Somewhat induces nostalgia, imagining to be one of such a session. Not forgetting of course, the forgotten Studio 4!!!
That's a combined Alto sectional for you!!!
I'm inside too, and I almost couldn't find myself!!!
Monday, February 27, 2006
往事如烟
I found photographic evidence of sectionals in the past!
Somewhat induces nostalgia, imagining to be one of such a session. Not forgetting of course, the forgotten Studio 4!!!
Somewhat induces nostalgia, imagining to be one of such a session. Not forgetting of course, the forgotten Studio 4!!!
Fireworks in the Dance Theatre - RELOADED
This Saturday was most entertaining. Here’s the story:
A couple of us were scheduled to visit Mr. Alex at his place at around 1pm. It’s really been several attempts since last November we tried to meet Mr. Alex, and yes, we’ve finally succeeded this weekend. 7 of us went. (Jianqun, Yangyang, Shuhann. Alex, Adrian, Wai and me.) We were kindly treated to lunch at his condo’s clubhouse and we spent about an hour looking through some guitar materials and resources he shared with us.
Little did we know that back at CFA, Domy was throwing his little tantrums and making a fuss. Apparently, many Alto members were not present for the rehearsal. He asked Zhiqiang to call Alex and get everyone to come back. Seems like he knew of our whereabouts through somebody, which we speculate he’d be mightily jealous or envious about. So Domy decided to use the old-fashioned way of childish black-mailing, he would not start the rehearsal until the seniors came back to the rehearsal. Oh mi god, what a fool! 简直无聊透顶!
Shuhann and Alex returned to CFA while Wai, Jianqun, Moh and myself stayed a while longer at Mr. Alex’s place; once Alex took his instrument and settled in with the ensemble, Domy began the rehearsal. I really felt this was injustice to Alex. That stupid bird-brain made it seem everyone was waiting for Alex. Ridiculous! If he had any balls left in his shriveled up scrotum, look for the late-comers/absentees and trash it out. What a wimp! 欺善怕恶! 没种!
During rehearsal he gave hell to the players; citing that the members should already know their music stuff by now and not make mistakes; when he himself made a hideous amount of blunders on his stupid Handel Solo, which he did not practice diligently. What’s more, he even went NITRO and claimed to be trying to bring up the tempo when Michelle told him off. Hah! 强词夺理!
This scumbag is truly a sore loser.
1. He has a girl/auntie friend which I almost mistook for his paternal aunt. The striking resemblance between the two was annoyingly comical and reminds about incest.
2. He threatened to make things regimental in the ensemble, like anyone cares. Charge me lah!
3. He accused the committee of being unable to garner attendance. It must be a while since he used his bathroom. There’s so much shit in his gut, it’s oozing out of his mouth. And! He’s not been looking in the mirror often enough.
4. He frequently speaks in a condescending tone and hurls sarcasm at players during rehearsals. How uninspiring!
Blowning up at the entire ensemble just because you have some players unable/unwilling to come for practice is totally inappropriate and one of the worst things you can do when running a music group, especially when the group is made up of undergraduates and adults.
A couple of us were scheduled to visit Mr. Alex at his place at around 1pm. It’s really been several attempts since last November we tried to meet Mr. Alex, and yes, we’ve finally succeeded this weekend. 7 of us went. (Jianqun, Yangyang, Shuhann. Alex, Adrian, Wai and me.) We were kindly treated to lunch at his condo’s clubhouse and we spent about an hour looking through some guitar materials and resources he shared with us.
Little did we know that back at CFA, Domy was throwing his little tantrums and making a fuss. Apparently, many Alto members were not present for the rehearsal. He asked Zhiqiang to call Alex and get everyone to come back. Seems like he knew of our whereabouts through somebody, which we speculate he’d be mightily jealous or envious about. So Domy decided to use the old-fashioned way of childish black-mailing, he would not start the rehearsal until the seniors came back to the rehearsal. Oh mi god, what a fool! 简直无聊透顶!
Shuhann and Alex returned to CFA while Wai, Jianqun, Moh and myself stayed a while longer at Mr. Alex’s place; once Alex took his instrument and settled in with the ensemble, Domy began the rehearsal. I really felt this was injustice to Alex. That stupid bird-brain made it seem everyone was waiting for Alex. Ridiculous! If he had any balls left in his shriveled up scrotum, look for the late-comers/absentees and trash it out. What a wimp! 欺善怕恶! 没种!
During rehearsal he gave hell to the players; citing that the members should already know their music stuff by now and not make mistakes; when he himself made a hideous amount of blunders on his stupid Handel Solo, which he did not practice diligently. What’s more, he even went NITRO and claimed to be trying to bring up the tempo when Michelle told him off. Hah! 强词夺理!
This scumbag is truly a sore loser.
1. He has a girl/auntie friend which I almost mistook for his paternal aunt. The striking resemblance between the two was annoyingly comical and reminds about incest.
2. He threatened to make things regimental in the ensemble, like anyone cares. Charge me lah!
3. He accused the committee of being unable to garner attendance. It must be a while since he used his bathroom. There’s so much shit in his gut, it’s oozing out of his mouth. And! He’s not been looking in the mirror often enough.
