conducters are maent to, through waving and various motions, bring a sparkle to the players. the players must feel the emotional turmoil that the conducter goes through in directing a piece of music. if the players only make sound (even great sounds) and not be "online" with the conducter, then the conducter has failed. if the conducter is unable to inspire his musicians to bring out all the slight and delicate little movements of the music, then he has also failed.

I will leave you to your thoughts.

(Disclaimer: I am talking about conducting an orchestra/ensemble of COMPETANT musicians who do not need to practice articulation/intonation/tone/rhythm or other mundane aspects. what we have in the band is an Instructor, not strictly a Conducter. instructors preprogram the players, conducters are a bit (**much**) more sophisticated, spontaneous, and flexible.)

That's enough.

2009-01-25T13:33:00.002+08:00

This is my 1st post here....but that's not the main point.

My main point of this post is about the sec2s.(Okay i'm a sec2,but you don't know who am i :D)

Hey guys,I don't know if you are still in your dreams or whatever,but I hope you have realised that we are sorely lagging behind,in fact,we shouldn't be languishing in this state at this point of time(i'm not good in english so yeah don't blame me)

I hope all of us,or at least some,have come to realise what standard are we at now.I can only use 1 word to describe it,lousy.Seriously,don't you guys think we need some much-needed improvement?

How to improve,you would ask.Our new conductor, as all of you should know, was very disappointed and angry with our performance last friday.

He has already pointed out that basics is the thing that we should be doing right now.I know its boring,but music itself is made up of basics isn't it?

Many of us would think that basics are boring, and therefore detest to do it.However,if we want to improve,what we can do now is to heed his advice,and do basics frequently.

Coming for self practice is one of the effective ways to improve isn't it?Doing the basic stuff for like,30mins?Just drop by the band room,assemble your instrument,play the chromatic scales,long notes,scales,etc.30mins to 1 hour shouldn't be taking too much time off our studies right?

It may not seem appropriate for me to say all these,but we seriously need to improve,we ARE seniors already,we are already sec2,no longer sec1.

It won't take long before we reach sec3,sec4,and become the people that would lead the band.

You would probably say 'its still far away',but think again,1 year just flashed past us,how long would it take for another year to pass by again?We have streaming this year,sec3 is gonna be even busier,sec4...you know yourself.Why not take this chance,while we are still sec2,while we still have the time,to lay our foundation well,to seriously bring our level of playing to a new level?

Time is against us,we are constantly racing against time,why not we use this year to improve ourselves and not let our seniors down?Our seniors are not always there for us,we should depend on ourselves.Sight reading,scales,BASICS,we can do it ourselves isn't it?

Let's work hard together,starting from this new lunar new year.Let's not let ourselves down.Shall we?

2009-01-24T20:48:00.002+08:00

This is my first post, but that is irrelevant.

I would like to encourage all the band members to work hard for their studies as well as their music.

Sec 4s, try to work hard for prelim 1, its getting closer! i know that many of us are feeling a little dissatisfied (a little?) and impatient during band hours and wants to pull off someone's moustache real bad. a suggestion would be to release all that energy at someone else (such as?) and take the long band hours as a test of endurance and willpower.

Sec 3s, you have come a long way. the sec 4s have seen you grow so much and many of us will testify to that (except for those for didn't grow). we really need your help to teach the lower sec and cooperate with us. demonstrate that you are capable leaders or principle players. (gonna have to discuss about 'leaders' sometime)

Sec 2s, you have no idea of how far behind you are. some of you have been allowed to play in the syf (allowed not chosen). DO NOT be an idiot and be complacent about it. there's really nothing much to be proud of. some sec 2s are really pushing us around, so stop doing that and realise how pathetically incompetant you are. compare yourself with other sec 2s from other bands or even the CO. stop making life difficult for everybody and just shut up and practise. don't complain about long band hours, make noises during band, or demand for games. you do not have any right to do that.

all of you should put in much effort in practicing your instrument. when you can say that you are proficient in your instrument without anyone slapping your stupid face, then you can start moaning and groaning about band.

one more thing. DO NOT EVER COMPLAIN ABOUT HOMEWORK BEING TOO MUCH. sec 4s, especially triple science + hcl students, have teachers going after our neck for homework (eg: Ms. S gave 35 Bio essays in the holidays) , so go and cry in the corner if any of us smacks you for pretending to mug. certain people keep saying they have to study and have no time to play the flute (oops) and its a struggle not to break his tiny neck (just snapped a pencil in anger).

Ta.

Important Notice

2009-01-24T17:56:00.002+08:00

To all CHSSB members:

Please note: if you have any personal particulars that have been changed for the last few months, or would be changed in the near future, PLEASE inform your section leaders, or you can inform me via sms or email.

Section leaders, if your juniors entrust you with such information, please inform me or the Leaders as soon as possible. (Preferably the Leaders)

Please remember to do so, as this is very important since the Band has not checked and updated all of our members' contacts for a very long period of time.

Blogging.

2009-01-17T19:23:00.001+08:00

Hi guys!

I was flipping through the pages of the Internet when I came across a few of my friends' blog. Some are black, white, blue, orange, "Emo"; but they are all very interesting. Do you know that blog-hopping is considered to be an official hobby?

Then, I came across this article: "How to write a good Blog". I think everyone should know this, as our lives as CHSSB members aren't all about "O" levels and music-making. They include learning life skills as well. And believe or not, blogging is a life skill--it is an inaugural method of communication.

Due to space constraint, I am just gonna quote a few sentences from the article. As everyone knows, "blog" refers to the term "Web Log", which actually means an online journal. But have you thought about what a blog exactly is in terms of modern times?

Dave Taylor, an expert on business and technical topics and the author of 18 different books and thousands of magazine articles, says that a blog isn't what everyone thinks it is.

"What is your definition of a Blog? A blog isn't what everyone thinks it is. In fact, on this very page, you have a pile of definitions of blogs that I disagree with. Because everyone likes to focus on the *presentation* of information and blogs are really all about the *management* of information. Here's what I mean: if you think that a blog is a web site characterized by frequent articles displayed in chronological order, typically with timestamps, a journal or diary, you're missing the forest for the trees. Web logs, instead, are just the facade that we see of considerably more powerful content management systems that really revolutionize the maintenance of Websites".

Basically, what he means is this: Blogs are simple. They are both crap and rubbish.

Up till now, many of you may protest, thinking that I am putting down all of your blogs.

HOLD YOUR HORSES.

Before you come to any conclusion, I just want everyone to know that, I am not putting down any person or persons' blog.

I believe that, a blog is a "own self" thing. It is especially unique and special, but only in the eyes of the beholder and owner. Blogging, in other words, is a phenomenon. It is not a bad thing, but its not a very good thing either.

You have heard news about racists or insulting comments on blogs, and even cyber-bullying. Just two days, our conductor said that he read a CHSSB member's blog on comparing him and our guest conductors.
So here's the cons of blogging:

IT IS NOT PRIVATE. Whatever you say can be viewed by other people
IT CAN BE USED AS A TOOL TO HARM OTHERS.
IT REQUIRES TIME AND EFFORT.

A blog is just like a pet, if you don't take care of it, it will die. If you "input" negative influence into it, it will harm others. So why do we blog?

Most importantly, why are you even browsing this address right now?

The answer to this question is VERY simple: We need blogs. Blogs are no longer a "want" to us anymore. It has become a "need" to us as technology modernise, hasn't it? You don't see Stalin write a Blog on his hatred towards the Democratic countries during the period of the Cold War, and you don't see Winston Churchill typing out a soft copy of the "Iron Curtain speech" on a Blog. But you do see MPs creating blogs and everything.

What I am saying is that, nowadays, people need blogs to sustain the freshness of their everyday lives. They reflect, ponder, complain, show their remorse, communicate, propose, announce, provide information, share, and even to keep memories on their blogs.

So, there is nothing wrong with having blogs. There is nothing wrong with comparing two people that you know on your blog. There is also nothing wrong with revealing your deepest darkest secrets on your blog. There is absolutely nothing wrong, because it is YOURS, and yours alone.

There is no specific instructions in writing a good blog. Like what some experts say,"Just follow your heart, and write whatever you want. Think before pressing the "Publish Post" button: think if what you are trying to say will SERIOUSLY hurt some one's feeling. If it doesn't, then go ahead and post it." This is the solution to all the sub-conscious cyber-bullying in the Internet.

"The key, as in all things in life-is to keep it simple. Simplicity means that readers won't get confused about what your journal entry is actually about."

And then write whatever you want.

Don't fear about what others would say, don't be scared and suppress your thoughts.

And DON'T, after reading my post, delete your blog.

Believe me, if you can write things from the bottom your heart, you can write anything--from how you did in a test to 1001 reasons as to why you support Barack Obama. And you will still make a difference.

A positive one, of course.

Just remember one thing crucial when you are blogging: Just to be safe, don't put your name there. =)

Concert Advertisement

2009-01-11T14:34:00.002+08:00

Hi guys ok here are the concerts I said I would be posting about in future last time.

Beethoven Festival

Singapore Symphony Orchestra 30th Anniversary Concerts:
Wednesday, 14 January, 7.30p.m., Esplanade Concert Hall

Repetoire:
Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21 by Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67 by Beethoven
Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26 by Bruch

Featuring:
Lan Shui (the conductor)
Lynnette Seah (Violin)

Saturday, 17 January, 7.30p.m., Esplanade Concert Hall

Repetoire:
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36 by Beethoven
Symphony No. 4 in Bb Major, Op. 60 by Beethoven
Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major, K.216 "Strassburg" by Mozart

Featuring:
Lan Shui (the conductor)
Dmitri Shostakovich (composer of Festive Overture)...ok no not really...
Dmitri Makhtin (Violin)

Thursday, 22 January, 7.30p.m., Esplanade Concert Hall

Repetoire:
Symphony No. 3 in Eb Major, Op. 55 "Eroica" by Beethoven
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54 by Schumann

Featuring:
Lan Shui (the conductor,DUH)
Nelson Goerner (Piano)

Tickets available at any SISTIC outlet,especially the one in Junction 8, at $11,$16,$26,$36,$50,$60 for yourself. If you wish to sponsor me to watch this concert, it will cost $1000. Haha ok no la...

Yep,these concerts are highly recommended by Mr Victor Tey.The pieces performed are great classics and masterpieces,high-class stuff.For the 5 Beethoven symphonies,all movements will be performed.Oh yeah,if you want to go,there's no need to tell me or ask if I'm buying tickets for you,because I'm not.If you feel like sponsoring me,please don't SMS me,just drive up to my house tell me,then give me your car and walk home yourself.If you can't go for the ones on the weekends because you have school,at least go for the ones on the weekdays when you are slacking at home.Yep,ok shall stop crapping.Go for this concert guys,have passion in music/band/music-making.Remember what Mr Tan has said,"MUSIC IS PART OF OUR LIVES" and "Is the air-con working?"Remember these,guys...they are very important.Very indeed...

Updates on Contacts

2009-01-06T16:18:00.002+08:00

Hi again!

I am here to inform all the SLs and deparmental heads that the new Band contact list is ready, and if you want it, please give me ur email address via sms and I will send a copy to you as soon as possible.

And by the way, to the all the band members, please notify me if any of your contacts have been changed. (Eg HP number, address, email address etc.) You can also notify anyone of the leaders, or your section leaders.

That's all!

Morning Prac...Starting on Thurs

2009-01-06T16:01:00.001+08:00

Yea..guess you know it all by reading the title. Mr Tey told us that morning band prac will start from Thursday onwards...Yes, this Thursday morning, 7am to around 7.40am.

For Sec 4s who have morning remedials (yes, it is starting), confirm with Mr Tey whether you need to go...

C ya

Jan 5th, Monday

2009-01-04T21:16:00.002+08:00

Alright people,
Louis here... X)
Hope you guys are doing fine...
yea.... 2nd day of school right at cha...

To clear doubts for you ppl......

Main Band
Report = [12PM]
Venue = Band Room
Attire = Black Polo Tee and Green Shorts

Do not be late. X)
enjoy your last few hours of your weekend everyone.
Cheers....

This performance is going to be important.
Get serious........
Your job is to Inspire and Welcome any potential Sec 1 Band Members alright.
This WILL affect the future of the band.

It lies in our hands.
We need to get this done together alright.

Oh yea........
lets show the Secondary Ones what it means to be in the
Symphony Band. X)

rawr........Happy New Year band! X)

2009-01-01T13:34:00.008+08:00

read title.

go ahead..... read it.......
alright.....

yea.....
Lol!

Alright everyone..........
New Year.............
Alright dont look at the clock at the corner of your screen lol......
this post isnt going to be as long as my last one last year..... ^^

2009.......

It's Back to school again ppl.......
For the Sec 4's...... its that year........
yupp........
O levels.........
Take it seriously Sec 4's........
This may literally change your life depending on how well you do...
Study hard.........
Dont give the excuse that Syf's taking too much time......
Prioritize and balance your time properly.......

Sec 4 isnt as easygoing as the other 3 years of secondary life that you have had......
Get serious alright.

