khaiyuen

A memory

2009-10-17T16:18:00.002+08:00

http://khaiyuen.blogspot.com/2008/10/da-capo-2008-tribute-to-mr-leonard-tan.html

Distant Worlds

2009-05-27T16:37:00.001+08:00

I am a big fan of Final Fantasy.

Distant Worlds is a concert featuring only Final Fantasy music. So, I have no reason not to go.

Row FF, good row.

Overall the concert was wonderful. Nobuo Uematsu means perfect music. Like Dennis said, “He is god.”

But I was not so satisfied with the orchestra itself.Yes, they are very good players. Yes, they played all correctly. But I just didn’t feel the correct feel from the orchestra. Except the piano solos, simply perfect.

And like Dennis said, the choir and the orchestra didn’t match together. Quite a disappointing feel.

It was the videos that reminded me all the memories. Most of the time I was watching the CG, the orchestra only served as background music. Nostalgic.

The queue to get autographs.

Earth Hour

2009-03-28T15:58:00.000+08:00

http://www.earthhour.org/news/sg%3Aen

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

The earth need your attention. Just switch off your light during that hour.

Star gazing, anyone?

Crisis of Credit

2009-03-23T22:44:00.001+08:00

The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.

Thanks Cloud for sharing (via facebook).

InTempo 2009

2009-03-22T11:46:00.004+08:00

It is finally over!

I think I am more and more getting to used to being a soloist. I notice a change of mindset (don't think is applicable for all soloist, maybe just me), that I am getting more "don't care" about what is happening behind me when I am playing solo. In fact, sometimes I find it difficult to play my solo if the people behind me are too loud. I think is kind of selfish.

The concert was a lot better than what I imagined would be. Especially after the band prac during tuesday.

Maybe the rehearsal at afternoon was too long. After Puszta (only one song), I felt very tired. But lucky I don't need to play the other two pieces.

Vesuvius, they said was still quite messy, sounded quite ok to me in backstage. Just don't know how it sounded in audience.

Overall my solos are quite good (in my own opinion). Puszta ones are not really good, but that were "soli", not "solo". Maybe i just don't like the word "soli" in my score. Like I said, selfish "soloist" mindset.

Fantasy Variation solo was probably one of the longest and most difficult part for English horn for all the band pieces. I took months to prepare for it, and it does pay off. And yes the word is "relax". In fact, I was so relaxed that two bars before my solo, when Zi Xian playing his bass clarinet solo, I still not prepared to play my solo. Then just one beat before, I thought, "eh, it's time." Then I lift up my English horn, played the first triplets, and it suddenly made sense. It felt like I am watching myself playing it, without my own intervention. Somehow it reminded me of Planet Earth solo, the very first solo I played under Mr Tan, which had the similar feeling. The only difference is that I can handle the instrument much better now. I guess it is the power of banana, which I called "banana effect". After a few notes, then I started to feel, "yes, this is it", The feeling that the whole thing is just right. Then after a while, I started to feel want to cry. I was actually impressed by myself. The feeling is so intense that after the finish of the variation, I am still in the emo state. "This is really the best I can give", I told myself. Like I said to Mr Kang, "I don't care what others will think, I am impressed by myself, and that's all I need."

I am hoping for another long solo next sem!

陌生又熟悉

2009-03-11T23:22:00.000+08:00

原来，陌生又熟悉的感觉，才是最吸引人的……

Clarification

2009-03-10T22:10:00.003+08:00

First thing I wanted to say is, why did the last post was post. Because I was stressed. And my only way to cope with stress (especially at 2am) is to blog and to write out my feeling, even though I know how negative the effect can be.

So when I calmed down, and look back, I realise that the post itself is not fair to the exco member.

So I want to clarify:

The whole thing was actually a major misunderstanding involving many many parties. No point explaining now, because it's really solved and over.

Don't blame or accuse the exco members for any reasons I mentioned. Like I said, no blame on them. They really try to do things and make the band a better place. Love them, like how I do! They are nice people (like how I was when I was in exco)!

I do have something to say about the system. The problem is (I just concluded this out of myself, might not be true), the band had not had a full time English horn player like me before, and had only one player on oboe for long long time. So, when suddenly more oboists joined in, and then came me (the reeds eater), the resource suddenly became not enough. Therefore, there were problems, which I had been swallowing for sems. And then, one day, I exploded. What I didn't realise is, they are already working hard in solving this problem. So, see, they are good people!

So, hope you can understand the mistake I did in the last post. (it was 2am and I couldn't sleep anyway, the brain was functioning at -20%).

Let's make the band a better place!

Tired

2009-03-09T01:47:00.004+08:00

This is something that really bothers me. I don't know whether is acceptable to put up here, but I need to voice out. Shoot me if you want, I am used to it.

When it comes to music, everyone knows that I am very passion in it.

Such like practicing everyday, making noise at CFA everyday. Obviously people are not happy with it, but it doesn't hurt the passion.

But ever since I started English horn in 2008, I had another big problem, which not many people may realise. Politic, as I would call it. I think no one knows, but I hate politics as much as I love music.

Reeds problem. I practice so hard, that my reeds usually wear out in 2 to 3 months, not as long as one year as people "commonly known". And when it comes to buying reeds, I have another problem.

Money problem. Obviously the band doesn't have enough money, always. Every single sem, I got my reeds and got arrows such like, "Why you buy reeds??? You know we don't have money???", or, "Why you never tell me you buy reeds??? You know we don't have money???"

At one time, I dug out my own money just to buy two reeds. $70. Gone in 3 months (more or less expected).

Being in exco before, I know exactly what kind of problem they are dealing with. That's why, I never blame them (except when they scold me).

But when Tess told me that she got scolded because I just got 2 new reeds, my mind changed. I guess you understand the feeling of seeing another person being accused when it's really nothing to do with her. Then I started to think a lot.

She also told me that I may need to pay the reeds by myself. Then I started thinking a lot more.

The first thing is, I have the money to pay for the reeds, but am I really supposed to pay for it? Like someone just told me, the band should bear the responsibility to supply any needs for musicians. And what I always think is, musician should really just focus on the music making and no need to worry about accesories. Obviously I am the only one who is suffering in this, simply because my reeds are far too expensive.

And then I think, I actively search for a better instrument (for those that don't know, I am using NUSSO instrument, which is 10 times better than ours), and always got scolded for reason I don't want to reveal. I practice a lot to improve, for the sake of both myself and the band, and I always got scolded by our very own people, "shut up" (ok, not that direct, but you know, my intepretation always fail). I even trouble myself by taking the instrument everywhere I go so that I can practice easily.

Then I started to feel tired. And sicked of it. The trigger is really still the reeds problem. Thinking of having to deal with reeds problem every single sem made me really unmotivated. And disappointed. Thinking of the stress that is on Tess, made me really unhappy.

I know is the system, not the people. Like I said, no blame on exco and anyone else. That are certainly something that they cannot do, like money. But I don't see the point of paying the reeds myself. Not when I am playing only for the band, for the concert, and for the band to earn money from the concert. I cannot even convince myself that it is a money to pay for the band. $70 a sem? That sounded too much for me. And I haven't counted in the money that comes from my family members that are going to watch the concert. Ok, that is not really related, so I never count in anyway.

Then I started to think of the solution to this.

The most easy way to think, is simply not playing English horn anymore. It sounded a bit extreme, but for me, it may be the best way. Go find another player that can afford the reeds himself, or a player that can use a reed for more than a year. Then the band no need to afford too many reeds, and a happy ending. Somemore, a lousy player like me are gone. Me? I can go back to flute, if they want to accept me. I hope they do.

The other way, is of course taking out $70 every sem from my bank. And every sem I got 2 new reeds, enough to practice, enough to perform. Happy ending. Or is it?

The other way, is to settle with the people. But then, it becomes really political, which I hate most.

I know, I am very demanding and troublesome and annoying, but I am just like that.

Maybe I should just start practicing back my flute skill so that the flute section can accept me.