4. He frequently speaks in a condescending tone and hurls sarcasm at players during rehearsals. How uninspiring!
Blowning up at the entire ensemble just because you have some players unable/unwilling to come for practice is totally inappropriate and one of the worst things you can do when running a music group, especially when the group is made up of undergraduates and adults.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
It's a hat trick!
Genus members were informed that if the ticket sales of the concert is not up to expectations, they will give away the remaining unsold tickets to charity!
HAHAHAHAHAH +)
Once again, UCC CFA has outdone themselves yet again!
HAHAHAHAHAH +)
Once again, UCC CFA has outdone themselves yet again!
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
How to get animated gifs to work
When I upload them, they always get converted to JPG format...
Anyone knows?
Anyone knows?
Monday, February 20, 2006
2 Sides of the same coin(Rebirth)
I recieved a SMS from Jingli asking me if I'm taking extra sectionals for Prime on Tuesday evening from 1730 to 2100. I was like "huh"??? Anyway, I took the initiative to check out the rehearsal time and got it settled.
(The text below shall be gentle, please do take much heed, if your name happens to be Zhiqiang. This is the divine chantings of Seraphic OWLS, read at your own pleasure.)
To my dearest Zhiqiang:
I need your help here. I'm doing you a favour since you asked me personally if I could help with the Prime juniors. So perhaps you could help to co-ordinate with the juniors and monitor their progress as well. Jingli is not from Prime so it may not be wise to let her do the liason. Perhaps you could take more ownership.
It is not a good sign that your comm meetings go into sectional time. It may be reflective that you are not scheduling well or the meetings aren't effective enough. With the upcoming concert, we really need you to attend the small ensemble practices. Time management is the key.
I do not see the purpose of a verbal introduction of a small group piece. If we could schedule groups to play for ensemble, just like what Guitaresque did, it will prove more beneficial and the ensemble members will get to listen to the music as well.
Yours sincerely,
Seraphic OWLS
(The text below shall be gentle, please do take much heed, if your name happens to be Zhiqiang. This is the divine chantings of Seraphic OWLS, read at your own pleasure.)
To my dearest Zhiqiang:
I need your help here. I'm doing you a favour since you asked me personally if I could help with the Prime juniors. So perhaps you could help to co-ordinate with the juniors and monitor their progress as well. Jingli is not from Prime so it may not be wise to let her do the liason. Perhaps you could take more ownership.
It is not a good sign that your comm meetings go into sectional time. It may be reflective that you are not scheduling well or the meetings aren't effective enough. With the upcoming concert, we really need you to attend the small ensemble practices. Time management is the key.
I do not see the purpose of a verbal introduction of a small group piece. If we could schedule groups to play for ensemble, just like what Guitaresque did, it will prove more beneficial and the ensemble members will get to listen to the music as well.
Yours sincerely,
Seraphic OWLS
2 Sides of the same coin(Death)
Grrr... out of nowhere I recieved a SMS from Jingli asking me if I'm taking extra sectionals for Prime on Tuesday evening from 1730 to 2100(huh???). How would I know?
(The text below shall be offensive, please do not take too much heed, if your name happens to be Zhiqiang. This is the unholy rantings of demonic OWLS, read at your own risk.)
To my dearest Zhiqiang:
Please get YOUR act together. In case you haven't noticed, I'm doing you, the small fry president a favour since you asked me personally if I could help with the Prime juniors. So the very least is you could do is fucking help to co-ordinate with the juniors and monitor their fucking progress as well. From where I'm fucking standing, it looks like you've pushed the liason to Jingli and that isn't really helping much. Hey fuck, you are from Prime section and you should take the initiative to do the co-ordination if you really have fucking balls.
And yes there's more shit, please don't ever drag your bloody little comm meeting into sectional time. It's already bad enough that you are fucking missing small ensemble rehearsals because you stubbornly insist on scheduling your silly comm meetings during the practice time. What the fuck! If you have some common sense, conduct your meetings outside rehearsal time and you can meet till the fucking cows come home!
And don't ever fucking ask people to give a verbal introduction to their small group piece at the end of practice. KNN, what on earth was that for??? Do you seriously think that verbal introduction is useful to any living creature!!?!!?!??!
Yours quite sincerely,
Demonic OWLS
(The text below shall be offensive, please do not take too much heed, if your name happens to be Zhiqiang. This is the unholy rantings of demonic OWLS, read at your own risk.)
To my dearest Zhiqiang:
Please get YOUR act together. In case you haven't noticed, I'm doing you, the small fry president a favour since you asked me personally if I could help with the Prime juniors. So the very least is you could do is fucking help to co-ordinate with the juniors and monitor their fucking progress as well. From where I'm fucking standing, it looks like you've pushed the liason to Jingli and that isn't really helping much. Hey fuck, you are from Prime section and you should take the initiative to do the co-ordination if you really have fucking balls.
And yes there's more shit, please don't ever drag your bloody little comm meeting into sectional time. It's already bad enough that you are fucking missing small ensemble rehearsals because you stubbornly insist on scheduling your silly comm meetings during the practice time. What the fuck! If you have some common sense, conduct your meetings outside rehearsal time and you can meet till the fucking cows come home!
And don't ever fucking ask people to give a verbal introduction to their small group piece at the end of practice. KNN, what on earth was that for??? Do you seriously think that verbal introduction is useful to any living creature!!?!!?!??!