As for the rest of you.....
haha............
2009 Sec 2's.... you guys arent Sec 1's anymore...... ( omg duh )
lol.....
you guys need to brush up on your musical standard alright.......
Imagine if the Sec 1's play better than you or something........
Show that you have worked hard during 2008 alright....
Regardless of how much work you have put in.....
You guys will be/Are already more senior than any sec 1 ppl who enter the band next year....
Dont just carry the title....
Live it....

As for the 2009 Sec 3's.....
Sec 3'..... I was in your shoes last year..... ( omg duh again.... lol!.... )
not literally...zZ
you guys are like in the middle of everything..........
you guys have to follow the sec 4's and lead the sec 1's and 2's........
As Sec 3's........
Set an exemplary model of a band member.....
As the Syf is like in...erm.....( scrolls down ) 87 days lol....
Why dont start by helping your section.............

Get the important stuff done efficiently.......
Dont waste time in sectionals sitting around......
Remember.............
Rhythm, Notes, Articulation, Dynamics, Phrasing.......
Get all these basic stuff right.........

As a band member...
As a section.....
As a band..........

You guys have to help your section leaders in bringing the standard of your section up.........
The standard is Not the best player......
The standard is actually only how far you want to go......

As for 2009 Sec 1's......
zomgawd you're not supposed to be here....... lol....
haha.... X)
see the red X button at the top righthand corner.... haha....
click it lol...

This new year also brings us a new conductor.......
yea.... Mr Glosz.....
He has really helped our band alot.....
Especially the new instruments.......
Band.... many of you are recieving new instruments......
Take EXTREMELY good care of them....
many of them are expensive models........
Be responsible for your instrument......

After all the help we have recieved.....
The least we can do is to show the passion and interest we have for Band alright?...

A new year.......
Maintain a perfect attendance record.......
Come for every practice with a smile on your face......

Take the initative to practice....
you may even progress much faster on your own.....
In fact.... why not initiate sectionals.....
Progressing as a section allows you to grow in sound together too.....
tutorials are even there to help you together....

Alright......
Set a target.....
Dont falter..............

All the best for 2009, ChsSB and everyone else......
Cheers...... X)

L was online on 1/1/2009 at 1:34pm, On the First Day of the Year. X)

Happy new year all!

2008-12-31T13:04:00.002+08:00

Hey band!

Just a little reminder, band practice will resume on friday 2nd of January on the first day of school. It will start at 2.30 pm. Don't be late! And no nonsense about remedial either. Unless, well, you really do have remedial. Everyone has to come down, including current sec ones/future sec 2s.

Remember, amidst the chaos of homework and other stuff, don't let your playing deprove. True, we're supposed to have cleared all technical problems for the two pieces and start to concentrate on musicality and interpretation, but technical problems WILL pop up if you slack off. Orientation, cca tour and new sec ones are coming right around the corner, so be prepared. Show the little kids what a great cca band is!

Oh right, here's a link to Mr Glosz's company's website. It has our schedule on it, as well as his other schools, if you're interested. http://www.calendarwiz.com/calendars/calendar.php?cat_current=59576&crd=dgmusicconsultants&

See you all.

Creating It Perfect

2008-12-23T14:22:00.004+08:00

Yo guys!

Well, I found this interesting anecdote on the internet. I think I shall dedicate this Mr Tan, because honestly, he is like a teacher to us, drilling us on the "Band & Music" subject, and also to all our beloved teachers-in-charge, as well as all the past to present teachers of Catholic High School. We are all indebted to them

Don't you all agree?

Creating It Perfect:

The Good Lord was creating teachers. It was His sixth day of 'overtime' and He knew that this was a tremendous responsibility for teachers would touch the lives of so many impressionable young children. An angel appeared to Him and said, "You are taking a long time to figure this one out."

"Yes," said the Lord, " but have you read the specs on this order?"

TEACHER:
…must stand above all students, yet be on their level
...must be able to do 180 things not connected with the subject being taught
... must run on coffee and leftovers
... must communicate vital knowledge to all students daily and be right most of the time
... must have more time for others than for herself/himself
... must have a smile that can endure through pay cuts, problematic children, and worried parents
... must go on teaching when parents question every move and others are not supportive
... must have 6 pair of hands.

"Six pair of hands, " said the angel, "that's impossible"

"Well, " said the Lord, " it is not the hands that are the problem. It is the three pairs of eyes that are presenting the most difficulty!"

The angel looked incredulous, " Three pairs of eyes...on a standard model?"

The Lord nodded His head, " One pair can see a student for what he is and not what others have labeled him as. Another pair of eyes is in the back of the teacher's head to see what should not be seen, but what must be known. The eyes in the front are only to look at the child as he/she 'acts out' in order to reflect, " I understand and I still believe in you", without so much as saying a word to the child."

"Lord, " said the angel, " this is a very large project and I think you should work on it tomorrow".

"I can't," said the Lord, " for I have come very close to creating something much like Myself. I have one that comes to work when he/she is sick.....teaches a class of children that do not want to learn....has a special place in his/her heart for children who are not his/her own.....understands the struggles of those who have difficulty....never takes the students for granted..."

The angel looked closely at the model the Lord was creating. "It is too soft-hearted, " said the angel.

"Yes," said the Lord, " but also tough, You can not imagine what this teacher can endure or do, if necessary".

"Can this teacher think?" asked the angel.

"Not only think," said the Lord,. "but reason and compromise."

The angel came closer to have a better look at the model and ran his finger over the teacher's cheek.

"Well, Lord, " said the angel, your job looks fine but there is a leak. I told you that you were putting too much into this model. You can not imagine the stress that will be placed upon the teacher."

The Lord moved in closer and lifted the drop of moisture from the teacher's cheek. It shone and glistened in the light.

"It is not a leak," He said, "It is a tear."

"A tear? What is that?" asked the angel, "What is a tear for?"

The Lord replied with great thought, " It is for the joy and pride of seeing a child accomplish even the smallest task. It is for the loneliness of children who have a hard time to fit in and it is for compassion for the feelings of their parents. It comes from the pain of not being able to reach some children and the disappointment those children feel in themselves. It comes often when a teacher has been with a class for a year and must say good-bye to those students and get ready to welcome a new class."
"
My, " said the angel, " The tear thing is a great idea...You are a genius!!"

The Lord looked somber, "I didn't put it there."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, hope all of you understood what that meant, and although its not as long as Quintus' or Louis' posts, I hope it made a difference in how you saw your teachers.

Leadership

2008-12-21T20:57:00.004+08:00

Hey guys,this is my first time posting my first post,so yeah...pay attention...

This is mainly targetted towards the Sec 3s...as in,yeah,it's still 2008,so we're still Sec 3s only...thank god actually...

To Sec 2s who have leadership amibitions next year/are aspiring to be leaders next year,yep,this is useful for you too.

For Sec 1s aspiring to be Sec 2s who want to be leaders in Sec 3,yep,you can also take notes down.

To juniors who are doubting your senior's leadership abilities, here's checklist for you.

Ah,come to think of it,I don't see who won't benefit from this actually,so yeah...continue paying attention...

Sec 3s,you have been leaders of the band for half a year already...feels good?Frankly,we haven't been great leaders...yeah,discipline is getting more and more slack and all that...of course,that's everybody's fault.So,I'll just post down here everything I learnt from NCO Camp about leadership.

Firstly,what is leadership?

Leadership is INFLUENCE.

Yeah,if your juniors obey you out of fear,that's not leadership. Your juniors should be obeying you purely out of respect for you;it should never be because you will pump them if they don't.

There are 5 leadership qualities which all of you Sec 3s should have/aspire to have:

1)Dedication

2)Commitment

3)Conviction

4)Passion

5)SELFLESSNESS (it's in capitals because this is the one you all lack the most)

That's a little checklist for you all to check upon yourselves when you feel like doing self-reflections. Just ask yourself,"Do I have these 5 qualities?",then pump yourself for not having them,then start having them.

It's not that hard actually.

After you have all of that,you can proceed on to the stuff below.

Introduction to "the stuff below":The band is run by all of us,the Sec 3s.Yeah,the common misconception is that you throw all the rubbish to the 5 leaders because that's just how you feel like it,but no. If you think about it,how is it possible for 5 people to manage 78? Ok,it is remotely possible,but as proven in our early months of leadership,we did a real bad job of it. That's why,the leaders need all of your help,so that band can be interesting/the way you want it to be,to a certain extent.

Firstly,Sec 3s,be CREATIVE. Encourage ideas from your juniors,or come up with your own! If you complain that band is boring,that's actually your fault. Tell us how you want things different,reasonably of course. The leaders aren't psychic,we don't know what you all are contented with and what you all aren't. So,make it known to us,for the sake of a happier life in band. We are willing to make changes, but we need the ideas first right? Yep. So we'll sort of make a deal ok? You provide the leades with the ideas,we'll sort them out according to feasibility and as much as we can,try to make your dream idea come true. Don't be shy to approach the leaders. For some reason, there's always this huge gap between the band and the leaders. Why? Are we that intimidating/We're humans too you know...We are the ones leading the way,but at the end of the days,we are still your brothers in band ok? Please, your leaders are very friendly people. TALK TO US TOO!!!

Secondly, accept feedback. Example,if you are an SL and your junior comes up to you telling you how sectionals can be better/more effective,please don't pump the poor guy. Do not dominate,because that discourages creative thinking. Of course,pump your junior if he doesn't do it politely. There's a saying which goes,"Have opinions,but don't be opiniated." That means,never think that only you are right, while everyone else opposing you is wrong. Who knows,your juniors may have some good ideas...

Thirdly,accept uncertainties and do not avoid risks. If you are going to be shy about anything,you are never going to get anything done. If you succeed,good for you. If you fail,have the capacity to recover without bearing grudges/using bad language/and so on. Be graceful about it if you fail. Not everyone succeeds all the time anyway.

Lastly,WORK TOGETHER.More than one brain is better than one brain.Yeah...No need to elaborate on this...You all should know all about it already...Oh by the way,every band member should understand clearly how crucial teamwork is in a band. If you had reflected carefully on the band camp,you would probably have noticed that a lot of the games are on teamwork/strategising,in other words,the games encourage/force you to think. That was done for a reason guys...

Remember,always look ahead.Take the initiative to do things,e.g.,organising sectionals. There's no rule that states you have to be a Sec 3 or an SL to organise sectionals you know...

Don't push your work to others.

Put yourself in other's shoes.

Resolve your conflicts.

TEAMWORK!

Some leadership thoughts for you all:

1) Leadership is FORGIVING.

Give others a second chance,don't be super petty like some old lady,and bear grudges for the rest of your life. Remember,everyone makes mistakes,and I'm sure everyone would like to be forgiven for their screw-ups without having a black face to remind them. Which normal person feels proud of something he did wrong huh?

2) Leadership is FOR GIVING. (Cool isn't it?Hard to believe Mr Tan could come up with something like that...haha ok joking only...)

The band has given you so much;making you a leader.Of course you have to give something in return right?Don't worry,passion,enthusiasm,good attitude,role model...that will pretty much do. Leaders are selfless remember? If you don't,scroll up...focus,focus...Yep,selflessness...so you should be giving a lot,though hardly any of it is materialistic...

3) Group before self.

Teamwork again.Remember,it just takes one screw up to pull our standard down.Teamwork guys...everyone should have good teamwork. No need to elaborate further.

4) Be assertive, not aggressive!

You can just check the dictionary if you don't understand...remember,accept other's ideas as well...you're not always the only one who is correct.Oh yeah,by the way,pumping people is a power you have,but please do not abuse it. And if you have been "forgetting" to pump double when you pump your juniors,perhaps next time they ought to remind you...

5) Be humble,yet confident.

How to do that? Just be self-evaluating, and be willing to listen to what others have to say about you, or about anything. Of course,if it's not constructive,censor it off from your ears.

6) Admit when you're wrong,for god's sake.

Don't be a sore loser. Most importantly, after admitting it, make sure you are aware of it, and that others are aware that you are aware, then make changes. E.g.,you know you did something wrong, then you go hide in a corner and pump yourself. No one knows about it,it's like winking at a girl in the dark. Make sure others know that you are aware as well,if not they'll just continue having a bad impression of you...

However,don't be 100% apologetic either.

E.g.,apologising daily/apologising for mistakes you made last year/decade/century/millenium/lifetime/whatever.

I know most of the Sec 3s have this, (or do you all still have it?),but for the benefit of the aspiring Sec 2s and the aspiring Sec 1s aspiring to be aspiring Sec 2s,I'll just type it all out again. Mr Tan won't be here next year anyway,so they won't get the cards. Anyway,I bet half the Sec 3s don't even look at it much anyway,so this ought to re-emphasise/stir it up in your memories.

Leadership Daily Reflections:

1) The first person I lead is ME.

2) Trust is the foundation of leadership.

3) I have a vision for my area of leadership.

4) I influence my juniors to shrea my vision and attitude.

5) I have/am initiative and always think of ways to improve.

6) I share my knowledge and empower my juniors.

7) I care for the juniors under my command.

8) My leadership develops DAILY.

9) I am responsible for the growth of my band.

10) Even if we don't get along, we (the band) are always united.