Edit:
I forgot to add a really important point. I don't really want to deal this problem with the exco now is because I know they are very stressed at this moment, so I don't want to give them more problem.

Edit edit:
Case close. Happy ending.

07 March 2009

2009-03-07T15:51:00.000+08:00

When baby meets cat again.

My Maps

2009-02-27T23:33:00.001+08:00

Many people know I have bought a new phone. But not many people know why I bought it. Even fewer people know what it can do.

This is what my phone can do:

View Larger Map

In short, I took the BTC bus to NUS.

I recorded this route using the GPS system and “My Track” software.

The best thing about “google phone” (officially incorrect) is that can sync with google easily. Just like sending this track record, i just need to touch a few times, then done. All gone to my google account online.

27 February 2009

2009-02-27T23:20:00.001+08:00

When baby meets cat.

After death?

2009-02-25T22:51:00.001+08:00

I remember that I was in somewhere I don’t know. I remember was something like a corridor. Then I saw someone, who looked like me, staring mindlessly at me. I ignored.

Then I went into a lift behind that person. A lift so large that can lift up a whole car park space. There was another working lady inside the lift. I wanted to go to level 3. But when the lift started moving, I found myself lie down on the floor and grab on something very tightly. The lady asked me, “Why you grab like that?” but I didn’t answer.

The lift went up very quickly and didn’t stop for the level I wanted (level 3). Instead, it went higher and higher and getting faster and faster. Until a point, then it just crashed out of the lift space and landed somewhere.

Then I died. The next moment I found myself standing at some corridor and could not do anything except staring to the front. Then I suddenly realised, the person that stared at me was indeed myself. And also I noticed that no one can see my appearance.

After a seemingly long time, suddenly there was someone who can actually see me. It happened that the guy was the one who evaded the crash of the lift. And suddenly I can move.

Then I went to a lot of places, finding people that can see me. I found some of my friends, and some of them could see me, and helped me to reach out to the other people.

Then all became like fast-forwarded, and I can’t remember most of that. The only thing I can remember was that there was a girl who I liked. The weird thing is, the girl was under 1.5m, which was very short.

-----

As you can see, my dreams started to become very detail and illogical. In the same time, it was very clear and that’s why I can remember most of the details.

From childhood

2009-02-25T22:32:00.001+08:00

Deep in my mind, there are always a lot of things that I have been wanting since very young.

Something like a SLR, I had been wishing for it since very young, just without the chance to get one (but it was so long ago that I almost forgot). That’s why when I suddenly have the chance to get it, I bought it very fast.

Another thing deep in my mind (and I always know), is a handphone that has embedded keyboard, or with touch screen and fancy colours. And I am realizing my childhood wish real soon.

The only thing now I can think of that can make my deep mind complete, is a tablet PC. Not that kind with keyboard, but just a big touch screen. Something like a oversized iphone.

25 February 2009

2009-02-25T22:26:00.001+08:00

My cute cute nephew.

Bull (to torture)

2009-02-22T00:19:00.001+08:00

This is what I learned from discovery channel.

Brass players should watch this. This may be the ancient use of brass instruments.

There is actually a part that the guy scream through a trombone and produce low bull-like sound, but too bad isn’t in this video.

Diet coke + Mentos

2009-02-22T00:07:00.001+08:00

This is not exactly new or fresh. But I didn’t see this one before today.

Totally fun!

They bring experiment to another high level! Beyond experiment!

22 February 2009

2009-02-22T00:04:00.000+08:00

Comfortable. Erm… Should be…

V for Valentine’s

2009-02-13T23:35:00.001+08:00

So you know the day.

To celebrate with all (and to fill my blog with something), I need to give all a present!

But I am poor and poor and poor guy, so what I have are just flowers. No, don’t get me wrong, just photos of flowers.

13 February 2009

2009-02-13T22:24:00.001+08:00

Fireworks of CNY!

2009-02-08T21:06:00.000+08:00

人无法决定会为谁动心，但至少可以决定放不放弃……

Childhood Memories

2009-02-03T22:57:00.002+08:00

I had actually posted this before. Now that I hear it again, I am still in the same confusion as before.

I seriously need some comment on the tone of this cor anglais. Any comment.

Because honestly, I need to find a direction with my current instrument, which my previous direction fails to apply.

Machu Picchu

2009-01-30T23:11:00.000+08:00

Machu Picchu - Satoshi Yagisawa

Like Qicai and Edna said, it is a nice song.

Machu Picchu

2009-01-21T10:55:00.004+08:00

Sometimes when you dream, in the dream even though a place looks totally different, and you call it by a totally different name, you still know where it is.

I think, dreaming a place so far away means I have a strong urge to go there. For what reason? Maybe just to take a photo.

And it's not just a dream, it's a series of dreams related to this place.

This place in Peru, I wonder if I even have a chance to go in my lifetime.

It is not exactly pretty or nice, somehow it just stroke me.

Maybe I lived there in the past.

16 January 2009

2009-01-16T16:15:00.001+08:00

Cat and fish.

Cat and fox

2009-01-09T22:15:00.001+08:00

Cat and dog

2009-01-09T22:10:00.001+08:00

Mouse and Cat

2009-01-09T22:07:00.001+08:00

Simply amazing this is.

09 January 2008

2009-01-09T22:03:00.001+08:00

The cat and I.

New Year!

2009-01-05T19:30:00.001+08:00

I have not been writing for so long until I almost forgot I got a blog.

And yep, it’s a new year.

2009, you invaded my life!

Just hope that you can bring me a better life!

05 January 2008

2009-01-05T19:25:00.001+08:00

Kerachut

2008-12-21T16:56:00.001+08:00

Went to Kerachut Beach at Penang Island with my friends.

The walk to Kerachut Beach actually needs almost 2 hours.

And not just plain roads.

Super steep steps.

The scenery along the way was quite nice.

Super steep steps again. This time going down.

After 2 hours of walking:

And then we arrived at the beach.

We were expecting pretty girls with bikinis, not this.

A weird worm that drew our attentions.

Saw this at the “turtle research center”.

We went back to the entrance by boat.

The outside one.

Some people were fishing there.

21 December 2008

2008-12-21T14:38:00.001+08:00

Revolving Restaurant

2008-12-16T14:50:00.001+08:00

Due to a suggestion from my brother, we went to a revolving restaurant at Bayview Hotel at Penang the island.

A buffet costing RM50 each, the food is just acceptable.

What attractive is still the changing scenery.

I like the feeling of this photo. Taken using manual mode, then lighten using software to +2EV. The grainy effect actually add some feel to the atmosphere.

One thing about revolving restaurant is that the food is constantly moving away from you. Food lovers will not like this feeling, but I found that interesting.

After a calculation (engineering way), the platform completes a revolution in one hour.

Along the roofs are pictures of horoscopes.

Penang night scene isn’t quite exciting. Still, can feel a bit of relaxing mood and somehow enjoyable.

Komtar, the tallest building in Penang.

Everywhere is celebrating Christmas and New Year.

16 December 2008

2008-12-16T14:25:00.001+08:00

Side effect of playing with a cat.

New family member

2008-12-15T23:50:00.000+08:00

15 Decemcer 2008

2008-12-15T23:39:00.001+08:00

BMW

2008-12-11T19:58:00.001+08:00

As you can see, I am really bored here.

11 December 2008

2008-12-11T19:28:00.001+08:00

Penang laksa.

Bear

2008-12-10T23:31:00.000+08:00

10 December 2008

2008-12-10T23:21:00.001+08:00

Specs

2008-12-09T18:02:00.001+08:00

So I have reached home at Butterworth again.

Being too bored here, I played my camera with my brother’s spectacle.

09 December 2008

2008-12-09T17:46:00.001+08:00

After Philwind concert.

Orchard Christmas

2008-12-07T13:33:00.001+08:00

They said this year theme is Sweets.

And is not any other Sweets, is a family called Sweets.

Coming out of MRT:

Wheelock Place:

Shaw House:

Marriott Hotel and Tangs:

I think Tangs has the most beautiful lights, especially the blinking blue lights.

