Sunday, October 19, 2008
@1:30 PM
Da Capo 08
While playing the medley in the concert, I was overwhelmed by the beautiful memories the wind symphony shared with Mr Tan during the past 2 years, particularly how he brought the band to this great height with his music passion and inspirations.
I always looked forward to every rehearsal and concert under the tutelage of Mr Tan, even if it means to sacrifice my late classes occasionally in order not to disrupt the practice sessions. Band rehearsals with him are nothing less than challenging ourselves constantly, with great music compositions and transcriptions like Poema Alpestre, Pictures in the Exhibition, Merry Wives of Windsor, Planet Earth and Extreme Makeover.
At the end of each rehearsal, more importantly, I would take away with me some priceless learning pointers he shared generously with us. Some of these include:
“A piece of music is not about playing it fast or slow, loud or soft, but rather, whether it is played interestingly.” He would then quote the example of a famous conductor who conducted Vienna Philharmonic on “Beethoven’s Symphony No.8” at a tempo half of Allegro, yet he made the piece came alive.
His favourite quote of “music is created in between the notes.”
“Air is free. Breathe in as much as you can and exploit it.” He quoted this from Arnold Jacob, encouraging us to play good and broad tone.
“When a composer writes a piece, he has the right to ask for the best soloistic players to perform the solo parts well. So it’s not about giving chance (to people who’s not skilful enough to play solo). The fact is that when they’re in the band, they’re already given the opportunity to play in it.”
“When the note is not in tune, always suspect that you are the one who go out of tune.” I particularly like this quote cos’ it taught me an important lesson in life that when things go awry, one should not always put the blame on others, but instead, self-reflect.
Though I’m sad that Mr Tan’s leaving the wind symphony, I feel happy for him that he’s going overseas to upgrade himself musically. I wish him all the best in his doctorate studies in US.
Yearn for the days of innocence
@1:28 PM
We gonna miss this remarkable man! ):
Yearn for the days of innocence
@1:24 PM
After Da Capo, things may change. Besides Mr Tan’s departure, some of my friends will not be around too. At least I know, for my section, KJ and TW will not be around. The former will be going to UK for training and the latter will be busy with his work in Japanese Co. Myself? I’m not sure whether I’ll still be playing with the wind symphony after this concert..):
I so gonna miss my section. Like what KJ said, Clarinettists are the best bunch of people around. I’ve to add, particularly nusws clarinettists. I’ve never been so gum with my section (besides musart clarinet section during the wmc) like how gum I am now with these bunch of fun-loving people. You know, I was truly overjoyed when my mom granted me the permission to supper with the section the night after our last rehearsal as well as after Da Capo. The latest night I stepped into my house was the supper at Holland V’s 24 hrs Swensens after Da Capo. I clocked in at 2.15am. :x
BUT I know there gonna be a section outing to M’sia. If time and parents allow, I would definitely join them for the fun and reunion. (:
Yearn for the days of innocence
@1:22 PM
Yearn for the days of innocence
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
@8:45 PM
Random
Often, I wonder why it is so hard to erase certain unpleasantries from my memory...
And I learnt, that once a person is deeply hurt, she carries the scar with her forever. Maybe not for a lifetime, but at least for a very long time like 10 yrs?
I realised that sadly, most of my unpleasantries are somehow related to my secondary school.
But I'm glad and grateful to have a very good sec school friend who walked me through these. We hardly meet nowadays but we're close at hearts.
Thank you, my friend (:
Yearn for the days of innocence
Monday, October 06, 2008
@6:31 PM
Knighting of KJT and Ladifying of Ms J
Haha. How apt the theme for our gathering was right? I guess only the group knows what's going on.
I feel as if I haven't seen my Royal family (Maybe I'm not counted a part of it. Cos' I'm just a civilian for now. hahaha) for ages.
Oh well. Indeed. Cos I missed one or two gatherings and the last Bintan trip with them. But! I'm so so so looking forward to a short getaway with these bunch of fun loving people to KL this December. Yayyy!! It's weird as to why my parents would allow me to scale Europe with the band but shake their heads to short trips with friends. Anyhow, I finally get their consent to it!
We can continue to build our fairy tale story there alright!? And pls my dear King, I don't want to be sim mo mo.
Yearn for the days of innocence
@6:30 PM
Yearn for the days of innocence