Ok,so aspiring Sec 2s and aspiring Sec 1s,you know what we'll be looking out for if you aspire to be a leader...

Now,moving on...

Louis mentioned in his post about motivation, perseverance and success. I'll elaborate/eludicate...On motivation and perseverance only of course...I'll leave it to your imaginations as to how to make use of success...

MOTIVATION

As leaders, the band members look up to you. Be a positive example. Carry yourself well. How do you motivate band members under your charge?

1) High energy levels. Be DYNAMIC! Rate yourself on you dynamic levels when speaking to the band/to your juniors. You should get at least a 8 out of 10.

2) Show self-confidence. Have eye contact when speaking to the members, for example,when giving an announcement. Don't look at the floor,don't look at your phone, don't look at whatever piece of paper that's in your hands,pretending to take reference of whatever you are saying from it. Sound important,don't sound casual. Stand up for god's sake,don't sit on the floor when you know hardly anyone can hear you. Project your voice;think before speaking (Luke may not do it,but that doesn't mean you should learn from him...haha ok joking again...); speak with confidence in yourself. If the band doesn't listen, pause,wait for them to shuddap,then ask in a sarcastic manner,"May I have your attention puh-leeeeaaaaasssssseeeee?" That ought to shut them up for a while.Never raise your volume to be louder then theirs,because that would just result in the volumes getting higher and higher and higher,leading to a competition of volume,which wouldn't really get anyone anywhere. Rate yourself too. You should get at least an 8.000045 out of 10.

3) Be optimistic, be positive. Don't compare, evaluate performances, then praise the sections/individuals who have been doing well and tell others to follow their example. E.g.,"The violin section is very good.They tongue very well."...or,"The Base Drum section plays very well in tune,everyone should learn from them." Yeah,get what I mean?

4) Work towards targets. Set 3 targets you want to achieve for the band. Personally,my targets were discipline within the band, members who are passionate for band and...Gold with Honours. Yes,SYF medals are emotional subjects...please don't let yourselves down this time.

5) Do what you expect your members to do: We can't lead others till we lead ourselves. Remember, "The first person I lead is ME". "Put yourself in other's shoes." Be a GOOD EXAMPLE. No need to elaborate on this,you know yourself whether you have been a good example for your juniors or not. If you haven't...yeah...

Ok,motivation is done. Now,

PERSEVERANCE

1) There is NO substitute for hard work. Don't try to find the easy way round to things. There is no shortcut.

2) Practice makes perfect, or rather, near perfect. (Yes, everyone has heard that lame nobody is perfect joke thingy.) Belive me,the more you practice,the better you will be.

3) Know when to neglect the unimportant. For example, if there's a sale going on and there's that great dress you've always wanted to buy going out or free while stocks last,and you are currently having sectionals, please do not get distracted by your excitement. Dress fashion can wait till later.

Success is fun. Yeah,but you've to go through all that above first.

Isn't band a wonderful CCCA (Cool Cor Curriculur Activity)? Well actually,band is the ONLY CCCA...yeah yeah whatever...Isn't being appointed a leader of the band an honour?Isn't having 50 people under your charge thrilling? Always have a heart of gratitude. Be thankful for band,for music, your instructors, your conductor and for all the great memories that band has brought to you. Remember all these guys. This will be very useful, even after Secondary School life. According to the countdown,there are 77 days left to SYF. 77 more days to reach for your Gold with Honours. Not to mention,the Istana Concert, the trip to KL.Passion, attitude...that's ALL it takes. That's ALL you need. Full-stop. Put all these to good use guys. There's not much time left. The 77 days is actually about 77 hours only if you think it through carefully. Our final lap lies in the remaining 3 months. These 3 months will determine what we will get. What we deserve to get. Overture 1...Golden Jubilee...Practice hard,practice smart. At the end of the day, I can garauntee you.......................................................................................................................it is worth it.

All this which I've just typed out,it's just knowledge. But to use it in your everyday life,THAT,is wisdom guys.

Remember...

"Start from scratch and keep scratching."

"Practice like you are the worst player and perform like you are the best."

"There are no lousy bands, only lazy bands."

"Music is between the notes."

"Music is part of our lives."

"Is the air-con working?Why is it so hot in here?"

Yep,that's all I have to say.

Haha longest post in CHSSSB (Catholic High School Super Symphony Band)history...rawr...X)...YEAH BABY YEAH!!!

Mr Leonard Tan!

2008-12-21T18:52:00.002+08:00

Hey everybody!

It was a memorable 19th December 2008 for CHSSB, because it was the (officially) last practice with our BELOVED conductor, Mr Leonard Tan.

We gave all sorts of presents to him; bears, book, love letters, a model of a saxophone and gramophone and so on and so forth.

Well, all good things must come to an end. And really, I think what we will miss Mr Tan of, are his:

Lame jokes. He practically bombarded us with his cold jokes on that day. ok wait, maybe not bombarded. Example: (Courteosy of Garald Gan to remind me) You guys rock my socks until it has a hole! (Er...ok..)
His conducting. Even though Hr tan keeps saying he is not talented, I just think he is. I mean, his way of conducting is very different from Miss Tan or Mr Glosz. Of course, everyone has their own style.
His motivational story. Mr tan never fails to motivate us. Ok, maybe at least me. He told us his story of his childhood, about how he work so hard to achieve perfect pitch and learn the violin. (though its very funny in the way he relates it). For example: to get perfect pitch, he sleeps with his tuner every night. How cool is that?

Like all the conductors who have come and gone through the history of CHSSB, I, on the behalf of those who still care about our Band, want to sincerely give our thanks and gratitude to Mr Leonard Tan.

Mr Tan, you are like one of Catholic High School's teacher, except that you are just exclusive to us. Yes indeed, we regard you with respect, as our teacher and our conductor.

Well, all I can do now is to wish Mr Leonard Tan luck in his future endeavours and everything. And all we can do to repay Mr Tan now, is to do well for the SYF, and make him feel proud of us!

PS: OH, you can also stay in touch with him on Facebook!

VJC Concert-- My Reflections.

2008-12-14T18:24:00.003+08:00

Hi people!

On Friday, a bunch of CHSSB members and I went to the VJC concert conducted mainly by Mr Leonard Tan, and Mr Zachariah Goh, the to-be-conductor of VJC.

It was fantastic and amazingly refreshing! The pieces were of high standards, and the Band was great. Yeah, "GREAT" is the word. The concert was called "A Not So Silent Night", and true to its name, it wasn't. It was full of laughter, cheers, good music and awe.

For one, the Band, including the Alumni Band, practically "owned the zone". (Pardon me for my lame-ness, as thou can only think of this phrase for the time being)

Second, the emcess were so hyperactive and interactive with the audience. Third, and most probably the highlight of the whole concert (which you may agree with me if you went), was the Skit. It was dumb, stupid and retarded, but at the same time, it practically led the audience to laugh until they have a stomache, and it was romantic as well. Also, there was a certain hidden meaning beneath the Skit.
(YES, there were intimate scenes. Now you will regret for not attending the concert!)

Overall, the concert is what we can say as, "kick-ass".

However, after I went home, the concert reminded me about something, something that seemed to be bothering me over the past few months whenever I attend concerts.

Concert Etiquette.

People whispering. Cell phones ringing. Talking. Turning around in seats. Leaving before the entire performance is finished. Have you ever noticed people around you do that? Or have you ever realised that it was actually YOU, yourself, doing it. And one more incorrigible act of bad concert etiquette: Bad attire.

On Friday night, I saw tons of the audience in Bermudas, sandals, slippers, and and amazingly casual shorts. Please note, I am not here to educate you on all the "rules" on attending concerts.

There ARE NO rules when you attend concerts. There are only what we call "Respect". True enough, I saw familiar faces with sandals, shorts, and Catholic High PE T-shirt and CHSSB polo T-shirt.

It's ok to wear school uniform and Band Polo T-shirt to concerts, its perfectly fine. (In fact, I think I m gonna wear the Band Polo Tee to concerts next time, thanks to the influence of several Secondary Twos.) And it's ok to wear the green pants, BUT have you ever wondered what people would think of our school when we wear the school PE T-shirt AND slippers and sandals at the same time? I saw several CHIJ Toa Payoh students, in fact I was sitting beside a few during the first half of the concert, and they were wearing school uniform with shoes, and come were in jeans.

And it is also a crime to comment on the Band during a piece. I mean, it is ok to say things like "They played it very well" and "we should play like that", but giving bad comments is the rudest thing to do during a concert, for example giving audible comments like "Oh my god, he mispitched!" and "The clarinet squeaked AGAIN!" If you want to comment, do it at home while watching TV.

So, what exactly is the proper attire and etiquette. Well, I did some research, and here is what is expected in the USA:

It is considered proper concert etiquette to clap only after a piece is complete, and not after movements.
For attire, you will see apparel ranging from business casual to after-five dinner wear. Though you won’t see many people in jeans, wear what is comfortable when dressing for the night.
Coughing can be an unavoidable problem, but there are ways to avoid coughing during the music. If you feel a cold coming on, please bring lozenges with you. Please unwrap the cough drop ahead of time.
It is customary not to talk while the music playing. Being sensitive to your neighbors allows everyone to have a more pleasant concert experience.

There were many shouting and screaming, but maybe that is okay because this is a JC concert, not a really formal one. And maybe because of that, its okay to wear VERY casually.

But is that really true? In my opinion, every concert, wherever and whenver is it, it is formal. That's why I would try my best to dress appropriately, unless other circumstances states otherwise, and I will keep my mouth shut unless I find it mandatory to praise the Band. (Which i did several times on Friday Night) What would the VJC performers think when they know some of the audiences dress up in very casual attire just because they think that because this is a JC concert, its not a really formal one. How would they respond in their playing?

How would you feel if your audience come to Aesthetique or other concerts with that same mindset? Few of you maybe be defiant and maybe thinking at this point in time," Who cares?" But trust me, you do. Everyone in CHSSB does when that happens.

I quote this from a website :

When we go to concerts, we may go for many reasons, but the most important reason is to watch and listen to the performers.
The performers are NOT on television. They are alive; they can see and hear the audience; they want to be able to do a great job for you. Good concert etiquette helps the audience have a good experience.
What some people fail to realize is that the audience can also help the performers perform better.With no visual or auditory distractions, performers can concentrate on giving a great performance. They are trying their best to present an enjoyable musical experience for everyone.

SO basically, this is all I have to say. I believe good concert etiquette is important, no matter what it is, behaviour or attire (I know some of us go to concert and start shouting other people's names).

And I believe, comfortable attire and courteous behaviour will give both the performers and the audience an enjoyable experience, wouldn't you agree?

Words from your dear Band Major L... X)

2008-12-05T09:54:00.007+08:00

Alright everyone........ X)
You should really have known who I am.....

Louis..... X)

If you have not realised by now.....
we are like midway through our holidays.....
Band..........
Holidays..........
Studies...........
Juggle them well.

according to the nifty looking countdown.......
we have only 114 days to SYF.....
Thats like 3.8 months more.

Band.....
These 3.8 months Will determine what You will Get for SYF........
Its that simple.

My friends, the time is now..

Motiviation, Perseverance, Success.......

Everyone calls it the SYF period......
where we all will need the SkyHigh energy levels in Every practice.
Perfect attendance is already a Must.

I want you guys to have these energy levels, but it has to be from your heart.
Motivation.......

We look back at like 2 batches ago......
Daniel......
Yue Sheng........

We dont want to fail them.....
Neither do I...

Our Alumni really wish their band, (us), would get the result we want.

Just think........

Imagine the pride they will have, if their Band gets the award..
How we can hold our heads high.....
and be proud that we did ourselves justice by doing our very best..

however......
If We dont do our Best....
Not only do we let down our School.......
We let down Ourselves...

You yourselves have heard that our band, has the Potential........
but......
what use is this Potential.....
if We Dont Use it to its Fullest.

Show the Conductors, our Teachers...
that we take our Band practice seriously......
Have a Perfect Attendance,
Come Early for Band!
Be Proud of your own CCA...... X)

For Combine,
1) ALL Music Scores required ( Take Extremely good care of them )
2) Pencils ( Always have at least one per file, )
3) Metronome/Tuner ( Section Leaders )

Use every opportunity to make Combine Practice a Success.....
Dont get distracted.
Turn your phone off or something....
Dont get Bored!
Music is enjoyable...... XD

Take every Combine practice as a performance......

For Sectionals,

Remember, the Road to SYF is about having....
a Positive Attitude,
and a Hardworking Mentality.....

===============================================
Section Leaders,
Take the Initiative to Lead your Section....
Call for Sectionals!
Arrange Sectionals...... Tutors.....
( Well done flutes and trombones... )

Sectionals really PowerLevel ( gaming term X) ) a section....
Have an Efficient and Effective Sectional practice.

1) Set a Target
(Set a realistic Time Limit/Date Line for things you want your section to achieve)

2) Structure your Practice
( Big Picture ===> Detail Work ===> Big Picture, aka Hourglass )

3) Sequence your Learning
( Rhythm, Notes, Articulation, Dynamics, Phrasing, even Breath Marks )

4) Sing!
( It really helps your section to have this musical message in your brain )

5) Take it Slow
( Slow practice with metronome helps you to perfect something correct, not your messy mistakes, especially awkward or running notes )

Section Leaders, Take your position as a Section Leader very seriously.
You are the Leader of your section...