Lucky Plaza:

To be honest, the most boring one.

Paragon:

Tree-ful of dancers.

The Heeren:

Singapore Visitor Centre:

The Centrepoint:

The Heeren from opposite:

Ngee Ann City and Takashimaya:

Wisma Atria:

Plaza Singapura, taken one day before:

Christmas Feel at Vivo City

2008-12-06T11:10:00.001+08:00

So I went to Vivo City for dinner with my friends.

My Dinner.

There is a very big Christmas tree at Vivo City.

06 December 2008

2008-12-06T10:52:00.001+08:00

It’s December!

What’s next?

2008-12-05T18:19:00.001+08:00

Today went to Esplanade to treat someone, then bought a ticket for Philwind concert on Sunday.

$21 for circle 1 first row the centre-most seat. I don’t know what to say. Good seat? expensive? I just know I need to go because is really the last time to see Mr. Tan conducting.

And then went to buy bus ticket. Monday night.

So the following:

Later going Vivo to meet friends for dinner.

Tomorrow I planned to go Orchard Road to have Christmas feel before I go back.

Sunday, two concerts to attend. One is harp concert by Yeda and Jane, another one is of course the philwind concert.

Monday don’t know can go where, but most probably go CFA until night then go back.

And I am not feeling really comfortable now. Because of the hot weather.

Actually what bother me most is still about food. I am not exactly rich now, and quite difficult to find food. Maybe instant noodle everyday again.

Sienz.

End of story

2008-12-05T17:43:00.001+08:00

I forgot to talk about the end.

So yesterday I had my last paper in this year.

To celebrate the last paper, even though I finished everything at 2.30pm (including checking 3 times, write down everything that is not needed), I still stay in the exam hall for nothing.

Actually there are some reasons:

1. Raining outside
2. No where to go
3. Project meeting pending
4. Open book exam, so I can bring in everything, and can “read” my score to find back the concert feel.

Yup.

It’s much more easier than I thought (In fact, everyone of us thought). The reason being more than one third are MCQ questions.

Then my mother told me something weird about the exam. But I cannot say out.

Still just like every other exams, my life seems to be aimless again after it. What worse? The loneliness that follows.

05 December 2008

2008-12-05T17:33:00.001+08:00

It’s a Small World

2008-12-04T18:40:00.001+08:00

Now I understand how Mr. Kang felt.

After so long, that suspended note still can make my eyes warm.

Yup.

I realise I am missing Mr. Tan a lot already.

04 December 2008

2008-12-04T18:35:00.001+08:00

ME3162

2008-12-03T17:26:00.001+08:00

For an open book exam like this, I don’t feel much of the urge to study.

Moreover, the forum already teaches you everything. Like a big chunk of summaries of the chapters.

We do have a very good professor that can play flute quite well, unlike the ME3122 professors that I hated a lot.

The last one isn’t as tough as you might have expected. I even got time to read some novels and watch movies.

03 December 2008

2008-12-03T15:29:00.001+08:00

This still remains as my all-time-favourite picture of English horn.

Random

2008-12-02T20:25:00.001+08:00

Suddenly thought of linking pictures from my multiply account. Looks like it works.

Too bad cannot add stuff to the pictures, like my favourite reflection effect.

02 December 2008

2008-12-02T15:33:00.001+08:00

This is an abstract from the total abstract lecture note.

ME3122

2008-12-02T13:17:00.001+08:00

This was actually the module that I was most confident of, before I saw the paper.

As soon as I saw the paper, I knew 25% was gone.

One, out of four, of the questions I didn’t even learn before.

After the exam, I checked again IVLE, everywhere I can find, I still cannot find a single thing about the topic. No, there are something in the forum, but I can’t possibly learn anything from there.

The best thing is, all the people around me (except Mr. Kang) know about that, and I felt so lost.

They even said got tutorial questions about that. But, where was it???

Like Mr. Kang said, the lecturers sucks, the tutor sucks, and the exam is even more sucks…

Need For Speed Undercover

2008-11-30T20:31:00.001+08:00

The last thing you want to do during exam period is to be obsessed with a game.

Lucky I am able to finish it in one and a half day.

Somehow I feel quite talented in racing game.

Nah, maybe just because I had played the series for many many many times.

Da Capo 2008

2008-11-29T20:13:00.001+08:00

Obviously someone uploaded the songs.

I don’t know is who, but I really do appreciate that. Yup.

Thank you!

Da Capo 2008

Near lost

2008-11-29T13:18:00.001+08:00

I had a very bad incident today.

As the BTC bus reached OED bus stop, I jumped out of the bus, only after a moment to realise that I lost my wallet.

Total scare.

I had to run to Kent Vale, just in time to catch the BTC, which was just about to leave for another trip. And the wallet was lonely sitting there for me to collect.

Can’t imagine what will happen if I really lost it. By then the problem will not just be money crisis.

Missing

2008-11-29T13:11:00.001+08:00

I think I know why I am lonely.

I miss my English horn, something that can share my loneliness.

I always say English horn is lonely instrument, how true.

Love

2008-11-28T23:02:00.001+08:00

Love exists because people feel lonely, so they need to find someone to share the loneliness.

That’s the only “love theory” that I believe.

And don’t think too much, that doesn’t mean anything happen to me. Yup.

Money Crisis

2008-11-28T14:25:00.001+08:00

When the world is facing the economy crisis, so do I.

Only until now I realise my mother only gave me $600+ for this WHOLE SEM, and that’s during my birthday period, when she proudly said, “Go buy what you want for your birthday.”

So the result was, the $600 go to my rental fee, and I still live with my bank account alone.

No wonder my bank account gets smaller and dryer. I even thought that I have been spending too much. But no. Considering the hard works of trying to eat at canteen and instant noodles, I had been spending less than I thought.

So gone my macro lens fund. I was so near to it last time, like only 2mm away. Now I don’t even know whether I can survive for the next month.

And I haven’t paid my November rental fee, with not even enough money in my bank.

So, anyone knows any way to get money? Whether legally or illegally, I don’t care.

ME2151

2008-11-27T22:04:00.001+08:00

This is a module that I can’t even remember the name as people asked me. After digging my notes, now I know, “Principles of Mechanical Engineering Materials”. Isn’t that difficult to remember?

I usually refer to it as “the material module”. For Mr Kang though, he got it as “MLE”.

The best thing about this module? It’s like an essay+calculation module. Half of the questions I tackled like an essay module. Another half? Engineering method of course.

But that is still not yet the best thing. The even best thing? 30 marks of MCQ questions. Oh no, is 30 marks of true-false question. Like the best module in my entire NUS life. But, don’t think it’s that simple, is negative marking. Sad to say, our professor isn’t as stupid as we may think.

OK, so 3 down, 2 more to go!

Eh I didn’t talk about the fun thing, yet.

You know how many band people I met just now? OK, got me, Mr. Kang (the unavoidable – but very important!), Jama, Hui Lian, Zoey Tay, Lisabelle (eupho) and michelle (bassoon). Compare to Tuesday, only Xiuyu. Like 400% more! (Mr. Kang is not included in the formula)

So I was talking to Lisabelle last night. Because she was in the same hall as me, I said it would be fun if she would be at the last row, and if I would be at the first row. It happened that, she was really at the last row!

But how about me?

The LAST row!!!

Yup.

OK, enough for self-entertainment after exam. Time to get more entertainment. Do not expect me to study now.

27 November 2008

2008-11-27T15:57:00.001+08:00

This is what all of us feel. Life is only about exams.

Exam Blue

2008-11-24T00:21:00.001+08:00

It’s not new that every time during exam period that I will offend someone. At least make someone not happy.

Everyone that talked to me will either be pissed by me, or don’t want to talk to me anymore.

I think is the side effect of studying too much. Like overloaded engine vibrates unboundedly.

But my brain isn’t slow. It’s actually working too fast and crazy. By crazy I mean I will do anything that I didn’t know I will do. It’s only after I did something wrong then I realized that it was wrong.

I don’t have a good EQ.

