Hello guys, soooooo SYF's on 7th April, which means 1month-2days, as of today. Let's start with thinking about our current standard, as an individual. Are you putting that 101th percentile? Are you giving it your all? Though we may be improving, the sound the judges are looking for isn't present. Think about how you, personally can improve, how you can move up to the next level. Remember that you're doing a favour to Sir, the teachers, and most importantly, to the band. As Mr Chan says, it takes only one girl to spoil the sound.
Next, think about our standard as a band. Are we working together? First, as a part (eg.tutti 1st clarinet, second trombone), then as a section, then with people of the same/similar parts, then with the band. Sure, conflicts are bound to surface among section mates or among band members. But remember, dont let these minor disputes affect how much you practise. You may hate another, start tweeting/facebooking about how she pisses you off, and expressing your anti-band thoughts. But how would this change anything? It would only make you, and that person feel worse. You are all seniors, sec 2 to 4. Your juniors are all looking up to you guys, What would they think? Since my seniors do so, I can too. If they scold me, I'll show them evidence that they started it. Set a good example. You might not care how others see you, but the feeling isn't nice. The juniors are watching you.
Having discussed majority of the problems that aroused in our band, we have to work together as a band, We are a band. We are one, When one falls, all fall. When one celebrates, all celebrate. This is the kind of bond that are so strong in IJ, that no other school posses. We mustn't break this spirit, all the more make our graduated seniors disappointed. What happened in Sydney was in the past. It could have had been a nightmare to some, as well as a wake-up call to others. Do you want a repeat of Sydney? Answer this yourself. To achieve the shiny gold medal, we've got to cooperate with one another, with an open heart, and fulfil what we are supposed to be - a band. IJ concert band's THE BAND. Now's the time to live in harmony, to put aside our differences and stop habouring on unhappy thoughts!
TO SLs:
Bring your section to a higher level. Have faith in yourselves, and be confident about your decisions. You know yourself the best, so do what you think is right.
TO THOSE WHO JUST REALISED SYF'S REALLY NEAR, AND HAVENT STARTED PRACTISING YET:
You dont have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. Now's the time to put in your utmost, and give it your all! It's not about the number of times you had fallen, but how many times you bounce back up after you fall. Persevere and
TO THOSE WHO FAILED AUDITIONS:
It's how you deal with failure that determines how you achieve success. Don't be put off, and dont lose hope, think positive!
TO THOSE WHO HAVE UPMOST CONFIDENCE IN THEMSELVES (it's not smth to be ashamed of):
Stand with people not above yourself. Guide those around you, and remember, complacency KILLS!
Well, i hope i didnt bore any of your cute little brains, give it serious thought alright? WE.CAN.DO.THIS. Have faith, hope and love in ourselves, our juniors, our seniors and ultimately our band! Dont give up and make full use of our time, andddddd GET THE GOLD!
Lastly, I end off with Mr Leonard Tan's favourite phrase. " Practise like you're the worst, but play like you're the best".
WITH LOVE, Senior comm!
p.s. remember to get those warm fuzzies (love letters) ready by band camp!