You have been handed the post as your seniors have found that You have the potential to lead your section to far greater heights...

Take this opportunity, and Use it to its fullest...

===============================================

Band members,
Have Faith, and Trust in your Section Leaders,
Respect them........... Listen to them...... Follow them.......
Remember, that They Are humans, and they may make errors....
Forgive them, as they will forgive you...... X) ( Quoted kind of from the Bible )

Surely, they too want their section to be the very best they can be.....

Work hard to Perfect all the SYF pieces......
These 2 pieces mean So much more than just mere music scores...
you know it in your hearts what it means to everyone....

Turn your weaknesses into Strengths.

Every Good Band out there, has put in countless hours of practice......
To be what they are now.......

There is no substitute for hard work, CHSSB.......
It may sound so simple.....
yet it is so Important its overlooked....

Now is the time......... to pick ourselves up....
and take flight to SYF....
as a Band....

I know ALL of you can do it...
Every Single one of you I see during Practice........

We've been through Competition, Concerts........

What more is SYF.....
but just Two pieces in like 15 minutes or so...

We'll get there..........
Get what we want.........
and Look back.......

Only then.....
We'll see how far we went..... X)
together... as a band....

Sec Ones........
Your next SYF is within reach too..........
Work on your foundations...... your techniques..... your musicality.....
With that........
Your Batch will have no problem in sounding great....
You guys have the Spirit..........
and the Band is proud to have such wonderful Sec 1's....
If this keeps up.....
Your standards will fly.... X)

Alright........
your eyes must be tired now huh... X)
haha.........

Remember what I said.....
Scroll Back up if you forgot.......
=.= seriously...

Remember.......
We are aiming for a "Transcendental" experience for SYF.....
the judges will have to go...
"Zomgawd they are pro.... " X)

Work hard towards SYF everyone....

I'll be posting more often to talk to you everyone......

My friends.....

" Embrace your dreams....... Protect your Honour......... "

Thanks, Mr (Leonard) Tan, for everything....
You were Always there to encourage us.... X)
Thanks for the wonderful memories.

L was online on 5/12/2008 at 11:00am

Funny Video

2008-12-04T23:01:00.003+08:00

Hey Guys!

I found this funny video of a stick animation on Youtube.
Its quite violent, but I am sure all of you are mature enough to see this.

The title speaks for itself: The Cliff: Get the Girl.

Faith, Hope, and Love.

2008-11-30T17:33:00.003+08:00

What an eventful night it was!

I am sure every single CHSSB member had a great concert with Mr Tan, and we will never forget what he had taught us during his period of one year +++ in CHSSB.

Well, I am here to share my reflections with you guys. You know, many may see "Faith, Hope, and Love" as just an ordinary concert. For some, it may be their first formal concert in their Band life. But for me, or rather for the CHSSB, its not only a farewell concert for Mr Tan, but it is a night to impress the audience and show them what CHSSB has got to offer.

For me, it was a spectacular night. Sure, there are many important lessons for us to learn, and many mistakes and issues for us to reflect on, but wouldn't you agree that the concert was such a successful one? The magnificence, the energy, the "high"-ness--it was all there, be it in CHSSB, CHIJ Concert Band or St Margaret Symphony Band.

Basking in all the "high"-ness was probably one of the highlights of "Faith, Hope, and Love".

Now it has come to an end, and I would really miss it. And I am sure not only the members of CHSSB, but also CHIJ and St Margaret would miss both the concert and Mr Tan.

Oh well, all good things must come to an end...

The Day

2008-11-28T21:08:00.006+08:00

It's quite pointless to create a new post at this time...no one will read it...probably after the concert...anyway..

Tommorow is the day, most likely the last performance with Mr Leonard Tan...sad indeed...
But remember to be positive, have self-confidence, and don't give Mr Tan a bad impression on the performance. I'm sure that we all won't want to let Mr. Tan down.
Show Mr Tan how great is your playing, give him your best shot! Make the performance a memorable, magical, ...etc... one! Be passionate, be musical!

"Music is in between the notes!"
"Play like you are the best musician in the world!"

REMEMBER TO WATCH!
Let's own this concert!

Advertisement.

2008-11-28T20:35:00.003+08:00

Hey Band People...band camp was great wasn't it? :D

Here to advertise for a concert..usually seniors come to advertise concerts in which they're playing but this is an exception. 'Threnody' is part of the concert...do come and support those ppl playing my piece! :D

4 December THURSDAY

NOEL' 08

BY
Hwa Chong Symphonic Band
Hwa Chong Institution Military Band
Nanyang Concert Band

VENUE | TIME
Hwa Chong Institution (College) Auditorium 7PM

PRICE
S$6

CONDUCTOR/S
Ms Samantha Chong | Mr Darence Leng | Mr Daniel Kiang

REPERTOIRE
Theme from "Superman"
Machu Picchu
Gelato Con Caffe
Threnody
Warabe-Uta Fantasy
Blue Ridge Saga
Celebrate
Pachelbel's Canon in D
Crest of Nobility

CONTACT
hcband.hcisb@gmail.com

You can approach me for tix. =D

Band Camp Reflections 08

2008-11-26T10:24:00.002+08:00

Guess its my turn to do the reflections, not that there's a schedule or anything, just that if Poh does it and then another guy does it, i guess its like an obligation or something. Ok, enough digressing.I'll probably recount what happened then proceed to give my thoughts, easier that way.

1st day: Report for practice, break for lunch, games, practice, dinner, sleep.Oh yes, day spent trying to fruitlessly convince Band that there is no Amazing Race, success within own room! yay!

Thoughts: A fairly reflectionless kind of day, thoughtworthy point would have to be the games. Personally felt that the memory race was abit saddening....biased towards fat people! The cavadi on the other hand was biased towards skinny people, so yea...evens out i guess.I don't really know if any team bonded within this period of time, having just been seperated into teams, people are probably more concerned about why their friends aren't with them at this point in time.

2nd Day: Morning PT, Breakfast, practice,lunch, free mingling time, dinner ,practice,sleep. Continued fruitless attempts at decieving Band, illusion in own room starting to break down.

Thought: Fairly disappointing reaction from Band at sight of breakfast, issue already covered by previous 2 reflections, but i'll do it anyway. Bread is considered a staple by most, at home while rushing to school, the most basic breakfast would be either biscuits or bread. I'd dare say that even the most privilledged(yes i know, probably spelled wrong) of us eats bread for breakfast. So whats wrong with bread for breakfast in camp. By right, food at camp should pale in comparisons to food at home, so by right, if we eat bread at home, we should be eating...i dunno... hardtack??

3rd Day: morning PT, breakfast, practice, amazing race( full day sectionals), seoul garden(osaka garden), sleep, nightwalk,sleep.Finally we can drop the facade, end the charade etc etc.(i think i used facade wrongly, but what to do, vocab expansion)

Thoughts: I guess personally, i allowed Guo Zhi to have too much freedom during the amazing race and we made a couple of wrong decisions, but i feel that over the course of the race, our team bonded alot. After all, the team that takes the-train-to-the-wrong-station-then-takes-a-1hr-bus-ride-followed-by-a-15-minute-walk bonds together.
At night, we had a real eye-opener by the teachers, so thank you for that.
Followed by a really refreshing and new way of an exco meeting. Really looking for more meetings of that type.
Refreshed and energized by the new direction, we proceeded to prepare for the night activities. Some Sec 3's really bonded while making the maze.
Unexpectedly, Band, wasn't really that angry at being woken up in the middle of the night. Went through night activities with my sole team mate Wei Nan. Completed a surprising lot. Completed personal time of 1 min 17 seconds for obstacle course while blindfolded. Supposed meeting turned into a snoozefest.

Day 4: breakfast,practice, home!
Thoughts: A really tired Sec 3 batch stayed awake throughout practice and promptly fell asleep during skit prep time, or at least, i did. Skit time was fun. Mike was funny, all the usual stuff, Band has resumed its normalcy.

I know, this is more of a breakdown than a reflection, but this is how i do it

Band Camp 08' After Reflections

2008-11-25T10:47:00.002+08:00

WEll,,thanks HS for summarsing what I wanted to say actually. Just wanted to let your know that this year, our camp was..how should I put it..more fun and more enjoyable?

I believe that this year, our camp was a enjoyable one for several reasons:

1. Drills and PT were minimal. Reflecting on the PT and drills part, we spent a total of less than 2 hours doing PT and drills. 1 hours each on Day 2 and Day 3, gosh.l..that was so much better. I think it also helped as we were able to focus better during practice on Day 2 and Day 3.

2. Food was good to a certain extent. yes, I agree that bread with kaya and magarine is not exactly the ideal stuff we would want to have for breakfast, but we just got to accept it right? Andrew, Avan and us were like discussing into the middle of the night till 2am regarding the breakfast issue, until we had no choice but to give you all bread and kaya for breakfast. Maybe we should let you know the reasons:
a. Our budget was not suited to provide a cooked, nice breakfast
b. Our time was running out. Which crazy food caterer opens in the middle of the night even if we wanted to order?
c. Our lunch and diiner for Day 1 and 2 is considered very sumptuous.
So I hope you can understand the reasoning behind it.

Writing to this point, I thought of something very important to say to the Secondary 1s. Sec 1s, regarding the Junior Band Examination, our selection basis was solely on the prepared piece: Golden Jubilee. To tell the truth, though we graded the Theory Test, Sight Reading and Scales, yet we did not take any of the 3 into account. We announced the results solely based on what Mr Glosz felt. He knew very clearly who had the potential, who could play, etc.

Therefore, please do not mistake us for the Exam being biased. IN the first place, Mr Glosz does not know any of you all. In fact, that night was the first time he ever knew that you were in the Sec 1 band. Mr Glosz will be discussing with the teachers to see if we can arrange another Exam for you guys. But the thing is, some of you are taking things too hard.

Especially when we break camp, the way some of you guys carried yourselves, we could clearly see that you were disappointed, some even depressed. We feel for you too, and will try to arrange a second round. But the thing is, do not get too discouraged. This is life...I am not trying to be some philosopher, but sometimes, you just gotta get over things.

Let us just take this as a stepping stone for us to further progress. This coming concert, play your best. As I have mentioned to you guys (Sec 1s) before, that comparing is no good, but lets face it, the 700+ audience WILL compare you with other Junior Bands. Whether they say "Cat High Junior Band are so great!" or "Cat High Junior Band has a long way to go" is all up to you.

Put the SYF issue aside for the time being. Let fate rest in its own hands and move on. If you face any difficulty and need to talk to someone, your SL or any Sec 3 will be always be there for you. Remember, we are one band, one sound, one brotherhood.

I do so miss the times of band camp...how I wish that we could frequently have band camps; bond us so closely together and help us grow together...

Ending off on a light note, band camp has been a fruitful one for one and for all, and we definitely have grown to become a more matured band. YAY! :)

Band Camp '08 -- My Reflections

2008-11-23T20:15:00.002+08:00

Hi Guys! It has been so long since I have posted. Hope everyone has enjoyed the Band Camp, because I know I sure did!

I am actually here to share with everyone my reflections for the camp. Though it was fun, tiring, and mind-boggling considering that it was somewhat hard to handle my Group (specifically Xian Zhe =P), there are so many learning points for me. So, I am here to share them with you, not as Media Head, not as French Horn section leader, not as a member of the leading batch of Secondary Three, but as a regular, normal Band member.

First of all, I like to clear some misunderstandings on an issue. The Band camp was not meant to be a vacation or a holiday. It never, ever was, and would never, ever be. We all are lucky to have Andrew Lai as our Welfare Head and Avan as our Enterprise Head, and our Council Members + Qin En to order good lunch and dinner, good facilities and classrooms, and fun games.

Believe me, Band camp was a hundred times more torturous when I was a Secondary Two.

So, we should never, ever complain. I know many did complain about the breakfast and all, but wasn't it good enough? I personally felt that the Kaya was great! NEVER TAKE THINGS FOR GRANTED. Why should we complain? If we did, does it mean that we are pampered?

I think it does. And Band doesn't really need pampered members, does it?

Second thing, another important thing I learnt is that RESPECT AND TRUST IS EVER SO IMPORTANT in Band. To trust is believing in your team members that they can do it. To respect is to listen to others and work together as a team. I have attended SO MANY camps in my 15 years of life, and whenever there is a camp reflection, I would put down on the booklet :"I learnt that teamwork is very important" "I learnt that coordination is very important" "I feel that togetherness in our team is why we won"

Frankly, everyone, even me, gets tired of "Teamwork is very important" reflection. Without Respect, without trust, can there be teamwork? If we think long and hard, we would realise that the world works not because of money, fame or fortune, but because of trust, respect and love. Only then, do we have teamwork, friendships, and relationships. Have we respected and put in trust in our peers during the camp?

At some periods of time, I haven't. Honestly speaking, I don't think anyone has for the entire camp.