Sad to be my friend.

So sorry my friends.

21 November 2008

2008-11-21T16:39:00.002+08:00

The handsome tuba-man is singing “la-la-la-la-la” (according to him). He is proud that there are a lot of his photos. He thinks that the cameraman likes him as much as how the cameraman hates me.

Amusing Windows Live Messenger Beta

2008-11-20T23:11:00.001+08:00

I know it’s exam period. I know, because I just had mine this morning.

But this is simply too fun for me to resist.

In the WLMB (look for the title if you don’t know what), you can actually choose the scene that you want. So you feel more personalized with your msn.

This is how it will look like.

The best thing among all, is that the contact that you are chatting with can see your personalized scene when having conversation with you.

This is how it will look like at the other side of the conversation.

After a bit of playing, I found the best combination. At least for me.

Nice, isn’t it?

Special Edition

2008-11-20T16:43:00.001+08:00

You see, for media, whether on paper or electronic, when something important happens, they will have a special edition.

So I have one, in dedication to the Windows Live Writer Beta. In fact, to play around with the features of it.

Including the very fun picture post-edit-upload all-in-one function.

Pink PSP and black PSP.

Aston Martin

Häagen-Dazs.

Windows Live Beta

2008-11-20T11:40:00.001+08:00

I have just changed my msn to Windows Live Messenger Beta and in the same time installed some funny softwares that are bundled with it.

A good example is Windows Live Beta Writer, that I used to compose this post and 3 previous posts. Very easy and interesting to use, I must say.

The Windows Live Messenger Beta itself is very nice looking and also interesting to know some of the interesting features.

One thing I wonder is that, since people usually use “Beta” term for unfinished software product, when will it be fully completed? And what will be added more?

Just simply interesting it is.

Exam diary

2008-11-20T11:17:00.001+08:00

One thing I learned from today exam is:

No, maybe not only today, but my long experience of handing in early:

That cheating in MPSH is far easier than you can imagine. Like every time when I want to hand in early, I have to use 5 minutes to look around to spot the nearest invigilator, and then wave for another 5 minutes hoping that he will see me. In some occasion I exceeds the golden 15 minutes and have to sit for another 30 minutes for nothing. MPSH should really improve the efficiency in preventing cheating and of course, in collecting early paper.

20 November 2008

2008-11-20T11:10:00.000+08:00

That’s the only photo of me during rehearsal from the official album from Mr Ben The Man (aka BTM). Forget the fact that I was sitting outmost. Like how pathetic. The photographer hates me, for sure.

HR2002

2008-11-19T23:29:00.002+08:00

So it’s our new round of exam again. Yup.

Tomorrow’s the first paper ever for this sem. I believe we are the first ever to use the MPSH also.

In dedication to this module that we can get A+ (you will know why later), we had this conversation:

khaiyuen says:
so how about tomorrow hr?

i n v i s i b l e says:
It's time to crap
hha

khaiyuen says:
did you even study something useful for it?
haha

i n v i s i b l e says:
well
I studied how to freaking answer the questions
that's the only thing useful
haha

khaiyuen says:
oh
i didn't even try to look at the questions

i n v i s i b l e says:
but please god
dont give me the mary and john conversation

khaiyuen says:
huh?

i n v i s i b l e says:
nice one

khaiyuen says:
what mary and john?
oops
seems like i missed a lot

i n v i s i b l e says:
mary: who I am determines how and what I learn
john: how and what I learn determines who i am
comment

khaiyuen says:
walauuu
lucky i never read the past year paper
if not will have total no confidence at all

i n v i s i b l e says:
in fact
the more you read
the more confidence you get
because
you realise that whatever anyone brings in won't help them at all
haha

khaiyuen says:
ohhh
i know that already
hahaha

i n v i s i b l e says:
ok what
so you must be full of confidence

khaiyuen says:
what crap
hahahaha
but well, talk about crapping
i believe that i am one of the best
wahahaha

i n v i s i b l e says:
indeed
looking forward to an A* from you

khaiyuen says:
and i believe you are nowhere lower than me
haha

i n v i s i b l e says:
indeed

khaiyuen says:
no lahh, turning crap to essay is not an easy job for me

i n v i s i b l e says:
looking forward to an A* on my transcript
bloody hell
we better not write too well

khaiyuen says:
huh?

i n v i s i b l e says:
if not the whole cohorde will fail sia

khaiyuen says:
ohhh

i n v i s i b l e says:
if got personal experience i am so gonna talk about leonard tan
hahaa
for winston lee to read

khaiyuen says:
ok
so we know what to talk about

i n v i s i b l e says:
ya

khaiyuen says:
hope that the examiner will not say we cheat
haha

i n v i s i b l e says:
the examiner
is him

khaiyuen says:
hahaha
anyway i am so glad that i didn't study much of this
except i read some of the articles in the ivle, which i thought quite useful
hahaha

i n v i s i b l e says:
the supplementary one ah?

khaiyuen says:
no
the main reading list
haha
i didn't try supplementary

i n v i s i b l e says:
just gonna bom anything and everything i know into the feaking paper la

khaiyuen says:
well you have to
hahaha
no choice
it's still an exam
haha

i n v i s i b l e says:
hope i can sia
dont like after the exam then realise I can write one more crap
best is crapping time crap everything out
EVERYTHING
like shitting
one mass
continuous
uninterrupted

khaiyuen says:
omg
i cannot stop laughing
shit liao
hahahahaha

i n v i s i b l e says:
tensile drawn

khaiyuen says:
hahahaha
hydraulic somemore

i n v i s i b l e says:
ya
like given birth

khaiyuen says:
hahahahaha

i n v i s i b l e says:
I foresee some cries of labour tmr

khaiyuen says:
yeah

i n v i s i b l e says:
intense
marcatissimo!

khaiyuen says:
then after exam like intense release

i n v i s i b l e says:
molto
allargando!!!!!!
GRRRRRRRRRrr

khaiyuen says:
then we start to sing it's a small world
hahaha

i n v i s i b l e says:
yay!

khaiyuen says:
which fits our theme of globalisation
hahaha

i n v i s i b l e says:
I think if you write the lyrics in the globalisation question
will get full marks
there is just one moon
and a golden sun

khaiyuen says:
wah seh
shit lah
i never know the lyrics
i just know "la la la la la"

i n v i s i b l e says:
you better go memorise
i remember winston say will come out

khaiyuen says:
hahahaha
really ah
shit lah, he bias, only give your class tips

i n v i s i b l e says:
ya
I tell him dont say already
but he say since i'm the first to ask him to go to the concert he give me one tip

khaiyuen says:
wei
i ask first lo
hahaha

i n v i s i b l e says:
sia la

khaiyuen says:
ok i am going to blog this conversation

i n v i s i b l e says:
wth
for what!!!

khaiyuen says:
as a dedication to our HR that we are going to get A+
yup
hahaha

i n v i s i b l e says:
freak out
can
but dont say my name
thankew

khaiyuen says:
ceh
i don't care
no privacy is concerned

i n v i s i b l e says:
nb

khaiyuen says:
wahleu

i n v i s i b l e says:
eh?

khaiyuen says:
eh what?

i n v i s i b l e says:
I think hor
the exam venue should provide like entertainment also

khaiyuen says:
what kind of entertainment?
invite NUSWS to play there while people doing paper?

i n v i s i b l e says:
like cutting hair

khaiyuen says:
wahlau
what is that to do with exam?

i n v i s i b l e says:
cause i'm thinking of cutting hair
but I dont wanna waste time
so cut hair and take exam together

khaiyuen says:
oh crap
then i want the service also
my hair also quite long already
haha

i n v i s i b l e says:
shit la

khaiyuen says:
what shit

i n v i s i b l e says:
let's invite one barber
one person cut one hour
swee not?
haha

khaiyuen says:
eh

i n v i s i b l e says:
9-10 i take

khaiyuen says:
idea leh

i n v i s i b l e says:
10- 11 you take

khaiyuen says:
ehhh

i n v i s i b l e says:
that is most exciting time to cut
rushing to finish and he cut your hair somemore
confirm give you new styles
eh tmr anything is allowed in right?