Yours quite sincerely,
Demonic OWLS
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Fireworks in Dance Theatre
It's been a long time since GENUS felt like GENUS. Seriously, the vibes that I get when the ensemble plays Spring Overture is really different from Handel Concerto and Capriol Suite. Everyone is just more "into" the music. Perhaps it's just that the players have yet to appreciate the beauty of the latter two pieces? Anyway, it definitely feels good to hear a confident sound.
I have a collossial job of making sure my piccolo part is in tune, seemingly harder. Doesn't help when the guitars are non-sustaining instruments. 3 weeks to get it sorted out.
I have a collossial job of making sure my piccolo part is in tune, seemingly harder. Doesn't help when the guitars are non-sustaining instruments. 3 weeks to get it sorted out.
Friday, February 17, 2006
How to cure insomnia
Try going for an organ concert. That's what I did yesterday evening. The organ is really a fascinating instrument, I never knew there was such a wide spectrum of tones and timbre available on the instrument itself. The basic tone which I remember of, prior to attending the concert was the usual Dracula theme, Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor. Martin Setchell was the performer and he wizzed through the first half of Bach's pieces with ease and dexterity. Some of the chorale works really sounded nice, I was also inspired to arrange one of the pieces for small ensemble.
Pictures at an exhibition was presented at the second half. This is really the sound which present lots of the tonal colour the organ was capable of, though some of the timbre, in my opinion, was not very pleasing to hear. Also there was this lag that came with certain parts of the pieces; feels like the organ is responding slower than the organist. Junhao proposed that it may have been done purposely for style; though we agreed it kinda sounded strange.
Nonetheless, Esplanade's organ boasts a fantastic sound; I've wanted to come for this concert after attending an open rehearsal of SSO, Mendelssohn's Elijah. I love the bass notes; such embodying power!
I have been sleepy ever since I went for that concert last night. Yes, I slept almost immediately after I bathed(11:30p.m.); this morning I was still sleepy in the classroom(which usually isn't the case since I'd be perked up after delivering my lesson), and I'm still sleepy now as I'm typing this entry... So to those of you who haven't been sleeping well, try an organ concert.
*yawn*
Pictures at an exhibition was presented at the second half. This is really the sound which present lots of the tonal colour the organ was capable of, though some of the timbre, in my opinion, was not very pleasing to hear. Also there was this lag that came with certain parts of the pieces; feels like the organ is responding slower than the organist. Junhao proposed that it may have been done purposely for style; though we agreed it kinda sounded strange.
Nonetheless, Esplanade's organ boasts a fantastic sound; I've wanted to come for this concert after attending an open rehearsal of SSO, Mendelssohn's Elijah. I love the bass notes; such embodying power!
I have been sleepy ever since I went for that concert last night. Yes, I slept almost immediately after I bathed(11:30p.m.); this morning I was still sleepy in the classroom(which usually isn't the case since I'd be perked up after delivering my lesson), and I'm still sleepy now as I'm typing this entry... So to those of you who haven't been sleeping well, try an organ concert.
*yawn*
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Theory of Relativity
Tuesday is always my most gruelling day at school. I have endure 4.5 hours of guitar teaching to students, managing enthusiasm and indifference at the same time. I'm learning to focus on those teachable ones, the rest whom prefer not to pick up a life skill, I give up on them. Piang eh... too "xiong" to make sure everyone gets something out of the lesson. 吐血...
Which leads me to think that the only other one who's benefited(besides my very own patience) in this Tuesday crisis is none other than the participants of the weekly Tuesday GENUS extra sectionals. In this week's episode, I was honoured to have Chiok Yen solo for me. Armed with his wonderous idealogy that by not practising at home, he can learn to sight-read better during ensemble, he came and I sat through 1 hour plus with him, stopping and waiting for him to get his so-called sight-reading act together. Once again, Basse-Danse was quite impossible to flow through without him stopping at double notes, Bransles was probably half-plodded through at Andante. Seriously, he's another one who's gotta count his lucky stars in the year of the dog.
Which leads me to think that the only other one who's benefited(besides my very own patience) in this Tuesday crisis is none other than the participants of the weekly Tuesday GENUS extra sectionals. In this week's episode, I was honoured to have Chiok Yen solo for me. Armed with his wonderous idealogy that by not practising at home, he can learn to sight-read better during ensemble, he came and I sat through 1 hour plus with him, stopping and waiting for him to get his so-called sight-reading act together. Once again, Basse-Danse was quite impossible to flow through without him stopping at double notes, Bransles was probably half-plodded through at Andante. Seriously, he's another one who's gotta count his lucky stars in the year of the dog.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Fund Raising Recording
I was most disgusted that UCC sound crew has once again lagged in turning up the miking system. It's rather apparent that for the first 40 seconds of Haru ga Kita, the crew was either sleeping or talking to his ass. When will they ever learn? The recording turned out not to bad, except that I have to turn up my audio set's volume quite high to hear what's going on clearly. I sincerely hope that is not the volume the audience were served with that actual day.