And then, I learnt that we should never belittle other people, or should we ever taunt other people just because they have lost to us. And I believe that many, if not all, are guilty of this, including me. Stop the sarcasm and insults.

Aren't we all not the gentlemen and bilingual scholars of Catholic High?

Every camp that you have attended aims to mould you into another person, one that is tougher, more robust, and more passionate. I have many, many other learning points, but I don't think I have the ability to squeeze everything in here.

So, I will summarise all my learning points: COMMON SENSE. Yes indeed, I learnt that whatever we do, be it in Band Camp or during practice, the first thing we need to have is common sense.

It is common sense that teaches us to put our trust into our friends and care for them when they fall. It is common sense that tells us to endure all the tribulations we have encountered and lift our heads high to show others how proud we are as a musician. And it is common sense (conscience) and that nags at us in the ear that we should never put down our friends.

So, these are mainly what I have learnt in the camp. You don't really have to remember all that I have said, but you have to remember this: Whatever you are doing now, are you going against your principles? Are you going against against your own conscience?

Are you hurting your own friends? Or are you just a selfish dummy who is doing it for the sake of fun?

Really, 人之初，性本善。Everyone is born to be a good person, and everyone WILL grow up into a better person.

Bottomline, I have learnt that whatever I do, I just have to ask myself this question to make sure that I am doing the right thing: Are you using your common sense?

Packing List for Camp (with $$ included)

2008-11-18T09:55:00.002+08:00

Here's the packing list for the camp TOMORROW with the money you need in cash and ez link included:

EZ-link card (fully functional with at least $10 in it)
Plastic mug (cups not provided during meals)
Handphone (optional for members, compulsory for mentors/ helpers)
String/Laundry Line (dry clothes)
Poncho/Small Umbrella
Torchlight
Old Rag x1
Toiletries
Writing materials
Sleeping bag x1
Trash Bags
Home T-Shirt x2
Section T-Shirt x1
Polo T-Shirt x1
PE T-Shirt x1
Home Shorts x2
School Shorts x1
PE Shorts x2
Underwear x4
Towel x1
Shoes x1
Slippers x1
Socks x4
Money ($10 to $20)
DO NOT BRING:
· Snacks
· Entertainment devices (e.g. MP3, MP4, iPod, cards, PSP, Gameboy).

Hope to see you guys fresh and alert tomorrow! :D

Get ur Secion tee done!

2008-11-10T12:25:00.001+08:00

Guys... I ma having some competition coming up and will be selling custom tees and badges.

So, for those sections,..in fact all except sax, who haven't make your section tee, come to me and I will make it for you; in any quantity, just for $18, dri fit. Compared to the normal price of $20 outside with a minimum of 10 pcs, why not just come to me and save...quality guaranteed. money back guarantee...

So for those who want, come to me asap so that I can make for u before band camp....thanks so much!

An upcoming concert by most beloved alumni

2008-11-06T20:58:00.003+08:00

HEY BAND!

Luke here. Here's an advertisement for the concert "Not So Silent Night" by Victoria Junior College Symphony Band:

Not So Silent Night 08'
Victoria Junior College Symphonic Band
12th December 2007
7.00pm
Victoria Junior College Performance Theatre
$10
Repertoire: March Blue Sky, O Magnum Mysterium, Philip Sparke: Prelude to A Celebration, Percy Grainger: Children's March (conducted by Dr. Goh.), Skit (no, it's not a piece, it's a skit), Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Two for Christmas - medley of Christmas tunes including Silent Night, Galaxy Express 999. The alumni band will be playing some stuff before the intermission.

Contact Ingmar at 97735600 for information or me at 92356756 to book orders for tickets.

Enjoy your holidays!

Evelyn Glennie Speaks

2008-10-30T22:03:00.003+08:00

Evelyn Glennie, one of the world's most famous percussionists who is also profoundly deaf, gives a lecture on listening and performing music. Do watch when you have the time...it really challenges your common perceptions on how you hear and play music.

Have a good Band Camp!

Band Camp Packing List

2008-10-30T21:46:00.002+08:00

Hello all. Here's the packing list in advance:

Items to bring (minimum number of each item you MUST bring, any other items you want to bring are optional):
· EZ-link card (fully functional with $$ in it)
· Plastic mug (cups not provided during meals)
· Handphone (optional for members, compulsory for mentors/ helpers)
· String/Laundry Line (dry clothes)
· Poncho/Small Umbrella
· Torchlight
· Old Rag x1
· Toiletries
· Writing materials
· Sleeping bag x1
· Trash Bags
· Home T-Shirt x2
· Section T-Shirt x1
· Polo T-Shirt x1
· PE T-Shirt x1
· Home Shorts x2
· School Shorts x1
· PE Shorts x2
· Underwear x4
· Towel x1
· Shoes x1
· Slippers x1
· Socks x4
· Money
DO NOT BRING:
· Snacks
· Entertainment devices (e.g. MP3, MP4, iPod, cards, PSP, Gameboy, X Box, portable telly, board games etc).

Happy Packing!

Recorded and Live Performances.

2008-10-18T14:15:00.000+08:00

Often, many people do not make much of a distinction between listening/watching a recorded performance and experiencing a live performance. Many a time I have encountered people who have declined going for a performance because they ‘have heard the recordings of the pieces to be performed’. Allow me to explain some of the more apparent differences between recorded and live performances.

In a live performance, often what you see is what you get. The performance may seem less than perfect, but this is what it means to be human; making mistakes is part and parcel of everyday life. Also, the experience of a live performance means receiving the aura and energy of the performers first hand; you get to feel whether the performers were distant or warmed up towards the pieces performed, whether the players were confident or ill-prepared for the performance, whether they brought out the spirit of the pieces, and so on. These first-hand experiences can only be felt through a live performance, and is something that cannot be stored in a CD, DVD or a Youtube video. To further emphasise the statement ‘what you see is what you get’, it also means that if the hall’s acoustics are less than satisfactory, or if that particular horn gets out of tune in that section of the music, there is nothing that can be done about it at the moment of the performance and all that forms part of the experience.

On the other hand, recorded performances may be far from the adage of ‘what you see is what you get’. Acoustics may be beefed up or altered, out-of-tune notes may be tuned up to perfection and the performance might even be multi-tracked. The last point refers to recording different instruments or groups of instruments separately and then patching them up together after that. Yes, modern audio technology is that advanced and many movie sound tracks are done that way, even with full orchestras. Even I have done that for my composition exams (it’s perfectly normal to do this.); for my Tiny Island Nation for Baritone singer and string quintet, I recorded the string quintet one day and the voice another day. It so happened that the singer was off form that day and sang everything flat; but no problem, I could just tune everything up after the recording and voila! Everything sounded perfect anyway. Even the audience that you see screaming in certain video recordings of rock performances and even classical performances may be staged for dramatic effect. This may sound rather impossible but it has been done and is still regularly done. The ‘audience’ is paid a small sum as calefare and they act as a ‘real’ enthusiastic audience in the performances. Furthermore when multi-tracking is done the recording loses even more of the performance spirit as the musicians are not united in performance at all.

This is not to say that live performances or recorded performances are more superior than the other. Each has their merits; live performances are good to watch once in a while though they may be rather expensive, and recorded performances are good for learning scores, getting familiar with the pieces and perhaps just for the sake of musical enjoyment at home. One important point to note is that recordings are a recent invention and that our past masters like Beethoven, Bach and Brahms did not have the luxury of simply taking out a recording and playing it for relaxation and enjoyment. To create music one had to play it himself on the piano, his instruments or go to the concert hall to watch a performance, which was often rather expensive and far away from most towns.

However, the convenience of recordings in the modern day also means that many of us tend to take them as a substitute for a real and live performance, and thus we should also be wary of the recordings presented to us; we must not take them at face value all the time. Thus I would say…go for a concert once in a while! Listen to good or bad music live and you will realise that a recording can never compare to a live performance.

:D

SYF Important Details

2008-10-17T21:41:00.001+08:00

Hi all. I know you may be wondering how I managed to get this info, but that’s not important. Some VERY important stuff you have to know for SYF 2009.

Set Piece: Two Overtures for Wind Band
Composer: Kelly Tang
Earliest date we can get the score: November 12 (if we order asap)

The set piece is two overtures (duh….) but we need to play only one out of the 2 overtures.

SYF dates: 30 March to 4 April and 6 April to 9 April
Venue: Singapore Conference Hall (we are back)

Before SYF 2009, we have to video our drills (yes …like last year). This time, the drills are as follows. All drills include instruments carried.

1. Sedia
2. Senang Diri
3. Kerkanan Pusing(turn right)
4. Kerkeri Pusing(turn left)
5. Hentak Kaki with Berhati(march on the spot)
6. March Past

The March Past is the whole band (FALLED IN, INCLUDING BAND MAJORS, EXCEPT DRUM MAJOR) play some music in the squad. We must take recommended 64-72 steps. Means we march in a squad for 64-72 steps then we play music while marching. Got it? This video has to be done before 6 FEBRUARY 2009.

For our choice piece, I don’t really know…but the recording I have is 7+ minutes. We are sort of in a dangerous state. The rule is that choice piece for Sec school band has to be LESS THAN 8 MINUTES. If we exceed 8 minutes, our marks will decrease by 10%. Means if we exceed the 8 minutes, the chance of getting Gold with Honors is very, VERY slim.

Finally, the awarding scheme are as follows:

Gold with Honors: 85%
Gold: 80%
Silver:70%-79%
(The rest… you don’t want to know)

Judging criteria: 50% Technique
50% Musicianship

Band Strength: At least 24 members, at most 80 MEMBERS.

Refer to the band room whiteboard for more details…and get started practicing man….WE CAN DO IT!

Practice begins again

2008-10-08T20:49:00.002+08:00

Hey all. Hope you are hitting the sense out of your head on the wall cause exams are over.

Exams aside, please be informed that practice will resume on friday, 2.30 pm. If your SL told you 3 pm, well, he's wrong! It's 2.30. Now that exams are over, it's time to commit yourself to the SYF. Keep this goal in mind: a Gold sound by December. If you can get it by the end of November that'll be better, cause you'll be in time for the combined concert.

Please be punctual, keep a positive attitude, and don't give a bad impression on the very first practice after exams. Some alumni might be coming, so we won't want to let them (or Mr. Tan) down. Show them how well you can play even though you haven't touched your instrument for ages!

See you on friday.

Premiere!

2008-10-02T23:13:00.002+08:00

Just a little advert..

FUSED String orchestra gives its debut concert!

Who: FUSED string orchestra, a newly formed string orchestra expanded from the string quartet CALYPSO
When: 9th October, Thursday, 7.30pm
Where: NAFA Campus Three, Lee Foundation Theatre, 131 Bencoolen Street
What: Performing works ranging from the Baroque era to Modern works! Includes Bach's Double Violin Concerto, Mozart's Divertimento, Tango by Albeniz, Air on G String by Bach, and Jamaican Rumba by Arthur Benjamin. Also premiering three local works!

Terrence Wong - Concertino for Trumpet and String Orchestra

Liew Kong Meng - Sandcastles and Dreams

Grace Chen - Temujin

How (much): $15, email wereldmuziekconcours@gmail.com for tix or contact me @ 90110995
Why: cos ur senior is premiering his work!! And the other local composer Liew Kong Meng is also a Cat High alumni. One of the best music students from CHS...The string orchestra is pretty good too. Its worth the cost!

:D

Urgent Immediate instrument recall

2008-09-24T20:20:00.005+08:00

Hi guys, Zhenxi here.
The QM is recalling all borrowed instruments* for purposes that will be made known in the near future *coughauditorcough*.
All borrowed instruments must be brought back by this Friday,24th of September, with drastic consequences being reserved for those that fail to do so. I am not clear on when the instruments can be re-borrowed, but please help to spread the message to those who sneaked off with their instruments without signing the borrowing list (Despite my pleas -.-) and are barred from any contact with electronic devices due to the current period of hardship.Alternatively,you could do us a great favour by smsing every single band/non-band person on your contact list to increase the chances of the message reaching everyone in band. That said,I am giving a call to those who signed in the borrowing list.

We apologise for the short notice and the inconvenience caused, but please understand that this is completely necessary.

On a really very much lighter note, good luck with the EOYs.

Zhenxi

*"borrowed instruments" applies to only those borrowed from the band, please do not create confusion by chipping in your own personal guitars and whatnot.

Scores

2008-09-16T20:55:00.000+08:00

Hi guys...please bring back the scores on the first practice after the exam break....everything should be clear by then

Tank!

2008-09-11T22:58:00.004+08:00

Hey guys!

Found this piece on the Internet. It's called "Tank!", and well, though it has nothing to do with what we play, but it is quite an interesting piece.

So, I hope everybody enjoys it!

If there is any comments, you can look for me, or you can tag it at the tagboard.

=p

Tips for aspiring (and even professional) conductors!

2008-09-10T23:58:00.003+08:00

Robert L. Ripley, a cellist from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, has some tips for aspiring and even professional conductors! Read and digest at leisure...I found it very useful...

1. Know the Score!
Don’t just know the principal parts, but every last note of every instrument. Stravinsky said, “A good conductor is one who has the score in his head, and not his head in the score.”