khaiyuen says:
hahahaha
errr
i hope so
don't tell me you are so going to bring in laptop
or tv
or psp
eh idea leh
i should bring psp

i n v i s i b l e says:
I'm freaking bringing in my violin
so that i cannot do
I makesure the rest cannot do also
i will irritate them to death
HAHAHAHHAHA
suckers
I will play my high A

khaiyuen says:
hahahahaha
ok

i n v i s i b l e says:
like in bursts
every like random time

khaiyuen says:
i will try to bring in my english horn, then can duet with you
wahahaha

i n v i s i b l e says:
so they will lose their train of thought
wah good one
but your tone too nice
cannot
bring in my tuba
and play your english horn note

khaiyuen says:
then later we both fail the paper even though we can get A+
hahahahaha
eh then we can play the james barnes third
featuring tuba and english horn

i n v i s i b l e says:
kena thrown out

khaiyuen says:
hahaha

i n v i s i b l e says:
damn good
the guys will be sobbing on their knees by the time we are finishesd

khaiyuen says:
wahahaha

02 November 2008

2008-11-02T09:51:00.001+08:00

Mr Tan's first and last concert with NYP.

Accomplishment

2008-10-27T23:52:00.004+08:00

I am so proud of myself today!

As the first day of my very organised timetable, I actually have a very good progression of studying today!

For example, I finished a 1 hour webcast in the morning, finished the entire radiation section from starting to ending in just one day, and watched an episode of top gear today!

The radiation part is actually the whole second half portion of the heat transfer module. I am not sure whether that crapper will upload more, but finishing them in one day just cannot make me less prouder.

Yup, the timetable is already showing its power!

TIme for a change

2008-10-27T23:44:00.006+08:00

Since I am 21 years and 7 days old, it is time to put in some changes.

The first one to change is the timetable.

So I have build a timetable for myself:

7.30am, wake up (if possible)

8.00am, eat breakfast (if really can wake up)

12.00pm, nap for half an hour (if possible)

2.00pm, lunch (if I don't oversleep)

7.00pm, dinner (if I can find food)

11.00pm, shower (if can reach home)

12.00am, sleep (if I can fall asleep)

So you can see that it's full of unknown and uncertainty.

I wonder how long this timetable will even be remembered (by me of course).

Nevertheless, it's a good sign that I have a more organised lifestyle! yay!

Public Holiday

2008-10-27T19:06:00.001+08:00

I hate public holiday.

No food.

No free transport.

Limited accesibility to locations.

Full stop.

Ice Cream buffet!

2008-10-27T10:21:00.009+08:00

So the photo arrangement problem is due to blogger itself, not Google Chrome. I guess in the future still needs to read from bottom up.

And finally PK arrives. She is probably counting the food she wants to eat, and then, "shit, five fingers are not enough!"

Imagine PK is there.

Calling PK the almighty (in food).

Fairoz requested for this photo. You can see Nick's camera at another side.

Tim said this is kaya toast with egg.

Yokes' palm is bigger than Tim!

27 October 2008

2008-10-27T10:17:00.001+08:00

Fishing in tuba.

Time To Move On

2008-10-24T19:06:00.013+08:00

This is a story so special that you need to read from bottom up. Yes. Due to the special picture upload function from Googel Chrome. And no, I didn't choose it, neither do I have a choice.

And the end of the story.

That's what I bought for myself as birthday present.

And Zheguang recommended me something else.

My birthday present.

And that's all for that day.

Actually nothing much, just that we did stupid things outside NYDC, while they are busy closing shop.

OK, so the story continues.

We are so proud of Mr Tan that we made a metamorphosis on his name.

And more importantly, proud of Mr Tan.

And proud of the section.

Yep we are proud of NUSWS.

And even after.

And after.

This was before.

We ordered ALL except two. Don't ask me which two, I wasn't the one that ordered.

Two legendary SLs.

Jinyang the boss.

Then we went to NYDC.

My share of cake.

My present.

OK, not that I hated the balloon that they gave me, just that I don't feel comfortable holding a balloon. That's all. Yep.

You can see how hard I smiled with my balloon.

Me with my balloon (reluctantly).

Xinhui with her balloon.

And Tess the Moh trying to take a photo. The act of her taking a photo already worth a photo.

And they got suprise, which wasn't really a surprise.

So did Jinyang.

But eventually they were there.

And that's for oboe section.

That's all for the flutes that appeared. Oh and Vin Yee. Well, you can still see her hand. Yup, that's her hand, and Jinyang's hair.

And Sunday went to section dinner with flute and oboe section. At 鼎泰丰. If you don't understand, then just forget it.

Alantic grill fish. So nice that Daniel envied me. Yep.

Mind you, a candlelight dinner. The moment I stepped into the shop, I thought, "Holy crap, a candlelight dinner??!!" Like damn gay. But we didn't have choice.

So the story is, after Da Capo, at Saturday night, I went to find Daniel Kang for dinner.

Multiply

2008-10-24T16:17:00.002+08:00

Da Capo 2008 - A tribute to Mr Leonard Tan

2008-10-18T13:36:00.033+08:00

Every time during concert we think, "This must the best we can play." Then the next concert, Mr Tan will draw something else from us, then we think, "Wow, didn't know we can play something like this."

Mr Tan is the man. We all are here because he is here.

Qicai, "The Man".

Da Capo 2008 marks the final day we on the stage with Mr Tan. The last chance to see him dancing just in front.

Joanna.

I think my batch will feel the strongest. We enter when Mr Tan is here, and 2 years has passed.

Jinyang.

17 Oct 2008 (From Jinyang)

Another concert has passed with nusws...

Perhaps I played in so many concerts, that I've numbed myself to the emptiness that follows the past weeks of intense training and music-making. For myself to try to avoid the sudden loss in direction in life, which happens after the band reaches the the climax of the concert, the grand finale, the culmination of everyone's efforts.

maybe I've seen more than the fair share of conductors come and leave nusws... since I got pulled along as guest player by Meow Er's batch (think in '98/99)... from Mr Robert C to Dr Lee TT to Dr Mak to Mr Tan.

I've heard umpteen times in these scenes that bands have their cycles of ups and downs, and seen so when changes happen to members, school i/cs, conductors. Having brought the band from the doldrums and given inspiration to the new batch of members the past 2 yrs, Mr Tan will be leaving to further his studies.

This concert felt different to me. It was more emotionally intense than those SYF competitions, where we practised for hours and hours to get that mark of achievement, stating our (school band)'s profoundness in music. Different from trying to wow everyone with some cheem piece of work (esp that experience with one mega piece per half). It was a bonding of the conductor and band and audience, and music was the conduit. Just like what I felt in Besana. Perhaps this concert was more special, since we didn't know when he'll come back to conduct or if he'll come back i.e. maybe this is the "last chance"? But most likely, it was to share with Mr Tan what we've learnt from his passionate teaching, and show it to everyone the joy of music.

I suppose with an ending somewhere, one learns to treasure the journey more, for a chance at a better beginning sometime again.

The older generation has seen more conductors, and the younger simply isn't with him long enough like us.