Haru sounded a little over-enthusiastic, mainly due to the lower voices whacking their silly quavers before the beat. Nonetheless, the overall presentation was ok, we never did do that wierd piano at the last 4 bars, sounded more like a moment of instability. The tracks were so tightly recorded that it almost sounded like we modulated to the second piece "Get Back". I quite liked the recording of that piece, sounded like a VERY professional Sec/JC group. I have a hunch we'll be able to catch this piece at SAJC's next concert. HO HO HO =)
The tutor's trio was fine, some parts sounding a little under-rehearsed, which happens to be the truth to it all. My salutes to Shuhann and Raj, for enduring through everything. Concerto en Sol was a good attempt by the committee's group, yet again saluted! Personally I felt the best ensemble piece had to be America. Though short, and not totally clean, I felt it enamated an substantial amount of musical substance, a feel that every player was at the same dimension for some moments. I know very well that the recording does not represent the third and fourth row of players very well(blessing in disguise perhaps?), but at least, what was captured was somewhat good enough.
Guitaresque was up next after the interval, Capricho Catalan was not quite well-balanced in my opinion. The piece went on quite effortlessly, something which I quantify as easy-listening. No stress on the player nor the listener! Granada was our perennial favourite to rehearse, there was much virtuosity to hear but alas! Ivan had demonstrated a spray of South Indian elements in the very Spanish piece we vowed to excel in. Segovia would have our quartet named after him if he heard the "ultimate" version during a rehearsal 2 weeks back from now. For posterity's sake that was 2006 大年初四. (Ivan demonstrated supreme music nirvana then.) Nontheless, we went through the piece without much ailments. Oh yes, I still recall that Shuhann had his nail chipped off just before sound test! KNN!
I must commend whoever was playing the alto 1 in Part of your world(Melissa?). I must say it's really one of the better sounds/tone I 've heard in the entire recording. There was also plenty of musical direction in the voice which I believe comes from diligent practising. So to those EXPOSE people out there who are reading this, it's time to get your act together and practise. Really, the amount of musicality you can deliver is just so much more if practising is done instead of SIGHT-READING on the spot every week. Moliendo cafe was nice and easy to listen to, despite a certain nitro booster pack added just about after the melody came in.
La Partida is as per rehearsed. ELO Medley kinda lacks that groove at places. We shouldn't have played the encore though. Haha, didn't sound as good.
Haru sounded a little over-enthusiastic, mainly due to the lower voices whacking their silly quavers before the beat. Nonetheless, the overall presentation was ok, we never did do that wierd piano at the last 4 bars, sounded more like a moment of instability. The tracks were so tightly recorded that it almost sounded like we modulated to the second piece "Get Back". I quite liked the recording of that piece, sounded like a VERY professional Sec/JC group. I have a hunch we'll be able to catch this piece at SAJC's next concert. HO HO HO =)
The tutor's trio was fine, some parts sounding a little under-rehearsed, which happens to be the truth to it all. My salutes to Shuhann and Raj, for enduring through everything. Concerto en Sol was a good attempt by the committee's group, yet again saluted! Personally I felt the best ensemble piece had to be America. Though short, and not totally clean, I felt it enamated an substantial amount of musical substance, a feel that every player was at the same dimension for some moments. I know very well that the recording does not represent the third and fourth row of players very well(blessing in disguise perhaps?), but at least, what was captured was somewhat good enough.
Guitaresque was up next after the interval, Capricho Catalan was not quite well-balanced in my opinion. The piece went on quite effortlessly, something which I quantify as easy-listening. No stress on the player nor the listener! Granada was our perennial favourite to rehearse, there was much virtuosity to hear but alas! Ivan had demonstrated a spray of South Indian elements in the very Spanish piece we vowed to excel in. Segovia would have our quartet named after him if he heard the "ultimate" version during a rehearsal 2 weeks back from now. For posterity's sake that was 2006 大年初四. (Ivan demonstrated supreme music nirvana then.) Nontheless, we went through the piece without much ailments. Oh yes, I still recall that Shuhann had his nail chipped off just before sound test! KNN!
I must commend whoever was playing the alto 1 in Part of your world(Melissa?). I must say it's really one of the better sounds/tone I 've heard in the entire recording. There was also plenty of musical direction in the voice which I believe comes from diligent practising. So to those EXPOSE people out there who are reading this, it's time to get your act together and practise. Really, the amount of musicality you can deliver is just so much more if practising is done instead of SIGHT-READING on the spot every week. Moliendo cafe was nice and easy to listen to, despite a certain nitro booster pack added just about after the melody came in.
La Partida is as per rehearsed. ELO Medley kinda lacks that groove at places. We shouldn't have played the encore though. Haha, didn't sound as good.
Competitors!
I really like that "guitar smashes head" part. seems like more and more guitar orchestras are popping up online. +)
If we're to enter into a guitar competition with them, what's the odds of winning? Hmmm...
Are you ready for GENUS 2006?
I wonder how the audience is going to tahan more than 15 min of Handel... I have a string orchestra recording which is 17 min already...
It's always quite a tussle between audience's and player's taste. The concert grosso isn't lousy music but it may not be as palatable to general public, especially if someone's coming to a guitar concert thinking "La cumparsita", "Besame Mucho", "Sevilla" and the sorts. Well, I guess it's really up to the music groups to bring more awareness to the crowd then. Heh heh...
Matters are made less encouraging with an additional dosage of Capriol Suite from Peter Warlock. That's more than 10 min as well. Hmmm, perhaps Guitaresque should play Vivaldi RV 93 then? Hello Telemann?