2. Speak up!
The acoustics in wherever you rehearse are usually not as good as in the hall, so be sure you are reaching everybody. The ‘back stands’ of the string sections, starting with the third stand, are generally neglected. All too often, the back stands have no idea what is going on up front. (In the band this may mean the brasses and percussion at the back.) Look at them when you have something to say and reach out to them as you conduct the sections; remember too that the basses are far away. You may think that they are not watching you, but they are! If they feel you are engaged with them, and with the music, it will make all the difference in the sound that you get. Communicate with the entire orchestra! When a score would call for reduced strings, Stokowski would always have the very last stands play. It kept them on their toes, gave them a sense of belonging, and sounded wonderful.

3. Keep your remarks positive.
Avoid saying ‘Don’t.’ Instead of “Trumpet, don’t play so loud, you’re killing the oboe,” say “Trumpet, a little less,” or better, just indicate it with your hand; a little hand motion is fast, effective and unlikely to embarrass anyone.

4. Never be sarcastic and don’t lose your cool.
While it is hard to articulate what an orchestra likes, it is easy to say what they hate. When I was in Cleveland with Szell conducting, we played the Brahms Violin Concerto in Akron on a Tuesday night. Szell was ‘milking’ the oboist in his big solo at the beginning of the second movement for all he was worth. When he finished, the oboist made a ‘gimme a break’ gesture (like brushing a fly in front of you). The next day, there was a rehearsal with the chorus for the season finale of Beethoven’s Ninth. Szell became more and more impatient and finally blew his top in the scherzo, banging his music stand in tempo, and yelling, “I’ll teach you to play in rhythm****!” We never forgot the incident.

5. Don’t “conduct the mice.”
Keep your hands above your waist, so everybody can see them. This is often forgotten.

6. Give clear cues.
Cues are important for the confidence of the players, especially if they have had a long stretch of rests to count. Harpists, percussionists and the tuba will thank you. (These are instrumentalists who play very little in orchestras.)

7. Conducting from memory is dangerous.
Do not risk finding out your memory is faulty by painful experience. Use the score and TURN THE PAGES. Do not find yourself fumbling for your place; the orchestra is long gone ahead of you. Many conduct at least the standard repertoire from memory, but you must have every note mastered if you want to do that. Someone asked Steinberg how he memorised. He answered, in his gruff way, “I don’t memorise! I KNOW it!”

8. The baton is only a tool.
The choice to use a baton is completely up to you. When Leinsdorf came to Boston he was not using a baton. His motions were sometimes difficult to follow, so the Artistic Committee, upon direction of the players, asked him to use a baton. He was surprisingly nice about it, but it did not help much. We asked him to go back to the hands. The point is, your beat must be clear, baton or no.

9. Save your best for the concert!
Saving something for the concert can spark the orchestra and make for a better concert. Claudio Abbado was quite low-key in rehearsals. When he came to America, he knew almost no English, so he did not talk much. He used a miniature score, and when he would stop the orchestra, he would hold he score right up to his face. After what seemed to be a long study he would take the score down and say, almost inaudibly, “Is piano? Is pianissimo?” It was not terribly inspiring. But in the concerts, suddenly he was on fire! It was a tremendous boost to the orchestra, so unexpected the first time, and of course, it made concerts really exciting.
While every conductor has to develop an individual style of rehearsing, if you perceive restlessness in the orchestra, you are doing something wrong. Is your tempo too slow? Are you following, instead of leading? Are you communicating? Are you talking too much? Pay attention to the faces of those around you and react accordingly.

10. Don’t skip intonation.
Working on intonation is a bit wearing, too, but must be done. For multiple voices, always build a chord from the bottom note up. Do not just have everybody simply play the chord. Sometimes it is clear that one or another instrument is out of tune, but if not, then build from the lowest note.

11. Don’t conduct only the melody.
It has been said, “Don’t conduct the melody.” That is a bit of a misnomer; you are not going to conduct the bass line. What this means is, don’t conduct ONLY the melody. While you must communicate with whoever is carrying the ball at any given point, there are also elements of balance to adjust along the way, with the left hand, and whatever may come up at any moment. Szell said three things which have stuck in my mind: (1) Remember that the orchestra has played the piece many more times than you have conducted it (unless it is brand new), so do not waste their time with your needs. (2) Never stop the orchestra without telling them why. (3) Remember that you have a wrist. It can be very helpful.

12. Use a metronome.
A metronome is absolutely indispensable. You should not be a slave to it, but you need it for reference, and to set boundaries.

13. Don’t use every last second.
Even though you are entitled to use every bit of your rehearsal time, try to avoid doing it. Show your confidence in the players by trusting their professionalism to that extent. This is just a bit of psychology, but it may enhance your relationship between conductor and players. You won’t lose a thing by doing this and it is a gracious gesture that will be much appreciated.

=)

Golden Jubilee

2008-09-07T13:50:00.002+08:00

Jus some random notes on our syf choice piece and Alfred Reed.

A Golden Jubilee is a celebration held to mark a 50th anniversary of a monarch's reign.To put it simply,our choice piece is about a celebration and probably written for it.

Alfred Reed (January 25, 1921 – September 17, 2005) was one of America's most prolific and frequently performed composers, with more than two hundred published works for concert band, wind ensemble, orchestra, chorus, and chamber ensemble to his name. He also traveled extensively as a guest conductor, performing in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.
He was born in New York and began his formal music training at the age of ten. During World War II he served in the 529th Army Air Force Band. Following his military service he attended the Juilliard School of Music, studying under Vittorio Giannini, after which he was staff composer and arranger first for NBC, then for ABC. In 1953 he became the conductor of the Baylor Symphony Orchestra at Baylor University, where he received his B.M. in 1955 and his M.M. in 1956. His master's thesis "Rhapsody for Viola and Orchestra" was awarded the Luria Prize in 1959. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the national fraternity for men in music.
From 1955 to 1966 he was the executive editor of Hansen Publications, a music publisher. He was professor of music at the University of Miami (where he worked with composer and arranger Robert Longfield) from 1966 to 1993 and was chairman of the department of Music Media and Industry and director of the Music Industry Program at the time of his retirement. He established the very first college-level music business curriculum at the University of Miami in 1966, which led other colleges and universities to follow suit. Some of his more memorable quotes while teaching music business courses are: "You can't give away what you are trying to sell and expect to stay in business" and "I am the second most published composer next to J.S. Bach" At the time of his death, he had composition commissions that would have taken him to the age of 115. Reed was a member of the Beta Tau Chapter of the National Men's Music Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Many of Reed's wind band compositions have been released as CD recordings by the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra.

Source from wikipedia.com

Sry,couldn't find any info relating the piece and the composer.

Have a nice day.

Skills of A Modern Conductor.

2008-09-06T20:33:00.003+08:00

What kind of skills do we expect the modern conductor to have?

Harold Schonberg, the highly respected former music critic for the New York Times, tried to summarise the skills a conductor needed to be successful; they are elaborated here by composer cum conductor Harold Farberman:

1. A conductor must play several instruments; a student should excel on one instrument and have at least a performer’s knowledge of the piano and one string instrument. More than that isn’t necessary.

2. Working knowledge of every instrument: it would be a significant achievement to know the individual fingerings of all the instruments on the stage, but it seems unnecessary (beyond the middle school conductor, at least.). The orchestra player knows the qualities, possibilities and quirks of his or her instrument better than the conductor, unless the conductor happens to be a virtuoso on the same instrument. Still, a student must learn the ranges and differing colours of the string, wind, brass and percussion groups, the qualities of sonority they produce, both individually and, more importantly, collectively in various combinations.

3. Easily read a full score: knowledge of clefs, instrument keys, transpositions, speed of metronome markings, time signatures, and the meaning of musical terms in various languages remains an absolute necessity.

4. Understand the structure and meaning of a score: harmonic, melodic, rhythmic and phrase analysis are relatively simple, but the “meaning” of music is inherently ambiguous and should not be fixed.

5. Decide what the composer wants and achieve the vision: a flood of scholarship and opinion on this subject has washed over the musical world in the last decades. What is clear (and fortunate) is that performance decisions change over time, if not from concert to concert. Compositions are live entities and should be subject to constant review. “Achieving the vision,” whether vast or limited, inevitably becomes a series of compromises because of the inadequate manner in which baton technique is understood and taught.

6. Technique and memory to assimilate a new work: does this mean the ability to memorise a new work? Toscanini’s (a great Italian conductor) weak eyes forced him to memorise, but an open score on a stand during a concert is perfectly normal and acceptable. It is interesting to note that Schonberg links technique to ‘new work.’ The truth is that every single piece of music, regardless of style and period demands new and differing technical solutions.

7. Absolute pitch and a ear for wrong notes: orchestra players are always impressed by conductors who possess perfect pitch, but it is useful only in rehearsals. Players generally know when they play wring notes and will eliminate them. If they do not, the conductor must make the pitch corrections during rehearsals. Good players will also adjust intonation automatically, but conductors with excellent relative pitch can achieve the same intonation and balancing results in rehearsals as conductors with absolute pitch. Pitch recognition is a single element in a complex hearing process. How one listens is the important factor. In my view, a highly developed sense of perfect rhythmic articulation is far more important than perfect pitch in individual phrase construction and overall structure.

8. Ability to compose and orchestrate: conductors must learn to mechanics of composition and orchestration. It is not necessary to become a composer, but it is necessary to learn basic musical procedures: creating melodic lines and shapes, accompaniments, writing counterpoints, combining instrumental colours and organising new sonorities. These are the daily vocabulary of every conductor.

Source: Training Conductors. Farberman, Harold.

Just a reminder that what is stated above is not all the stuff that makes up a conductor, it is merely the skills that a conductor should have if he is to become a professional one. As student conductors or even aspiring professional conductors, it is important to start learning these rubrics of music. It is never too late to learn them…

Terrence Wong conducts Threnody with NAFA Wind Ensemble, 3rd Sept 2008.

~Important Announcement~

2008-09-01T13:07:00.002+08:00

Hey Guys! This announcement concerns all secondary one to secondary three members, so please open your eyes and do not miss out on any information.

There will NOT be any Band practice on Monday (1/9/08) as it is Teacher's day and the school will not be opened. So please do not come to school thinking that there is Band.

There WILL be practices on Thursday and Friday.

Secondary Ones are not required to turn up on Thursday practice, but attendance is compulsory for the rest of the band as Mr Tan will be down to work on our SYF piece.

On Friday, Mr Tan would not be coming down, and so all Secondary Ones to Secondary Threes are required to come down for practice. SLs, please take this opportunity to teach your Secondary Ones the warm-up exercises.

I have already put up a recording of Golden Jubilee on the blog. And for more details on the practices, please have a look at the band schedule.

For those who does not have the Band schedule, the following are the timings of the practices:

Thursday (4/9) --> 1300~1800
Friday (5/9) --> 1300~1800

Please do not be late and do not miss any practices without valid reason, as these two practices are very important to us.

If you have enquiries, you can tag your question at the tagboard. And that's all.

Some Notes.

2008-08-27T13:46:00.003+08:00

Congratulations to all senior band members who have participated in the highly successful section competition (or so i heard) and to the newbies who have performed in 'my first recital'! It's good to see such high spirits in the Band...

Just a small note, NAFA Wind Band will be presenting Terrence Wong's Threnody and some other pieces like A Movement for Rosa and Symphonietta 2 by Philip Sparke. Also includes some pieces by the NAFA Brass Ensemble. Admission is free, 12.30 pm @ NAFA Campus 3, This Wednesday (3rd Sept)

Since its e holidays, might as well come down to watch a free concert of aspiring Wind and Percussion musicians! Do come if free!

Also, enjoy your holidays :P

IMPORTANT!!Section COmpetition stuff

2008-08-17T17:51:00.002+08:00

All SLs and senior section members, please do a short writeup on what your section is presenting next friday. THIS IS OF HIGH IMPORTANCE, as the emcees (me and yuchen) have to condense everything to finalise our script.

NO NEED FOR YOU TO WORRY YOUR MAMA'S HEAD OFF THAT YOUR SECTION SECRET WILL BE REVEALED.

IF YOU ARE REALLY GOOD, YOU NEED NOT FEAR!!!.

Please get it done tonight or by tomorrow band. 2mrw during band, I will request all SLs to stay back before sectionals to pass me the short writeup on what your section if doing. Just 20 words max. Don't have to reveal too much. Just do a brief one.

PLEASE GET IT DONE....THANK YOU!!!!

Qin En

~A teenager's view of Heaven~

2008-08-17T17:40:00.003+08:00

Hi Guys!

I found this particularly interesting (fiction) story on the net. I have no idea whether you have read it or not, but I am just going to post it up for everyone to see. =)

PS: It's not sick/PG 13..
PPS: This is not propaganda.

A TEENAGER'S VIEW OF HEAVEN
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like.

Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.

This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at .' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.

I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it.. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it,seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.

He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.