音乐是时间的变体 (by jieying)

音乐记载的不只是心情，也是时间。

昨天的表演是指挥与我们同台的最后一场。走的是他，别离的气息却围绕着很多人。听说，很多人也会因此离开。当初，要不是学长夸张地将指挥捧上天，我也不会抗拒。这种事，让一个人渐渐地去体会，会胜过千言万语的。

演出过后，有学长说感觉被掏空了。

从一进入大学乐团到现在，每一场演出的结束是松了一口气。然而，昨天却是掏空了的灵魂，霎时有点迷惘。可能是因为trombone section也会有学长离去？抑或，大家混得太熟了，演出的结束竟等于了分开。我们都不确定下一个学期会不会继续，因为课业开始繁重了。

大家嘴上这样讲，却透露出依依的气息。

想要潇洒，却没有那种豪迈。

我们幸运很多，有音乐来保留我们的时光。练习前的晚餐、练习时的荒唐、酒杯间的交心谈话，都在那堆乐谱黑得不行的音符间沉淀下来。指挥说，trombone是很有性格的乐器，玩的人也亦如此。我却认为，我们是一群合得来的孤傲个体。骨子里是那种倔强，然而也常有脆弱的时候。好在，虽然孤独，却又一群同类能彻彻底底了解你；常常是那些无声的安慰。

在一些曲子的间中，我曾希望就这样定格。

希望时间会有永恒。

不是舍不得那些晚餐时光、不是那些折腾得练习。

是一种结束的感伤。

人长大了就要豁达一点，不是吗？

十年之后，偶然耳边传来的是昨晚的旋律，时间一定会重现在昨晚。

I try to remember every single word he said, yet I fail. What he taught us will always in our memories, and they made us grow.

Nick.

Because of him, the band grows, has more instruments, and more loyal people.

Christopher.

Everyone is bonded together so tightly.

Khee Nguen.

I am so glad that I was in the previous exco, so I had chance to work with him for a whole year.

Time flies and finally it's the day that he is leaving us.

Weird looking mic that gone disappeared.

No matter how sad we are, we have to accept the fact that Mr Tan will be more happy to follow his pursuit of study.

Oboes!

He will continue learning, just like any one of us.

The pretty harpist that sat behind me.

We shall wait for the day the he returns, a new Mr Tan.

By then, it's about fate whether we will still be under him again. One thing I am for sure, everyone will be hoping for it.

We know how much Mr Tan has changed us.

From Ben:

Today Mr Tan mentioned during practice that he enjoyed working with us a lot. So did we. A lot a lot. Things will definitely change without him. He even remembered the first piece he ever played with us. Do Re Mi. How apt. It happens to be the first 3 notes in music. He remembered 3 greatest moments with us. First being conducting us for the first concert performing the song Bayou Breakdown. Second, the times that we had in Italy, enjoying our hearts out performing. And lastly, performing Planet Earth at UCC, especially during the 3rd movement, Hymn to Gaia. It was the first time i saw him cry during a performance.

Today after my session of conducting, Mr Tan complimented me on my conducting and said that there’s nothing that he didn’t agree with, with what i said. He has taught me so much, and i wouldn’t have learnt all these if i had decided to quit band when i was in year 1. Everything that he had taught me, i had applied into my conducting. That’s the best farewell gift that i can give him, even after he leaves, it is my responsibility as student conductor to carry on his teachings. Extreme Makeover will be the showcase for the concert later tonight. Indeed, this band will be going through an extreme makeover after this concert. Too extreme for us? A little. He performed a little miracle on us, and changed us to who we are today. But time passes by so quickly, so fast before we even realize it. But we can trap time. Trap it within the music. We need to remember his teachings and his lessons, his spirit in music, his acts of kindness, sacrifices, and extreme humility.

“Music is between the notes.” Simple words, yet more powerful than any sentence. Mr Leonard Tan. Or should i say Maestro Leonard.

Showing off.

From Daniel:

Today marks the very last NUSWS rehearsal with Mr. Leonard Tan before our concert tomorrow. In the dying minutes of the rehearsal he was reminiscing about our past concerts.

About the toughest piece of his very first concert with us and mine as well, Bayou Breakdown ( during which we nearly broke down).

About one of the rehearsals for Poema, which was so high, it fired up neurons in my brain never before activated.

About the Besana Series of concert, in Italy where during each and every performance we got a standing ovation.

And lastly about the third and final movement of Planet Earth where rumour has it, he teared.

I thought Planet Earth was about as high as it was going to get. When I heard the electronic Big Bang for the very first time and I felt the vibrations resonating on stage, it sent shivers up my spine and I haven't even played a single note.

But I thought wrong. You know the feeling that envelopes you when you are at the last 100m of a half marathon, that spine-tingling adrenaline rush that pushes you beyond your point of pain, beyond the threshold of human endurance, propelling you to somewhere greater, higher, stronger?

That is the feeling I got when playing extreme makeover today.

The concert ended last night. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that these 5 semesters in NUSWS had been awesome. And so with the adrenaline of Extreme Makeover still pumping in my veins, the memories of the medley lingering in my head, I played the last few notes of it's a small world and realised that those are the very last notes I am going to play under Mr. Leonard Tan. and I couldn't help but tear.

Goodbye Mr. Tan. All the very best!

From Erina:

I'm feeling weird because it is Mr. Tan's last concert with us, and boy I'll miss band without him.

Sighhhhh.

Well this is life.

We all will still have fun tonight!

The concert got quite emotional towards the end.

And I was feeling fine after the concert.

However after reaching home, my heart became heavy, because I know there are people whom I won't see joining NUSWS for practices after today.

Wishing all the best to our dear Maestro!

Really have to say thanks to these people for their words. Since I started reading, my tears refuse to stop flowing out of my eyes.

Trumpets.

Da Capo 2006, the first concert with Mr Tan.

Kirkpatrick Fanfare
Fantasia (On Black Is The Colour Of My True Love's Hair)
Sea Songs
Hymn to the infinite Sky
Saxophone ensemble
Danse Diabolique
Miss Saigon
Bayou Breakdown

Horns.

InTempo 2007, that we climbed the Alps with Mr Tan. Now thinking back, 22min isn't really tough, so I know how much we have grown. The second last rehearsal was the very first time when the feeling struck me. The feeling of deep in music as a whole band.

Merry Wives of Winsor
Immer Kleiner, "Always Smaller"
Sound of Music
Soaring Over the Ridges - the Impression of the North Alps
Silver Screen
Poema Alpestre

Italy Trip, where we enjoyed so much that we all miss the place even until now.

Da Capo 2007, the first concert for me as a committee member.

Nitro
No Shadow of Turning
"Elisabeth" The Musical
Slavonic March in B Flat Minor, Op. 31 "Marche Slave"
Classical Suite
Second Suite in F
Auf Einem Persischen Markt (In a Persian Market)
Star Wars Trilogy

Xiu Yu the clarinet SL.

InTempo 2008, one the highest point of our performances. A moment of change in my life as I started playing English horn, under the full support of Mr Tan.

Crescent and Stars
English Folk Song Suite
Finlandia
Cartoon
Symphony No. 3 Planet Earth

The band has been expanding. From a ordinary band to a full size band with full clarinet strength, contra-bassoon and harp. Of course a full time English horn, and that's me. You see, not many full band has full time English horn player, ok?

Mr. Ian Lum Ah Beng.

Da Capo 2008 was over in a flash. It brought back memories of my first practice with Mr Leonard Tan, doing Spring March and other pieces. I remembered my debut on the Eb Clarinet, and how much I really loved the pieces. I looked forward to every single band practice, and I'm pretty sure most of us felt the same.

I was glad I did not leave the band when Dr Mac left.

With Mr Leonard Tan, I had the opportunity to play Immer Kleiner, my first solo with a band. Then came the Italy trip, with drum majoring opportunities and even a chance to conduct. I remembered the inspiration I got from this great man, who never failed to teach us new things every time we see him. We talked a lot during the trip, and I was in for a big surprise after we all got back.

I had the opportunity to hone my conducting skills after being appointed Assistant Conductor under Leonard's recommendation, and this proved to be a huge turning point in my life. Being Assistant, I learnt conducting techniques from this great conductor, and learnt not just how to conduct, but also how to teach effectively.

Two and a half years have flown by since this great man entered into our lives. I knew that through NUSWS, he has changed me forever. Presenting the Medley to Leonard after we finished, I had so much to say, yet I could not say anything. And I know that the best way I could repay him is to stay on and continue his teachings through my own teaching.

I do not know how long I will be in this career, but I do know that as long as I am still teaching, I will continue to inspire my students, just as this great man had inspired me.

To Mr Leonard Tan, who has inspired me and many others, a sincere Thank You, and I wish you all the best in your doctorate studies. We will definitely meet again!

