Beloved members of CHIJ Concert Band,
In the midst of heavy readings and homework that pile up like the snow outside my house, I decided to take a break and watch the Faith, Hope, and Love concert. And boy, the video did bring back loads of wonderful memories! It was a truly meaningful and unforgettable concert, and who else can I thank but you and your teachers in charge for making that night such a terrific one! I could see you putting your heart and soul into every note, and you all demonstrated the true ij band spirit, just like you did in Genting, SYF 2007, and Beijing! I really like and remember with fondness how tightly knitted you are as a band. I am truly proud of each and everyone of you and pray that you will maintain this wonderful spirit and keep the passion for music alive!
Time really flies and it has been more than a month since I left for the USA. I still remember the last practice, how you played Dona Nobis Pacem for me one last time, and how we had a great time taking pictures and eating pizzas! I still remember all your gifts and love, and they never fail to pull a smile on my face! I remember the group of girls who stood at the carpark to see my car leave one last time from the gates of IJ! But you know something?Though I have left, my heart and spirit is always with you! I pray for you, pray for your band, and believe that God will guide the way for you!
Mr. Clarence Tan and Mr Chan has been updating me and I am happy to hear that you are making good progress. Congratulations! You amazed the audience in SYF 2007 and I am sure you will too, in SYF 2009! It's not all about winning but the strive towards excellence! I have complete faith in each and every single one of you and am sure that you will leave the SYF stage feeling proud about your work!
Before concluding, I would like you to know three things.
Firstly, I want you to know how blessed we are to have Mr Clarence Tan lead the band. I well remember my primary school days where he was my esteemed senior that I looked up to. He's a fine musician who genuinely cares for his students, and I have not a single shadow of doubt that you will benefit greatly from him! Secondly, I want you to know that you have amazing teachers in charge who put in more than what you see on the surface. They give the extra mile and without them, the band would not have achieved the three consecutive gold awards over the past 3 years.
Finally, I want you to know that IJ band is a great band! And every band girl that makes IJ band is a wonderful person filled with enthusiasm and love for music! You have no idea just how proud I am of this band! You have no idea how happy I was when I saw last year's sec 4s flocking to VJ to play with the band after O levels last yr! After O levels, they went for band - can you imagine!!!!! That's what touches me the most, an intense love for band, for music, not medals or papers, just that simple love for music! Believe that you are great band,because you are one! Music lives in me, and you - go........IJ BAND!!!!
Fondly from the USA,
Mr Tan :)
