was a BLAST!!! (: (: This is the best concert I ever had so far in my entire band life!

Planet Earth Movement III, bar 246 onwards was simply overwhelming. I could feel the entire wind orchestra baring their hearts to the Finale as the music passages heightened with peaks after peaks. Coupled with Mr Tan's expressivo conducting, each and everyone of us acting as an individual soloistic player, reached out to the 900+ audience in the UCC concert hall with our utmost sincerity in music-making.

Indeed, the 50-mins masterpiece by Johann De Meji touched the hearts of many. We received a round of applause that lasted for at least 15 seconds (I guess?) and unexpectedly, a mini standing oviation. I was sincerely touched to actually see people standing up to acknowledge the excellence we've shown in our performance; What's more in a country like Singapore where people are generally more reserved in expressing their liking for a concert. I thought Besana, Italy was the only place we could get standing oviation from the audience. I nearly nearly broke down in tears at the sight of it. I believe this is a kind of achievement that every musician would dream of after committing long hours of hardwork to make a mere 2hrs long of concert a success. "40 hours for our 40th Anniversary." I'm glad our dream came true. (:

I'm still feeling pretty high from the concert though it's been 2 days since the end of Intempo 2008, and I just came back from holiday-ing in Jakarta (Not exactly holidaying; Went to attend dear's ABRSM Dip. Award Ceremony at Jakarta).

Intempo 2008 was truly spectacular and memorable. I wonder if I would experience another concert like this again...

To digress abit. I would like to thank dear for giving me the bouquet of flowers he received from the orchestra as a form of appreciation for conducting Crescent and Stars. But that was done in a rather high profile manner though. I was absolutely taken by surprise! (: And I would also like to thank my cousin who turned up unexpectedly for the concert to show his support! Not forgetting dear's parents and others like Lai Yee and her husband, Kailing, Huizhen, my NTUSB juniors and dear's students who took time out to watch the performance. In addition, I would like to extend my appreciation to all my Clarinet section mates who never fail to make me feel at home though I am a guest player. And our Maestro Tan for his inspirational guidance. He's the best mentor I've ever come across so far. Without him, we wouldnt have this golden opportunity to perform Planet Earth.

Oh no. Now that Intempo 2008 over, I suddenly feel very empty. A little aimless maybe cos' I used to look forward to band practices weekly. :( :(