I will carry on your music, in between the notes :)

And here, I thank all from NUSWS for a fantastic concert! Great job for the Medley which we took 2 rehearsals to do! :)

The lame jokes that he told us.

Miss Woan Rong.

The dances that have never been repetitive.

Mr Kang.

How he shouts of excitedness...

The one and only Double Bass player. Like me.

How he trys to sing the melody but sounds wrong...

The fierce girl.

How he gives full eye support to the soloists.

Every single act of Mr Tan brings us something.

Flutes!

Remember how he says, "Flutes, play 3 times louder!"

Nick!

Remember how he says, "NEEEEEK, look at me!!!" (corrected by Nick himself)

Khee Nguen trying to eat clarinet.

Remember he says, "Khee Nguen is the man to bring joy to the band"

Singing part. Things going on at background.

Remember he says, "Louder!! Sing louder!!"

Happy trombones and mouth-covered-by-stands euphoniums.

Remember he says, "Trombones, don't blast!" "Euphoniums, bless you on the high notes."

Oboe.

The photographer.

The emcee.

The hug of the year.

I am sure Ming Wei will miss him. See his eyes.

The book.

"Three things you need to do".

And we shall remember that even after you leave.

The t-shirt.

"Music is between the notes".

That's really the first thing I heard from you since the first rehearsal.

Practising the percussion ensemble.

Dinner time!

I remember you telling us that banana is good for concert.

And the dinner.

I remember you telling us, "No spicy food and no alcohol!"

The girl was so not happy with the food.

You said that we all look good with the orange ties.

Stephen the boss.

When bassoon meets English horn.

Are they holding hand?

thank you (by Firdaus)

I guess the journey ended too soon
We have only scaled a few peaks thus far
And there's many more to go
And a few valleys too
But we'll move on nonetheless
The road is still long ahead, neverending
Thank you for being part of this great adventure

Hui Lian with her sweets.

Boss and Gloria. Somehow looks like wedding photo. Got the "sweet" feeling.

Jane the harpist.

Zel the quiet saxophonist. That is if compared to Zoey Tay.

President Kang.

Jian xiang the soloist of the day.

The second soloist of the day.

Flute section.

The concert was over in a flash. I was just hoping it to be longer, but before I realised, it was over.

Tuning.

I played so badly for the night. When you told me that, "It's Ok", I can think nothing but to regret for not making this last concert the best one I can give.

Random sax.

When my part of "The Old Castle" finished nicely, I was so proud that I had not wasted your endless teaching on that part.

Saxophone section.

After Extreme Make-over, I was so tired that almost felt like fainted, but I remember you teaching us to smile to the audience.

Double reeds section.

When you jumped up to the stage and prepared to give the encore, Ian and I were panicked, because we hadn't given you the medley. Lucky Susanna came out and stopped you.

When the emcee talked about the things you went through with us, I was on the edge of crying. When I turned and saw Jama crying badly, my tears broke the obstruction. The next thing I knew was that my reeds started to taste salty.

It couldn't help when I turned and saw that your eyes were red.

I don't remember how the medley ended. What I remember was just that I used all of my remaining energy to play the notes, because it might be the last chance I play for you.

Clarinet section.

Words from Edna's friend:

night, went for wind symphony concert. felt that the best song played was the medley dedicated to the conductor. it was when the orchestra "woke up" and played as one heart. and that the sound made from each and single player is meant to speak to the conductor. and i was touched.

Yes, we are all as one heart.

When the medley had finished, I knew I had no more chance to play.

When the band was playing "In a Small World", what I could do was just sitting there crying silently.

Edna the Euphonium player.

To think again after yesterday Da Capo 2008,
8 years of band music,
I owe my music life to 3 men.

Mr Er Wee San,
Who made me an euphonium player.
Crying and quarreling with him for this.

Mr Adrian Chiang,
Who inspire me as an euphonium player.
I am glad that you were my JC conductor,
Till now, after 5 years.

Mr Leonard Tan,
Who taught me what Music is really about.
Music became a totally different thing under your baton.
I learnt to play for the music.

One stepped out of my life.
One leaving our little red dot for a better future.
One I'm still learning under with.

The footprint you left,
it's always in my heart.
For the music that we love.

Goodbye, Mr Tan.

Though I wont be in Singapore too next sem,
like him.
I'm still learning music in New Zealand.

For music is my life.

The very last sustained note struck me and the audiences. It felt like it would go on forever. But things will come to ending. How I wished I could play the sustained note with you.

Da Capo. Al Fine. (By Qicai)

"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires"

For many NUSWS members, 17th October 2008 was a night of tears and laughter, and the memory forever etched in their minds. It marked the end of a 2-year journey with one of the amazing person I ever known, the one and only Maestro Leonard Tan.

Da Capo

My time under Mr Tan has been a journey of rediscovery, of relearning what it means to be a musician. For me, it was really 'back to the beginning'.

I remember when I rejoined NUSWS in 06/07 Sem 1, which was when Mr Tan joined the band. After a disappointing first semester with NUSWS when it was still under Dr Tony, I decided to go on a hiatus during my second semester. During the beginning of 06/07 Sem 1, I was considering to rejoin NUSWS because I had too much free time, but on the day of the Welcome Tea, I almost didn't attend as I was feeling very tired. In the end I still did, and the rest was history.

It was one of those decisions which unknowingly became one of the best I would ever make.

Al Fine

Fast-forward 2 years, and NUSWS had come so far under Mr Tan. We have conquered "Poema Alpestre" and "Planet Earth", and now we are awaiting our greatest challenge yet, "Extreme Makeover". Somehow, we managed to pull it off even though we only had a total of FIVE rehearsals on it, including one with Mr Tan absent. It was like a miracle, but miracles happen under Mr Tan. But the real touching part came with the farewell speech and the surprise medley we have prepared and "It's A Small World". How we have played! With all our heart and emotions, with thoughts on everything we have experienced during the past 2 years, and with the knowledge that these would be the last pieces we would play with Mr Tan, maybe till forever. I can say with all honesty that Mr Tan and a lot of members were sincerely moved, and the tears which dropped were heartfelt and genuine. And how the tears flowed! Can you feel the intensity of that last chord, a super-sustained last note, with everyone playing with everything they have got left, because no one wanted it to end!

But ended it did. That last chord may have faded, but the 2 years of joy, laughter and music will resonate forever.

Epilogue

"The power of talent and humility"

I feel very lucky that my life has been touched by Mr Leonard Tan. He is one of the greatest inspiration to my life, and is a genuinely passionate teacher. But above all these, he is a truly good man, and is one of the kindest person I have ever met in my life. No matter what happens, he never betrays his convictions, and is always true to the music and his students. NUSWS would never had reached its current level without him, and more importantly, a lot of the friendships formed within the band would not have existed if he wasn't around. He is the heart and soul of NUSWS. Because of him, so many people have rekindled their love of music, and so many people have reaffirmed their belief in the power of the ensemble. No matter where my life leads me in the future, I will always remember this remarkable man and these incredible 2 years in NUSWS.

Goodbye Mr Leonard Tan, and thank you for all the memories you have left us. Please do not ever forget us, because we will never forget you...

Joanna said, "It was the look that Mr Tan gave us after the sustained note that made me cried."

By Jie Ying's friend:

Attended "Da Capo 08" presented by NUS Wind Symphony last night. The two opening marches, "King Cotton March" and "Children's March", were impressive with robust sounds and dramatic dynamic contrasts that showed off the youthful energy and colorful tones of various sections. "October" was a quiet piece which, regrettably, revealed a few shortcomings of the orchestra and felt contrived and procedural. "Extreme Makeover" was interesting with those tuned bottles and imaginative metamorphoses of the Tchaikovsky themes, although some parts felt extraneous and don't-know-what's-the-point (they probably required repeated listens to understand the intent). The final two encore pieces - a medley dedicated to the departing conductor and "It's A Small World" - turned out to be the most heartfelt and memorable pieces of the night. The musicians felt for the pieces, and the audience could feel it.