Baroque fiesta!
It's always quite a tussle between audience's and player's taste. The concert grosso isn't lousy music but it may not be as palatable to general public, especially if someone's coming to a guitar concert thinking "La cumparsita", "Besame Mucho", "Sevilla" and the sorts. Well, I guess it's really up to the music groups to bring more awareness to the crowd then. Heh heh...
Matters are made less encouraging with an additional dosage of Capriol Suite from Peter Warlock. That's more than 10 min as well. Hmmm, perhaps Guitaresque should play Vivaldi RV 93 then? Hello Telemann?
Baroque fiesta!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Pavane for a dead guitar
Yesterday, during rehearsal, Yang2, Mich and I went to Engine Mac for a tea break. We arrived back later than 4pm, only to realise that Mich's alto has been taken and used by Domy!
Imaginations run wild; perhaps he hasn't been bathing, he's just smoked cigarettes during break and all. Wai had to drop in the fact that he also put(gripped?) the guitar between his legs. Michelle was just hissing venomously about it, with a few helpless giggles about what possibly could become of the instrument after Domy has used it.
Detox is inevitable. I must say the instrument was rather oily when I offered to help him keep it at the end of the session. Looks like the not bathing part may be accurate.
Curiously, Domy's alto tone was better on Michelle's alto guitar. Hmmm... will he use that guitar for concert???
Fellow Alto players, start padlocking yours! Yikes!
Imaginations run wild; perhaps he hasn't been bathing, he's just smoked cigarettes during break and all. Wai had to drop in the fact that he also put(gripped?) the guitar between his legs. Michelle was just hissing venomously about it, with a few helpless giggles about what possibly could become of the instrument after Domy has used it.
Detox is inevitable. I must say the instrument was rather oily when I offered to help him keep it at the end of the session. Looks like the not bathing part may be accurate.
Curiously, Domy's alto tone was better on Michelle's alto guitar. Hmmm... will he use that guitar for concert???
Fellow Alto players, start padlocking yours! Yikes!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
教不严,师之惰
A student scolded a teacher "你去死!" during a lesson. He was brought to the Discipline master the subsequent day. The DM actually told the student that if the teacher involved is willing to forgive him, he'll let the matter rest.
I really don't agree with this.
I really don't agree with this.
Huh!!??!
Zhiqiang actually suggested to me over email to send out mails to co-ordinate the weekly extra sectionals which I'm helping with. Fortunately for him, I was in a good mood, so I gave him a rather civilised reply. He should count his lucky stars in the year of the Dog.
Ask and you shall recieve
Tuning was good today! Somehow after I've made some noise at it, the guitar strings decided to co-operate a little.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Tuning chaos
I really hate it when the guitars go out of tune, everyday! It's no joke when you have to tune 40 guitars in a lesson. It's already been 3 weeks and the tuning hasn't settled in yet. The first 3 strings keep going out. I really wondering when it's going to happen. And there'll be those mischievous ones who'll de-tune the guitars; hell they get it from me!
Comparatively, prime sectionals are totally angelic!
Comparatively, prime sectionals are totally angelic!
Cell Division
How to carry that out when you are still using instruments from the group?
Wouldn't that mean that you're still bound to the group? *wide-eyed gasp*
Might be a sticky issue to tackle.
Wouldn't that mean that you're still bound to the group? *wide-eyed gasp*
Might be a sticky issue to tackle.
Extra Sectionals
I had a session with a few of the Prime juniors just last evening. When I arrived at 1730 hours, there was only one who came. Tian Gang, I think. I knew there was two who couldn't come on time as they had lessons till six. I thought since it's really voluntary service on my part and voluntary participation on their part, I shan't be mean.
Bransles was a struggle for them. Think I went 4 times as slow and they just made it. I asked them if they had done some work on any of the Capriol movements. Some mentioned that they recieved the score quite recently and they only practised it during ensemble sessions! *What!* We plodded along slowly till House M, I decided it was too unbearable to continue, we moved on to Basse Danse and Pavane, which turned out slightly better.
The prime score is badly handwritten, seemingly done in a flurry. Some notes were difficult to read/decipher. Think juniors at the very least, deserves a well-notated score. One that is too messy may not aid in their quest to conquer reading all the notes.
Think it's really tough on them, especially when they have to prepare long pieces like Handel's Concerto and Capriol Suite for the annual concert.
Rehearsals came at 7pm. I wasn't too keen to play so I sat behind and chatted with Shuhann instead. We were commenting that number year 3s was a lot less than it was before, many have left or were too busy to attend rehearsals. Over the years it seems like the number of old/middle-aged/young are balancing out in equal numbers, unlike the usual horde of 15 to 20 juniors or the likes of it in the past.
Bransles was a struggle for them. Think I went 4 times as slow and they just made it. I asked them if they had done some work on any of the Capriol movements. Some mentioned that they recieved the score quite recently and they only practised it during ensemble sessions! *What!* We plodded along slowly till House M, I decided it was too unbearable to continue, we moved on to Basse Danse and Pavane, which turned out slightly better.
The prime score is badly handwritten, seemingly done in a flurry. Some notes were difficult to read/decipher. Think juniors at the very least, deserves a well-notated score. One that is too messy may not aid in their quest to conquer reading all the notes.