He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'-Phil. 4:13

'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.' -John 3:16

PPPS: Er, you may not have noticed, but I added a recording of Jericho on the blog. All you have to do is just to raise up the volume. =D

2008-08-14T21:48:00.002+08:00

Dear Band Members,

Some of you have requested to see a sample of the video of Aesthetique before deciding whether to buy it. Here's a watered-down quality for youtube version of a small portion...

Videos go at $10 each. Please give your names to Luke by tomorrow evening if you want to own a copy. To see the design of the DVD, ask the media department to show you.

Thanks.

Horn

2008-08-10T15:59:00.010+08:00

The Day.

2008-08-09T16:23:00.004+08:00

The day where some of us are waiting for (especially me, because i finally get to listen to my piece...haha.) is here.

Here are all the audio tracks from the concert, Aesthetique 2008. The video is being processed and I am happy to say that it will be ready for distribution via the Media department by next this monday. Meanwhile, enjoy the (extra) fruits of your labour! XD

Link to the Playlist

Oh Yes, Happy National Day!

National Day 2008 WOOTS

2008-08-08T20:41:00.003+08:00

Yo People!

National Day is coming up! (Well, actually its tomorrow..)

So aren't you guys excited? Happy? Enthusiastic? Overjoyed? Off the roof?

I am sure none of you are, because I really doubt if there are even any patriots in our Band. (excluding the teachers, and Mr Tan). On the contrary, if you are, then good for you! Tomorrow, on the 9th August, the whole of Singapore will be celebrating our nation's 43rd birthday!

THREE CHEERS FOR SINGAPORE!!!

Anyway, while I was on my way to the library@esplanade today (with yue feng, yu chen and (CO) xuan ming), I noticed that not only was Yu Chen in red, all the other pedestrians are in red as well. And they are not just mere students from Primary or Secondary schools, but adults are wearing red and white too!

When we were at the City Hall MRT station, I was flabbergasted! All I saw was a sea of red and white. And I am not exaggerating! It was so spectacular, i wanted to fish out my digital camera and snap a picture at that instance. ( Sadly, I didn't bring my Digital Camera) Even foreigners are wearing red and white?

At that moment, a sense of pride was welling up in me. It was so, so, AWESOME, seeing fellow Singaporeans wearing red and white all at the same time! It was a sight to be remembered, and I will never forget it in my mind.

It was at that moment when I realised that, Singaporeans aren't that worse off as they say in the news, that we are un-patriotic to our own country. But that's absolutely not true. There is a still a sense of belonging in the people of Singapore.

Believe me or not, I, who once thought that National Day was just a waste of time, was really looking forward to tomorrow's celebration. National Day marks the day of our independence, and we really should be proud of it!

So, I hope you guys will be anticipating in tremendous excitement for the upcoming National Day's performance. And I hope you guys will enjoy it as well!

Because I know I am going to! =P

Attendance

2008-08-02T22:47:00.002+08:00

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.

DO OR DIE!!!

2008-07-30T21:24:00.003+08:00

All Band members take note, this friday, there will be a photo taking session. Thus, we will all have to bring our Full U, this means, white suit, blazer, tie, and black shoes.If there are any problems please feel free to call or approach me and mike.Please inform all those ppl that dont usually get these messages like Jinsheng and Xiyun, they usually give the excuse, "No one tell me leh" they better not this time!!!!

Sec 1s please bring your tie and collar pins, and for gods sake please don't play soccer in your uniform before coming for band. This goes out to ppl like Mitchell etc etc, be in a calm and composed mood upon entering band room and right before taking photo dont go and have lil sparring sessions.

Tomorrow, thursday. I will be opening the band room till 3.30, anyone who wishes to place their items in the band STORE may do so, however, it is your responsibility to make sure you CAN identify your clothes, i do NOT wish to have another repeat of someone crying because a second party mistook the clothing.

Random Wind Quintet

2008-07-27T19:45:00.004+08:00

Since some of you guys have been wondering, what that 6 page score off a so-called woodwind quintet was; what sounded so ritualistic yet refined - what I had been practising for de-stressing entertainment whenever I pop by the band room, here's what it is.

Summer Music for Wind Quintet, by Samuel Barber.

A contemporary work of art, played by the Woodwind Quintet of Berlin Philharmonic. Therefore it is imperative for all Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn and Bassoon players to view once, for an idea of how your instrument should sound at its best, how to blend, listen and accommodate in an ensemble. It's quite soft, so turn up those speakers. Enjoy.

Edit:

This is probably one of the lesser anticipated and appreciated form of classical music. So some of you may be wondering why it sounds weird. It's 20th century, and if it is played by a woodwind quintet, it is rightfully music and therefore worth your listening. Brace yourself, weird chords and melodies alright.

Part 1

Part 2

What is Art? What is Good Art?

2008-07-26T00:31:00.001+08:00

Let us ask, what is art?

We have seen in the recent newspapers about the photographer bagging the “UOB Painting of the Year” prize, which consist of a series of photographs of animal parts, which led to a dispute amongst the public community between good and bad art, and that most common people claimed that the series was bad art just because it was mortifying.

So if something is ugly and/or morbid, even for music, is it art? So what really is art?

Perhaps the 19th century Russian writer and philosopher Leo Tolstoy has defined it best. Let me extract a few points from his essay, ‘What is Art?’ (1896) Before you try to argue against it, read it and try to understand and absorb these points of view; these may very well help all of us in creating better music because after all, music is art too! Let us try to read…yes it’s long but take your time to read and digest…

-“Art, in our society, has been so perverted that not only has bad art come to be considered good, but even the very perception of what really art is has been lost.”

-“In order to correctly define art, it is necessary, first of all, to cease to consider it as a means to pleasure and to consider it as one of the conditions of human life. Viewing it in this way we cannot fail to observe that art is one of the means of intercourse between man and man.”

-“The activity of art is based on the fact that a man, receiving through his sense of hearing or sight another man’s feeling expression of feeling, is capable of experiencing the emotion which moved the man who expressed it. To take the simplest example: one man laughs, and another who hears it becomes merry; or a man weeps, and another who hears feels sorrow…By his movements or by the sounds of his voice, a man expresses courage and determination or sadness and calmness, and this state of mind passes on to others.”

-“However, if a man infects another or others indirectly, immediately, by his appearance or by the sounds he gives vent to at the very time he experiences the feeling; if he causes another man to yawn when he himself cannot help yawning, or to laugh or cry when he himself is obliged to laugh or cry, or to suffer when he himself is suffering – that does not amount to art.”

-“The feelings with which the artist infects others may be most various – very strong or very weak, very important or insignificant, very bad or very good; feelings of love for one’s own country, self-devotion and submission to fate or to God expressed in a drama, raptures of lovers described in a novel, feelings of voluptuousness expressed in a picture, courage expressed in a triumphal march, merriment evoked by a dance, humour evoked by a funny story, the feeling of quietness transmitted by an evening landscape or by a lullaby, or the feeling of admiration evoked by a beautiful arabesque – it is all art.”

-“Only if the spectators or auditors are infected by the feelings which the author has felt, it is art.”

-“The stronger the infection, the better is the art as art, speaking now apart from its subject matter i.e. not considering the quality of the feelings it transmits.”

-“A real work of art destroys, in the consciousness of the receiver, the separation between himself and the artist – not that alone, but also between himself and all whose minds receive this work of art. In this freeing of our personality from its separation and isolation, in this uniting of it with others, lies the chief characteristic and the great attractive force of art.”

-“The presence in various degrees of three conditions – individuality, clearness, and sincerity – decides the merit of a work of art as art. Sincerity is the most important of the three. It is always complied with in peasant art, and this explains why such art always acts so powerfully; but it is a condition almost entirely absent from our upper class art, which is continually produced by artists actuated by personal claims of covetousness or vanity.”

-“Thus is art divided from that which is not art, and thus is the quality of art as art decided, independently of its subject matter, i.e. apart from whether the feelings it transmits are good or bad.”

You, the band member need not agree with all these points; nevertheless it is good to use these extracted points as a means to a perfection of your own art: making music as an individual and as a band. :D

sec 2s no band next friday!!! woohoo!!! sec 2s, please read

2008-07-24T21:06:00.003+08:00

hello, its my first time posting on the blog, what an honour... anyway, i just want to announce to all the sec 2s that we do not have to go for band next friday!!!! woots... we will instead go to some bar and partay!!!!

Unfortunately, our dear band major jun yao is jealous that he is not a sec 2 and he cannot join us to go to party, and disallow this fabulous plan... so when we see him tomorrow, we beat him up ok?? lets us show jun yao that we the sec 2s are not pushovers!!!!

SYF and WMC is drawing closer and closer to us by the seconds, but we do not have to worry a thing about it!!! Bil Keane once said " Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today's a gift, thats why it is called the present" we just have to enjoy every single day, and dont moan over the past or the future, and do our very best in preparing for our exams and the upcoming competitions!!!!...... woots!!!

eh..... the not come for band thing is just a joke.... dont be like tzung ern, thought is real...

A Little On Conducting.

2008-07-22T09:14:00.002+08:00

Here's just a part of my modular portfolio for my Band Training and Direction elective under Mr Leonard Tan from the previous half of the year...share with you people...Here I will mainly share on what I have learnt on the objective of conducting and what is good conducting.

Why Conduct?
It has been shown that conductor-less large ensembles spend much more time rehearsing than large ensembles that have a conductor to lead them. Thus from here we can conclude two things: a conductor is a time-saver (which is something true but we just hate to admit it) and a conductor is above all, a leader of the entire band or orchestra. A conductor shows through his gestures what he wants of the ensemble, and thus leads them with a single source of interpretation and musicality.

What is good conducting?
Good conducting can be summed up in two aspects: it is clear yet musical. It is quite pointless when a conductor does an emotional tear-jerker piece in a strict 4/4 time pattern throughout the piece even though the score seems to say that everything is in 4/4, and it is equally pointless when the same piece is conducted with great emotion and fervour when none of the players can see or understand what the conductor is trying to convey to them. Good conducting must be clear to the players (not only to yourself!) and equally musical so that the music is music and not just a fixed sequence of sounds being played back in order. One might as well program a computer to play such sounds to achieve the latter.

How does good conducting work?
It is important to understand the effects of conducting; conducting is almost purely psychological in nature (though the players do have to be first ‘sensitised’ to your conducting). Good conducting brings out both the conscious and sub-conscious parts of the player’s mind; it helps bring the player to a higher level than he thinks he can achieve in performance.

How to be a good conductor?
If band instructors tell their musicians to practice their parts, should it not go that they themselves have to practice too? Thus I feel that a good band instructor should do adequate score study before the rehearsal (especially so for new works that have no available recordings…yet) and that he should practice in front of a mirror. Also, the conductor should not stick to what he practices in front of the mirror if it does not work out with the band; either the band has not been ‘sensitised’ to his conducting or there is something wrong with the gestures displayed. Thus a good conductor should also be flexible enough to allow room for change in his conducting when something does not go the way he would like it to go.

WARNING: PG-13/ Not suitable for Minors!

2008-07-20T18:21:00.006+08:00

Disclaimer: The following jokes are, what we call, "misleading". So, if you have a pure of heart (which i HIGHLY doubt), please, DO NOT scroll down!

Oh, and do not try them at home.

Seriously

WHAT WOULD U ANSWER> > > > > >

A first-grade teacher, Ms Neelam was having trouble with one of her students.

The teacher asked , "Tom, what is your problem?"

Tom answered, "I'm too smart for the first-grade. My sister is in the third-grade and I'm smarter than she is! I think I should be in the third-grade too!"

Ms. Neelam had enough. She took Tom to the principal's office.

While Tom waited in the outer office, the teacher explained to the principal what the situation was. The principal told Ms Neelam he would give the boy a test and if he failed to answer any of his questions, he was to go back to the first-grade and behave.

She agreed.

Tom was brought in and the conditions were explained to him and he agreed to take the test.

Principal: 'What is 3 x 3?'
Tom: '9'.

Principal: 'What is 6 x 6?'
Tom: '36'.

And so it went with every question the principal thought a third-grade should know.
The principal looks at Ms. Neelam and tells her, 'I think he can go to the third-grade.'

Ms. Neelam replied, 'I have some of my own questions. Can I ask him ?'

The principal and Tom both agreed.

(HIGHLIGHT TO SEE ANSWER)

Ms. Neelam asks: 'What does a cow have four of that I have only two> of?'
Tom, after a moment said, 'Legs.'

Ms. Neelam: 'What is in your pants that you have but I do not> have?'
Tom: 'Pockets.'

Ms. Neelam: 'What starts with a C and ends with a T, is hairy, oval, delicious and contains> thin whitish liquid?'
Tom:'Coconut'

Ms. Neelam: 'What goes in hard and pink then comes out soft and sticky?'
The principal's eyes open really wide and before he could stop the answer, Boy was taking charge
Tom: 'Bubblegum.'

Ms. Neelam: 'What does a man do standing up, a woman does sitting down and a dog does on three legs?'
The principal's eyes open really wide and before he>could stop the answer...
Tom: 'Shake hands'

Ms. Neelam: 'Now I will ask some'Who am I' sort of questions, okay?'
Tom: 'Yep'.

