Saturday, December 24, 2005
12:58:00 am
Fairfield Symphonic Band
Yes, i am going to do it,no one's stopping me. This entire blog entry will go to my beloved secondary school band. Say whatever you want, i don't care. Ya, i am gay whatever. argh. Paranoid, sorry.
Ok, I was just thinking, how much i have really give to this band and how much more have this band gave back to me. Much more. Set me thinking, really. Thinking of when i first came. just a little boy sitting in the middle of that once pink band room. Feeling so ever small in it listening to the teachers and the conductor then, Ms Yip, talking to us. Looking at the great seniors walking in and out busy with their instruments and stuff. I still remember the first day i was assigned to a trombone. A deep sense of reluctance and rejection. (trombone was never a popular instrument you see). But it sticked with me. Even till now, i love it, totally, nothing suits me better. That was my budding band days. I dreaded band so much. I was the lousiest. Can't read a single note and don't even know what a clef is. Always thought my life's turning for the worst for the 4 years in band.
Then something significant changed my life at a point in time. Then my hardwork and slogging in band paid off. I was narrowly selected to play for 2003 SYF. Totally God's grace that i was able to join the main band at around March that year, supposingly one month before the SYF. So i worked real hard with much help from Sarah, my then SL, and many of my beloved seniors. The SYF was then postponed due to SARS. So SYF was in July. By many blessings, we got the Gold Award playing Overture Jubiloso. We went mad. REAL mad. Nearly thrashing the band room up. hehs. Was total joy. It simply cannot be put into words. It was really one of the happiest day of my entire life. I will remember it forever, that moment still lingers somewhere in my memory. But after that was many significant events to come. Turning points.
After SYF see the sec4s leaving and the joining of my batch into the main band. At this period, Ms Yip left FSB after nearly 15 years of dedication and love. Mr Ong and Ms Sia came in and took over the baton. It was first met with many rejections and anger. However, as time heal all wounds and the band was back up again. It was the turning point of FSB for another era of music making.
Not long after another batch's graduation, i was offered and appointed the post of Band Major along side with my nothing less than awesome exco. From the start of office, we had one hell lot of a time together, going through numerous crazy moments and senseless fun. *grins* During this period we went for the 6th Asian Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble Competiton held in Bangkok, Thailand. Even though we didn't win anything in the end, it was a great experience and the band really grew from there. Great fun and experience.
Then came the SYF. The band worked hard, no doubt. No one complained about the numerous practices. They were so packed with band, almost 6 days a week. There was once we had 15 days of continuous including sundays. Reharsals at SCH till late nights. We were all tired. I could see they are all physically and mentally drain. But no one complained. They just push it through. You guys were nothing less that great. Really...
Everything boils down to the love for FSB simply. I am not sure if what i think is really true. But if it is, tell me, if it's not, let me live in my own wonderland. Thanks. I can say everyone from FSB at that time who pushed through the thick and thin, really love the band and each other. Cause i do. The synergy was so strong, everyone could understand everyone. Everyone cared for everyone. Nothing seemed to be too tough for us.
It was a Silver. But it was ok. It was more than an award to us. We won each other. It was an experience more than anything can give.
Even though both SYF i attended ended in tears of very different reasons, it's really alright to me at the end of the day. Even though I am of course not contented with a silver, but we have to make do with whats what. Nothing can change the results now, we have to accept.
At the end of the day, there are tons and tons of people i wana thank at the end of the day after this 4 years. My dearest section seniors for all 4 years. Joshua Sum, Xian Yong, Bing Han, Sarah, Hannah, Yunling, Valerie, Babara. Some may already lost contact or was never really close but you guys played so much a part of me in band. Of course older seniors that helped in my playing and many areas, people like Dale, Amos so on, they have inspired me to carry on harder. People i get to know through FSB.
My section mates and juniors, Shilei, Lynette, Issac, Sufrie, Amos, Li lin, Handy, Jia rong, Nikki and Alister. Thanks so so much for everything making a huge mark in my life. Of course to the other FSB seniors and juniors. Too much to be named. But i am sure if you know who you are, you know i really thank all of you for making me whole. Exco and everyone. Of course the teachers for the band that had cross my life in so many point in time. Never failing in giving to the band silently behind the scenes. Thank you all so so much. Really.
May FSB continue it's long journey of music making. I really wish well for the band. And may overtures be part of all their lives. Many seniors have put in much effort here. Carry on and look for your own memories. It will be great. really...Have we all seen so many farewell for so many seniors, little did i expect mine to come so soon... I had fun, we all did. Well done, Thanks all.
My longest entry, For Fairfield Symphonic Band (FSB)
*P.S. If you are STILL reading, thanks. for putting up for my nagging. hehs.
Martin -