Think it's really tough on them, especially when they have to prepare long pieces like Handel's Concerto and Capriol Suite for the annual concert.
Rehearsals came at 7pm. I wasn't too keen to play so I sat behind and chatted with Shuhann instead. We were commenting that number year 3s was a lot less than it was before, many have left or were too busy to attend rehearsals. Over the years it seems like the number of old/middle-aged/young are balancing out in equal numbers, unlike the usual horde of 15 to 20 juniors or the likes of it in the past.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Organ Concert
Bach and Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition!
Anyone interested?
http://www.sistic.com.sg/SOPApp/SOPPortal/portal_proxy?uri==U409!E=A@fsy1LqHMgtx=RP2IjmDk45OAwsJFM
Anyone interested?
http://www.sistic.com.sg/SOPApp/SOPPortal/portal_proxy?uri==U409!E=A@fsy1LqHMgtx=RP2IjmDk45OAwsJFM
Contemplation
I was actually getting ready to arrange Capriol Suite for EXPOSE actually; after hearing a nice orchestral version with guitar solo from Wai's mp3 player on our trip to Krakatau. Now it seems like many of the members wouldn't be too pleased to play Capriol Suite again in small ensemble practices. Perhaps I should put that on hold, though I'd like to do one arrangement of it myself since I don't think Dominic has done the piece right by just simply giving the violin scores to the altos and transposing the lower voices. Think there's much potential to be explored in the piece.
Anyway, Queen of Sheba is nearly done and I sure hope Sibelius wouldn't crash unto me once again while I attempt to click the save button.
So what's next on the menu?
Anyway, Queen of Sheba is nearly done and I sure hope Sibelius wouldn't crash unto me once again while I attempt to click the save button.
So what's next on the menu?
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Studio Recording
Finished a studio recording with Victoria this evening(Sunday). Vic is 10-year old yamaha student who has composed a flute and piano piece to send to Japan for competition, and I've been asked to help her with a recording of the piece.
Went to this place called Lions Studio, Commonwealth Drive, quite close to Holland V. They have quite a professional setup there, looks like a good place if Guitaresque or Masak decides to do a recording of some sort. *heh heh*
I was quite nervous about recording on flute, not exactly easy to keep everything in good intonation. Well, heck, I decided to just enjoy myself and play. Everything went quite smoothly, since both of us had rehearsed together on 3 separate occasions. Gelling up wasn't much of a problem, Vic had good listening sense and she read my cues/movements really well. I was pleasantly surprised actually on our rehearsals; there are some young pianists who are so used to listening to themselves play, they hardly do any co-ordinating when they're in a ensemble!
We didn't get to listen to the recorded work, I do hope they send me a copy.
Went to this place called Lions Studio, Commonwealth Drive, quite close to Holland V. They have quite a professional setup there, looks like a good place if Guitaresque or Masak decides to do a recording of some sort. *heh heh*
I was quite nervous about recording on flute, not exactly easy to keep everything in good intonation. Well, heck, I decided to just enjoy myself and play. Everything went quite smoothly, since both of us had rehearsed together on 3 separate occasions. Gelling up wasn't much of a problem, Vic had good listening sense and she read my cues/movements really well. I was pleasantly surprised actually on our rehearsals; there are some young pianists who are so used to listening to themselves play, they hardly do any co-ordinating when they're in a ensemble!
We didn't get to listen to the recorded work, I do hope they send me a copy.
Points for virtues?
It's really quite unbelievable how people come up with educational measures to quantify student's abilities and attitudes. Using points to assess ability is still rather acceptable for certain subjects, but attitude?!?!?!
So now we award points for students' greeting their elders? So should we also awards points to those who give teachers gifts on Teacher's day? Perhaps that would spark off a gift expenditure competition among students. I wouldn't mind recieving an air ticket to the Maldives.
I'm more impressed by those who take initiative, and those do the necessary without asking/reminding. It is display of bonding with the community, sense of belonging and proper social etiquette which of course is much much more valuable than 10 A1s or whatsoever. Unfortunately, schools are quite unable to give recognition to these students, since much of the hype is still with the academic paper chase. And as teachers, I must agree that academics does offer the students more choices in life especially when it comes to professional jobs to do with literacy and exclusive skills. Schools also offer a psuedo-community environment for students to operate in, a safety net for mistakes to be made and corrected, without which, could surface more social issues in adulthood.
Most of the teachers will agree with me that most students are a pleasant bunch to have around. Inevitably, problems come when there's a clash of ideas/priorities.
Scene 1
=========
Teacher = deliver lesson and make sure students learn and do well
Student = waiting for school to end and go out to play, disinterested in learning
Scene 2
=========
Teacher = finished teaching the harmful effects of smoking
Student = hiding in the toilet after recess, smoking
Kids will always be kids.
So now we award points for students' greeting their elders? So should we also awards points to those who give teachers gifts on Teacher's day? Perhaps that would spark off a gift expenditure competition among students. I wouldn't mind recieving an air ticket to the Maldives.