Ms. Neelam: 'You stick your poles inside me. You tie me down to get me up. I get wet before you do. Who am I?'
Tom: 'Tent'

Ms. Neelam: 'A finger goes in me. You fiddle with me when you're bored. The best man always has me first. Who am I?'
The Principal was looking restless, a bit tense and took one large Patiala Vodka peg.
Tom: 'Wedding Ring'

Ms. Neelam: 'I come in many sizes. When I'm not well, I drip.. When you blow me, you feel good. Who am I?'
Tom: 'Nose'

Ms. Neelam: 'I have a stiff shaft. My tip penetrates. I come with a quiver. Who am I?'
Tom: 'Arrow'

Ms. Neelam: 'What word starts with a 'F' and ends in 'K' that means lot of heat and excitement?' Tom: 'Firetruck'

Ms. Neelam: 'What word starts with a 'F' and ends in 'K' & if u don't get it u have to use ur hand?' Tom: 'Fork'

Ms. Neelam: 'What is it that all men have one of it's longer on some men than on others, the Pope doesn't use his and a man gives it to his wife after they're married?'
Tom: 'SURNAME'

Ms. Neelam: 'What part of the man has no bone but has muscles, has lots of veins, like pumping, & is responsible for making love?'
Tom: 'HEART.'

The principal breathed a sigh of relief and said to the teacher, 'Send this boy to the University, I got the last ten questions wrong myself..."

Just like all of us including YOU. =)

The Worthy Concert Experience.

2008-07-19T01:22:00.002+08:00

Why do we go for concerts? What is an appropriate concert experience?

A concert is an experience for two groups of people; the more obvious group is the audience, and the less obvious group would be the musicians themselves, be they opera singers, wind band musicians or rock band guitarists. But in this article, I will attempt to discuss the concert experience from the viewpoint of the audience.

Let me recount my personal experiences of concerts. I started going for concerts when I was in Secondary Three, which was also when I took up the music elective programme. Introduced to orchestral and piano concerts which were part of the modular experience, I began to go for concerts on my own too, which included band concerts and the occasional avant-garde music concert. Now during my study in NAFA it is even better. Every Wednesday afternoon is a ‘Music Platform’ of student recitals from different departments, like piano, woodwind etc and every fortnight, on Monday nights, there would be a commuter concert which would feature non-students in recital. These concerts are all compulsory for us music students to attend. Not that I mind anyway.

Let me categorise my concert experiences into three categories; the casual/fun experience, the professional experience, and the sleepy experience. The casual/fun experience usually refers to school band concerts, where there would be an ‘auto-encore’ and full of fans cheering and screaming for their friends in the band. The professional experience usually refers to more professional groups like the Philharmonic Winds and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, where the audience is more reserved and standard etiquette applies, including dressing up appropriately for the concert. Lastly the sleepy experience is for the extremely unprofessional and/or boring concert…

Now I come to the main issue; what exactly do we go to concerts for? I have seen many kids who attend a concert because they are forced to by their teacher or school to attend, and these kids make a boisterous lot, playing with their PSPs, their handphones, listening to their own music from their personal mp3 player. There are also those who go to a concert and frown at every single little mistake that the player(s) make. I once had a young horn player sitting in front of me in a concert and when the horn player on stage played flat for a moment, the one sitting in front of me banged his head on the chair in agony as if he only came to the concert for that single moment and it had been ruined. There are also people who would rush to compete and see who can applaud the quickest right after the silence ensues, and this often causes much disturbance in between movements and ‘false’ endings. And all this undesirable behavior is not only seen in the casual/fun environment, but even in the professional concert environment.

So what do we attend concerts for? Do we really go to concerts to do all the things stated above? I personally feel that when we attend a concert, we should immerse ourselves in the present moment and simply enjoy and observe our own reactions towards the music. Surely there are mistakes in every concert; no human being is perfect, much less an entire organization of musicians on stage! And when we manage to appreciate the real concert quality, we would emerge from the concert content, no matter how badly the group has performed. After all we have paid our way to the hall, and to pay for two hours of pointing out every single mistake is simply ridiculous.

Thus the cliché ‘Sit back, relax and enjoy’ really applies here. Yes, we learn from concerts and their good and bad points, but to ruin our own concert experience by making it difficult for ourselves is plain ridiculous. Let’s just simply enjoy the concert! :D

P.S. here's my collection of every single programme booklet i've taken from all the performances i've been to! XD

Classic Country Music!

2008-07-17T23:00:00.002+08:00

Hey People! Just a short (but extremely funny) video for all of you.

Hope you guys out there enjoy it!

Sorry...

2008-07-13T19:57:00.002+08:00

Ok, apparently, my previous post was deleted because too ...umm...whats the term....Unfriendly.
So i've decided to first of all apologize to everyone for my unfriendliness and then try my hand at a repost.But you guys have got to understand my frustration on this matter, this policy(if i may) , i've been trying to enforce it for quite some time. So in this here repost, i guess i'll have to give u not only the rules, but the logic behind them, maybe that'll work

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New post starts here
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1) No bags in Band store
Logic: It is really very unsightly that bags are strewn all over the floor in the band store sometimes, under tables, on chairs etc etc. So, me and Mikey have already cleared up a quater of our image cupboard to be used as a storage space for bags. This rule though applies to Excos and section-leaders only, because they have added responsibilities and thus, may need easy access to their bags.

2) No Shoes on Band Store Floor
Logic:Once again, same thing, easy access, added responsibilities etc etc. Also, it was a huge mess of shoes in band store we took over, after lots of 'reminders' i've successfully dwindled the number to about 5 pairs on a good day, though a marked improvement, i'd like to strive for the perfect score.I'm okay with the shoes being on the shelves, just make sure its nice and orderly, not a strewn mess.

3) After having sectionals or personal practice in the Band Store, keep the stands and arrange the chairs to an orderly position.
Logic: This rule is meant for aesthethique purposes.

4) Instrument Cases in our as near to shelves as possible, this goes out to Tian Howe and his Bari Sax case.
Logic: enough said

I am willing to perform bag checks, any "unauthorized" bags will sadly be evicted.
Shoes Too
Section Leaders remember to clear up
Once again, I'm sorry.

Upcoming Practices

2008-07-07T20:20:00.002+08:00

Hi everyone!

Band practices are as usual for the following dates:

10/7 -- Thursday
11/7 -- Friday

Please note that the following practices are very important as our Guest conductor, Mr David Gloss, would be coming to take us.

Please be reminded that no one is to be absent UNLESS they have valid reasons.

If not, let us give Mr Gloss a good impression of CHSSB!

Enjoy what's left of your Youth Day holiday!

YOUR comments reflects yourself...

2008-07-03T21:52:00.002+08:00

YOUR comments very well reflects what kind of a person you are..

Trust me, the sentence above is very true..

I believe all Catholic High School Symphony Band memebers are all gentlemen.

So please, if you have comments about anything in this band, by all means express yourself! HOWEVER, please have the self-discipline to maintain proper decorums on the tagboard and on posts.

ESPECIALLY the Secondary 3s.

If you don't, you WILL face the consequences. Oh believe me, I can easily find out who you are. And I don't want to give examples. (YES, "aluminus" I already know who you are..)

So please, control yourself. The blog is for you to express yourself in a civilised manner.
Let me emphasise myself: Punishments will be meted out.

Let me end this with a solemn note.
THINK before you act. Especially in the band blog.

POP Video (Part One)

2008-07-02T18:07:00.003+08:00

Hope you guys enjoy it!

Band Practice

2008-06-29T22:08:00.002+08:00

Attention to all:

There will be no band practice tomorrow (Monday 30/6/08).
This includes the Sec 1s as well.

However, you are highly encouraged to come down tomorrow for self-practice or for sectionals.

Do pass this message around.

Band practice will resume on Thursday 3/7/08.

Enjoy what's left of your Sunday.

Benjamin Huang

POP interview

2008-06-29T19:45:00.000+08:00

More Lame Jokes..

2008-06-26T22:05:00.003+08:00

Yo people! These are jus some jokes to take you off your busy mind..

QUOTE: A day without laughter is a day wasted

Two peanuts were walking down a spooky road at night... One was assaulted.

What do you call a fly with no wings? A walk.

Two ropes walk into a bar. The bartender says to the rope "Hey! we don't serve ropes in here" so one of the ropes left. The other rope frayed up his hair and tied himself in a knot. The bartender said to the rope "Are you a rope?" and the rope said " I'm afraid not"

Why was the Tomato blushing? Because he saw the salad dressing.

A frog is looking for a loan, so he goes into a bank. He sits down at a desk and the name plate says "Patty Whac". He talks to Patty about the loan and she asks him what he has for collateral. The frog replies well I have this vase. He pulls the vase out of a bag to show her. Patty says "well thats just a cheap knick-knack". Then the owner notices the vase and says to himself "gee that's from the 17th century, it's worth tons of money" So he walks over to patty and says "Thats no knick-knake Patty Whac give the frog a loan".

A termite walks into a barroom and asks, "Is the bar tender here?"

How do you catch a squirrel? Climb into a tree and act like a nut.

Why didn't the skeleton cross the road? Because he didn't have the guts to do it.

Why didn't the chicken cross the road? Because he was too chicken.

What do John the Baptist & Winnie the Pooh have in common? Their middle name.

Why are there so many Smiths in the phone book? They all have phones.

What lies at the bottom of the ocean and twitches? A nervous wreck!

Why don't cannibals eat comedians? Because they taste funny.

"Waiter! This coffee tastes like mud." "Yes sir, it's fresh ground."

What's brown and sticky? A stick.

How do you catch a unique rabbit? U Neaq up on it.

How do you catch a tame rabbit? Tame way, you neaq up on it.

W hy do they put bells on cows? Because their horns don't work!

Two sausages are in a pan. One looks at the other and says "Gee, it's hot in here." and the other sausage says "OH MY GOODNESS IT'S A TALKING SAUSAGE!"

Upcoming practices..

2008-06-22T14:30:00.003+08:00

Hey people!

This is just a reminder to all of you out there that there WILL be Band practices next week.

Just in case, the dates are:

23rd June, Monday

26th June, Thursday

27th June, Friday

As for the time, for sec 1s and 2s, come down at 2.30pm, because your lessons end at 1.40.
Sec 3s, non-triple science, come down at 2.30 also, if your lessons end at 1.40. if your lessons end at 2.30, then come down at 3.00.
For triple science, come down at 3.00.

If you have any remedials or lessons (especially the sec 3s), PLEASE, inform the leaders or the teachers-in-charge earlier. Same goes for the Lower Secondary.

Yups, and don't forget to take your lunch as well!
Enjoy what is left of your holidays!

Percussion Tutorial

2008-06-16T00:12:00.004+08:00

To all percussion members, please be reminded that there will be percussion tutorial, on the 1st week of Wednesday that school reopens (25/06), at 4.00 pm.

Do inform your other percussion members about this, especially the sec 1s, (Zhan Peng in particular).

Also, come punctually and remember to practise for ‘表演’during the holidays. Enjoy the rest of your holidays!

Benjamin

CHSSB

Aesthetique 2010 - Painting on Silence

Band Camp - Packing List

MY thoughts. (~PHS)

CJC TUNE IN 2009!

Updates

hey band.

Some thoughts.

Quotations.

Promoten.

Instrument Fixing

Attention all sec 4 band members

Holiday Practice schedule

Secondary 4 Band members........

Pandemonium and Chaos......

A source of Insipration

Our Deepest Gratitudes.

Concert Advertisement

Revisionist perspectives of the SYF. Or band for the matter

CHSSB - Our SYF 2009

SYF 2009

Leonard Tan's congratulations!

The Value of GWH

The First of April, Twenty Zero-Nine

One last lap

Upcoming Band practices ( Junior + Intermediate Band)

Leaders-Competant?

Anyone?

Singapore Youth Festival Balloting

Concert Advertisement

Okay people, Its game time.........

ACJC Concert Ad

Mr Tan's Message

Apologies and Misconceptions.

Shining Eyes

Important Notice

Blogging.

Concert Advertisement

Updates on Contacts

Morning Prac...Starting on Thurs

Jan 5th, Monday

rawr........Happy New Year band! X)

Happy new year all!

Creating It Perfect

Leadership

Mr Leonard Tan!

VJC Concert-- My Reflections.

Words from your dear Band Major L... X)

Funny Video

Faith, Hope, and Love.

The Day

Advertisement.

Band Camp Reflections 08

Band Camp 08' After Reflections

Band Camp '08 -- My Reflections

Packing List for Camp (with $$ included)

Get ur Secion tee done!

An upcoming concert by most beloved alumni

Evelyn Glennie Speaks

Band Camp Packing List

Recorded and Live Performances.

SYF Important Details

Practice begins again

Premiere!

*Urgent* Immediate instrument recall

Scores

Tank!

Tips for aspiring (and even professional) conductors!

Golden Jubilee

Skills of A Modern Conductor.

~Important Announcement~

Some Notes.

IMPORTANT!!Section COmpetition stuff

~A teenager's view of Heaven~

Horn

The Day.

National Day 2008 *WOOTS*

Attendance

DO OR DIE!!!

Random Wind Quintet

Urgent Immediate instrument recall

National Day 2008 WOOTS