In general the bass sections were particularly impressive (that included the sole string bass player) - sometimes so impressive that the higher sections paled in comparison. But it wasn't a lack of technicalities - the players all played well, but at accelerando passages when the bass section tried to drive the piece on with strong pulses as directed by the conductor, the rest of the orchestra seemed not able to keep up and this caused the orchestra to feel a little detached. This was especially evident in "Extreme Makeover", where there was plenty of pyrotechnics. But that was probably inconsequential. All in all, the music of NUSWS had been great - sincere, passionate and inspiring.

D.C. - da capo - could have been short for 'disconnected'. But NUSWS was far from being disconnected. The bond among the conductor and orchestra members was evident throughout, and that's what made the music so special.

I was thinking, this may be the peak of the concerts in my life. Not technically, but mentally.

Mr. Lum and his wife with his kids.

Da Capo 08 (From Huili aka Mrs. Lum)

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.

They said that I am too weak. I just said, "I play English horn, and English horn is a sorrowful instrument."

The most difficult thing is to ask Zoey to close her mouth.

Ming Wei said that we should be staying even after you leave. Yes I will.

For me, I grew up with the band, and you are like our father.

A family still need to be prosperous even when the father is not around.

Next time when you come back, you can see a different us.

Good luck and take care, Mr Tan.

This is what I will remember, forever!

2008-10-18T03:53:00.001+08:00

Daniel found these:

i went to watch the NUSWS concert : ) supported Joel, who was the emcee.

the repertoire was alright and being the loyal choir member, i have no idea what it's like to be in a band. therefore, i couldn't really tell if NUSWS is good or not, but haha to me they sound perfectly lovely : ) but what really struck me were the little things, esp the surprise item the WS planned for their conductor, their conductor's breaking down of a song called Extreme Makeover making it really enjoyable for WS noobs like me : )

i felt sad watching the concert, like i felt proud for the bandmembers or something and what they had accomplished in 10 weeks. this doesn't make sense, but yupps : ) their concert made me feel something, and that's rare. new found appreciation for band music

The day finally arrived. Da Capo 08. It was fantastic, marvellous, whatever you call that.
Was already in loved with the band, now, i'm even more in LOVE with NUSWS.
KING COTTON MARCH
GR SELECTIONS
CHILDREN'S MARCH
PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
OCTOBER
INDIANA JONES SELECTION
SLEEPERS, AWAKE!
EXTREME MAKE-OVER

All the feelings and emotion that has been put into the music, the depth and the intensity, it was totally awesome! It made my day :)

Last Rehearsal at CFA

2008-10-17T11:00:00.002+08:00

Rehearsal

2008-10-13T00:32:00.005+08:00

The full run-through rehearsal is no joke.

Even though I had tried to conserve energy all along, when extreme make-over was over, I felt like I was dead. Like after 40km maraton. No not 42km, I don't even think I can finish that.

Now I know how difficult it feels to be a soloist. Not only need to play correctly, need to play with emotions. I think Children's March was simply ruined by me. From the starting I was taking a safe route, and you know the result. Ok, maybe not me. I think I over-weight myself.

But I know, I can do it on the concert.

One more rehearsal to go, and then concert.

Last rehearsal with Mr Tan. Thinking of that, making me sad.

Just cannot imagine music days without Mr Tan.

He is the reason why I am playing what I am playing now.

May Be

2008-10-13T00:19:00.002+08:00

Currently learning this song.

I am actually confused on the song name. Whether to be "May Be" or "Maybe". I think the latter one makes more sense.

May Be - Yiruma

13 October 2008

2008-10-13T00:15:00.001+08:00

Soursop flavour ice-cream from Island Cremery. I think is the best ice cream flavour on earth.

2008-10-08T00:31:00.004+08:00

An conversation:

Me: "Do you accept NETS?"

A: "Yes."

Me: hand over the card.

A: Swipe and ask for PIN.

Me: Stone for 5 seconds.

Me: Shit! I forgot the PIN.

Damn embarrassing can?

Should have put my birthday as PIN.

Lucky I finally able to recall after like 10 seconds.

08 October 2008

2008-10-08T00:29:00.001+08:00

Spore

2008-10-01T12:54:00.002+08:00

A new game!

By the designer of The Sims, this is definitely a game that can make me interested.

http://www.ea.com.sg/spore/

Each unique phase presents different challenges and goals. You may choose to start in Cell and nurture one species from its humble aquatic origins to its evolution as a sentient species. Or decide to start building tribes or civilizations on multiple planets. How you play and what you do with your universe is entirely up to you.

Spore gives you a variety of powerful yet easy-to-use creation tools so you can create every aspect of your universe: creatures, vehicles, buildings, and even starships. While Spore is a single-player game, your creations and other players’ creations are automatically shared between your galaxy and theirs, providing a limitless number of worlds to explore and play. You can also visit the Spore website and look at all the cool things your friends and people all around the world are making—then pull them into and make them a part of your own world!

CREATE Your Universe from Microscopic to Macrocosmic - From tide pool amoebas to thriving civilizations to intergalactic starships, everything is in your hands.

EVOLVE Your Creature through Five Phases - It’s survival of the funnest as your choices reverberate through generations and ultimately decide the fate of your civilization.

EXPLORE Other Players’ Galaxies - Will your creature rule the universe, or will your beloved planet be blasted to smithereens by a superior alien race?

SHARE with the World - Everything you make is shared with other players and vice versa, providing tons of cool creatures to meet and cool places to visit.

01 October 2008

2008-10-01T12:51:00.001+08:00

30 September 2008

2008-09-30T23:11:00.001+08:00

Singapore Motor Show 2008

2008-09-29T19:42:00.008+08:00

Went to the motor show yesterday.

To be honest, I was a little bit disappointed. Almost all the cars there can be seen on everyday road. Just that the chance to take photos is not available everyday.

OK, actually one thing that cannot be seen on everyday road.

Car model!

Chio car model.

29 September 2008

2008-09-29T19:40:00.001+08:00

Syiok!

Baby

2008-09-27T22:59:00.006+08:00

27 September 2008

2008-09-27T22:41:00.000+08:00

Guess what it is? My new mouse!

Children's March

2008-09-26T00:32:00.002+08:00

There are some reasons why Mr Leonard Tan is our best conductor, ever.

Today must be one of the most exciting rehearsal ever.

First time I played the opening correctly, first time I am so excited about this piece, first time I am so proud of myself playing this piece.

Children's March, it rocks under Mr Tan.

26 September 2008

2008-09-26T00:23:00.002+08:00

Sweet couple marching toward the Marché, how romantic...

25 September 2008

2008-09-25T15:35:00.001+08:00

Da Capo 2008

2008-09-19T12:17:00.004+08:00

Date: 17 Oct 2008(Friday)
Venue: Victoria Concert Hall
Time: 730pm
Conductor: Mr Leonard Tan
Tickets: $12 (Stalls), $14 (Circle)

Repertoire:
King Cotton - John Philip Sousa, edited by Frederick Fennell
GR Selections - Masamicz Amano
Children's March "Over the hills and far away" - Percy Aldridge Grainger, Revised by Frank Erickson
Pictures at an Exhibition - Modeste Moussorgsky, Transcribed by Mark H. Hindsley

--Interval--

Indiana Jones Selection - John Williams arr. H.V.D.HEIDE
October - Eric Whitacre
Sleepers, Awake! - J.S. Bach Adapted and arranged by Alfred Reed
Extreme Make-over - Johan de Meij

I am playing 4 full pieces and 2 pieces with short solos, out of 8. A full time English horner.

Mental Quiz

2008-09-12T01:47:00.002+08:00

Nick tried this. So did I.

Totally speechless when I see the result.

What's Your Mental Age?

My Result: 43 Years Old

Take This Quiz!

Plow through this quiz & we'll tell you what your real age is, up in your noggin.

fun free quizzes

meet cool peeps

A notice

2008-09-05T21:30:00.001+08:00

I am very proud to announce that my laptop spoilt again! I will be getting my fourth motherboard soon!

Tune in to receive more live news!