I'm more impressed by those who take initiative, and those do the necessary without asking/reminding. It is display of bonding with the community, sense of belonging and proper social etiquette which of course is much much more valuable than 10 A1s or whatsoever. Unfortunately, schools are quite unable to give recognition to these students, since much of the hype is still with the academic paper chase. And as teachers, I must agree that academics does offer the students more choices in life especially when it comes to professional jobs to do with literacy and exclusive skills. Schools also offer a psuedo-community environment for students to operate in, a safety net for mistakes to be made and corrected, without which, could surface more social issues in adulthood.
Most of the teachers will agree with me that most students are a pleasant bunch to have around. Inevitably, problems come when there's a clash of ideas/priorities.
Scene 1
=========
Teacher = deliver lesson and make sure students learn and do well
Student = waiting for school to end and go out to play, disinterested in learning
Scene 2
=========
Teacher = finished teaching the harmful effects of smoking
Student = hiding in the toilet after recess, smoking
Kids will always be kids.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Ya know some people always say the non-academically inclined kids tend to be better at Art, PE, Music or Technical, the sorts which require them to do more hands on work than memorising facts or applying concepts. But really, I find many of these kids whom I teach, neither gifted or talented or exceptional in any area. I think to some of them, Art is just as difficult as Math and Music is as greek to them as Science; they don't enjoy PE because they get all sweaty after it, and Technical is difficult since it's usually project-based and they can't last through the entire ordeal. They are really simple people with average or less than average abilities, but exhibiting humanistic virtues.
For instance, they can react to failure very positively. It's easy for them to pick up the pieces from where they have left off and start anew. Letting go is never quite difficult for them, and they are receptive towards a wide range of different characters. Many of them are late developers, a childish entity inhibiting the body of an average Sec. 3 lad but with the mindset of perhaps a Sec. 1 or less.
What I find sadly annoying is by the time they "wake up", they are already some distance behind most of their peers, in Singapore's context of course. To get to a university in Singapore, it'll take them to ace ITE and Poly academics, which of course is an uphill task since they are competing with a very large cohort and only equipped with N level foundations.
Some of them gladly stay away from academics, resigned or reconciled with the fact that they are not the "study type". Yes, I have students who clean my classroom fans with such enthusiasm but couldn't be bothered to pass his Math.
Can you imagine a Sec. school life not studying for tests/exams? No homework as well? It must be real fun!!!
For instance, they can react to failure very positively. It's easy for them to pick up the pieces from where they have left off and start anew. Letting go is never quite difficult for them, and they are receptive towards a wide range of different characters. Many of them are late developers, a childish entity inhibiting the body of an average Sec. 3 lad but with the mindset of perhaps a Sec. 1 or less.
What I find sadly annoying is by the time they "wake up", they are already some distance behind most of their peers, in Singapore's context of course. To get to a university in Singapore, it'll take them to ace ITE and Poly academics, which of course is an uphill task since they are competing with a very large cohort and only equipped with N level foundations.
Some of them gladly stay away from academics, resigned or reconciled with the fact that they are not the "study type". Yes, I have students who clean my classroom fans with such enthusiasm but couldn't be bothered to pass his Math.
Can you imagine a Sec. school life not studying for tests/exams? No homework as well? It must be real fun!!!
Possible future engagements for GENUS tutors
1. Arrange/source/recommend/provide ensemble materials for junior small groups
2. Meet up Weekly/fortnightly/monthly for guidance/review with concert small groups
3. Weekday sessions to help beginning members to cope with new ensemble scores
4. Weekday sessions to help improve on technique through playing simple solo pieces/etudes
I think it's a darn waste of resources to have them conduct sectionals.
1. Arrange/source/recommend/provide ensemble materials for junior small groups
2. Meet up Weekly/fortnightly/monthly for guidance/review with concert small groups
3. Weekday sessions to help beginning members to cope with new ensemble scores
4. Weekday sessions to help improve on technique through playing simple solo pieces/etudes
I think it's a darn waste of resources to have them conduct sectionals.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
愿者上钩
Shuhann mentioned yesterday that the low retention of juniors is due to many alumni members staying back in the ensemble. Hence, by not actively interacting with the juniors, they leave the ensemble within a short time.
I was quite puzzled by that remark. I found it rather a sweeping comment actually. What has low retention of juniors got to do with alumni seniors? There's only less than 10 of us seperated in 4 sections and we could cause such a drastic effect? weird. I find it rather lame to be pushing this blame all over the place. GENUS used to blame committee members, SLs and year 3s for not making the group homely to 1st year juniors hence leading to them quitting. I remember the poor committee members rushing down to stop juniors and lugged them to saturday dinners. Good attempt I must say. And now, this blame has shifted to alumni seniors? What a joke. Then why don't we say that the tutors and conductor are lousy? Their commitment has degressed over the years hence leading to juniors quitting? Or that the PO/SO system piloted by the tutors to answer CFA's cry for better standards had a hand in it as well? Similarly one-sided and biased opinions.
Juniors come and go. That's how it is. We have seen batches with high quality juniors playing for one or two years and leaving the group soon after, similarly, beginners who last many years and are still passionately engaged in guitar music making. No doubt the environment provides conditions, push and pull factors but eventually, we want juniors who stay in the group because of their love for music and the interaction with music-lovers. GENUS has many existing route plans which enhance bonding between members already, such as the music camp, mid-autumn celebrations, rehearsal teas, Xmas party, concerts, Welcome teas and such. These activities are sufficient. I'm in a wind band with no such enhancement features and many of the players there stay on to play for many years. We've never blamed the committee or the alumni bassoonist for not interacting and leading to people quitting.
Ultimately, we need to focus on the long run and make GENUS as nourishing and enjoyable as possible.
Shuhann mentioned yesterday that the low retention of juniors is due to many alumni members staying back in the ensemble. Hence, by not actively interacting with the juniors, they leave the ensemble within a short time.
I was quite puzzled by that remark. I found it rather a sweeping comment actually. What has low retention of juniors got to do with alumni seniors? There's only less than 10 of us seperated in 4 sections and we could cause such a drastic effect? weird. I find it rather lame to be pushing this blame all over the place. GENUS used to blame committee members, SLs and year 3s for not making the group homely to 1st year juniors hence leading to them quitting. I remember the poor committee members rushing down to stop juniors and lugged them to saturday dinners. Good attempt I must say. And now, this blame has shifted to alumni seniors? What a joke. Then why don't we say that the tutors and conductor are lousy? Their commitment has degressed over the years hence leading to juniors quitting? Or that the PO/SO system piloted by the tutors to answer CFA's cry for better standards had a hand in it as well? Similarly one-sided and biased opinions.
Juniors come and go. That's how it is. We have seen batches with high quality juniors playing for one or two years and leaving the group soon after, similarly, beginners who last many years and are still passionately engaged in guitar music making. No doubt the environment provides conditions, push and pull factors but eventually, we want juniors who stay in the group because of their love for music and the interaction with music-lovers. GENUS has many existing route plans which enhance bonding between members already, such as the music camp, mid-autumn celebrations, rehearsal teas, Xmas party, concerts, Welcome teas and such. These activities are sufficient. I'm in a wind band with no such enhancement features and many of the players there stay on to play for many years. We've never blamed the committee or the alumni bassoonist for not interacting and leading to people quitting.
Ultimately, we need to focus on the long run and make GENUS as nourishing and enjoyable as possible.
Separation Act
We chanced upon the idea of forming a separate entity(Kent Ridge Ensemble) a few months back. Of course, it would mean that the group would be segregated, somewhat like the PO/SO situation we had a year ago.
I have my reservations about doing this, not entirely the best plan, since we still do not know what opportunities are offered to any of the KR ensembles, not to mention the various repercussions on the original makeup of GENUS. From the way it looks, doesn't seem like the other KR ensembles are getting lots of opportunities to perform, and currently GENUS itself is not getting much either. Perhaps we should look into the expectations and prospects of a KR ensemble, before venturing into become one.
We chanced upon the idea of forming a separate entity(Kent Ridge Ensemble) a few months back. Of course, it would mean that the group would be segregated, somewhat like the PO/SO situation we had a year ago.
I have my reservations about doing this, not entirely the best plan, since we still do not know what opportunities are offered to any of the KR ensembles, not to mention the various repercussions on the original makeup of GENUS. From the way it looks, doesn't seem like the other KR ensembles are getting lots of opportunities to perform, and currently GENUS itself is not getting much either. Perhaps we should look into the expectations and prospects of a KR ensemble, before venturing into become one.
Slipped my mind
I've always wanted to write about the previous EXPOSE practice. Alto 1 was down to Junhao alone, Wai was on the Soprano. It's really a pleasant to hear how Junhao attempts the melody of the first piece in "Spirited Away medley". Such musical rendition. Perhaps the chance of playing the voice individually gave him the oppurtunity to bring forth his ideas more vividly, but I really applaud the way he phrased it. Very tasteful indeed.
I've always wanted to write about the previous EXPOSE practice. Alto 1 was down to Junhao alone, Wai was on the Soprano. It's really a pleasant to hear how Junhao attempts the melody of the first piece in "Spirited Away medley". Such musical rendition. Perhaps the chance of playing the voice individually gave him the oppurtunity to bring forth his ideas more vividly, but I really applaud the way he phrased it. Very tasteful indeed.
Title Field?
What title field? Anyway, Yet another Master of Arts has enlightened me(B. of Comp. Eng) that the inclusion of titles is vastly possible on blogspot. Dearest thanks missy. Yes Oct and Nov were lost in limbo as I hadn't really decided how I was going to go about it, nor was my dial-up modem which connects at about 14.4 kbps very condusive for lengthy uploads.
Anyway, do shed more light on the issue of the title field. As you can see, I am still not sure what you're talking about.
Schools back and I've just moved on to the G7 chord with my class. A chore it was, managing 40 over pairs of fingers, but they moving along slightly better. Seems like playing apoyando is more managable for them as well. Oh well, we'll see.
What title field? Anyway, Yet another Master of Arts has enlightened me(B. of Comp. Eng) that the inclusion of titles is vastly possible on blogspot. Dearest thanks missy. Yes Oct and Nov were lost in limbo as I hadn't really decided how I was going to go about it, nor was my dial-up modem which connects at about 14.4 kbps very condusive for lengthy uploads.
Anyway, do shed more light on the issue of the title field. As you can see, I am still not sure what you're talking about.
Schools back and I've just moved on to the G7 chord with my class. A chore it was, managing 40 over pairs of fingers, but they moving along slightly better. Seems like playing apoyando is more managable for them as well. Oh well, we'll see.
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